Automobile camera having a dedicated lens heater, and an automobile

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camera (4) for an automobile (1) having a housing (23), the housing (23) defining a receiving space (24) in which a lens module (9) of the camera (4) and a circuit board (25) of the camera (4) are arranged, the camera (4) including a heater (11) for heating the lens module (9), whereby a gap (32) is formed between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), and a support plate (28) of the camera (4) supports the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9). a support plate (28) arranged between a lens module (9) and the heater (11), the support plate (28) comprising first electrical contact areas (29, 30) to which electrical lines (12, 12a, 12b) of the heater (11) can be connected and / or the support plate (28) comprising second electrical contact areas (33, 34) to which electrical contact elements (35, 36) arranged on the circuit board (25) can be connected, whereby energy can be transmitted from the circuit board (25) to the lens module (9) so that heating of the lens module (9) by the heater (11) is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to cameras for motor vehicles. The camera comprises an exterior housing or a housing. The receiving space of the camera is defined by this housing. The lens module of the camera and the circuit board of the camera are arranged in the receiving space. Furthermore, the camera comprises a heater for heating the lens module.

Background Art

[0002] Cameras arranged in motor vehicles are known in a variety of configurations. In this context, cameras are known to be formed and arranged for capturing the surrounding environment of a motor vehicle. However, cameras can also be used to capture the interior space of a vehicle and are accordingly arranged. In this context, cameras are subject to and must withstand various influences. This relates in particular to the influence of extreme temperature changes and / or a highly variable ambient environment. Furthermore, cameras are also subject to mechanical stress due to vibrations during vehicle movement, but must withstand this permanently. In this context, it is also required that the cameras can operate highly functionally even under such circumstances and that sufficiently good image capture is possible. The images are provided to a driver assistance system, and it is evaluated whether the driver assistance system operates based on this image information and, optionally, how it operates.

[0003] In the case of such extremely compactly configured cameras for motor vehicles, it is known that the exterior housing is formed from separate housing parts, namely from a housing top and a housing bottom. These housing parts are assembled to form a receiving space inside for further parts, in particular for the lens module and at least one circuit board.

[0004] Such a camera heater for heating a lens module in particular is also known. In this regard, reference may be made, for example, to DE 10 2015 111 281 A1 and DE 10 2015 116 926 A1. Similarly, an automotive camera having a heater for a lens is known, for example, from US 2020 / 0314311 A1. Furthermore, it is provided that the heater itself comprises a ring which can heat the lens by directly abutting against the back side of the lens. A strip installed axially or stepwise inside the housing and connected to the electrical contacts of the circuit board projects from this ring arranged on the lens module. The ring is integrally formed with the strip.

[0005] In compact cameras in automotive technology, sharp image capture is particularly important. For this reason, it is also important that the optical path of the camera formed between the image sensor of the camera and at least one lens of the camera can be maintained particularly clean.

[0006] In these heaters, contact is disadvantageous. For this reason, the heating of the lens module can only be done in a restricted manner, while on the other hand the interface where the electrical contacts connect to each other can be impaired. Thereby, the transmission of electrical energy from the energy source to the heater is also selectively impaired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a camera with improved heatability of the lens module of the camera and a motor vehicle having such a camera.

[0008] This object is solved by a camera and a motor vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0009] Aspects of the present invention relate to a camera for a motor vehicle. The camera comprises an exterior housing or a housing. A receiving space is defined by this housing. The lens module of the camera and the circuit board of the camera are arranged in the receiving space. Further, the camera comprises a heater for heating the lens module. The circuit board and the lens module are axially spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the camera. Therefore, for this purpose, an axial gap is formed between the circuit board and the lens module. A support plate is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module. The support plate of the camera is a separate part from the circuit board, the housing, and the lens module. The support plate comprises a first electrical contact area to which the electrical lines of the heater can be connected. These lines are led from the lens module to the first contact area. Additionally or alternatively, the support plate comprises a second electrical contact area different from the first contact area. Electrical contact elements arranged on the circuit board can be connected to these second electrical contact areas. In particular, they are connected to them. Thereby, energy can be transmitted from the circuit board, in particular from an energy source on the circuit board, to the lens module so that the lens module can be heated by the heater.

[0010] In an embodiment, this lens module is connected to the housing by a threaded connection. In an embodiment, the housing comprises a front housing part. This is considered in the longitudinal axis of the camera. The lens module is directly attached to the front housing part. It is directly attached to the front housing part by a threaded connection. For this purpose, the lens module comprises a thread which is screwed into the corresponding thread of the front housing part. In particular, the front housing part comprises a hole, the boundary wall of which comprises this corresponding thread.

