A vehicle camera deployment mechanism

Abstract

A camera deployment mechanism 200 for a vehicle 10 comprising an actuator 202, a camera support member 203 with a front end 203F and a back end 203B, the front end having a pivot 204 coupled to the ve

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a vehicle camera deployment mechanism. Aspects of the invention relate to a camera deployment mechanism for a vehicle, and to a vehicle comprising the camera deployment mechanism. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a camera on a vehicle, such as for providing an image to a driver of the surroundings of the vehicle. However, existing cameras may either be arranged on a rear of the vehicle, meaning that a narrow field of view is provided, or camera may extend from the side of the vehicle. Cameras extending from the side may be damaged by contact with external objects and / or may increase aerodynamic drag of the vehicle. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a camera deployment mechanism for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising the camera deployment mechanism, as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera deployment mechanism for a vehicle, the camera deployment mechanism comprising an actuator and a camera support member, the camera support member comprising a front end and a back end, the front end being configured to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle body and the back end being movable away from the vehicle body by the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the camera support member between a deployed position and a stowed position. With such an arrangement, the camera support member may pivot outwardly from the vehicle body, with the camera support member remaining close to the adjacent portions of the vehicle body at the front of the camera support member. This may provide a more resilient and more aerodynamic camera deployment mechanism. For example, during a manoeuvre, a vehicle may move forward and backward, which may cause the camera support member to foul on obstacles such as curbs and undergrowth. Where the camera support member fouls on obstacles while the vehicle is moving forward, the camera support member may deflect the obstacle or may be moved into the vehicle body. This may reduce the prospect of damage to the vehicle. Further, if the camera support member is deployed while the vehicle is moving forward quickly, the camera support member may provide reduced drag by comparison to camera support members that extend from a vehicle body without a pivoting connection. The front end may be arranged to be positioned towards the front of the vehicle and the back end may be arranged to be positioned towards the rear of the vehicle. Generally, the camera support member may pivot at a point towards the front of the vehicle when it is arranged to view objects to the rear of the vehicle or may pivot at a point towards the rear of the vehicle where it is arranged to view objects at the front of the vehicle. In both cases, the camera may be less susceptible to damage due to snagging on undergrowth or fouling on curbs. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera deployment mechanism for a vehicle, the camera deployment mechanism comprising: an actuator configured to be coupled to a vehicle body; and a camera support member configured to receive a camera, the camera support member comprising a front end arranged to be positioned towards the front of the vehicle and a back end arranged to be positioned towards the rear of the vehicle, the front end being configured to be pivotally coupled to the vehicle body and the back end being movable away from the vehicle body by the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the camera support member between a deployed position and a stowed position, such that, in the deployed position, the camera support member extends away from the vehicle body in a direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle, and in the stowed position, the camera support member is substantially flush with a surrounding portion of the vehicle body. With such an arrangement, the camera support member may pivot outwardly from the vehicle body, with the camera support member remaining close to the adjacent portions of the vehicle body at the front of the camera support member. This may provide a more resilient and more aerodynamic camera deployment mechanism. For example, during a manoeuvre, a vehicle may move forward and backward. While the camera may provide visibility as to forward or rearward obstacles, the vehicle may move rearward or forward respectively and may cause the camera support member to foul on obstacles such as curbs and undergrowth. Where the camera support member fouls on obstacles while the vehicle is moving forward, the camera support member may deflect the obstacle or may be moved into the vehicle body. This may reduce the prospect of damage to the vehicle. Further, if the camera support member is deployed while the vehicle is moving forward quickly, the camera support member may provide reduced drag by comparison to camera support members that extend from a vehicle body without a pivoting connection. While optional features stated below are described in respect of a rearwardly facing camera, it will be understood that the camera may alternatively be a forwardly facing camera and so references to the front or rear of the vehicle may be replaced by references to the rear or front respectively. Optionally, the camera support member comprises a recess configured to face towards the rear of the vehicle, the recess being configured to receive the camera. Advantageously, the recess may allow a camera to be securely disposed within the camera support member, such that a likelihood of the camera being dislodged from the camera support member is reduced. Optionally, the camera support member comprises a structural beam, the structural beam comprising the recess. Advantageously, the structural beam may further improve at least one of a strength, resilience, and rigidity of the camera support member. The structural beam may function as a barrier or shield that protects a camera disposed within the camera support member. In particular, a camera disposed within the camera support member may be protected from sudden impacts (as may be the case in a collision with another vehicle, or from loose debris on the road that may strike the camera deployment mechanism). Optionally, the structural beam increases in thickness from the front end to the back end of the camera support member. A camera may be configured to be disposed proximate, adjacent, or within the back end of the camera support member. Accordingly, the structural beam, in being thicker towards the back end, may function as a more effective shield or barrier to protect the camera disposed at the backend of the camera support member. Optionally, the camera support member comprises an external vehicle panel. Advantageously, the external panel may function as further barrier to protect the camera deployment mechanism. In particular, the external vehicle panel may reduce a likelihood of debris (from a surrounding environment) entering the camera deployment mechanism. The external vehicle panel may also lie flush with adjacent panels and may be moved with the camera, allowing a simpler external panel arrangement for the vehicle. Optionally, the actuator is coupled to the back end of the camera