Mounting device for a vehicle surveillance camera on a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (3) comprising a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (2), a mounting device (1), and a surveillance camera (4) for a motor vehicle, the mounting device (1) being located in an intermediate position between a side face (20) of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (2) and the surveillance camera (4). The mounting device (1) comprises a support plate configured to receive the surveillance camera (4) and pre-holding elements (12) configured to mate with complementary protrusions (21) extending from the side face (20) of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (2), such that the support plate is held at a distance from the side face (20) of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (2). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Device for mounting a vehicle surveillance camera on a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of mounting solutions, and in particular those associated with a surveillance camera for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a mounting device for such a surveillance camera.

[0002] In the prior art, mounting a vehicle surveillance camera on a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is known. However, the known position for such a mounting, on the front face of the HVAC system, was not optimal. Indeed, such a mounting was more complex to implement due to unwanted interference between the presence of the surveillance camera on the mounting face and the proper operation of the HVAC system. Furthermore, in the event of an accident involving a vehicle equipped with such an arrangement, the surveillance camera was often damaged, leading to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

[0003] The present invention specifically addresses mounting and fixing systems for a surveillance camera on a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

[0004] The present invention aims to propose a new mounting device in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to facilitate the mounting of a surveillance camera on a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to the surveillance camera.

[0007] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the impact of the surveillance camera in the event of a shock or accident involving the motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a mounting device for a surveillance camera of a motor vehicle, the mounting device comprising a support plate configured to receive the surveillance camera and pre-holding elements intended to collaborate with complementary protrusions extending from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, characterized in that the pre-holding elements are configured to keep the support plate away from one side of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system from which the protrusions extend.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, the surveillance camera is an optical camera configured to detect all or part of a road scene. Alternatively, the surveillance camera may take the form of any sensor configured to detect the presence of an obstacle near the motor vehicle carrying said surveillance camera.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is configured to selectively heat or cool the temperature of air coming from outside and entering the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, in order to control the passenger compartment temperature. To this end, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system comprises a thermal circuit in which a heat transfer fluid transfers heat to or from the incoming air via one or more heat exchangers.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the protrusions of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system form bearing surfaces that extend projecting from one face of said HVAC system, such that a distal end of said protrusions is located at a distance from the HVAC system. Thus, the protrusions form a mounting interface for the mounting device, working in conjunction with the pre-holding elements, to allow for pre-holding of the mounting device's support plate at a distance from the HVAC system. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to provide a mounting that minimizes heat transfer between the HVAC system and the mounting device.In addition, the protrusions, in conjunction with the pre-supporting elements, allow for a space to be created between the support plate and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, so as to permit air circulation behind the mounting device, thus facilitating the cooling of the surveillance camera.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the mounting device is a fixing interface for the surveillance camera. Indeed, the invention makes it possible to avoid mechanically coupling the surveillance camera directly to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Instead, this mechanical coupling is achieved via the mounting device, which facilitates the attachment of the surveillance camera. The mounting device is first pre-installed on the HVAC system, and then the surveillance camera is attached to the mounting device.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the support plate forms a surface support plate for the surveillance camera on the mounting device. The support plate is designed to work with the rear face of the surveillance camera.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the pre-retaining elements are formed from the same material as the support plate, such that they cannot be detached or separated from one another without compromising the physical integrity of the mounting device, i.e., without damaging it. The pre-retaining elements allow the mounting device to be coupled to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, particularly via the protrusions. As mentioned previously, the pre-retaining elements form a mounting interface for the mounting device on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system by working with the protrusions. The pre-retaining elements thus allow the support plate to be positioned at a distance from the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.This advantageous configuration allows for a mounting that minimizes heat transfer between the mounting device and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Furthermore, the pre-supporting elements, in conjunction with the protrusions, create a space between the mounting plate and the HVAC system, thus allowing air circulation behind the mounting device and facilitating the cooling of the surveillance camera.

[0015] Thus, the mounting device according to the first aspect of the invention facilitates the mounting of a surveillance camera on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system by forming an interface device that is mounted prior to the installation of the surveillance camera. Once the mounting device is assembled on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, it is then easy to attach the surveillance camera to the mounting device.

[0016] Such a fixing of the mounting device on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system also makes it possible to reduce the mechanical coupling between them, and thus to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to the surveillance camera.

