In-vehicle camera module, camera mounting bracket and vehicle

Abstract

An on-board camera module (1), a camera mounting bracket, and a vehicle are provided. The on-board camera module (1) includes a support member (11), a height adjustment mechanism (12), and a camera (13). The support member (11) is fixed to the top of the cockpit. The height adjustment mechanism (12) is configured to switch the camera (13) between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the camera (13) is positioned lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror (3) and lower than the height of the camera (13) in the second state. When the camera (13) needs to be used for image capture, the camera (13) can be switched to the first state via the height adjustment mechanism (12). In the first state, the camera (13) is positioned lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror (3) and can be flush with the line of sight of a person inside the vehicle, so that the camera (13) has a good image capture angle and can obtain high-quality images of people inside the vehicle. When the camera 13 does not need to be used, the camera 13 can be switched to the second state via the height adjustment mechanism 12. The increased height of the camera 13 reduces the impact of the on-board camera module 1 on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202211216265.6, entitled "VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA MODULE, CAMERA MOUNTING BRACKET, AND VEHICLE," filed on September 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to an in-vehicle camera module, a camera mounting bracket, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, some vehicles are equipped with on-board cameras that are configured to capture images inside the vehicle. This type of on-board camera faces the cockpit. When a person inside the vehicle wants to make a video call or take a photo, the on-board camera can be activated.

[0004] However, this type of vehicle-mounted camera is usually placed at the top light position inside the vehicle, and has a poor image capture angle, so it can only capture the heads of people inside the vehicle, and the captured images have poor quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an in-vehicle camera module, a camera mounting bracket, and a vehicle. The camera in the in-vehicle camera module is switchable between a first state and a second state, and in the first state, the camera is positioned lower than the vehicle's internal rear-view mirror. When a person in the vehicle needs to use the camera to take an image, the camera can be switched to the first state. In this case, the camera has a good image taking angle, and high-quality images of the person in the vehicle can be obtained. Technical solutions for the in-vehicle camera module, the camera mounting member, and the vehicle are described as follows.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an in-vehicle camera module. The in-vehicle camera module includes a support member, a height adjustment mechanism, and a camera. The support member is configured to be fixed to an upper portion of a vehicle cockpit. The camera is connected to the support member via the height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to switch the camera between a first state and a second state. The height of the camera in the first state is lower than the height of the camera in the second state, and in the first state, the camera is lower than a rearview mirror of the vehicle.

[0007] The support member is configured to support the height adjustment mechanism and the camera. The cockpit is sometimes referred to as a passenger cockpit.

[0008] The height adjustment mechanism is configured to switch the state of the camera. The height adjustment mechanism may switch the state by driving the camera to slide, or may switch the state by driving the camera to rotate. This is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0009] The camera in the first state may be configured to capture images, and the first state may also be referred to as an image capture state or an operating state. The camera in the second state may not be configured to capture images, and the second state may also be referred to as a stowed state, a non-operating state, etc. The camera may be a camera for an in-vehicle camera-monitor system (CMS).

[0010] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the support member is configured to be fixed to the top of the cockpit, and the camera is configured to be connected to the support member via a height adjustment mechanism, so that when the camera needs to be used for image capture, the camera can be switched to a first state via the height adjustment mechanism. In the first state, the camera is located lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror, so that the camera can perform image capture at a good image capture angle and obtain high-quality images of people inside the vehicle.

[0011] When the camera does not need to be used, it can be switched to a second state via the height adjustment mechanism. By increasing the camera height, the impact of the on-board camera module on the field of view of people inside the vehicle can be reduced.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the support member is configured to be fixed to the side of the rearview mirror facing away from the mirror surface.

[0013] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the height adjustment mechanism and the camera are arranged on a support member, and the support member is fixed to the side of the rearview mirror facing away from the mirror surface, so that the vehicle-mounted camera module is located on the side of the rearview mirror facing away from the mirror surface.

[0014] In this way, the rearview mirror will obstruct the on-board camera module to some extent, reducing the impact that the placement of the on-board camera module has on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the support member is configured to be secured to the windshield of a vehicle.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the support member is configured to be fixed to a mirror rod of a rearview mirror.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the support member is a bracket.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the support member includes a housing having a cavity configured to accommodate the height adjustment mechanism and the camera, wherein in a first state, the camera is positioned outside the housing and in a second state, the camera is positioned inside the housing.

[0019] In a possible implementation, in a first state the camera faces towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the camera is set to face the rear of the vehicle, which can better capture images of people inside the vehicle.

[0021] In a possible implementation, in the first state, the difference between the height of the rearview mirror and the height of the camera is less than 100 mm.

[0022] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the aforementioned setting ensures that the image capturing angle of the camera in the first state is good, making it easier to obtain high-quality images of people inside the vehicle.

[0023] In a possible implementation, in the first state, the difference between the height of the rearview mirror and the height of the camera is greater than 20 mm and less than 50 mm.

[0024] In a possible implementation, in the first state, the difference between the height of the rearview mirror and the height of the camera is greater than 30 mm and less than 40 mm.

[0025] In a possible implementation, in a first state, the camera is flush with the iris.

[0026] With the development of engineering capabilities in the vehicle industry, the concept of iris was proposed and developed by vehicle engineers to ensure that most vehicle drivers have good visual field characteristics. Due to differences in human physique, different drivers' eye positions will be significantly different when they sit in the driver's seat in a normal driving posture. Applying statistical perspectives and methods to study the regularity of the distribution of driver gaze points, it was found that the gaze distribution map of vehicle drivers is elliptical. Therefore, it is called the iris, driver iris, or eye ellipse. In other words, the iris is a statistical distribution map of the eye positions of drivers of different physiques when they sit in a vehicle in a normal posture.

[0027] A camera being flush with the iris may mean that the center point of the camera is at the same height as the center point of the iris, or it may mean that the height of the center point of the camera is between the maximum and minimum heights of the iris.

[0028] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the camera in the first state is set to be identical to the iris, which makes the image capturing angle of the camera in the first state good and facilitates obtaining high-quality images of people inside the vehicle.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the camera in the first state projects further behind the vehicle relative to the camera in the second state.

[0030] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, in the process of switching from the second state to the first state, the camera not only descends vertically but also moves further toward the rear of the vehicle, thereby shortening the horizontal distance between the camera and the rearview mirror, thereby reducing the obstruction of the camera's view in the first state by the rearview mirror, ensuring a wider viewing angle for the camera, and improving the image capture effect.

[0031] In addition, provided that the target field of view angle is secured, the rearview mirror hardly obstructs the field of view of the camera in the first state, so the vertical distance between the camera and the rearview mirror can be smaller, which results in a reduction in the amount of protrusion of the camera relative to the rearview mirror.

[0032] In a possible implementation, in a first state the camera is located below the rearview mirror.

[0033] In a possible implementation, in the second state, the camera is occluded.

[0034] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, when image capture is not required, the camera is set to be blocked, so that the camera cannot obtain a complete image of the person in the vehicle through image capture, and the privacy of the person in the vehicle is fully protected.

[0035] In a possible implementation, in the second state the camera is not facing towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, with the aforementioned settings, when image capture is not required, people inside the vehicle will not be within the field of view of the camera to capture images, thereby fully protecting the privacy of people inside the vehicle.

[0037] In a possible implementation, in the second state the camera is in a hidden state.

[0038] A concealed camera means that the camera is not visible to people inside the vehicle.

[0039] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, when image capture is not required, the camera is hidden, which makes the camera invisible to people inside the vehicle, thereby improving the riding experience of people inside the vehicle.

[0040] In a possible implementation, in the second state the camera is located on the side of the rearview mirror facing away from the mirror surface.

[0041] In a possible implementation, in the second state the camera is positioned higher than the rearview mirror.