support member. The actuator may thus be coupled to the camera support member at a point that is relatively far from the point on the camera support member that is configured to be pivotally coupled to the vehicle body. Advantageously, this may reduce the force required by the actuator to deploy the camera and may allow deployment with a greater level of precision than if the actuator would be coupled to the camera support member closer to a pivot point. The actuator may be a linear actuator, which may permit the back end of the camera support member to be moved in an efficient and effective manner. Optionally, camera deployment mechanism further comprises a cleaning system configured to clean a lens of the camera. Such a cleaning system may reduce an accumulation of dirt or grime on the lens and may thereby improve an output image or video quality of a camera disposed in the camera support member. Optionally, the camera deployment mechanism further comprises a fixing member, the fixing member being pivotally coupled to the camera support member at the front end of the camera support member and coupled to the actuator at the back end, the fixing member being coupleable to the vehicle body. Advantageously, the fixing member may allow the camera deployment mechanism to be more easily coupled to the vehicle body. Accordingly, it may be relatively easy to remove the camera deployment mechanism, reinstall it, or otherwise install a replacement camera deployment mechanism. In addition, the fixing member may function as a strut that further improves a rigidity of the camera deployment mechanism. Optionally, the camera support member is arranged to move in a horizonal plane. Such an arrangement may allow the back end of the camera support member to be suitably spaced apart from the vehicle body when in the deployed position. Accordingly, when in the deployed position, a camera disposed in the camera support member may have an improved field of view. Optionally, the back end of the camera support member is configured to be disposed proximate to a passenger compartment door of the vehicle. Optionally, the back end of the camera support member is configured to be disposed adjacent to a front sill of the passenger compartment door of the vehicle. Optionally, the front end of the camera support member is configured to be disposed proximate to a front wheel of the vehicle. Disposing the camera support member in such positions may improve a field of view achievable by a camera disposed in the camera support member. In particular, a camera disposed far forward on a vehicle may have a wider field of view and may be able to view a greater area behind a rear wheel arch and a camera disposed low down in a vehicle may view objects in low-level blind spots, such as curbs or bollards. Optionally, the camera deployment mechanism further comprises a light, the light being configured to, in use, project illumination in a downwards direction. The light may be a puddle light. The light may automatically turn on or emit light when the back end of the camera support member is moved away from the vehicle body. Alternatively, the light may be turned on responsive to a door of the vehicle being opened. Where the light is a puddle light, it may further provide a driver or passenger with an improved visibility of a surrounding environment, especially during relatively low light conditions. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the camera deployment mechanism. Optionally, the camera deployment mechanism is a first camera deployment mechanism, the vehicle further comprising a second camera deployment mechanism, the first camera deployment mechanism being disposed on the nearside of the vehicle, and the second camera deployment mechanism being disposed on the offside of the vehicle. Such an arrangement of camera deployment mechanisms may allow e.g. a driverto be provided with a field of vision around both the nearside and offside of the vehicle. Accordingly, low-level objects on the nearside and offside of the vehicle may be detectable by the driver. The driver may further be provided with a field of view around both rear-wheel arches of the vehicle. The vehicle may further comprise a rear camera arranged on the rear of the vehicle. Optionally, the vehicle further comprises an air channel from a front wheel well into an orifice containing the camera support member, the air channel allowing air to exit the wheel well via the orifice. Such an air channel may improve an aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment; a door to allow access to the passenger compartment; two front wheels aligned on a front axle; two rear wheels aligned on a rear axle; and at least one rear-facing camera, wherein the position of the at least one rear-facing camera on the vehicle comprises at least one of being forward of the doorand below the height of the top of the front wheel. The vehicle may comprise a camera deployment mechanism according to the first-mentioned aspect arranged to deploy the rear-facing camera. Advantageously, with such an arrangement, the rear-facing camera may be arranged low down to have improved visibility of obstacles encountered when manoeuvring, such as undergrowth and curbs. Further, the camera may be arranged far forward to have a wider field of view, and may have improved visibility around rear wheel arches of the vehicle. Further, the at least one rear-facing camera, in not being disposed on the door itself, does not move with the door. This may reduce a likelihood of the camera breaking or becoming dislodged when the door is forcefully shut, and may also reduce a weight of the door. Further, the at least one rear-facing camera, in not being disposed on the door itself, may prevent a requirement for data cables to be extended or threaded through door hinges. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising: a passenger compartment; a door to allow access to the passenger compartment; two front wheels aligned on a front axle; two rear wheels aligned on a rear axle; and at least one rear-facing camera, the at least one rear-facing camera being disposed forward of the door and below the height of the top of the front wheel. Advantageously, with such an arrangement, the rear-facing camera may be arranged low down to have improved visibility of obstacles encountered when manoeuvring, such as undergrowth and curbs. Further, the camera may be arranged far forward to have a wider field of view, and may have improved visibility around rear wheel arches of the vehicle. Further, the at least one rear-facing camera, in not being disposed on the door itself, does not move with the door. This may reduce a likelihood of the camera breaking or becoming dislodged when the door is forcefully shut, and may also reduce a weight of the door. Further, the at least one rear-facing camera, in not being disposed on the door itself, may prevent a requirement for data cables to be extended or threaded through door hinges. Optionally, the at least one rear-facing camera is disposed below a longitudinal axis of the front axle. Advantageously, at such a position on the vehicle, the at least one rear-facing camera may have an even further improved visibility of low-level objects. Optionally, the at least one rear-facing camera is disposed rearward of a front wheel of the vehicle. Advantageously, such a position of the at least-one rear facing camera may further improve its field of view, as the view will not be obscured