[0017] The mounting device according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0018] - the support plate is flat. Advantageously, the support plate comprises, on the at least one of its faces, a honeycomb structure to reduce its mass while providing sufficient rigidity for its use and intended purpose. In particular, a rear face of the support plate, the one intended to be located opposite the system of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, comprises a honeycomb structure;

[0019] - the pre-holding organs collaborate with the protrusions by engagement of complementary shapes. This advantageous configuration allows for stable and robust mechanical coupling. Preferably, the mechanical coupling between the protrusions and the retaining elements is achieved exclusively at the free end of the retaining elements and the distal end of the protrusions, respectively. This advantageous configuration optimizes the assembly of the mounting device while reducing thermal and vibration coupling with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;

[0020] - each pre-holding organ has a bearing surface that extends projecting from the support plate in the direction of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. In the context of the present invention, the bearing surface is of the type of a cylindrical bearing surface or a conical bearing surface;

[0021] - the reach of each pre-holding member comprises, at one end a free impression designed to engage with a complementary mark formed on a distal end of the protrusion with which it collaborates. This advantageous configuration allows both mechanical coupling between the mounting device and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, and also reduces thermal coupling between them, since the mechanical coupling is reduced to a minimal surface area at the free ends and distal ends. More specifically, the impression formed on the free end of the pre-supporting element is designed to engage with the corresponding mark of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system by complementary form engagement;

[0022] - Preferably, the imprint has a cross shape. This configuration advantageous allows for optimized mechanical coupling and provides reliable and robust retention of the mounting device on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system;

[0023] - the free end of the bearing surface of each pre-holding member has a face support for the distal end of the protrusion with which it collaborates. The support face forms a stop when the pre-retaining members are coupled to the corresponding protrusions, for the engagement of the mounting device on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. In the context of the present invention, the support face is formed by a surface located at the bottom and center of the recess formed on the free end of the pre-retaining members, and / or at the periphery of said recess;

[0024] - The mounting device comprises three pre-holding elements. This confi This advantageous configuration allows for optimal retention of the mounting device on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, while minimizing the contact area between said mounting device and said heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Advantageously, the three pre-supporting members are arranged in a triangle. In other words, the pre-supporting members are misaligned. Advantageously, the pre-supporting members are located on the periphery or near a periphery of the support plate;

[0025] - the mounting device includes at least one camera fixing clip on Surveillance, with at least one mounting clip extending from the support plate. This advantageous configuration allows for quick and durable attachment of the surveillance camera to the mounting device. As mentioned previously, the surveillance camera is mounted on the mounting device after the mounting device has been attached to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. At least one mounting clip is integral with the support plate. Preferably, at least one mounting clip is made of the same material as the support plate;

[0026] - each at least one fastening clip has a flexible blade configured for The clip engages by snapping it into place against a face opposite the surveillance camera. The mounting clip is thus configured to allow elastic deformation when the surveillance camera is mounted on the mounting device. At least one mounting clip is configured to assume a deformed configuration in which it is elastically deformed, and a resting configuration in which it is not. In its deformed configuration, at least one mounting clip forms a retaining element for the surveillance camera.

[0027] - the mounting device is made of a plastic material. In this case, the device The mounting device is preferably obtained by molding. Alternatively, the mounting device is formed from a metallic material. In this case, the metallic material is preferably of the type of a good thermal conductor, such as, for example, having a thermal conductivity coefficient greater than 200 W / m / K.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle fitting is proposed, the fitting comprising:

[0029] - a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, the system of heating, ventilation and air conditioning comprising, on one side face, protrusions extending outwards from said side face;

[0030] - a mounting device conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to one of the any of its improvements, the pre-holding organs of the mounting device being coupled to the complementary protrusions of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system;

[0031] - a surveillance camera fixed securely to the support plate of the device assembly.

[0032] The arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention thus reduces the risk of breakage or damage to the surveillance camera in the event of an accident. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, it reduces vibrations transmitted to the surveillance camera, while also reducing thermal coupling with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

[0033] The arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0034] - each protrusion of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system It includes, at one distal end, a mark that interacts with the recess formed on the free end of the bearing surface of each pre-retaining element of the mounting device. This advantageous configuration allows both mechanical coupling between the mounting device and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, and also reduces thermal coupling between them, since the mechanical coupling is reduced to a minimal surface area at the free ends and distal ends. More specifically, it is configured to interact with the recess by complementary form engagement;

[0035] - the mark is preferentially located on the distal end of the protrusion corresponding;

[0036] - the mark has a cross shape. This advantageous configuration allows to optimize the mechanical coupling and to offer reliable and robust retention of the mounting device on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system;

[0037] - the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system comprises three pro trusions. This advantageous configuration optimizes the retention of the mounting device on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, while minimizing the contact area between said mounting device and said heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Advantageously, the protrusions are arranged in a triangle. In other words, the protrusions are misaligned;

[0038] - protrusions of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system extend projecting from a left-hand side face of said heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. This advantageous configuration reduces the risk of damage to the surveillance camera in the event of an impact. In the context of the present invention, the left-hand side face is the one located on the driver's side when the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is installed on a motor vehicle;

[0039] - the surveillance camera comprises, at the level of a face located opposite the support plate, at least one fixing element configured to collaborate by snapping with each at least one fixing clip of the mounting device, the surveillance camera being placed against the support plate and held by each fixing element engaged with the corresponding fixing clip.