[0042] In a possible implementation, in the second state the camera is flush with the rearview mirror.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member and a drive mechanism. The camera mounting member is slidably connected to the support member. The drive mechanism is separately connected to the support member and the camera mounting member, and the drive mechanism is configured to drive and slide the camera mounting member. The camera is fixed to the camera mounting member.

[0044] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, with the aforementioned setting, the camera can implement switching between the first state and the second state in the form of a sliding movement.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member is inclined relative to the vertical direction, and the camera gradually approaches the rear of the vehicle as the camera slides from the second state to the first state.

[0046] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the aforementioned setting allows the camera in the first state to be closer to the rearview mirror, thereby reducing the obstruction of the camera's field of view by the rearview mirror.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the included angle between the sliding direction of the camera mounting member and the vertical direction is greater than 15° and less than 45°.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member is vertical.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a motor and a lifting mechanism, the motor being fixed to the support member and connected to the camera mounting member via the lifting mechanism.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the lifting mechanism includes a lead screw and a nut. The lead screw is transmission-connected to the motor and is parallel to the sliding direction of the camera mounting member. The nut is fixed to the camera mounting member and cooperates with the lead screw.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes an elastic member, both ends of which press against the support member and the camera mounting member, respectively. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. The drive mechanism is configured such that when the camera mounting member is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member presses and compresses the elastic member until the first and second latches are locked. When the camera is switched to the second state or when the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first and second latches are unlocked and the elastic member drives the camera to slide to the first state.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member and a drive mechanism. The camera mounting member is connected to the support member via the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member. The camera is fixed to the camera mounting member.

[0053] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, with the aforementioned setting, the camera can perform switching between the first state and the second state in the form of a rotational movement.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a motor, the motor being fixed to the support member, and the rotation shaft of the motor being fixed to the camera mounting member.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a rotating shaft and a torsion spring. The camera mounting member is rotatably connected to the support member via the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the rotating shaft. Two torsion arms press the support member and the camera mounting member, respectively. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. The drive mechanism is configured such that, when the camera mounting member is pressed in a first state, the camera mounting member drives the torsion spring to store energy until the first and second latches lock; when the camera is switched to a second state or the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first and second latches unlock, and the torsion spring drives the camera to rotate to the first state.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member, a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, and a connecting rod. The camera is fixed to the camera mounting member. The first drive mechanism is disposed on the support member and connected to the second drive mechanism via the connecting rod, and the first drive mechanism is configured to drive and rotate the connecting rod. The second drive mechanism is power-transmittingly connected to the camera mounting member and configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member. In a first state, the connecting rod rotates downward to a first lower target position, and the camera mounting member rotates downward to a second lower target position. In a second state, the connecting rod rotates upward to a first upper target position, and the camera mounting member rotates upward to a second upper target position.

[0057] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, a two-stage rotational movement is set, and the stroke of the camera is performed by both the rotation of the connecting rod and the rotation of the camera mounting member, whereas in the solution with only a one-stage rotational movement, the stroke of the camera is performed only by the rotation of the camera mounting member.

[0058] It can be understood that, provided that the same stroke of the camera is implemented, the length of the camera mounting member in the two-stage rotational movement can be shorter than the length of the camera mounting member in the one-stage rotational movement, and the sizes of the connecting rod and the camera mounting member can partially overlap in the length direction. Therefore, the two-stage rotational movement configuration can reduce the overall size of the vehicle-mounted camera module, which makes it easier to hide the vehicle-mounted camera module and reduces the impact of the vehicle-mounted camera module on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0059] In addition, by adjusting the rotation angle of the connecting rod and the camera mounting member, in the first state, the camera mounting member and the camera can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle, reducing the possibility of the camera being blocked by the rearview mirror and making it easier to achieve a wide viewing angle for the camera.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor, the second drive mechanism includes a second motor, the first motor is fixed to the support member, and a first rotation shaft of the first motor is fixed to the connecting rod, and the second motor is disposed on the connecting rod, and a second rotation shaft of the second motor is fixed to the camera mounting member.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the first drive mechanism includes a first rotation shaft and a first torsion spring, and the second drive mechanism includes a second rotation shaft and a second torsion spring. The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the support member via the first rotation shaft. The first torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the first rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press against the support member and the connecting rod, respectively. The camera mounting member is rotatably connected to the connecting rod via a second rotation shaft. The second torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the second rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press against the connecting rod and the camera mounting member, respectively. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. In a first state, the first latch and the second latch are unlocked, and in a second state, the first latch and the second latch are locked.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism is configured to drive the camera to switch from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a resilient drive member. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. When the camera mounting member is pressed in the first state, it drives the resilient drive member to store energy until the first and second latches lock, and the camera switches to the second state. When the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first and second latches unlock, and the resilient drive member drives the camera mounting member, driving the camera to switch to the first state.

[0064] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a camera mounting bracket. The camera mounting bracket includes a support member and a height adjustment mechanism. The support member is configured to be fixed to an upper portion of a vehicle cockpit. The height adjustment mechanism has a camera mounting member. The camera mounting member is configured to mount a camera. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to switch the camera mounting member between a first state and a second state. The height of the camera mounting member in the first state is lower than the height of the camera mounting member in the second state, and in the first state, the camera mounting member is positioned lower than a rearview mirror of the vehicle.

[0065] According to the technical solution provided in the present disclosure, the camera is mounted by using a camera mounting bracket, whereby when image capture is required, the camera mounting member can be switched to a first state via a height adjustment mechanism. In the first state, the camera mounting member is located lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror, so that the camera can perform image capture at a good image capture angle and obtain high-quality images of people inside the vehicle.

[0066] When image capture is not required, the camera mounting member may be switched to a second state via the height adjustment mechanism, thereby reducing the impact of the camera mounting bracket and camera on the field of view of persons inside the vehicle.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the support member is configured to be fixed to the side of the rearview mirror facing away from the mirror surface.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the support member is configured to be secured to the windshield of a vehicle.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the support member is configured to be fixed to a mirror rod of a rearview mirror.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the support member is a bracket.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the support member includes a housing having a cavity configured to accommodate the height adjustment mechanism, and in a first state, the camera mounting member is positioned outside the housing, and in a second state, the camera mounting member is positioned inside the housing.

[0072] In a possible implementation, when the camera is mounted on the camera mounting member, in the first state the camera faces towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0073] In a possible implementation, when the camera is attached to the camera mounting member, in the first state, the difference between the height of the rearview mirror and the height of the camera is less than 100 mm.

[0074] In a possible implementation, when the camera is mounted on the camera mounting member, in the first state the camera is flush with the iris.

[0075] In a possible implementation, the camera mounting member in the first state protrudes further rearward from the vehicle than the camera mounting member in the second state.

[0076] In a possible implementation, if the camera is mounted on the camera mounting member, in the second state the camera is obstructed.

[0077] In a possible implementation, if the camera is mounted on a camera mounting member, in the second state the camera is hidden.

[0078] In a possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member and a drive mechanism, the camera mounting member slidably connected to the support member, and the drive mechanism separately connected to the support member and the camera mounting member, the drive mechanism configured to drive the camera mounting member to slide.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member is inclined relative to the vertical direction, and the camera mounting member gradually approaches the rear of the vehicle as the camera mounting member slides from the second state to the first state.