by front wheel arches. Optionally, the at least one rear-facing camera is disposed below a cover panel for a charging port ora storage compartment. Optionally, the vehicle comprises a vehicle body and wherein the at least one rear-facing camera is moveable relative to the vehicle body between a deployed position and a stowed position. Advantageously, the rearfacing camera may be relatively closer to a centreline of the vehicle body in the stowed position and relatively further from the centreline of the vehicle body in the deployed position. Being able to stow the at least one rear-facing camera may improve an aerodynamics of the vehicle, as stowing the at least one rear-facing camera may effectively reduce a frontal surface area of the vehicle and / or may improve a field of view of the camera in the deployed position by positioning the camera further from the vehicle body. Additionally, being able to stow a rear-facing camera may reduce a likelihood of the rear-facing camera being damaged, as the rear-facing camera may be better protected from objects in the environment when stowed. Being able to stow the at least one rear-facing camera may also reduce an exposure of the rear-facing camera to the environment, which may reduce an amount ofcleaning that is required of the rear-facing camera. In otherwords, being able to selectively deploy the at least one rear-facing camera may reduce a rate of dirt accumulation on the camera. Optionally, the at least one rear-facing camera comprises a camera panel, the camera panel being configured to be flush with an adjacent vehicle panel in the stowed position, the camera panel being configured to protrude relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle in the deployed position. Advantageously, the camera panel being flush against an adjacent surface of the vehicle when in the stowed position may further improve an aerodynamics of the vehicle. In particular, the lack of a step between the panel and the adjacent surface of the vehicle may improve an aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. Additionally, the panel being flush against an adjacent surface of the vehicle (when in the stowed position) may improve an ability to clean the surface of the vehicle in and around the rear-facing camera. Further, the panel being configured to protrude relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle when in the deployed position may allow the lens of the rear-facing camera to be spaced apart relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle. This, in turn, may reduce a proportion of a field of view of the camera that is occupied by the vehicle itself. Spacing the rear-facing camera outward relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle may further widen a field of view of the rear-facing camera and may further improve a visibility around rear wheel arches of the vehicle. Optionally, a lower edge of the camera panel is adjacent to a sill in the stowed position. Optionally, a front edge of the camera panel is aligned with a front edge of a sill in the stowed position and in the deployed position. Optionally, a rear edge of the camera panel is adjacent a front door of the vehicle in the stowed position. Optionally, an upper edge of the camera panel of the at least one rear-facing camera is adjacent to a cover panel for a charging port or a storage compartment in the stowed position. Disposing the rear-facing camera in such positions may further improve a field of view achievable by the camera, and may further improve a visibility of low-level objects. In addition, such positions are readily accessible to a person (such as a mechanic), such that the rear-facing camera may be easily inspected, repaired, or replaced. Further, by arranging the camera panel to be adjacent specific panels, the number of join lines in the vehicle may be reduced, as may the number of panels. This may simplify manufacture of the vehicle by reducing the requirement for complex cutouts to be formed in panels. Optionally, the at least one rear facing camera comprises a first rear-facing camera and a second rear-facing camera, the first rear-facing camera being positioned on the offside of the vehicle and the second rear-facing camera being positioned on the nearside of the vehicle. Advantageously, such an arrangement of rear-facing cameras may provide a field of vision around both the nearside and offside of the vehicle. Accordingly, low-level objects on a nearside and offside of the vehicle may be detectable. The driver may further be provided with a field of view around both rear-wheel arches. Optionally, the first and second rear-facing cameras are positioned symmetrically about a vehicle centre line. The first deployable rear-facing camera may mirror the second deployable rear-facing camera about the vehicle centre line. The field of view achievable about the nearside of the vehicle may therefore be substantially similar to the field of view achievable about the offside of the vehicle. Accordingly, a driver may be equally likely to spot a low-level object on the vehicle’s nearside as they are likely to spot a low-level object on the vehicle’s offside. Optionally, the vehicle further comprises a central rear-facing camera disposed on a vehicle centre line. The central rear-facing camera may be positioned on the rear of the vehicle, such as on the rear bumper or on a panel adjacent the rear bumper. The central rear-facing camera may provide a field of view of the environment directly behind the vehicle. Accordingly, the image output of the central rear-facing camera may be stitched with the image output(s) of other rear-facing cameras. The resulting stitched image may provide the driver with a relatively wide, continuous field of view. The resulting stitched image may provide the driver with a field of view that includes environment behind the vehicle and environment of at least one of the nearside of the vehicle and the offside of the vehicle. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of the camera deployment mechanism in a stowed position; Figure 3B shows a schematic representation of the camera deployment mechanism in a deployed position; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation embodiments of the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation embodiments of the invention; of a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with of a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with Figure 6 shows a schematic representation embodiments of the invention; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation embodiments of the invention; of a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with of a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and Figures 14A and 14B shows a schematic representation of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure relates a camera deployment mechanism for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising the camera deployment mechanism. The camera deployment mechanism is configured to deploy at least one rearfacing camera. As used herein, the terms ‘x-direction’, ‘y-direction’ and ‘z-direction’ denote, respectively, a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a vertical direction. By ‘longitudinal direction’ it is meant a horizontal direction that extends between the front and rear of the vehicle, wherein the term ‘front of the vehicle’ is given its normal definition (i.e. the side of the vehicle facing the normal direction of travel). By ‘transverse direction’ it is meant a horizontal direction perpendicularto the longitudinal direction (i.e. a direction that extends between sides of the vehicle). The term ‘forward’ means in a direction toward the front of the vehicle. The relative terms ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ are used to mean relatively further from the ground and relatively closer to the ground, respectively. The term ‘front plane’ refers to a plane that lies across the y-direction and z-direction. All terms used in reference to components for the vehicle are used with the component oriented as fitted to the vehicle, unless otherwise specified. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 of Figure 1 is a passenger car having four road contacting wheels but may be any other type of vehicle to which embodiments described herein may apply such as a pickup truck, van or other type of commercial vehicle. As is typical of a passenger car, the illustrated vehicle 10 comprises a front pair of road contacting wheels 101 aligned on a front axle axis 101A and rear pair of road contacting wheels 102 aligned on a rear axle axis 102A. A passenger compartment 103 is provided between the front and rear axle axes 101 A, 102A. The passenger compartment 103 is accessible by passenger doors 104,105 provided either side the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is provided with a camera deployment mechanism 200 that is configured to deploy at least one rear facing camera 201 from a side of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to simply as the ‘camera 201 ’). On deployment, the camera 201 may provide a video feed to an operator of the vehicle 10 during, for example, manoeuvring of the vehicle 10. The camera 201 is disposed forward of a front door 104 of the passenger doors 104,105 and below the height H ofthe top ofthe front road contacting wheel 101 (hereinafter referred to simply as ‘front wheel 101’). In the illustrated embodiment, the camera 201 is mounted rearward ofthe front wheel 101 in a front fender 106 ofthe vehicle 10. In other examples, the camera may be mounted forward ofthe front wheel 101, such as in a front bumper 107 of the vehicle 10. With such an arrangement, the camera 201 may be arranged low down to have improved visibility of obstacles encountered when manoeuvring, such as undergrowth and kerbs. Further, the camera 201 may be arranged far forward to have a wider field of view, and may have improved visibility around rear wheel arches of the vehicle 10. The camera 201, in not being disposed on the door 104 itself, does not move with the door 104. This may reduce a likelihood ofthe camera 201 breaking or becoming dislodged when the door 104 is forcefully shut, and may also reduce a weight ofthe door 104. Further, the camera 201, in not being disposed on the door 104 itself, may prevent a requirement for data cables to be extended or threaded through door hinges. Figure 2 shows the camera deployment mechanism 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The camera deployment mechanism 200 is configured to be attached to a vehicle body. The camera deployment mechanism 200 comprises an actuator 202 and a camera support member 203. The camera support member 203 is configured to mount the camera 201 and comprises a front end 203F arranged to be positioned towards the front ofthe vehicle 10 and a back end 203B arranged to be positioned towards the rear ofthe vehicle 10. The front end 203F is configured to be pivotally coupled to the vehicle body and the back end 203B is configured to be movable away from the vehicle body by the actuator 202. The actuator 202 is configured to move the camera support member 203 between a deployed position and a stowed position relative to the vehicle body. While the camera deployment mechanism 200 may be installed on a vehicle with the front end 203F forward ofthe back end 203B to provide a rearwardly facing camera, the camera deployment mechanism 200 may alternatively be installed on a vehicle with the front end 203F rearward of the back end 203B, to provide a forwardly-facing camera. Figure 3A schematically shows the camera support member 203 in the stowed position. An outwardly facing surface 2030 of the camera support member 203 is substantially flush with an exterior surface 106X of a vehicle body panel, in this example a front fender 106. All surfaces ofthe camera deployment mechanism 200 other than the outwardly facing surface 2030 ofthe camera support member 203 are concealed behind the exterior surface 106X ofthe vehicle body panel 106. Therefore, when the camera support member 203 is in the stowed position, the camera deployment mechanism 200 has no effect on the aerodynamic performance ofthe vehicle body panel 106. The outwardly facing surface 2030 ofthe camera support member 203 may be contoured to align with the contours of the exterior surface 106X of the vehicle body panel 106 when the camera support member 203 is in the stowed position. While in the illustrated example the vehicle body panel 106 is a front fender 106, in other examples the vehicle body panel may a different body panel such as a sill or a front bumper. Figure 3B schematically shows the camera support member 203 in the deployed position. The camera support member 203 extends away from the vehicle body in a direction from the front to the rear of the vehicle 10. The camera support member 203 pivots around a pivot 204 so that the back, end 203B of the camera support member 203 is clear of the exterior surface 106X. The camera support member 203 is arranged to move between the stowed and deployed positions in a horizonal plane. The camera 201 is mounted to the back end 203B of the camera support member 203 for a rear facing view down the side of the vehicle 10. Such an arrangement may allow the back end 203B of the camera support member 203 to be suitably spaced apart from the vehicle body when in the deployed position. Accordingly, when in the deployed position, the camera 201 may have an improved field of view. The pivot 204 couples the camera support member 203 to the vehicle body. The pivot 204 may be any suitable pivotal connection between the camera support member 203 and the vehicle body. The pivot 204 defines an axis about which the camera support member 203 rotates relative to the vehicle body when moved between the stowed and deployed positions. For example, the pivot 204 may be a hole in the camera support member 203 that is configured for location over an axle attached to the vehicle body or vice versa. The hole may be provided with a bearing such as a plain bearing or a roller bearing to reduce wear of the hole and axle. The actuator 202 comprises an actuator body 205 and an effector 206. The effector 206 extends from a first end of the actuator body 205 on actuation of the actuator 202 to effect movement of the camera support member 203 from the stowed to the deployed position. The effector 206 retracts back into the actuator body 205 to effect movement of the camera support member 203 from the deployed to the stowed positions. A distal end of the effector 206 is pivotally coupled to the back end 203B of the camera support member 203. A second end of the actuator body 205 opposite the first end is pivotally coupled to the vehicle body. In this way, the actuator 202 forms part of a three-bar linkage comprising the actuator 202, vehicle body and the camera support member 203. A distal end pivot 207 provides