[0011] On the one hand, it has a screw connection between the lens module and the housing, and on the other hand, it has lines of a heater fixedly arranged on the lens module. In such a particular embodiment, in the screwed state of the lens module to the housing component, the positions of these lines are not exactly known. Therefore, in such an arrangement, corresponding position problems and connection problems occur. This is because it is very difficult to directly attach, especially weld, these lines of the heater led from the lens module to the circuit board. According to the present invention, in such a configuration, with this additional support plate, these lines from the lens module can be first directly attached, especially soldered, to the electrical first contact area, which is particularly advantageous. For this purpose, when the lens module is screwed into the housing component, the corresponding soldering of these lines to the first contact area can be carried out.

[0012] However, it is also possible to first connect the lens module to the support plate. For this purpose, the lines from the lens module can be first soldered to the first electrical contact area. Then, the entire module can be attached, especially screwed, to the housing component. The electrical interface between the lines of the heater of the lens module and other components is not important. This is because the related support plate is arranged separately from the circuit board and can be arranged more flexibly in this regard.

[0013] Therefore, with this support plate, the lines of the heater led from the lens module no longer connect directly to the circuit board. In this regard, an indirect connection via the support plate is formed.

[0014] The support plate is arranged outside the lens module.

[0015] In an embodiment, the support plate is formed in an annular shape. In particular, this is a ring plate. In the optical path of the camera extending between the lens module and the image sensor of the camera disposed on the circuit board, the support plate is disposed in the gap such that light passes through the hole of the ring plate. Thereby, this optical path is not covered by the support plate or obstructed in other manners.

[0016] In an embodiment, the camera includes a seal. The seal is disposed in the axial gap between the circuit board and the front housing component and / or the lens module. The gap is sealed by the elastic seal from the remaining volume portion of the receiving space in the housing.

[0017] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a camera for a motor vehicle. The camera comprises an exterior housing or a housing. The receiving space of the camera is defined by the housing. The lens module of the camera is arranged in at least a specific area in the receiving space. Further, the circuit board of the camera is arranged in the receiving space. The circuit board and the lens module are arranged axially spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the camera. In particular, the longitudinal axis is also the longitudinal axis of the lens module. A gap or air space is formed between the circuit board and the lens module by this axially spaced arrangement. An elastic seal of the camera is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module. The gap is sealed by the elastic seal from the remaining volume part of the receiving space in the housing. Thus, according to the present invention, a specific partial volume part of the receiving space formed between the rear end part of the lens module and the circuit board in the axial direction is particularly protected. Thus, in particular, a partition wall is virtually formed by the elastic seal, which is a component of the camera separate from the circuit board and the lens module. In particular, this gap through which light is guided internally from the lens module to the image sensor on the circuit board is defined by this elastic seal. Thereby, this gap virtually occurs as a partial volume space of the receiving space defined by the seal. With this configuration, dust and dirt can be preferably avoided from entering this gap. Thereby, the optical path between the lens module and the image sensor on the circuit board can be particularly advantageously protected from dust and dirt in a good manner. By the elastic seal, the boundary of the associated volume part can be formed not only by any kind of partition wall. Furthermore, by realizing this elastic configuration and this separating wall as a seal, a certain deformation is also made possible. Thereby, on the one hand, an undesirable gap between the seal and the circuit board and, on the other hand, an undesirable gap between the seal and the lens module can be avoided even if there is a positional variation between the circuit board and the lens module.

[0018] In an embodiment, the seal is formed as at least a ring portion. This means that the seal is formed circumferentially at least in a specific area in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis. Preferably, this seal is formed as a circumferentially closed ring. Thereby, this gap can be defined in a very advantageous manner completely circumferentially by the seal. Thus, the optical path is substantially completely accommodated by this seal.

[0019] In an embodiment, the seal abuts directly against the upper surface of the circuit board at the first rim. This first rim is the rim facing the circuit board when viewed axially. Thereby, a direct mechanical abutment of this seal against the upper surface of the circuit board is also realized. Thereby, stable mounting of the seal is also made possible.

[0020] In an embodiment, a receptacle for the seal is formed on this upper surface of the circuit board. This receptacle is a groove-shaped recess in the embodiment. The seal extends into this groove-shaped recess at the first rim. Thereby, very accurate positioning of the seal with respect to the circuit board can be achieved on the one hand. Thereby, undesired radial displacement of the seal is prevented. In particular, even when the shape of the seal changes axially, for example, when compressed or expanded, the radial position is maintained relatively accurately with respect to the circuit board. In particular, the first rim of the seal continues to be arranged in a particularly accurate radial position in this embodiment.

[0021] In an embodiment, the housing of the camera comprises a front housing part when viewed in the axial direction. The lens module is arranged in this front housing part. This means that the lens module extends into at least an area of this front housing part. In particular, the lens module is introduced into this front housing part at the opening of the front housing part. In the assembled state, the lens module extends partly inside and partly outside the front housing part. Preferably, the front housing part comprises a contact surface facing the circuit board. The elastic seal abuts against this contact surface at the second rim. The second rim faces the first rim of this seal when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Thus, in this embodiment, direct mechanical contact between the seal and the housing part can be achieved as well. This also supports a stable and positionally reliable arrangement of the seal. In this way, the seal is arranged substantially directly between the circuit board and the housing part.

