CAMERA, A-PILLAR ARRANGEMENT AND VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera, an A-pillar assembly with the camera and a vehicle with the A-pillar assembly.

[0002] Traditionally, vehicles include a front-facing camera mounted at the front of the vehicle to detect objects in front of the vehicle. Typically, such a front-facing camera is mounted in a central, upper position behind the vehicle's windshield. Alternatively, a front-facing camera may be mounted in a central, lower position on a vehicle's grille.

[0003] For long-distance vision using the front camera, mounting the front camera on a vehicle's radiator grille is unsuitable because the view may be obscured by nearby low-profile objects. If the front camera is mounted behind the winter windscreen, images are recorded through the windscreen. The image quality may be impaired by poor optical quality of the windscreen. For example, optical distortions may occur. In addition, high reflection on the windscreen and low transmission through the windscreen, particularly in the peripheral areas of the camera's field of view, can reduce the image quality. Furthermore, image recording through areas of the windscreen not covered by a windscreen wiper may be impaired due to soiling on the windscreen.

[0004] From CN 203681400 U and WO2018129310 A1, it is known to integrate a camera into the A-pillar of a vehicle to monitor an area concealed by the A-pillar. However, mounting the camera in the A-pillar requires removing part of the A-pillar's support structure to make room for the camera. This reduces the stability of the A-pillar and is therefore disadvantageous for occupant safety.

[0005] Alternatively, if a camera is mounted in the A-pillar of a vehicle, the A-pillar can be made wider. However, this increases the area obscured by the A-pillar, further restricting the driver's field of vision.

[0006] DE102007054342B contains a side-view mirrorless motor vehicle rearview device that includes at least one vehicle-mounted electronic camera system (12) with a viewing angle directed in the rearward direction of the vehicle, the lens (24) of which is attached to the vehicle body in such a way that it projects at most slightly beyond the contour of the vehicle, a screen (14) arranged to the left of a steering wheel for displaying the traffic situation recorded by the camera system in the area to the left behind the vehicle, and a screen (14) arranged to the right of a steering wheel for displaying the traffic situation recorded by the camera system in the area to the right behind the vehicle. DE10340496A1 contains a device for visualizing the area (27) concealed by an A-pillar and not readily visible to a driver, by detecting the area (27) and displaying it to the driver (16) on a display unit (24).

[0007] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved camera for an A-pillar of a vehicle, an A-pillar arrangement with the camera and a vehicle with the A-pillar arrangement.

[0008] The improved camera is defined by claims 1-6, an A-pillar assembly is defined by claims 7-11 and a vehicle is defined by claims 12-13.

[0009] Because the space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar has a smaller maximum dimension parallel to the camera's line of sight than its maximum dimension parallel to a longitudinal direction of the A-pillar, the camera in the A-pillar occupies a small space in relation to a cross-section of the A-pillar. Thus, in cross-sectional view, only a small part of the camera's support structure needs to be removed to make room for the camera. This means that the A-pillar can be designed to be narrow yet stable despite the integrated camera. With a narrow A-pillar, the blind spot is advantageously small and the driver's view is relatively unobstructed by the A-pillar. A further advantage is that a stable A-pillar enables good occupant protection.

[0010] In addition, the camera integrated into the A-pillar provides an alternative front camera configuration for monitoring the area in front of the vehicle, particularly the central area in front of the vehicle. Unlike the front camera located behind the windshield, images of the surroundings are not captured through the windshield, thus preventing the windshield's unfavorable optical properties from impairing image quality.

[0011] The camera is configured to record image data of an area in front of the vehicle. For example, the camera is configured to record image data of an area located centrally in front of the vehicle. In particular, the camera is configured to record images and / or videos of an area in front of the vehicle. The camera is configured, in particular, to monitor a surveillance area in front of the vehicle. In particular, stationary or moving objects in the area in front of the vehicle can be detected, such as 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 camera can be used, for example, for various driving assistance functions such as speed assistance (adaptive cruise control, distance control, ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control), light assistance, high beam assistance, lane assistance, lane keeping assistance (LKA: Lane Keep Assist), lane change assistance, emergency braking assistance (AEB: Automatic Emergency Braking), steering assistance, emergency steering assistance (AES: Automatic Emergency Steering), traffic jam assistance (TJA: Traffic Jam Assist), traffic jam pilot (TJP, Traffic Jam Pilot), motorway assistance (HWA, Highway Assist) and / or traffic jam pilot (TJP, Traffic Jam Pilot).