the pivotal coupling of the distal end of the effector 206 and the camera support member 203. A second end pivot 208 provides the pivotal coupling of the second end of the actuator housing 205 and the vehicle body. The distal end pivot 207 and the second end pivot 208 may be any suitable pivotal connection between, respectively, the camera support member 203 and the vehicle body. For example, the distal end pivot 207 may comprise a hole located in the distal end of the effector 206 that is located over an axle of the camera support member 203, or vice versa. Similarly, the second end pivot 208 may comprise a hole in the second end of the actuator body 205 that is located over an axle of the vehicle body, or vice versa. Therefore, the pivots 207, 208 define axes about which the actuator 202 rotates relative to, respectively, the camera support member 203 and the vehicle body. The vehicle body is a structure to which components of the vehicle 10 are attached. It may be the same structure to which the front fender 106 is attached, or it may be a different structure or different definable part of the structure. In some examples, the vehicle body may include the front fender 106 with the camera support member 203 and the actuator 202 being attached to a part of the front fender 106. The actuator 202 may be any actuator suitable for linear actuation of the effector 206. For example, the actuator 202 may be an electric drive actuator or a hydraulically driven actuator. A linear actuator permits the back end 203B of the camera support member 203 to be moved in an efficient and effective manner. By coupling the effector 206 to the back end 203B of the camera support member 203, the effector 206 is coupled to the camera support member 203 at a point that is relatively far from the point on the camera support member 203 that is pivotally coupled to the vehicle body. This reduces the force required by the actuator 202 to deploy the camera support member 203 and may allow deployment with a greater level of precision than if the actuator 202 would be coupled to the camera support member 203 closer to the pivot 204. Because the camera support member 203 pivots outwardly from the vehicle body about a pivot axis in the front end 203F of the camera support member 203, the front end 203F of the camera support member 203 remains close to the adjacent portions of the vehicle body even in the deployed position. This may provide a more resilient and more aerodynamic camera deployment mechanism 200. For example, during a manoeuvre, the vehicle 10 may move forward and backward. While the camera 201 may provide visibility as to rearward obstacles, the vehicle 10 may move forward and may cause the camera support member 203 to foul on obstacles such as kerbs and undergrowth. Where the camera support member 203 fouls on obstacles while the vehicle 10 is moving forward, the camera support member 203 may deflect the obstacle or may be moved into the vehicle body. This may reduce the prospect of damage to the vehicle 10. Further, if the camera support member 203 is deployed while the vehicle 10 is moving forward quickly, the camera support member 203 may provide reduced drag by comparison to camera support members that extend from a vehicle body without a pivoting connection. By providing a camera support member 203 that pivots between the stowed and deployed positions as described, the vehicle 10 is provided with a camera 201 that is relatively closer to a centreline of the vehicle 10 in the stowed position and relatively further from the centreline in the deployed position. Being able to stow the camera 201 may improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 by reducing a frontal surface area of the vehicle 10. When the camera 201 is required and the camera support member 203 is moved into the deployed position, a field of view of the camera 201 is improved by positioning the camera 201 further from the vehicle body. Additionally, being able to stow the camera 201 may reduce a likelihood of the camera 201 being damaged, as the camera 201 may be better protected from objects in the environment when stowed. Furthermore, being able to stow the camera 201 reduces an exposure of the camera 201 to the environment, which may reduce an amount of cleaning that is required of the camera 201. In other words, being able to selectively deploy the camera 201 may reduce a rate of dirt accumulation on the camera 201. Figure 4 shows a camera deployment mechanism 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which like features retain the same reference numbers. In the embodiment illustrated by figure 4, the camera support member 203 further comprises a recess 209 configured to receive the camera 201. The recess 209 is a hole extending in from an end face 210 of the back end 203B of the camera support member 203. The recess 209 is thus configured so that, when the camera 201 is mounted in the recess 209, the camera 201 is provided with an image looking toward the rear of the vehicle 10 from within the recess 209. The recess 209 allows the camera 201 to be securely disposed within the camera support member 203. This reduces a likelihood of the camera 201 being dislodged from the camera support member 203. The camera support member 203 comprises a structural beam 203’, with the recess 209 being a cut out in the structural beam 203’. The term ‘structural beam 203” includes any body having a cross section in the front plane with a minimum aspect ratio. In the examples described herein the minimum aspect ratio is 10%, wherein the aspect ratio is the ratio of the length of the cross section in the y-direction to the length of the cross section in the z-direction. Therefore, the dimension of the cross section in the z-direction is greater than or equal to the dimension in the y-direction to more efficiently resist bending in the z-direction. This is advantageous as a bending force in the y-direction is more readily absorbed by the camera support member 203 being urged back into the stowed position. Therefore, the structural beam 203’ may further improve at least one of a strength, resilience, and rigidity of the camera support member 203. The structural beam 203’ may function as a barrier or shield that protects a camera 201 disposed within the camera support member 203. A camera disposed 201 within the camera support member 203 may be protected from sudden impacts (as may be the case in a collision with another vehicle, or from loose debris on the road that may strike the camera deployment mechanism). The structural beam 203’ may be machined, cast or forged from any suitable material. Alternatively, the structural beam 203’ may be formed from panels that are joined along edges to form the beam. Figure 5 shows a camera deployment mechanism 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which like features retain the same reference numbers. In the embodiment illustrated by figure 5, the structural beam 203’ increases in thickness from the front end to the back end of the camera support member 203. By ‘increases in thickness’ it is meant that the cross sectional of area the structural beam 203’ increases from the front end 203F to the back end 203B of the camera support member 203. The camera 201 may be configured to be disposed proximate, adjacent, or within the back end 203B of the camera support member 203, such as, for example, within the recess 209 of the illustrated example. Accordingly, the structural beam 203’, in