[0080] In a possible implementation, the included angle between the sliding direction of the camera mounting member and the vertical direction is greater than 15° and less than 45°.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member is vertical.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a motor and a lifting mechanism, the motor being fixed to the support member and connected to the camera mounting member via the lifting mechanism.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the lifting mechanism includes a lead screw and a nut. The lead screw is transmission-connected to the motor and is parallel to the sliding direction of the camera mounting member. The nut is fixed to the camera mounting member and cooperates with the lead screw.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes an elastic member, both ends of which press against the support member and the camera mounting member, respectively. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. The drive mechanism is configured such that when the camera mounting member is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member presses and compresses the elastic member until the first and second latches are locked. When the camera mounting member is switched to the second state or when the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first and second latches are unlocked and the elastic member drives the camera mounting member to slide to the first state.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member and a drive mechanism, the camera mounting member connected to the support member via the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member.

[0086] In a possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a motor, the motor being fixed to the support member, and the rotation shaft of the motor being fixed to the camera mounting member.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a rotating shaft and a torsion spring. The camera mounting member is rotatably connected to the support member via the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the rotating shaft. Two torsion arms press the support member and the camera mounting member, respectively. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. The drive mechanism is configured such that, when the camera mounting member is pressed in a first state, the camera mounting member drives the torsion spring to store energy until the first and second latches are locked. When the camera mounting member is switched to a second state or the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first and second latches are unlocked, and the torsion spring drives the camera mounting member to rotate to the first state.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member, a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, and a connecting rod. The first drive mechanism is disposed on the support member and connected to the second drive mechanism via the connecting rod, and the first drive mechanism is configured to drive and rotate the connecting rod. The second drive mechanism is power-transmittingly connected to the camera mounting member and configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member. In a first state, the connecting rod rotates upward to a first upper target position, and the camera mounting member rotates upward to a second upper target position. In a second state, the connecting rod rotates downward to a first lower target position, and the camera mounting member rotates downward to a second lower target position.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor, the second drive mechanism includes a second motor, the first motor is fixed to the support member, and a first rotation shaft of the first motor is fixed to the connecting rod, and the second motor is disposed on the connecting rod, and a second rotation shaft of the second motor is fixed to the camera mounting member.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the first drive mechanism includes a first rotation shaft and a first torsion spring, and the second drive mechanism includes a second rotation shaft and a second torsion spring. The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the support member via the first rotation shaft. The first torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the first rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press against the support member and the connecting rod, respectively. The camera mounting member is rotatably connected to the connecting rod via a second rotation shaft. The second torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the second rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press against the connecting rod and the camera mounting member, respectively. The support member has a first latch, and the camera mounting member has a second latch. In a first state, the first latch and the second latch are unlocked, and in a second state, the first latch and the second latch are locked.

[0091] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a vehicle having an in-vehicle camera module according to any implementation of the first aspect or a camera mounting bracket according to any implementation of the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0092] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of the interior of a vehicle cockpit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of an in-vehicle camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Explanation of reference symbols: 1: In-vehicle camera module, 2: Windshield, 3: Room mirror, 31: Mirror rod, 11: Support member; 111: Guide rail; 112: First latch; 12: Height adjustment mechanism, 121: camera mounting member; 1211: sliding block; 1212: second latch; 122: drive mechanism, 122a: first drive mechanism, 122b: second drive mechanism, 1221: motor, 1221a: first motor, 1221b: second motor, 12211: rotating shaft, 12211a: first rotating shaft, 12211b: second rotating shaft, 1222: lifting mechanism, 12221: lead screw, 12222: nut, 1223: elastic member, 1224: torsion spring, 1224a: first torsion spring, 1224b: second torsion spring, 123: Connecting rod, 13: Camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0094] Currently, some vehicles are equipped with on-board cameras that are configured to capture images inside the vehicle. This type of on-board camera faces the cockpit. When a person inside the vehicle wants to make a video call or take a photo, the on-board camera can be activated.

[0095] However, this type of vehicle-mounted camera is usually placed at the top light position inside the vehicle, and has a poor image capture angle, so it can only capture the heads of people inside the vehicle, and the captured images have poor quality.

[0096] In view of the aforementioned technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an on-board camera module, in which the height of the camera 13 of the on-board camera module is adjustable. As shown in the upper part of Fig. 1, in a first state, the camera 13 is positioned lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror 3, thereby allowing the camera 13 to capture images of people inside the vehicle at a good image capturing angle. As shown in the lower part of Fig. 1, in a second state, the height of the camera 13 is increased, thereby reducing the impact of the camera 13 on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0097] An example of an in-vehicle camera module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 12, the vehicle-mounted camera module 1 includes a support member 11, a height adjustment mechanism 12, and a camera 13. The support member 11 is configured to be fixed to an upper portion of a cockpit of a vehicle. The camera 13 is connected to the support member 11 via the height adjustment mechanism 12. The height adjustment mechanism 12 is configured to switch the camera 13 between a first state and a second state. Additionally, the height of the camera 13 in the first state is lower than the height of the camera 13 in the second state, and in the first state, the camera 13 is located lower than the rearview mirror 3 of the vehicle.

[0099] The support member 11 is configured to support a height adjustment mechanism 12 and a camera 13. The cockpit is sometimes referred to as a passenger cockpit.

[0100] The height adjustment mechanism 12 is configured to switch the state of the camera 13. For example, the height adjustment mechanism 12 may switch the state by driving the camera 13 to slide, or may switch the state by driving the camera 13 to rotate. This is not limited to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] The camera 13 in the first state may be configured to capture an image, and the first state may also be referred to as an image capture state or an operating state. The camera 13 in the second state may not be configured to capture an image, and the second state may also be referred to as a storage state or a non-operating state. The camera 13 may be a camera for an in-vehicle camera-monitor system (CMS).

[0000] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to the top of the cockpit, and the camera 13 is configured to be connected to the support member 11 via a height adjustment mechanism 12, so that when the camera 13 needs to be used for image capture, the camera 13 can be switched to the first state (shown in the upper part of FIG. 1) via the height adjustment mechanism 12. In the first state, the camera 13 is located lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror 3, so that the image capture angle of the camera 13 is good and high-quality images of people inside the vehicle can be obtained.

[0102] When the camera 13 does not need to be used, the camera 13 can be switched to a second state (shown at the bottom of FIG. 1) via the height adjustment mechanism 12. Increasing the height of the camera 13 can reduce the impact of the in-vehicle camera module 1 on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0103] Next, an example of the support member 11 will be described.

[0104] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific mounting position of the support member 11. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 to 12, the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to the side of the rearview mirror 3 that faces away from the mirror surface.

[0105] Since the height adjustment mechanism 12 and the camera 13 are disposed on the support member 11, the entire vehicle-mounted camera module 1 can be positioned on the side of the rearview mirror 3 facing away from the mirror surface. In this way, the rearview mirror 3 blocks the vehicle-mounted camera module 1, thereby reducing the impact of the placement of the vehicle-mounted camera module 1 on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the component located above the cockpit and configured to mount the support member 11 is not limited. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to the mirror rod 31 of the rearview mirror 3. In some other examples, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to the windshield 2 of the vehicle.

[0107] The method of attaching the support member 11 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the support member 11 is fixed using a screw. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the support member 11 is fixed to the mirror rod 31 of the rearview mirror 3 using a screw. As another example, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the support member 11 is fixed to the windshield 2 using a screw.

[0108] In some other examples, the support member 11 is fixed by an adhesive. For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the support member 11 is adhered to the windshield 2. As another example, the support member 11 may alternatively be adhered to the mirror rod 31 of the rearview mirror 3.

[0109] The embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific form of the support member 11. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 to 12, the support member 11 includes a housing and has a cavity configured to accommodate the height adjustment mechanism 12 and the camera 13. In this case, the support member 11 supports the height adjustment mechanism 12 and the camera 13, and also protects and shields the height adjustment mechanism 12 and the camera 13.

[0110] For example, in a first state, the camera 13 is located outside the housing, and in a second state, the camera 13 is located inside the housing.