[0013] The camera can be used, for example, for various driving assistance functions with an SAE automation level of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The camera can be used, for example, for driving assistance functions for autonomous driving or semi-autonomous driving, where the vehicle is driven / controlled partially or fully automatically.

[0014] The SAE classification system, based on six different levels of automation, was published in 2014 by SAE International, an automotive standards organization, as J3016, "Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to On-Road Motor Vehicle Automated Driving Systems." It considers the level of system intervention and driver attention required. SAE automation levels range from Level 0, corresponding to a fully manual system, to Level 5, corresponding to a fully automated system where a driver is no longer required. An autonomous vehicle (also known as a driverless car, self-driving car, and robotic car) is a vehicle capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input, and it corresponds to SAE Automation Level 5.

[0015] The camera is in particular designed and configured to be arranged in the A-pillar in such a way that a space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar has a smaller maximum dimension parallel to a line of sight of the camera than its maximum dimension parallel to a longitudinal direction of the A-pillar.

[0016] For example, the camera may be located entirely within the vehicle's A-pillar. In this case, the space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar is limited by the camera's external shape. Alternatively, the camera may be located only partially within the A-pillar. In this case, the space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar is limited by the external shape of the part of the camera located within the A-pillar.

[0017] For example, a camera's line of sight is the optical axis of a camera lens. In a case where the camera has a deflection device for deflecting a light beam incident from an object outside the vehicle toward the lens, the camera's line of sight forms an angle with the optical axis of the lens.

[0018] The vehicle could be, for example, a passenger car, a truck, and / or a bus. The camera can also be used in vehicles that can operate autonomously or at least semi-autonomously.

[0019] The camera has an optical system, in particular an objective, a lens, or the like. The camera has, for example, a housing, an objective, and an image sensor arranged in the housing and in the optical path of the objective.

[0020] For example, the camera is a high-resolution camera (high definition camera (HD camera)).

[0021] The camera also has a connecting element, for example. The connecting element serves, for example, to connect the camera to a vehicle-mounted connecting element. The camera's connecting element is, for example, a plug connector. The vehicle-mounted connecting element is, for example, a vehicle-mounted plug connector.

[0022] The camera, for example, is a so-called "satellite camera," which contains only the imaging optics and the image sensor in its housing, but no image / video processor, no memory, and no control device. This allows the camera to be designed compactly. In this case, the image data of the images captured by the camera are sent via a data line from the camera to an image / video processor and / or memory located outside the camera (in particular, outside the A-pillar). Furthermore, the camera is controlled via the data line by a control device located outside the camera (in particular, outside the A-pillar). The image / video processor located outside the camera, the memory located outside the camera, and / or the control device located outside the camera are located, for example, in the vehicle, e.g., in a central electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle.Alternatively, one, several, or all of these units can also be implemented cloud-based. In this case, the camera has a connecting element, for example, a transmitter and / or receiver for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data (e.g., RFID transmitter and receiver, or radio-frequency identification).

[0023] The A-pillar is a load-bearing vehicle pillar that connects the vehicle's roof to the bodywork. Specifically, the A-pillar is a connecting strut between the vehicle roof and the bodywork. The A-pillar is a left or right A-pillar of the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle has two A-pillars, located to the left and right of the windshield, as seen from the front of the vehicle. The A-pillar contains, for example, surrounds for the windshield. Hinges for the driver's and passenger doors may also be attached to the A-pillar.

[0024] The A-pillar serves, among other things, to protect the vehicle interior in the event of an accident. Particularly in the event of a side impact or a rollover, the A-pillar's function is to protect the passenger compartment and thus the occupants. For this purpose, the A-pillar has a supporting structure or reinforcement structure. For example, the A-pillar has a cavity, e.g., formed from a sheet metal, in which a reinforcement structure is housed. The reinforcement structure is, for example, a stiffening tube.