being thicker towards the back end 203B, may function as a more effective shield or barrier to protect the camera 201 disposed at the back end 203B of the camera support member 203. Figure 6 shows a camera deployment mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which like features retain the same reference numbers. In the embodiment illustrated by figure 6, the camera support member 203 comprises an external vehicle panel 211 (herein also referred to as ‘camera panel 211 ’). The camera panel 211 may be welded, adhered or otherwise fitted to the outwardly facing surface 2030 of the structural member 203. The camera panel 211 is configured to be flush with the surrounding exterior of the vehicle 10 when the camera support member 203 is in the stowed position. In other words, the camera panel 211 is configured to be flush with an adjacent vehicle panel in the stowed position, such as the front fender 106. The camera panel 211 is configured to protrude relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle 10 in the deployed position. The camera panel 211 may be contoured to conform with the contours of the surrounding exterior of the vehicle 10 when the camera support member 203 is in the stowed position. It will be appreciated that by providing a separate contoured camera panel 211, manufacture of the camera deployment mechanism 200 may be simplified. This is because contouring a relatively thin panel 211 may be done more quickly and using less energy demanding processes than contouring the outwardly facing surface 2030 of the structural beam 203’, which may otherwise require machining. By contrast, a contoured panel 211 may be more simply pressed or moulded into shape. The panel 211 may be made from materials that are lighter and / or easier to work than the structural beam 203’ as the panel 211 does not have as high loading requirements as the structural beam 203’. The camera panel 211 may also function as further barrier to protect the camera deployment mechanism 200. In particular, the camera panel 211 may reduce a likelihood of debris (from a surrounding environment) entering the camera deployment mechanism 200. With the camera panel flush 211 against an adjacent surface of the vehicle 10 when in the stowed position, the vehicle aerodynamics are further improved. In particular, the lack of a step between the camera panel 211 and the adjacent surface of the vehicle 10 may improve an aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, because the camera panel 211 is relatively thin, it may be possible to provide a tighter gap between the edges of the camera panel 211 and the surrounding vehicle panel than the gap between the edges of the camera support member 203 and the surrounding vehicle panel. Additionally, the panel 211 being flush against an adjacent surface of the vehicle (when in the stowed position) may improve an ability to clean the surface of the vehicle 10 in and around the camera 201. The camera panel 211 being configured to protrude relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle when in the deployed position allows the lens of the camera 201 to have a clear view around the adjacent surface of the vehicle 10. This, in turn, may reduce a proportion of a field of view of the camera 201 that is occupied by the vehicle 10 itself. Spacing the camera outward relative to the adjacent surface of the vehicle 10 may further widen a field of view of the camera 201 and may further improve a visibility around rear wheel arches of the vehicle 10. Figure 7 shows a camera deployment mechanism 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which like features retain the same reference numbers. In the embodiment illustrated by figure 7 the camera deployment mechanism 200 further comprises a cleaning system 212 configured to clean a lens of the camera 201. The cleaning system 212 comprises an outlet 213 configured for connection to the vehicle washer fluid system or other source ofcleaning agent. In the illustrated example, the camera support member 203 comprises an internal conduit 214 that opens into the recess 209 at the outlet 213. The other end of the conduit 214 opens at the front end 203F of the structural member 203. A flexible pipe (not shown) may be provided in the conduit 214 to extend from the opening at the front end 203F for connection to the fluid washer system. Such a cleaning system 212 may reduce an accumulation of dirt or grime on the lens and may thereby improve an output image or video quality of a camera 201 disposed in the camera support member 203. Figure 8 shows a camera deployment mechanism 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in which like features retain the same reference numbers. In the embodiment illustrated by figure 8 the camera deployment mechanism 200 further comprises a fixing member 215. The fixing member 215 is a continuous rigid member having a front end 215F and a backend 215B. The front end 215F is pivotally coupled to the camera support member 203 at the pivot 204. The back end 215B is pivotally coupled to the actuator 202 at the second end pivot 208. The fixing member 215 provides a mounting surface for attachment to the vehicle body. The fixing member 215 may allow the camera deployment mechanism 200 to be more easily coupled to the vehicle body. Accordingly, it may be relatively easy to remove the camera deployment mechanism 200, reinstall it, or otherwise install a replacement camera deployment mechanism 200. In addition, the fixing member 215 may function as a strut that further improves a rigidity of the camera deployment mechanism 200. Any of the features introduced in the embodiments of figures 4 to 8 may be combined with any one ofthe other embodiments of figures 4 to 8. Figures 9 to 13 show different positions of the camera deployment mechanism on example vehicles in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. In the examples shown in figures 9 to 13, the front end 203F ofthe camera support member 203 is disposed proximate to a front wheel 101 of the vehicle 10 and the back end 203B of the camera support member 203 is disposed proximate to a front edge 104F ofthe front passenger door 104. This means that the camera 201 is disposed rearward ofthe front wheel 101 ofthe vehicle 10 and that the view captured by the camera 201 is not obscured by front wheel arches. Disposing the camera support member 203 in such positions may improve a field of view achievable by a camera 201 disposed in the camera support member 203. In particular, a camera disposed far forward on a vehicle may have a wider field of view and may be able to view a greater area behind a rear wheel arch and a camera disposed low down in a vehicle may view objects in low-level blind spots, such as kerbs or bollards. In figure 13, the camera support member 203 is disposed so that the camera is placed below the front axle axis 101 A. The front axle axis 101A is the axis 101A about which the front wheels 101 rotate when the vehicle 10 is travelling in a forward direction. With the camera 201 mounted at such a position on the vehicle 10, the camera 201 may have an even further improved visibility of low-level objects. In figure 13, the back end 203B ofthe camera support member 203 is disposed adjacent to the front edge 104F ofthe front passenger door 104 when in the stowed configuration. An advantage of this arrangement is that the back end 203B ofthe camera support member 203 and the front edge 104F ofthe passenger door 104 