[0111] Of course, in some other examples, the support member 11 may alternatively be a bracket, in which case, if necessary, the shielding of the height adjustment mechanism 12 and the camera 13 may be achieved using an interior trim piece above the vehicle cockpit.

[0112] The following describes the attitude, position, etc. of the camera 13 in the first state and the second state using examples.

[0113] In some examples, as shown in Figures 1 to 12, in the first state, the camera 13 faces towards the rear of the vehicle, so that the camera 13 can better capture images of people inside the vehicle.

[0114] In some other examples, the orientation of camera 13 in the first state may be adjusted according to the requirements of a person in the vehicle. For example, the person in the vehicle may change the orientation of camera 13 to meet different image capturing requirements of the person in the vehicle. For example, in the first state, camera 13 may alternatively face forward of the vehicle to meet the image capturing requirements of the person in the vehicle relative to the front of the vehicle.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the height of the camera 13 in the first state is not limited. In some examples, in order to improve the image capturing effect, the camera 13 is flush with the iris in the first state.

[0116] With the development of engineering capabilities in the vehicle industry, the concept of iris was proposed and developed by vehicle engineers to ensure that most vehicle drivers have good visual field characteristics. Due to differences in human physique, different drivers' eye positions will be significantly different when they sit in the driver's seat in a normal driving posture. Applying statistical perspectives and methods to study the regularity of the distribution of driver gaze points, it was found that the gaze distribution map of vehicle drivers is elliptical. Therefore, it is called the iris, driver iris, or eye ellipse. In other words, the iris is a statistical distribution map of the eye positions of drivers of different physiques when they sit in a vehicle in a normal posture.

[0117] The camera 13 being flush with the iris may mean that the center point of the camera 13 is at the same height as the center point of the iris, or may mean that the height of the center point of the camera 13 is between the maximum height and the minimum height of the iris, which is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] To ensure that the camera 13 is flush with the iris in the first state, in some examples, the difference in height between the rearview mirror 3 and the camera 13 in the first state is less than 100 mm. That is, the amount by which the camera 13 protrudes from the rearview mirror 3 is less than 100 mm.

[0119] For example, in the first state, the difference in height between the rearview mirror 3 and the camera 13 is greater than 20 mm and smaller than 50 mm.

[0120] As another example, in the first state, the difference in height between the rearview mirror 3 and the camera 13 may be greater than 30 mm and less than 40 mm, for example, 35 mm.

[0121] 2, it should be noted that the difference between the height of the rearview mirror 3 and the height of the camera 13 may be defined as the distance between the center point of the camera 13 and the lowest point of the rearview mirror 3, i.e., h1, or may be defined as the distance between the lowest point of the camera 13 and the lowest point of the rearview mirror 3, i.e., h2. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0122] In addition, when the support member 11 is positioned on the side of the rearview mirror 3 facing away from the mirror surface, in some examples, the camera 13 in the first state protrudes further toward the rear of the vehicle than the camera 13 in the second state, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0123] In other words, in the process of switching from the second state to the first state, the camera 13 not only descends vertically but also moves closer to the rear of the vehicle (to the rearview mirror 3) in the horizontal direction.

[0124] As a result, in the first state, the distance between the camera 13 and the rearview mirror 3 can be reduced, reducing the obstruction of the field of view of the camera 13 by the rearview mirror 3. As shown in FIG. 4, two cameras 13 are shown at the same height but at different horizontal positions. From the figure, it can be seen that the field of view of the camera 13 closer to the rear of the vehicle is not obstructed much by the rearview mirror 3. Therefore, with the above-mentioned settings, a wide field of view can be achieved.

[0125] In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the positions of two cameras 13 with the same viewing angle are shown. From the figure, it can be seen that the two cameras 13 have the same viewing angle, but the height of the camera 13 closer to the rear of the vehicle is higher than the height of the camera 13 further from the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the camera 13 relative to the rearview mirror 3 is reduced, and the camera 13 less likely to block the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0126] In conclusion, the camera 13 in the first state is set to protrude toward the rear of the vehicle relative to the camera 13 in the second state, thereby achieving a wider field of view, provided that a certain height of the camera 13 is maintained, and the amount of protrusion of the camera 13 relative to the rearview mirror 3 can be reduced (i.e., the camera 13 can be raised), provided that a certain field of view of the camera 13 is maintained.

[0127] To achieve a wide viewing angle for the camera 13, in some examples, the camera 13 is positioned below the rearview mirror 3 in the first state, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. "Below" may be "directly below" or "diagonally below" (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). The positioning of the camera 13 below the rearview mirror 3 may be defined as a state in which the vertical projections of the camera 13 and the rearview mirror 3 partially overlap.

[0128] Of course, the specific position of the camera 13 needs to be determined based on the specific scenario and according to the actual requirements of the people in the vehicle for the viewing angle. In some other examples, in the first state, the camera 13 may alternatively be located on the side of the rearview mirror 3 facing away from the mirror surface.

[0129] In the second state, the camera 13 is not configured to capture images, and in some instances, the camera 13 is blocked in the second state to protect the privacy of persons within the vehicle.

[0130] When camera 13 is blocked, it means that camera 13 is unable to obtain a complete image of the person inside the vehicle through image capture, and for example, it may mean that camera 13 is unable to capture a complete image of the person inside the vehicle, or it may mean that camera 13 is unable to capture an image of the face of the person inside the vehicle.

[0131] The implementation form in which the camera 13 is blocked is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the blocking of the camera 13 may be implemented by any component. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 to 12, in the second state, the camera 13 is blocked by the support member 11. In some other examples, the camera 13 may alternatively be blocked by the rearview mirror 3, by the cockpit, or the like.

[0132] Of course, in some other examples, the orientation of camera 13 in the second state may alternatively be limited so that camera 13 cannot capture a complete image of people inside the vehicle through image capture. For example, in the second state, camera 13 may not face toward the rear of the vehicle, but may instead face directly up or directly down, for example.

[0133] Additionally, in the second state, the camera 13 may be in a hidden state. Therefore, it is difficult for people inside the vehicle to notice the camera 13, which leads to an improved riding experience for people inside the vehicle. When the camera 13 is in a hidden state, it means that the camera 13 is in a state where it is not visible to people inside the vehicle.

[0134] The implementation of the hidden camera 13 is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the camera 13 is hidden on the side of the rearview mirror 3 facing away from the mirror surface.

[0135] For example, in the second state, the camera 13 is located higher than the rearview mirror 3, or the camera 13 is flush with the rearview mirror 3. Therefore, the rearview mirror 3 can completely block the camera 13.

[0136] As another example, in the second state, the camera 13 is hidden within the support member 11 as shown in FIGS.

[0137] The implementation of the height adjustment mechanism 12 is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the following provides an example for illustration.

[0138] When classified based on the movement form of the camera 13, the height adjustment mechanism 12 can have the following several implementation forms.

[0139] (1) In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 , height adjustment mechanism 12 includes a camera mounting member 121 and a drive mechanism 122. Camera mounting member 121 is slidably connected to support member 11. Drive mechanism 122 is separately connected to support member 11 and camera mounting member 121, and is configured to drive camera mounting member 121 to slide. Camera 13 is fixed to camera mounting member 121.

[0140] That is, the camera 13 switches between the first state and the second state in the form of a sliding movement.

[0141] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the support member 11 has a guide rail 111, and the camera mounting member 121 has a sliding block 1211, which is slidably connected to the guide rail 111.

[0142] The sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121 (camera 13) is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and the camera 13 gradually slides toward the rear of the vehicle in the process of sliding from the second state to the first state.

[0143] This allows the camera 13 in the first state to protrude further rearward from the vehicle than the camera 13 in the second state, reducing the obstruction of the field of view of the camera 13 in the first state by the rearview mirror 3 and ensuring a wide field of view for the camera 13.