[0025] In a side view of the vehicle, the A-pillar is arranged, for example, obliquely relative to a horizontal plane of the vehicle or to a road surface. In particular, a longitudinal axis of the A-pillar is inclined relative to the horizontal plane of the vehicle or the road surface in a side view. In particular, the A-pillar is inclined such that an upper end of the A-pillar is located further back in a vehicle longitudinal direction than a lower end of the A-pillar. According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the camera has a telephoto lens and is configured to record image data of a distant area in front of the vehicle.

[0026] This allows a distant area in front of the vehicle to be monitored using the camera.

[0027] For example, the telephoto lens has a focal length of 80 mm or greater, 135 mm or greater, 180 mm or greater, and / or 200 mm or greater.

[0028] The space occupied by the housing, the lens and the connecting element within the A-pillar refers to an external dimension of the housing, the lens and the connecting element together. In other words, the

[0029] Space occupied by the housing, the lens and the connecting element within the A-pillar in relation to an external envelope of these elements.

[0030] In the case where the camera is entirely located within the A-pillar of the vehicle, the space occupied by the housing, the lens, and the connecting element within the A-pillar is delimited by an enveloping shape that jointly encloses the housing, the lens, and the connecting element. In the case where the camera is only partially located within the A-pillar, the space occupied by the housing, the lens, and the connecting element within the A-pillar is delimited by an enveloping shape that jointly encloses the parts of the housing, the lens, and the connecting element located within the A-pillar.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the camera is configured to be arranged in the A-pillar such that a lens of the camera protrudes forward from the A-pillar in the direction of the vehicle.

[0032] This means that only a portion of the camera is arranged within the A-pillar, while the remaining portion of the camera, in particular the lens or a portion of the lens, protrudes forward from the A-pillar in the vehicle direction. Thus, the camera occupies a smaller space within the A-pillar. In particular, the camera occupies a smaller space relative to a cross-section of the A-pillar (a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the A-pillar). This allows the A-pillar to be designed to be narrow and at the same time stable despite the integrated camera. According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the camera has a housing and a lens arranged on a first housing wall. Furthermore, the camera has a connecting element for connecting the camera to a vehicle-side connecting element. The connecting element is arranged on a second housing wall, wherein the second housing wall forms an angle with the first housing wall.

[0033] As a result, a camera-side connecting element partially protruding from the camera housing, a vehicle-side connecting element connected to a camera-side connecting element, and / or a cable outlet of the vehicle-side connecting element can be advantageously arranged in the A-pillar such that they only take up a small space in relation to a cross-section of the A-pillar. In particular, the second housing wall of the camera housing is not parallel to the first housing wall. For example, the first housing wall is parallel to a vertical direction of the vehicle and / or perpendicular to an optical axis of the camera lens. For example, the second housing wall is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the A-pillar. For example, the second housing wall is perpendicular to the first housing wall.

[0034] Because the camera has a second circuit board located behind the first circuit board containing the image sensor, electronic components can also be mounted on the second circuit board. Furthermore, the first circuit board containing the image sensor is better protected from positional shifts, as the second circuit board is located between it and, for example, a connector for connecting to a vehicle-mounted connector. High positioning accuracy of the circuit board containing the image sensor relative to the camera lens is particularly important for image quality, especially with a high-resolution camera.

[0035] Because the second circuit board is arranged offset upwards relative to the first circuit board, a camera with a second circuit board can be used and the space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar in relation to a cross-section of the A-pillar can still be kept small.