share a shut line, reducing the overall number of shut lines in the vehicle body. In one example, a rear edge of the camera panel 211 is disposed adjacent to the front edge 104F of the front passenger door 104 when the camera support member 203 is in the stowed configuration. In figures 11, 12 and 13, a lower edge 211L of the camera panel 211 is adjacent to a sill 108 in the stowed position. Also in figures 12 and 13, an upper edge of the camera panel 211 is adjacent to a cover panel 109 for a charging port or a storage compartment in the stowed position. In the examples of figures 10 to 13, the camera support member 203 is disposed above or below the cover panel 109 for a charging port or a storage compartment. This means that the camera support member 203 can use the full length of the vehicle 10 between the front passenger door 104 and the front wheel arch. In figures 11 and 12, a front edge 211F of the camera panel 211 is aligned with a front edge of the sill 108 in the stowed position and in the deployed position. Disposing the camera 201 in such positions may further improve a field of view achievable by the camera 201, and may further improve a visibility of low-level objects. In addition, such positions are readily accessible to a person (such as a mechanic), such that the camera 201 may be easily inspected, repaired, or replaced. Further, by arranging the camera panel 211 to be adjacent specific panels 108, 109, the number of join lines in the vehicle 10 may be reduced, as may the number of panels. This may simplify manufacture of the vehicle 10 by reducing the requirement for complex cutouts to be formed in panels. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the vehicle 10 may comprise a camera deployment mechanism 200 with a rear facing camera 201 on both sides of the vehicle 10, as shown by way of example in figures 14a and 14b. In other words, the vehicle 10 may comprise a first rear-facing camera 201 and a second rear-facing camera 201 ’, the first rear-facing camera 201 being positioned on the offside of the vehicle 10 (the example vehicle 10 of the figures being left hand drive) and the second rear-facing camera 201’ being positioned on the nearside of the vehicle 10. Such an arrangement of rear-facing cameras 201, 201’ may provide a field of vision around both the nearside and offside of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, low-level objects on a nearside and offside of the vehicle 10 may be detectable. The driver may further be provided with a field of view around both rear-wheel arches. It will be appreciated that the offside and nearside rear-facing cameras 201,201 ’ may be provided as part of any of the embodiments of camera deployment mechanism 200 described herein and positioned in any of positions shown in figures 9 to 13 on their respective sides of the vehicle 10. The first and second rear-facing cameras 201, 201’ may be positioned symmetrically about a vehicle centre line. In other words, the first deployable rear-facing camera 201 may mirror the second deployable rear-facing camera 201’ about the vehicle centre line. The field of view achievable about the nearside of the vehicle 10 may therefore be substantially similar to the field of view achievable about the offside of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, a driver may be equally likely to spot a low-level object on the vehicle’s 10 nearside as they are likely to spot a low-level object on the vehicle’s 10 offside. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the vehicle 10 may be provided with an electronic controller configured to receive a video feed from the rear-facing cameras 201,201’ and to display the video feed to an operator on a vehicle display. The vehicle display may be part of a vehicle infotainment system configured to allow the operator to interact with the rear-facing cameras 201, 201’ in any number of ways such as, for example, turning the video feeds on and off, switching between video feeds of the nearside and offside rearfacing cameras and selecting any one of a plurality of vehicle displays on which to display the video feeds. The vehicle may further comprise a central rear-facing camera 110 disposed on a vehicle centre line. The central rear-facing camera 110 may be positioned on the rear of the vehicle, such as on the rear bumper or on a panel adjacent the rear bumper. The central rear-facing camera 110 may provide a field of view of the environment directly behind the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the image output of the central rear-facing camera 110 may be stitched with the image output(s) of other rear-facing cameras 201,201 ’ by the electronic controller fordisplay tothe operator of the vehicle 10. The resulting stitched image may provide an operator of the vehicle 10 with a relatively wide, continuous field of view. The resulting stitched image may provide the driver with a field of view that includes environment behind the vehicle 10 and environment of at least one of the nearside of the vehicle 10 and the offside of the vehicle 10. In accordance with embodiments of the invention - and with reference to figures 14A and 14B by way of example - the camera deployment mechanism 200 may further comprise a light 216, the light 216 being configured to, in use, project illumination in a downwards direction. For example, the light 216 may be a puddle light nested in a lower surface of the camera support member 203. The light 216 may automatically turn on or emit light when the back, end 203B of the camera support member 203 is moved away from the vehicle body. Alternatively, the light 216 may be turned on responsive to a door 104,105 of the vehicle being opened. Where the light 216 is a puddle light, it may further provide a driver or passenger with an improved visibility of a surrounding environment, especially during relatively low light conditions. Alternatively, or additionally, the light 216 may comprise a rearward facing light to illuminate the field of view of the camera 201. Such a light 216 may be positioned adjacent the camera lens and help improve the quality of the image displayed to an operator of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is being operated in low light conditions. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the vehicle may further comprise an air channel from a front wheel well into an orifice containing the camera support member, the air channel allowing air to exit the wheel well via the orifice, particularly or exclusively when the camera support member is in the deployed position. Such an air channel may improve an aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A camera deployment mechanism for a vehicle, the camera deployment mechanism comprising:an actuator configured to be coupled to a vehicle body; anda camera support member configured to receive a camera, the camera support member comprising a front end and a back end, the front end being configured to be pivotally coupled to the vehicle body and the back end being movable away from the vehicle body by the actuator,wherein the actuator is configured to move the camera support member between a deployed position and a stowed position, such that, in the deployed position, the camera support member extends away from the vehicle body in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and in the stowed position, the camera support member is substantially flush with a surrounding portion of the vehicle body.