[0144] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the included angle (ie, ∠A) between the sliding direction of camera mounting member 121 and the vertical direction may be greater than 15° and less than 45°, for example, 28°.

[0145] Of course, in some other examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121 may alternatively be vertical, and the camera 13 may rise or fall vertically, which is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0146] The implementation of the drive mechanism 122 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the drive mechanism 122 is an electric drive mechanism and is configured to drive the camera mounting member 121 to raise and lower.

[0147] 2 and 6, the drive mechanism 122 includes a motor 1221 and an elevating mechanism 1222. The motor 1221 is fixed to the support member 11 and connected to the camera mounting member 121 via the elevating mechanism 1222. The motor 1221 drives the camera mounting member 121 to move it up and down via the elevating mechanism 1222.

[0148] The type of the lifting mechanism 1222 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the lifting mechanism 1222 is a lead screw nut mechanism including a lead screw 12221 and a nut 12222. The lead screw 12221 is power-transmittingly connected to the motor 1221 and is parallel to the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121. The nut 12222 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121 and cooperates with the lead screw 12221.

[0149] When the motor 1221 rotates, the lead screw 12221 rotates, driving the nut 12222 and the camera mounting member 121 to slide along the lead screw 12221. By changing the rotation direction of the motor 1221, the sliding direction of the nut 12222 and the camera mounting member 121 can be changed, and the camera mounting member 121 can be raised and lowered.

[0150] The lead screw nut mechanism may be a general lead screw nut mechanism or a more accurate ball screw mechanism, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0151] In some other examples, the lifting mechanism 1222 is a gear rack mechanism and includes a rack and a gear. The rack is fixed to the camera mounting member 121 and is parallel to the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121. The motor 1221 is transmission-connected to the gear, and the gear engages with the rack.

[0152] When the motor 1221 rotates, the gear rotates, driving and sliding the rack and camera mounting member 121. By changing the rotation direction of the motor 1221, the sliding direction of the rack and camera mounting member 121 can be changed, and the camera mounting member 121 can be raised and lowered.

[0153] With reference to Figures 2 and 6, an example of a process by which the camera 13 is switched between the first and second states will now be described.

[0154] When the camera 13 does not need to be used, if the camera 13 is currently in a first state (shown in the upper part of Figures 2 and 6), the motor 1221 rotates in a first direction, and the motor 1221 drives the camera mounting member 121 to slide upward via the lifting mechanism 1222 until the camera 13 is switched to a second state (shown in the lower part of Figures 2 and 6).

[0155] When the camera 13 needs to be used, the motor 1221 rotates in the second direction, and the motor 1221 drives the camera mounting member 121 to slide downward via the lifting mechanism 1222 until the camera 13 is switched to the first state.

[0156] In addition to an electric drive mechanism, in some other examples, drive mechanism 122 may alternatively be an elastic drive mechanism that is only configured to drive camera mounting member 121 to slide downward, and the force to slide camera mounting member 121 upward must be provided by a person in the vehicle.

[0157] 3 and 7, the drive mechanism 122 includes an elastic member 1223, and both ends of the elastic member 1223 press against the support member 11 and the camera mounting member 121, respectively. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212.

[0158] The positions of the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are opposite to each other, and the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are configured to cooperate with each other to lock, thereby stabilizing the camera mounting member 121 (camera 13) in the second state. In addition, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 can alternatively be unlocked, thereby allowing the elastic member 1223 to drive the camera mounting member 121 and the camera 13 to switch to the first state.

[0159] In some examples, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are configured as follows: when the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in a locked state, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked, and when the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in an unlocked state, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked.

[0160] For example, to perform the above-mentioned functions, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 may be rebounder and push-push buckles, resetter and locking devices, heart-shaped groove structures (sometimes called labyrinth mechanisms) and hooks, etc.

[0161] An example of a process by which the camera 13 is switched between the first and second states will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 7 .

[0162] When the camera 13 does not need to be used, and the camera 13 is currently in the first state (shown in the upper part of FIGS. 3 and 7), a person inside the vehicle presses the camera mounting member 121 so that the camera mounting member 121 slides upward. The camera mounting member 121 presses and compresses the elastic member 1223 until the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked, and the camera 13 is switched to the second state (shown in the lower part of FIGS. 3 and 7).

[0163] When the camera 13 needs to be used, the person in the vehicle presses the camera mounting member 121 again, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked, and the elastic member 1223 drives the camera 13 to slide downward to the first state.

[0164] (2) In some examples, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes a camera mounting member 121 and a drive mechanism 122. The camera mounting member 121 is connected to the support member 11 via the drive mechanism 122, and the drive mechanism 122 is configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member 121. The camera 13 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121.

[0165] That is, the camera 13 switches between the first state and the second state in the form of a rotational movement.

[0166] 8 and 9, a first end of the camera mounting member 121 is connected to the drive mechanism 122, and a second end of the camera mounting member 121 is connected to the camera 13. In addition, the second end of the camera mounting member 121 is closer to the rearview mirror 3 than the first end.

[0167] The implementation of the driving mechanism 122 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the driving mechanism 122 is an electric driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism 122 is an electric driving mechanism. Upward The device is configured to perform a rotation and a downward rotation.

[0168] 8, the drive mechanism 122 includes a motor 1221, which is fixed to the support member 11, and a rotation shaft 12211 of the motor 1221 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121. The motor 1221 can perform bidirectional rotation of the camera 13 by changing the rotation direction of the rotation shaft 12211.

[0169] With reference to FIG. 8, an example of a process by which the camera 13 is switched between the first and second states will now be described.

[0170] When the camera 13 does not need to be used, if the camera 13 is currently in the first state (shown in the upper part of Figure 8), the motor 1221 drives the camera mounting member 121 to rotate upward until the camera 13 is switched to the second state (shown in the lower part of Figure 8).

[0171] When the camera 13 needs to be used, the motor 1221 drives the camera mounting member 121 to rotate downward until the camera 13 is switched to the first state.

[0172] In addition to an electric drive mechanism, in some other examples, drive mechanism 122 may alternatively be a resilient drive mechanism that is only configured to drive camera mounting member 121 to rotate downward, and the force to rotate camera mounting member 121 upward must be provided by a person in the vehicle.

[0173] 9, the drive mechanism 122 includes a rotating shaft 12211 and a torsion spring 1224. The camera mounting member 121 is rotatably connected to the support member 11 via the rotating shaft 12211. The torsion spring 1224 is sleeve-connected to the rotating shaft 12211, and two torsion arms press the support member 11 and the camera mounting member 121, respectively. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212.

[0174] With reference to FIG. 9, an example of a process by which the camera 13 is switched between the first and second states will now be described.

[0175] When the camera 13 does not need to be used, and the camera 13 is currently in the first state (shown in the upper part of FIG. 9 ), a person inside the vehicle pushes the camera mounting member 121, which causes the camera mounting member 121 to rotate upward. The camera mounting member 121 pushes the torsion spring 1224 to store energy until the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked, and the camera 13 is switched to the second state (shown in the lower part of FIG. 9 ).

[0176] When the camera 13 needs to be used, the person in the vehicle presses the camera mounting member 121 again, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked, and the torsion spring 1224 drives the camera 13 to rotate to the first state.

[0177] (3) In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes a camera mounting member 121, a first drive mechanism 122a, a second drive mechanism 122b, and a connecting rod 123. The camera 13 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121. The first drive mechanism 122a is disposed on the support member 11 and connected to the second drive mechanism 122b via the connecting rod 123. The first drive mechanism 122a is configured to drive and rotate the connecting rod 123. The second drive mechanism 122b is power-transmittingly connected to the camera mounting member 121, and the second drive mechanism 122b is configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member 121. The rotation axis of the camera mounting member 121 may be farther from the rearview mirror 3 than the rotation axis of the connecting rod 123.