[0036] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the camera has a connecting element that is configured to be connected to a vehicle-side connecting element in order to send image data recorded by the camera to an image processor arranged outside the camera, to store image data recorded by the camera on a memory arranged outside the camera, to receive control commands from a control unit arranged outside the camera, and / or to supply the camera with power. By arranging an image / video processor, a memory, and / or a control device for controlling the camera outside the camera and in particular outside the A-pillar, the camera can be kept compact and the space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar can be kept small. According to a second aspect, an A-pillar arrangement for a vehicle is proposed.The A-pillar assembly includes an A-pillar and a camera as described above. Furthermore, the camera is configured and arranged in the A-pillar such that a space occupied by the camera within the A-pillar has a smaller maximum dimension parallel to a line of sight of the camera than its maximum dimension parallel to a longitudinal direction of the A-pillar.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the A-pillar assembly has a transparent cover, and the camera is configured to capture images of an area in front of the vehicle through the transparent cover.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect, the transparent cover has low optical distortion.

[0039] This allows high-quality images to be captured through the transparent cover. Good optical properties of the transparent cover are particularly advantageous for high-resolution cameras.

[0040] In embodiments, the transparent cover has a high optical transmittance and / or a low reflectance.

[0041] In particular, an optical distortion and a reflectance of the transparent cover is lower and / or a transmittance of the transparent cover is higher than is the case with a conventional windshield.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect, the transparent cover is dome-shaped.

[0043] This allows a section of the camera, particularly a section of the lens, to protrude from the A-pillar. Furthermore, an aerodynamically favorable shape for the transparent cover can be achieved.

[0044] According to a further embodiment of the second aspect, the transparent cover has an outer surface. Furthermore, the A-pillar assembly has a cleaning device for cleaning at least a portion of the outer surface of the transparent cover.

[0045] This prevents and / or removes contamination from the transparent cover, ensuring the cleanliness of the transparent cover required for good image quality.

[0046] According to a third aspect, a vehicle with at least one A-pillar arrangement as described above is proposed.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the vehicle has two A-pillar assemblies, wherein the cameras mounted within the A-pillars each have a telephoto lens. Furthermore, the vehicle has a centrally mounted front camera with a normal lens or a wide-angle lens.

[0048] Because the vehicle has both the two telephoto cameras installed in the A-pillars and the centrally mounted wide-angle or normal-angle camera, the area in front of the vehicle can be monitored using three cameras, both at long range and close range.

[0049] The centrally mounted wide-angle or normal-angle camera, for example, is a medium-resolution camera. It is mounted behind a windshield, for example. The two telephoto cameras, for example, are high-resolution cameras.

[0050] The embodiments and features described for the proposed camera apply to the described A-pillar arrangement and the vehicle accordingly and vice versa.

[0051] The units mentioned here, such as the control device, the image / video processor, and the memory, can each be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the corresponding unit can be embodied as a device or as part of a device, for example, as a computer or a microprocessor. Furthermore, the one or more units, such as the control device, the image / video processor, and the memory, can be implemented together in a single hardware device and can, for example, share a memory, interfaces, and the like. The units, such as the control device, the image / video processor, and the memory, can also be implemented in separate hardware components.In a software implementation, the respective unit (such as the control device, the image / video processor and the memory) can be designed as a computer program product, as a function, as a calculation routine, as an algorithm, as part of a program code or as an executable object.

[0052] A computer program product, such as a computer program means, can be provided or delivered, for example, as a storage medium, such as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or in the form of a downloadable file from a server in a network. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communications network by transmitting a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means.

[0053] Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0054] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a vehicle with an A-pillar arrangement; Fig. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an A-pillar arrangement of the vehicle from Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 illustrates a camera within an A-pillar of the A-pillar arrangement Fig. 2 occupied space; Fig. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an A-pillar arrangement of the vehicle from Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5 illustrates a camera within an A-pillar of the A-pillar arrangement Fig. 4 occupied space; Fig. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an A-pillar arrangement of the vehicle from Fig. 1 according to a third embodiment; Fig. 7 illustrates a camera within an A-pillar of the A-pillar arrangement Fig. 6 occupied space; Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of functional components of an electronic control unit of the vehicle from Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 9 shows a front view of a vehicle with two A-pillar arrangements.