2. The camera deployment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the camera support member comprises a recess configured to face towards the back end, the recess being configured to receive the camera.

3. The camera deployment mechanism of claim 2, wherein the camera support member comprises a structural beam, the structural beam comprising the recess.

4. The camera deployment mechanism of claim 3, wherein the structural beam increases in thickness from the front end to the back end of the camera support member.

5. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the camera support member comprises an external vehicle panel.

6. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is coupled to the back end of the camera support member.

7. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim, further comprising a cleaning systemconfigured to clean a lens of the camera.

8. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim further comprising a fixing member, the fixing member being pivotally coupled to the camera support member at the front end of the camera support member and coupled to the actuator at the back end, the fixing member being coupleable to the vehicle body.

9. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the camera support member is arranged to move in a horizonal plane.

10. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the back end of the camera support member is configured to be disposed proximate to a passenger compartment door of the vehicle.

11. The camera deployment mechanism of claim 10, wherein the back end of the camera support member is configured to be disposed adjacent to a front sill of the passenger compartment door of the vehicle.

12. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the front end of the camera support member is configured to be disposed proximate to a front wheel of the vehicle.

13. The camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim further comprising a light, the light being configured to, in use, project illumination in a downwards direction.

14. A vehicle comprising the camera deployment mechanism of any preceding claim.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the camera deployment mechanism is a first camera deploymentmechanism, the vehicle further comprising a second camera deployment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the first camera deployment mechanism being disposed on the nearside of the vehicle, and the second camera deployment mechanism being disposed on the offside of the vehicle.Application No: GB2413377.9Examiner:Alice RobbClaims searched: 1-15Date of search: 16 January 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-2, 9-12, 14-15 US 2017 / 0341595 Al (THOMPSON &UNEVEREN) See whole document, especially armatures 10, 10', motor vehicle 12, right and left front quarter panels 14, 14', right and left doors 16, 16', pivot point 22, housing 24, end surface 30, camera 44, aperture 52, actuator 64, and Figures. X 1-3, 5, 7, 9-10, 14-15 US 2024 / 0017679 Al (KIM) See whole document, particularly handle 100, door 200, handle inner member 120, camera mounting groove 124, camera module 130, motor module 140, handle outer member 150, cleaner 160, and Figures 1-5. X 1-2, 5, 7, 9-15 US 2020 / 0238910 Al (WILSON) See whole document, especially vehicle body 1, camera module body 2, aperture 3, cleaning means 5, 6, camera module 20, and Figures 1 and 3. X 1, 5, 8-15 US 2019 / 0118728 Al (OBA &HAKOISHI) See whole document, especially apparatus 1, vehicle 100, imaging unit 2, support portion 3, light emitting portion 3 A, 3B, supporting portion 4, connection portions 5-8, cover portion 9, motor 22, light source 45 and Figures 1-2, 5, 10, and 16A. X 1,5, 9-15 US 2023 / 0331174 Al (BRAVO &LOPEZ) See whole document, especially assembly 1, casing 2, pivot axis Y, camera 8, bracket 10, drive mechanism 14, and Figures 1A-B, 3A-D.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPCB60R___________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportSEARCH-PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From B60R 0001 / 20 01 / 01 / 2022 B60R 0011 / 04 01 / 01 / 2006

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