[0178] In the first state, as shown in the upper part of FIGS. 10 and 11, the connecting rod 123 rotates downward to a first downward target position, and the camera mounting member 121 rotates downward to a second downward target position.

[0179] In the second state, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the connecting rod 123 rotates upward to a first upper target position, and the camera mounting member 121 rotates upward to a second upper target position.

[0180] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, a two-stage rotational movement is set, and the stroke of the camera 13 is implemented by both the rotation of the connecting rod 123 and the rotation of the camera mounting member 121. However, in the solution where only a one-stage rotational movement is set, the stroke of the camera 13 is implemented only by the rotation of the camera mounting member 121.

[0181] It can be understood that, provided that the same stroke of the camera 13 is performed, the length of the camera mounting member 121 in the two-stage rotational movement may be shorter than the length of the camera mounting member 121 in the one-stage rotational movement, and the sizes of the connecting rod 123 and the camera mounting member 121 may partially overlap in the length direction. Therefore, the two-stage rotational movement configuration can reduce the overall size of the vehicle-mounted camera module 1, which makes it easier to hide the vehicle-mounted camera module 1 and reduces the impact of the vehicle-mounted camera module 1 on the field of view of people inside the vehicle.

[0182] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, by adjusting the rotation angle of the connecting rod 123 and the camera mounting member 121, in the first state, the camera mounting member 121 and the camera 13 can be moved closer to the rear of the vehicle, which reduces the obstruction of the camera 13 by the rearview mirror 3 and makes it easier to achieve a wide viewing angle for the camera 13.

[0183] The implementation of the first drive mechanism 122 a and the second drive mechanism 122 b is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, the first drive mechanism 122 a and the second drive mechanism 122 b are both electric drive mechanisms configured to switch the camera mounting member 121 from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state.

[0184] 10, the first drive mechanism 122a includes a first motor 1221a, and the second drive mechanism 122b includes a second motor 1221b. The first motor 1221a is fixed to the support member 11, and a first rotation shaft 12211a of the first motor 1221a is fixed to the connecting rod 123. The second motor 1221b is disposed on the connecting rod 123, and a second rotation shaft 12211b of the second motor 1221b is fixed to the camera mounting member 121.

[0185] With reference to FIG. 10, an example of a process by which the camera 13 is switched between the first and second states will now be described.

[0186] When the camera 13 does not need to be used, if the camera 13 is currently in a first state (shown in the upper part of FIG. 10), the first motor 1221a drives the connecting rod 123 to rotate it upward to a first upper target position (shown in the center of FIG. 10). Next, the second motor 1221b drives the camera mounting member 121 to rotate it upward to a second upper target position, and the camera 13 is switched from the first state to a second state (shown in the lower part of FIG. 10).

[0187] It should be noted that, alternatively, in the process of switching from the first state to the second state, the second motor 1221b may first drive the camera mounting member 121 to rotate it upward to the second upper target position, and then the first motor 1221a may drive the connecting rod 123 to rotate it upward to the first upper target position. Alternatively, the first motor 1221a and the second motor 1221b may operate simultaneously. This is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0188] When the camera 13 needs to be used, if the camera 13 is currently in the second state, the second motor 1221b drives the camera mounting member 121 to rotate it downward to a first downward target position (shown in the center of FIG. 10 ). Next, the first motor 1221a drives the connecting rod 123 to rotate it downward to a second downward target position, and the camera 13 is switched from the second state to the first state.

[0189] It should be noted that, alternatively, in the process of switching from the second state to the first state, the first motor 1221a may first drive the connecting rod 123 to rotate it downward to the second downward target position, and then the second motor 1221b may drive the camera mounting member 121 to rotate it downward to the first downward target position. Alternatively, the first motor 1221a and the second motor 1221b may operate simultaneously. This is not limited to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] In addition to electric drive mechanisms, in some other examples, first drive mechanism 122a and second drive mechanism 122b may alternatively be elastic drive mechanisms, in which case first drive mechanism 122a and second drive mechanism 122b are only configured to drive camera mounting member 121 to switch from the second state to the first state, and the force to switch camera mounting member 121 from the first state to the second state must be provided by a person in the vehicle.

[0191] 11, the first drive mechanism 122a includes a first rotating shaft 12211a and a first torsion spring 1224a, and the second drive mechanism 122b includes a second rotating shaft 12211b and a second torsion spring 1224b. The connecting rod 123 is rotatably connected to the support member 11 via the first rotating shaft 12211a. The first torsion spring 1224a is sleeve-connected to the first rotating shaft 12211a, and two torsion arms press against the support member 11 and the connecting rod 123, respectively. The camera mounting member 121 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 123 via the second rotating shaft 12211b. The second torsion spring 1224b is sleeve-connected to the second rotation shaft 12211b, and the two torsion arms respectively press the connecting rod 123 and the camera mounting member 121. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212. The first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked in a first state, and the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked in a second state.

[0192] With reference to FIG. 11, an example of a process by which the camera 13 is switched between the first and second states will now be described.

[0193] When the camera 13 does not need to be used and the camera 13 is currently in the first state (shown in the upper part of FIG. 11 ), a person in the vehicle presses the camera mounting member 121, which drives the connecting rod 123 to rotate upward, and the connecting rod 123 drives the first torsion spring 1224a to store energy until the connecting rod 123 rotates upward to the first upper target position (shown in the center of FIG. 11 ). Next, the person in the vehicle continues to press the camera mounting member 121, which drives the second torsion spring 1224b to store energy until the camera mounting member 121 rotates upward to the second upper target position. In this case, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked, and the camera 13 is switched to the second state (shown in the lower part of FIG. 11 ).

[0194] In some examples, the elastic force of the first torsion spring 1224a is smaller than the elastic force of the second torsion spring 1224b so that when a person in the vehicle pushes the camera mounting member 121, the connecting rod 123 first rotates around the first rotation axis 12211a, and then the camera mounting member 121 rotates around the second rotation axis 12211b.

[0195] When it is necessary to use the camera 13, if the camera 13 is currently in the second state, a person in the vehicle presses the camera mounting member 121, and the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked. The first torsion spring 1224a drives the connecting rod 123 to rotate downward, and the second torsion spring 1224b drives the camera mounting member 121 to rotate downward until the connecting rod 123 rotates downward to the first downward target position and the camera mounting member 121 rotates downward to the second downward target position, thereby switching the camera 13 to the first state.

[0196] In some examples, to improve the stability of the connecting rod 123 and the camera mounting member 121 during rotation, a guide groove may be provided on the support member 11, and the connecting rod 123 and the camera mounting member 121 may slide along the guide groove during rotation.

[0197] In addition to the above classification based on the operating mode of the camera 13, the height adjustment mechanism 12 may alternatively be classified based on the power source into a powered height adjustment mechanism 12 and a manual height adjustment mechanism 12. Examples are provided separately below for illustration.

[0198] (1) In some examples, height adjustment mechanism 12 is electrically powered and configured to drive camera 13 to switch from a first state to a second state and from the second state to the first state.

[0199] For example, the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes at least a motor 1221 (or a first motor 1221a and a second motor 1221b) and a camera mounting member 121, and the motor 1221 can drive the camera mounting member 121 to switch the state of the camera 13. Figures 2, 6, 8, and 10 show specific implementations of the motorized height adjustment mechanism 12.

[0200] In the case of the electric height adjustment mechanism 12, the position of the camera 13 in the first state may be set to a fixed position or may be set to be adjusted according to the requirements of the person in the vehicle. For example, the person in the vehicle may adjust the position of the camera 13 in the first state by controlling the rotation amplitude of the motor 1221. In this way, the image capturing angle and image capturing height of the camera 13 can meet the requirements of different people in the vehicle.