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

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 1. In the example, the motor vehicle 1 is a passenger car. In other examples, the motor vehicle 1 can also be a truck, bus, or another motor vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 has two A-pillar assemblies 2, 102, 202. A camera 3, 103, 203 is integrated in each of the A-pillar assemblies 2, 102, 202. In the side view of Fig. 1 only the left A-pillar arrangement 2, 102, 202 with the camera 3, 103, 203 can be seen from the driver's perspective. The cameras 3, 103, 203 are set up to monitor an area in front of the vehicle 1. In the example of Fig. 1 the camera 3, 103, 203 detects a tree 4 located in front of the vehicle 1 in the field of view of the camera 3, 103, 203. The cameras 3, 103, 203 are, for example, set up to also monitor an area located centrally in front of the vehicle 1.

[0057] The cameras 3, 103, 203 can, for example, be used for various driving assistance functions, such as object detection, lane keeping assistance, lane change assistance, high beam assistance, motorway assistance and traffic jam pilot.

[0058] The following describes the Fig. 1 visible camera 3, 103, 203 in the left A-pillar arrangement 2, 102, 202 from the driver's perspective, whereby the camera in the right A-pillar arrangement 2, 102, 202 can be designed in the same way.

[0059] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the camera 3, 103, 203 is connected, for example, via a data line 5 to a control device 6 of the vehicle 1. The control device 6 is, for example, part of a central electronic control device (ECU, Electronic Control Unit).

[0060] Fig. 2 shows an A-pillar arrangement 2 of the vehicle 1 from Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment. The A-pillar assembly 2 comprises an A-pillar 7, a camera 3 mounted partially within the A-pillar 7, and a transparent cover 8.

[0061] The A-pillar 7 has an outer structure 9. The outer structure 9 has, for example, correspondingly shaped metal sheets that form a cavity 10. A support structure 11 is arranged in the cavity 10. The support structure provides the A-pillar 7 with stability in order to protect the occupants from injury, for example in the event of a side impact accident. The support structure 11 is in Fig. 2 only drawn schematically and any known support structure can be used as the support structure 11.

[0062] The camera 3 has a housing 12. The camera 3 also has a lens 13. Reference numeral 14 denotes an optical axis of the lens 13. The camera 3 also has a first circuit board 14 within its housing 12. An image sensor 15 is mounted on the first circuit board 14 facing the lens 13. The image sensor 15 is, for example, a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) camera or a CMOS sensor. For example, the image sensor 15 is an active pixel sensor (CMOS-APS, CMOS active pixel sensor) implemented using CMOS technology. The lens 13 is mechanically attached to the first circuit board 14, for example, using a lens holder (not shown), so that it is arranged in front of the image sensor 15.

[0063] The camera 3, for example, has a second circuit board 16 that is electrically connected to the first circuit board 14. The second circuit board 16 is arranged behind the first circuit board 14 with respect to the image sensor 15. Furthermore, the second circuit board 16 is arranged offset upward relative to the first circuit board 14 (upward offset with respect to the optical axis 14).

[0064] Furthermore, the camera 3 has a camera-side connecting element 17 for electrically connecting the camera 3 to a vehicle-side connecting element 18. The camera-side connecting element 17 and the vehicle-side connecting element 18 are each, for example, plug connectors.

[0065] Camera 3, for example, is a so-called "satellite camera," which contains only the imaging optics (lens 13) and the image sensor 15 in its housing 12, but no image / video processor, memory, or control device. This allows the camera 3 to be designed compactly. In this case, the image data of the images captured by camera 3 are sent via data line 5 to an image / video processor 19 located outside camera 3 and outside A-pillar 7, where they are processed ( Fig. 8 ). In addition, the image data from the camera 3 are stored in a memory 20 located outside the camera 3 and outside the A-pillar 7. Furthermore, the camera 3 is controlled via the data line 5 by a control device 21 located outside the camera 3 and outside the A-pillar 7. The external image / video processor 19, the external memory 20, and the external control device 21 are located in the vehicle 1, e.g., in the central electronic control device 6 ( Fig. 8 ) of vehicle 1.

[0066] In the Fig. 2 In the first embodiment shown, the lens 13 is arranged on a first housing wall 22 of the camera 3, and the camera-side connecting element 17 is arranged on a second housing wall 23. The second housing wall 23 is inclined relative to the first housing wall 22, so that an angle α is formed between them. For example, the second housing wall 23 with the connecting element 17 is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 7. This allows a cable outlet from the camera 3 (connecting elements 17, 18, cable 5) to take place along the longitudinal direction of the A-pillar 7.