[0040] According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising an arrangement conforming to the second aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

[0041] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] illustrates a rear view of an example embodiment of the device assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.2] illustrates a view of a front face of the mounting device shown on the [Fig.l];

[0045] [Fig.3] illustrates a detailed view of a pre-holding element of the device assembly illustrated on the [Fig.l];

[0046] [Fig.4] illustrates a detailed view of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system matisation configured to collaborate with the mounting device illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0047] [Fig.5] illustrates an example of the implementation of a layout conforming to the second aspect of the invention and comprising the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system illustrated in [Fig.4], as well as the mounting device illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0048] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0049] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0050] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0051] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, the invention addresses a mounting device 1 for a surveillance camera 4 of a motor vehicle, the mounting device 1 comprising a support plate 11 configured to receive the surveillance camera 4 and pre-holding members 12 intended to collaborate with complementary protrusions 21 extending from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, characterized in that the pre-holding members 12 are configured to hold the support plate 11 away from a face of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2 from which the protrusions 21 extend.

[0052] The mounting device 1 is a fixing interface for the surveillance camera 4. When installing it on a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, the mounting device 1 is first pre-installed on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, then the surveillance camera 4 is fixed onto the mounting device 1.

[0053] The surveillance camera 4 is fixed rigidly to the support plate 11 of the mounting device 1, said support plate 11 forming a bearing surface 123 for the surveillance camera 4. The support plate 11 is shaped to interact with the surveillance camera 4. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the support plate 11 is mostly flat. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], a rear face 111 of the support plate 11 – the one facing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2 – has a honeycomb structure to reduce its mass while providing sufficient rigidity for its intended use.

[0054] As shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the pre-retaining members 12 are formed from the same material as the support plate 11. The pre-retaining members 12 allow the mounting device 1 to be coupled to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2, by working with the protrusions 21 of said heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2. The pre-retaining members 12, together with the protrusions 21, thus form a mounting interface for the mounting device 1 on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2. Together, they allow the support plate 11 to be positioned at a distance from the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 3, the mounting device 1 includes three pre-holding members 12. More generally, the mounting device 1 includes at least two pre-holding members 12 in order to reduce a contact area between the mounting device 1 and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2.

[0056] The pre-maintenance organs 12 collaborate with the protrusions 21 by engaging complementary forms, and more particularly at the level of a free end 124 of the retaining members of the mounting device 1 and a distal end 211 of the protrusions 21 of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2.

[0057] Each pre-holding member 12 has a bearing surface 121 which extends outward from the rear face 111 of the support plate 11, and in the direction of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2. Each bearing surface 121 extends preferably perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the plane formed by the rear face 111 of the support plate 11. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, and in order to facilitate the coupling of the pre-holding members 12 with the protrusions 21 located opposite them, each pre-holding member 12 and each protrusion 21 has a substantially conical shape at its free end 124 and its distal end 211 respectively.

[0058] More particularly, in order to permit mechanical coupling between the mounting device 1 and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, and also to reduce thermal coupling between them, the bearing surface 121 of each pre-holding member 12 has, at its free end 124, a footprint 122 configured to collaborate with a complementary mark arranged on the distal end 211 of the protrusion 21 with which it collaborates, so that each footprint 122 engages in the corresponding mark by complementary form engagement.

[0059] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the imprint 122 has a cross shape. Similarly, the mark made on the protrusions 21 has a similar cross shape, as can be seen in [Fig.4].

[0060] The free end 124 of the bearing surface 121 of each pre-retaining member 12 has a bearing face 123 for the distal end 211 of the protrusion 21 with which it interacts. The bearing face 123 provides a stop when the pre-retaining members 12 are coupled to the corresponding protrusions 21, for the engagement of the mounting device 1 with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2. The bearing face 123 is formed by a surface located at the bottom and center of the recess 122 provided on the free end 124 of the pre-retaining members 12, and / or at the periphery of said recess 122.

[0061] With reference to [Fig.4], the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2 has three protrusions 21, in a manner analogous and complementary to the pre-holding elements 12 arranged on the mounting device 1.