[0201] (2) In some examples, height adjustment mechanism 12 is manual. Height adjustment mechanism 12 is configured to drive camera 13 to switch from the second state to the first state, and the force to switch camera 13 from the first state to the second state must be manually provided by a person in the vehicle.

[0202] For example, the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes an elastic drive member. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212. When the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member 121 drives the elastic drive member until the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked, causing energy to be stored, and the camera 13 is switched to the second state. When the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in the second state, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked, and the elastic drive member drives the camera mounting member 121, driving the camera 13 to switch to the first state.

[0203] 3 to 5, 7, 9 and 11 show specific implementations of the manual height adjustment mechanism 12. Correspondingly, the elastic drive member is an elastic member 1223, a torsion spring 1224, or a first torsion spring 1224a and a second torsion spring 1224b.

[0204] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a camera mounting bracket. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 12 , the camera mounting bracket includes a support member 11 and a height adjustment mechanism 12. The support member 11 is configured to be fixed to an upper portion of a vehicle cockpit. The height adjustment mechanism 12 has a camera mounting member 121. The camera mounting member 121 is configured to mount a camera 13. The height adjustment mechanism 12 is configured to switch the camera mounting member 121 between a first state and a second state. The height of the camera mounting member 121 in the first state is lower than the height of the camera mounting member 121 in the second state, and in the first state, the camera mounting member 121 is located lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror 3.

[0205] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera 13 is mounted by using a camera mounting bracket, so that when image capture is required, the camera mounting member 121 can be switched to a first state via the height adjustment mechanism 12. In the first state, the camera mounting member 121 is located lower than the vehicle's rearview mirror 3, so that the camera 13 can perform image capture at a good image capture angle and obtain high-quality images of people inside the vehicle.

[0206] When image capture is not required, the camera mounting member 121 may be switched to a second state via the height adjustment mechanism 12, thereby reducing the impact of the camera mounting bracket and camera 13 on the field of view of persons inside the vehicle.

[0207] In some examples, the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to the side of the rearview mirror 3 facing away from the mirror surface.

[0208] In some examples, the support member 11 is configured to be secured to the windshield 2 of the vehicle.

[0209] In some examples, the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to a mirror rod 31 of the rearview mirror 3.

[0210] In some examples, the support member 11 is a bracket.

[0211] In some examples, support member 11 includes a housing, and support member 11 has a cavity configured to accommodate height adjustment mechanism 12. In a first state, camera mounting member 121 is located outside the housing, and in a second state, the camera mounting member is located inside the housing.

[0212] In some examples, when the camera 13 is mounted on the camera mounting member 121, in the first state the camera 13 faces towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0213] In some examples, when the camera 13 is attached to the camera attachment member 121, in the first state, the difference in height between the rearview mirror 3 and the camera 13 is less than 100 mm.

[0214] In some examples, when the camera 13 is mounted on the camera mounting member 121, in the first state the camera 13 is flush with the iris.

[0215] In some examples, the camera mounting member 121 in the first state protrudes further rearward from the vehicle than the camera mounting member 121 in the second state.

[0216] In some examples, when camera 13 is mounted on camera mounting member 121, in the second state camera 13 is blocked.

[0217] In some examples, when camera 13 is mounted on camera mounting member 121, in the second state camera 13 is hidden.

[0218] In some examples, the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes a camera mounting member 121 and a drive mechanism 122. The camera mounting member 121 is slidably connected to the support member 11. The drive mechanism 122 is separately connected to the support member 11 and the camera mounting member 121, and the drive mechanism 122 is configured to drive the camera mounting member 121 to slide.

[0219] In some examples, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121 is inclined relative to the vertical direction, and the camera mounting member 121 gradually approaches the rear of the vehicle as the camera mounting member 121 slides from the second state to the first state.

[0220] In some examples, the included angle between the sliding direction of camera mounting member 121 and the horizontal plane is greater than 15° and less than 45°.

[0221] In some examples, the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121 is vertical.

[0222] In some examples, the drive mechanism 122 includes a motor 1221 and an elevator mechanism 1222. The motor 1221 is fixed to the support member 11 and is connected to the camera mounting member 121 via the elevator mechanism 1222.

[0223] In some examples, the lifting mechanism 1222 includes a lead screw 12221 and a nut 12222. The lead screw 12221 is power-transmittingly connected to the motor 1221, and the lead screw 12221 is parallel to the sliding direction of the camera mounting member 121. The nut 12222 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121 and cooperates with the lead screw 12221.

[0224] In some examples, the drive mechanism 122 includes an elastic member 1223, and both ends of the elastic member 1223 press against the support member 11 and the camera mounting member 121, respectively. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212.

[0225] The drive mechanism 122 is configured such that when the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member 121 presses and compresses the elastic member 1223 until the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked, and when the camera mounting member 121 is switched to the second state or the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in the second state, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked and the elastic member 1223 drives the camera mounting member 121 to slide to the first state.

[0226] In some examples, the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes a camera mounting member 121 and a drive mechanism 122. The camera mounting member 121 is connected to the support member 11 via the drive mechanism 122, and the drive mechanism 122 is configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member 121.

[0227] In some examples, the drive mechanism 122 includes a motor 1221 , the motor 1221 is fixed to the support member 11 , and the rotation shaft 12211 of the motor 1221 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121 .

[0228] In some examples, the drive mechanism 122 includes a rotating shaft 12211 and a torsion spring 1224. The camera mounting member 121 is rotatably connected to the support member 11 via the rotating shaft 12211. The torsion spring 1224 is sleeve-connected to the rotating shaft 12211, and two torsion arms press the support member 11 and the camera mounting member 121, respectively. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212.

[0229] The drive mechanism 122 is configured such that when the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member 121 drives the torsion spring 1224 to store energy until the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked, and when the camera mounting member 121 is switched to the second state or the camera mounting member 121 is pressed in the second state, the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked and the torsion spring 1224 drives the camera mounting member 121 to rotate to the first state.

[0230] In some examples, the height adjustment mechanism 12 includes a camera mounting member 121, a first drive mechanism 122a, a second drive mechanism 122b, and a connecting rod 123. The camera 13 is fixed to the camera mounting member 121. The first drive mechanism 122a is disposed on the support member 11 and connected to the second drive mechanism 122b via the connecting rod 123. The first drive mechanism 122a is configured to drive and rotate the connecting rod 123. The second drive mechanism 122b is transmission-connected to the camera mounting member 121 and configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member 121. In the first state, the connecting rod 123 rotates upward to a first upper target position, and the camera mounting member 121 rotates upward to a second upper target position. In the second state, the connecting rod 123 rotates downward to a first downward target position, and the camera mounting member 121 rotates downward to a second downward target position.

[0231] In some examples, the first drive mechanism 122a includes a first motor 1221a, and the second drive mechanism 122b includes a second motor 1221b. The first motor 1221a is fixed to the support member 11, and a first rotation shaft 12211a of the first motor 1221a is fixed to the connecting rod 123. The second motor 1221b is disposed on the connecting rod 123, and a second rotation shaft 12211b of the second motor 1221b is fixed to the camera mounting member 121.

[0232] In some examples, the first drive mechanism 122a includes a first rotating shaft 12211a and a first torsion spring 1224a, and the second drive mechanism 122b includes a second rotating shaft 12211b and a second torsion spring 1224b. The connecting rod 123 is rotatably connected to the support member 11 via the first rotating shaft 12211a. The first torsion spring 1224a is sleeve-connected to the first rotating shaft 12211a, and two torsion arms press against the support member 11 and the connecting rod 123, respectively. The camera mounting member 121 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 123 via the second rotating shaft 12211b. The second torsion spring 1224b is sleeve-connected to the second rotation shaft 12211b, and the two torsion arms respectively press the connecting rod 123 and the camera mounting member 121. The support member 11 has a first latch 112, and the camera mounting member 121 has a second latch 1212. The first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are unlocked in a first state, and the first latch 112 and the second latch 1212 are locked in a second state.