[0067] Because the camera 3 is a "satellite camera", the second circuit board 16 is offset upwards relative to the first circuit board 14 and the cable exits from the camera 3 along the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 7, a space 24 ( Fig. 2, 3 ) have a smaller dimension A1 parallel to a line of sight (here the optical axis 14) of the camera 3 than its dimension A2 parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 7.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows the space 24 occupied by the camera 3 within the A-pillar 7. The space 24 is defined by the enveloping shape of the camera-side connecting element 17, the camera housing 12 and that part of the lens 13 which is located within the A-pillar 7.

[0069] This advantageous design and arrangement of the camera 3 in the A-pillar 7 reduces the need to hollow out the support structure 11 to install the camera 3. Thus, the A-pillar 7 remains stable despite the integrated camera 3. Furthermore, widening the A-pillar 7, which would result in a larger blind spot for the driver, is not necessary.

[0070] The transparent cover 8 of the A-pillar arrangement 2 is dome-shaped, as shown in Fig. 2 It is attached to the outer structure 9 of the A-pillar 7. The transparent cover 8 has an outer surface 25 that can be cleaned by means of a cleaning device 26. The cleaning device 26 has, for example, one or more spray nozzles.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows an A-pillar arrangement 102 of the vehicle 1 from Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment. The A-pillar arrangement 102 of the second embodiment ( Fig. 4, 5 ) differs from the A-pillar arrangement 2 of the first embodiment ( Fig. 2, 3 ) by a different arrangement of the first and second housing walls 122, 123. In the second embodiment, the second housing wall 123, which has the connecting element 117, is arranged at a right angle β relative to the first housing wall 122, on which the lens 113 is located. Furthermore, the second housing wall 123 directly borders the first housing wall 122.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a space 124 occupied by the camera 103 of the second embodiment within the A-pillar 107. A dimension A3 of this space 124 parallel to the line of sight (here the optical axis 14) is smaller than a dimension A4 of this space 124 parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 107.

[0073] Other features of the second embodiment are similar to the corresponding features of the first embodiment, and their repeated description is omitted here.

[0074] Fig. 6 shows an A-pillar arrangement 202 of the vehicle 1 from Fig. 1 according to an example which is not part of the claimed invention.

[0075] The A-pillar arrangement 202 according to the example ( Fig. 6, 7 ) differs from the A-pillar arrangement 2 of the first embodiment ( Fig. 2, 3 ) in that the camera 203 has a deflecting mirror 227, and by a different orientation of the optical axis 214 of the camera 203. A lens 213 of the camera 203 is arranged such that its optical axis 214 runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 207. Thus, even with a long lens 213, for example a telephoto lens, the camera 203 can be designed small in relation to a diameter of the A-pillar 207 (ie in relation to a cross-section of the A-pillar perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 207). To detect objects in front of the vehicle 1 (e.g. the tree 4 in Fig. 1 ) by means of the camera 203, the camera 203 has the deflecting mirror 227 arranged in front of the lens 213. The deflecting mirror 227 serves to deflect a light beam incident from an object 4 in front of the vehicle 1 according to the line of sight 228 onto the lens 213. The deflecting mirror 227 is arranged, for example, at an angle of 45° relative to the optical axis 214 of the lens 213. The deflecting mirror 227 is attached to the lens 213, for example, by means of a holder (not shown). Alternatively, the deflecting mirror can also be attached within the A-pillar 207.

[0076] Fig. 7 shows a space 224 occupied by the camera 203 within the A-pillar 207, according to an example not part of the claimed invention. In this example, the camera 203 is arranged entirely within the A-pillar 207 ( Fig. 6 ). Therefore, the space 224 occupied by the camera 203 within the A-pillar 207 is delimited by an enveloping shape that jointly encloses the housing 212, the connecting element 217, the lens 213, the deflection mirror 227 and, if applicable, a holder of the deflection mirror 227. As shown in Fig. 7 As can be seen, a dimension A5 of this space 224 parallel to the line of sight 228 is smaller than a dimension A6 of this space 224 parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 207.