[0062] The protrusions 21 of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2 extend projecting from a lateral face 20 of said heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, and preferably from the left lateral face 20, that is to say the one located on the driver's side when the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is in operation. The ventilation and air conditioning unit 2 is installed on a motor vehicle.

[0063] With reference to [Fig.3], the mounting device 1 includes at least one fixing clip 13 for the surveillance camera 4, the at least one fixing clip 13 extending from the support plate 11. The at least one fixing clip 13 is integral with the support plate 11.

[0064] At least one fixing clip 13 is made of material with the support plate 11.

[0065] Each at least one fixing clip 13 has a flexible blade 131 configured to snap into place with a face facing the surveillance camera 4. The flexible blade 131 extends across an opening 132 formed on the support plate 11.

[0066] Thus, each fastening clip 13 has an opening 132 formed from the support plate 11 and a flexible blade 131 which extends across the opening 132, such that the flexible blade 131 has an edge for attaching to the support plate 11 and a free edge which extends into the opening 132. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the opening 132 of a fastening clip 13 has a generally rectangular shape, and the flexible blade 131 of a fastening clip 13 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the mounting device 1 comprises six fastening clips 13. The fastening clips 13 are paired, i.e., the fastening clips 13 of the same pair are located opposite each other or adjacent to each other. The openings 132 and the flexible blades 131 of the fastening clips 13 of the same pair extend parallel to each other.

[0068] With reference to [Fig. 5], the invention also addresses a motor vehicle fitting 3, fitting 3 comprising:

[0069] - a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, the system of heating, ventilation and air conditioning 2 comprising at a lateral face 20, protrusions 21 which extend outward from said lateral face 20;

[0070] - a mounting device 1 as described above, the pre-assembly components maintenance 12 of the mounting device 1 being coupled to the complementary protrusions 21 of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2;

[0071] - a surveillance camera 4 fixed securely to the support plate 11 of the mounting device 1.

[0072] In summary, the invention relates to a fitting 3 comprising a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2, a mounting device 1, and a surveillance camera 4 for a motor vehicle, the mounting device 1 being located in an intermediate position between a side face 20 of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system 2 and the surveillance camera 4. The mounting device 1 comprises a support plate 11 configured to receive the surveillance camera 4 and pre-holding devices 12 configured to mate with complementary protrusions 21 extending from the side face 20 of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2, so that the support plate 11 is held away from the side face 20 of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system 2.

[0073] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Mounting device (1) for a surveillance camera (4) of a motor vehicle, the mounting device (1) comprising a support plate (11) configured to receive the surveillance camera (4) and pre-holding members (12) intended to collaborate with complementary protrusions (21) extending from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2), characterized in that the pre-holding members (12) are configured to keep the support plate (11) at a distance from a face of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2) from which the protrusions (21) extend.

2. Mounting device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each pre-holding member (12) comprises a bearing surface (121) which projects from the support plate (11) towards the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2).

3. Mounting device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the bearing surface (121) of each pre-holding member (12) comprises, at a free end (124), an imprint (122) intended to collaborate with a complementary mark arranged on a distal end (211) of the protrusion (21) with which it collaborates.

4. Mounting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the imprint (122) has a cross shape.

5. Mounting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting device (1) comprises at least one fixing clip (13) of the surveillance camera (4), the at least one fixing clip (13) extending from the support plate (11).

6. Arrangement (3) for a motor vehicle, the arrangement (3) comprising: - a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2), the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2) comprising, at a lateral face (20), protrusions (21) which project from said lateral face (20); - a mounting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the pre-holding members (12) of the mounting device (1) being coupled to the complementary protrusions (21) of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2); - a surveillance camera (4) fixed integrally to the support plate (11) of the mounting device (1).

7. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with the mounting device (1) according to claim 3, in which each protrusion (21) of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2) comprises, at a distal end (211), a mark collaborating with the imprint (122) arranged on the free end (124) of the bearing surface (121) of each pre-holding member (12) of the mounting device (1).

8. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the mark of each protrusion (21) of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (2) is configured to collaborate with the imprint (122) by complementary shaped engagement.

9. Arrangement (3) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with the mounting device (1) according to claim 5, in which the surveillance camera (4) comprises, at a rear face (111) located opposite the support plate (11), at least one fixing element configured to collaborate by snap-fastening with each at least one fixing clip (13) of the mounting device (1), the surveillance camera (4) being pressed against the support plate (11) and retained by each fixing element engaged with the corresponding fixing clip (13).

10. Motor vehicle comprising an arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

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