[0233] Please note that for the specific content of the camera mounting bracket, please refer to the relevant content of the vehicle-mounted camera module 1, and the details will not be described again here.

[0234] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a vehicle, which includes the above-described vehicle-mounted camera module 1 or the above-described camera mounting bracket.

[0235] In some examples, the support member 11 of the in-vehicle camera module 1 or the camera mounting bracket is fixed to the side of the rearview mirror 3 facing away from the mirror surface. For example, the support member 11 is fixed to the windshield 2 of the vehicle, or the support member 11 is configured to be fixed to the mirror rod 31 of the rearview mirror 3.

[0236] The terms used in the implementations of the present disclosure are used only to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the implementations of the present disclosure should have the common meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as "first," "second," etc. used in the specification and claims of the present disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are intended only to distinguish between different components. Similarly, "a / an," "one," etc. are not intended to denote a limitation of quantity, but are intended to indicate the presence of at least one. Terms such as "include" and "comprise" mean that the elements or objects before "include" or "comprise" encompass the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," and "right" only denote relative positions. If the absolute positions of the described objects change, the relative positions may change accordingly. "A plurality of" means two or more, unless expressly limited otherwise.

[0237] The foregoing description is only an optional embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the principle of the present disclosure should fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle camera module, the in-vehicle camera module comprising: a support member; a height adjustment mechanism; and a camera; the support member is configured to be fixed to an upper portion of a vehicle cockpit; the camera is connected to the support member via the height adjustment mechanism, the height adjustment mechanism being configured to switch the camera between a first state and a second state; a height of the camera in the first state is lower than a height of the camera in the second state, and in the first state, the camera is lower than a rearview mirror of the vehicle; In-vehicle camera module.

2. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the support member is configured to be fixed to a side of the rearview mirror facing away from a mirror surface.

3. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the first state, a difference in height between the rearview mirror and the camera is less than 100 mm.

4. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 , wherein in the first state, the camera is flush with an iris.

5. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 , wherein the camera in the first state protrudes rearward of the vehicle relative to the camera in the second state.

6. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 , wherein in the first state, the camera is located below the rearview mirror.

7. The vehicle-mounted camera module of claim 1 , wherein in the second state, the camera is blocked.

8. The vehicle camera module according to claim 1 , wherein in the second state, the camera is in a hidden state.

9. the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member and a drive mechanism; the camera mounting member is slidably connected to the support member, the drive mechanism is separately connected to the support member and the camera mounting member, and the drive mechanism is configured to drive the camera mounting member to slide; The camera is fixed to the camera mounting member. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 .

10. 10. The in-vehicle camera module of claim 9, wherein the sliding direction of the camera mounting member is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and the camera gradually slides toward the rear of the vehicle as the camera slides from the second state to the first state.

11. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 9 , wherein the sliding direction of the camera mounting member is a vertical direction.

12. the drive mechanism includes a motor and a lifting mechanism; the motor is fixed to the support member and connected to the camera mounting member via the lifting mechanism; The vehicle-mounted camera module according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. the lifting mechanism includes a lead screw and a nut; the lead screw is connected to the motor, and the lead screw is parallel to the sliding direction of the camera mounting member; the nut is secured to the camera mounting member and cooperates with the lead screw; The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 12.

14. the driving mechanism includes an elastic member, both ends of which press against the support member and the camera mounting member, respectively; the support member has a first latch and the camera mounting member has a second latch; The drive mechanism includes: When the camera mounting member is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member presses and compresses the resilient member until the first latch and the second latch are locked, and the camera is switched to the second state; or When the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first latch and the second latch are unlocked, and the elastic member drives the camera to slide to the first state. The in-vehicle camera module according to claim 9 , configured as follows:

15. the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member and a drive mechanism; the camera mounting member is connected to the support member via the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is configured to drive and rotate the camera mounting member; The camera is fixed to the camera mounting member. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 1 .

16. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 15 , wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor, the motor being fixed to the support member, and a rotation shaft of the motor being fixed to the camera mounting member.

17. the drive mechanism includes a rotating shaft and a torsion spring; the camera mounting member is rotatably connected to the support member via the rotation shaft, the torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press the support member and the camera mounting member, respectively; the support member has a first latch and the camera mounting member has a second latch; The drive mechanism includes: When the camera mounting member is pressed in the first state, the camera mounting member drives the torsion spring to store energy until the first latch and the second latch are locked, and the camera is switched to the second state; or When the camera mounting member is pressed in the second state, the first latch and the second latch are unlocked, and the torsion spring drives the camera to rotate to the first state. The in-vehicle camera module according to claim 15, configured as follows:

18. the height adjustment mechanism includes a camera mounting member, a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, and a connecting rod; the camera is fixed to the camera mounting member; the first drive mechanism is disposed on the support member and connected to the second drive mechanism via the connecting rod, the first drive mechanism being configured to drive the connecting rod to rotate; the second drive mechanism is transmission-connected to the camera mounting member, and the second drive mechanism is configured to drive the camera mounting member to rotate; In the first state, the connecting rod rotates downward to a first lower target position and the camera mounting member rotates downward to a second lower target position; In the second state, the connecting rod rotates upward to a first upper target position, and the camera mounting member rotates upward to a second upper target position. The vehicle-mounted camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

19. the first drive mechanism includes a first motor, and the second drive mechanism includes a second motor; the first motor is fixed to the support member, and a first rotation shaft of the first motor is fixed to the connecting rod; the second motor is disposed on the connecting rod, and a second rotation shaft of the second motor is fixed to the camera mounting member; The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 18.

20. the first drive mechanism includes a first rotation shaft and a first torsion spring, and the second drive mechanism includes a second rotation shaft and a second torsion spring; The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the support member via the first rotation shaft, the first torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the first rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press the support member and the connecting rod, respectively; the camera mounting member is rotatably connected to the connecting rod via the second rotation shaft, the second torsion spring is sleeve-connected to the second rotation shaft, and two torsion arms press the connecting rod and the camera mounting member, respectively; the support member has a first latch, the camera mounting member has a second latch, the first latch and the second latch are unlocked in the first state, and the first latch and the second latch are locked in the second state; The vehicle-mounted camera module according to claim 18.

21. A camera mounting bracket, the camera mounting bracket comprising a support member and a height adjustment mechanism; the support member is configured to be fixed to an upper portion of a vehicle cockpit; the height adjustment mechanism has a camera mounting member, the camera mounting member configured to mount a camera, and the height adjustment mechanism configured to switch the camera mounting member between a first state and a second state; a height of the camera mounting member in the first state is lower than a height of the camera mounting member in the second state, and in the first state, the camera mounting member is located at a position lower than a rearview mirror of the vehicle. Camera mounting bracket.

22. the height adjustment mechanism includes the camera mounting member and a drive mechanism, the camera mounting member is slidably connected to the support member, and the drive mechanism is separately connected to the support member and the camera mounting member, and the drive mechanism is configured to drive the camera mounting member to slide.

22. The camera mounting bracket of claim 21.

23. 23. The camera mounting bracket of claim 22, wherein a sliding direction of the camera mounting member is inclined with respect to a vertical direction, and the camera mounting member gradually approaches the rear of the vehicle as the camera mounting member slides from the second state to the first state.

24. A vehicle comprising an in-vehicle camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 20 or a camera mounting bracket according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

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