[0077] As a result, the space 224 occupied by the camera 203 within the A-pillar 207 can be kept small with respect to a cross-section of the A-pillar 207 (ie with respect to a cross-section of the A-pillar 207 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the A-pillar 207), even if, for example, a longer lens (e.g., telephoto lens) is used.

[0078] The A-pillar assembly 202 of this example includes a transparent cover 208. To clean an outer surface 225 of the transparent cover 208, the A-pillar assembly 202 of the third embodiment may also include a cleaning device similar to the cleaning device 26 of the embodiment.

[0079] Fig. 9 shows a front view of a vehicle 1 with two A-pillar arrangements. The vehicle 1 is, for example, an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. Each of the two A-pillar arrangements in Fig. 9 an A-pillar arrangement 2 according to the first embodiment ( Fig. 2, 3 ), an A-pillar arrangement 102 according to the second embodiment ( Fig. 4, 5 ) or an A-pillar arrangement 202 according to the third embodiment ( Fig. 6, 7 ) be.

[0080] The Fig. 9 The cameras 3, 103, 203 mounted within the A-pillars 7, 107, 207 of the A-pillar arrangements 2, 102, 202 are, for example, high-resolution cameras with a telephoto lens for monitoring a distant area in front of the vehicle 1, in particular also centrally in front of the vehicle 1.

[0081] In addition, vehicle 1 in Fig. 9 a centrally mounted front camera 29 with a normal lens or a wide-angle lens for monitoring a close area in front of the vehicle 1, in particular also centrally in front of the vehicle 1. The centrally mounted front camera 29 is, for example, attached behind a windshield of the vehicle 1. The centrally mounted front camera 29 is, for example, a camera with medium spatial resolution.

[0082] Because vehicle 1 is in Fig. 9both the two telephoto cameras installed in the A-pillars of the A-pillar arrangements 2, 102, 202 and the centrally mounted wide-angle or normal-angle camera 29, the area in front of the vehicle 1 can be monitored by means of three cameras, both in the long-range and in the close-up range. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0083] 1Vehicle 2, 102, 202A-pillar arrangement 3, 103, 203Camera 4Object 5Data line 6Control device 7, 107, 207A-pillar 8, 208Transparent cover 9External structure 10Cavity 11Support structure 12, 112, 212Housing 13, 113, 213Lens 14, 114, 214Optical axis 15Image sensor 16Printed circuit board 17, 117, 217Connecting element 18Connecting element 19Image processor 20Memory 21Control device 22, 122Housing wall 23, 123Housing wall 24, 124, 224Space 25, 225Surface 26Cleaning device 227Deflection mirror 228Line of sight 29Camera 30Board A1-A6Dimension LLongitudinal direction

Claims

1. Camera (3, 103, 203) for a vehicle (1), which is configured: to be mounted at least partially inside an A-pillar (7, 107, 207) of the vehicle (1), and to record image data of an area in front of the vehicle (1), the camera having a housing (12, 112) and a lens (13, 113), characterized in that the camera (3, 103, 203) is configured to be arranged in the A-pillar (7, 107, 207) in such a way that a space (24, 124, 224) occupied by the camera (3, 103, 203) inside the A-pillar (7, 107, 207) has a smaller maximum dimension (A1, A3, A5) in parallel to a line of sight (14, 114, 228) of the camera (3, 103, 203) than its maximum dimension (A2, A4, A6) is in parallel to a longitudinal direction (L) of the A-pillar (7, 107, 207), the camera (3, 103, 203) having: - a first circuit board (30), which is arranged in the housing (12, 112), - an image sensor (15), which is arranged on the first circuit board (30), wherein the main extension plane of the first circuit board (30) is arranged perpendicular to an optical axis (14, 114) of the lens and the image sensor (15) is located in the beam path of the lens (13, 113), and - a second circuit board (16), which is arranged in the housing (12, 112) and is electrically connected to the first circuit board (30), wherein the second circuit board (16) is arranged behind the first circuit board (30) with respect to the image sensor (15) and offset upward in relation to the first circuit board (30) relative to the optical axis (14, 114) of the lens (13, 113).

2. Camera (3, 103, 203) according to Claim 1, wherein the camera (3, 103, 203) has a telephoto lens (13, 113, 213) and is configured to record image data of a long range in front of the vehicle (1).

3. Camera (3, 103, 203) according to Claim 1 or 2, having: a connecting element (17, 117, 217), which is attached to the housing (12, 112, 212) and is configured for a connection of the camera (3, 103, 203) to a vehicle-side connecting element (18), wherein the camera (3, 103, 203) is configured to be arranged in the A-pillar (7, 107, 207) in such a way that a space (24, 124, 224) occupied by the housing (12, 112, 212), the lens (13, 113, 213), and the connecting element (17, 117, 217) inside the A-pillar (7, 107, 207) has a smaller maximum dimension (A1, A3, A5) in parallel to the line of sight (14, 114, 228) of the camera (3, 103, 203) than its maximum dimension (A2, A4, A6) is in parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the A-pillar (7, 107, 207).

4. Camera (3, 103) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the camera (3, 103) is configured to be arranged in the A-pillar (7, 107) in such a way that a lens (13, 113) of the camera (3, 103) protrudes forward out of the A-pillar (7, 107) in the vehicle direction.

5. Camera (3, 103) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lens (13, 113), which is arranged on a first housing wall (22, 122), and a connecting element (17, 117) for connecting the camera (3, 103) to a vehicle-side connecting element (18), wherein the connecting element (17, 117) is arranged on a second housing wall (23, 123), and the second housing wall (23, 123) forms an angle (α, β) with the first housing wall (22, 122).

6. Camera (3, 103, 203) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the camera (3, 103, 203) has a connecting element (17, 117, 217), which is configured to be connected to a vehicle-side connecting element (18), in order to transmit image data recorded by the camera (3, 103, 203) to an image processor (19) arranged outside the camera (3, 103, 203), to store image data recorded by the camera (3, 103, 203) on a memory (20) arranged outside the camera (3, 103, 203), to receive control commands of a control unit (21) arranged outside the camera (3, 103, 203), and / or to supply the camera (3, 103, 203) with power.

7. A-pillar arrangement (2, 102, 202) for a vehicle (1), having: an A-pillar (7, 107, 207) and a camera (3, 103, 203), characterized by the camera (3, 103, 203) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the camera (3, 103, 203) is designed and arranged in the A-pillar (7, 107, 207) in such a way that a space (24, 124, 224) occupied by the camera (3, 103, 203) inside the A-pillar (7, 107, 207) has a smaller maximum dimension (A1, A3, A5) in parallel to a line of sight (14, 114, 228) of the camera (3, 103, 203) than its maximum dimension (A2, A4, A6) is in parallel to a longitudinal direction (L) of the A-pillar (7, 107, 207).

8. A-pillar arrangement according to Claim 7, having a transparent cover (8, 208), wherein the camera (3, 103, 203) is configured to record images of an area in front of the vehicle (1) through the transparent cover (8, 208).

9. A-pillar arrangement according to Claim 8, wherein the transparent cover (8, 208) has a low optical distortion.

10. A-pillar arrangement according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the transparent cover (8) is dome-shaped.

11. A-pillar arrangement according to any of Claims 8-10, wherein the transparent cover (8, 208) has an outer surface (25, 225), and the A-pillar arrangement has a cleaning device (26) for cleaning at least a part of the outer surface (25, 225) of the transparent cover (8, 208) .

12. Vehicle (1), characterized by at least one A-pillar arrangement according to any of Claims 7-11.

13. Vehicle according to Claim 12, having: two A-pillar arrangements (2, 102, 202) according to any of Claims 7-11, wherein the cameras (3, 103, 203) mounted inside the A-pillars (7, 107, 207) each have a telephoto lens (13, 113, 213), and a centrally mounted front camera (29) having a normal lens or a wide-angle lens.