[0022] It can be assumed that this contact surface of the front housing part comprises a receptacle for this second rim of the seal. This second receptacle can be a groove-shaped recess in an embodiment. This also allows the seal to be arranged on this contact surface with the second rim recessed at least in a specific area.

[0023] In an embodiment, in the final assembled state, the seal is arranged compressed axially between the circuit board and the contact surface. This improves on the one hand the positionally reliable mechanical arrangement and on the other hand the dust-proof housing of the gap.

[0024] In an embodiment, in the gap, the optical path of the camera extending between the image sensor of the camera and the bottom surface of the lens module facing the image sensor is separated from the remaining volume space of the housing in a dust-proof manner by the seal at least in a specific area. The image sensor is arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board. Thereby, this optical path between the lens module and the image sensor is particularly advantageously protected from dust and dirt.

[0025] In an embodiment, the lens module comprises a receiving sleeve. At least one lens of this lens module is arranged in this receiving sleeve. The carrier sleeve of the lens module is, in particular, a separate part from the housing, in particular the front housing part.

[0026] In an embodiment, the elastic seal is arranged, in particular non - removably, on the support plate of the camera. The support plate is, in particular, an annular support plate. In particular, it has a higher rigidity than the seal. This separate support plate provides a part on which the seal can be attached first. Thereby, in an embodiment, an undesired deformation of the seal in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis is avoided. In that the support plate is formed annularly, it has a hole. This is advantageous in that the optical path between the circuit board and the bottom surface of the lens module facing this circuit board is not covered. Thus, this annular support plate is particularly positioned so that the optical path between the image sensor of the camera and the bottom surface of the lens module is not covered. This support plate is, in particular, integrally formed. This is a separate part from the lens module, the circuit board, and the housing. In particular, this annular support plate is received in the receiving space of the housing. In particular, it is completely received therein. Axially, this annular support plate is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module. In an embodiment, the elasticity of the seal is greater than, in particular much greater than, the elasticity of the support plate. In an embodiment, the support plate is dimensionally stable, in particular compared to the seal.

[0027] In an embodiment, the support plate is arranged on the lens module, in particular on the rear surface of the lens module. The gap between the circuit board and the support plate is, in particular, sealed against the remaining volume area of the receiving space. In an embodiment, the support plate, in particular the front surface of the support plate, is arranged directly on the front housing part.

[0028] In an embodiment, the support plate can be a functional part. In this context, it can be used as a support member for additional parts.

[0029] In an embodiment, the seal is arranged at the outer edge of the support plate. In this context, the outer edge connects the flat upper surface and the flat lower surface of the support plate. Thus, the outer edge represents a narrow rim of the support plate. With such a configuration, the seal is arranged in fact directly at least in a specific area around the support plate on the rim side in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the associated stabilizing effect is supported especially in the radial direction of the seal. Further, when viewed axially, the upper rim and the lower rim of this seal are exposed without being restricted by the support plate with such a configuration. When viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the camera, the seal extends especially laterally of the support plate rather than the support plate itself.

[0030] In an embodiment, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the seal extends beyond the dimensions of the support plate on both sides. Thus, the seal is higher or thicker than the support plate when viewed in this axial direction. Thereby, in an embodiment, an advantageous direct and mechanical contact with the circuit board and / or the front housing parts of the camera can be achieved by this axially cantilevered arrangement of the seal as compared to the support plate.

[0031] In an embodiment, the seal is not arranged at the outer edge of the support plate but on the upper surface of the support plate. In this embodiment, the seal does not extend to both sides of the support plate but only extends from the upper surface towards the circuit board.

[0032] In an embodiment, the support plate is a part separate from the circuit board, the housing of the camera, and the lens module. The support plate is arranged in this gap between the circuit board and the lens module. The support plate is arranged in the receiving space outside the lens module.

[0033] It can be assumed that the support plate is arranged in a non-contact manner with respect to the circuit board and / or in a non-contact manner with respect to the lens module. In this context, it can float and be arranged and supported in the same way in this gap. In this regard, only mechanical contact can be provided from, on the one hand, a seal against the direct circuit board and / or, on the other hand, a seal against the front housing part.

[0034] Thereby, a certain relative mobility of the support plate with respect to the circuit board on the one hand and the housing part on the other hand can also be achieved. Because, due to the direct mechanical arrangement of the seal in the support plate and the certain elastic deformation of this seal, the support plate can move indirectly with respect to the circuit board and / or the housing part due to the deformation of the seal.

[0035] Preferably, the support plate is arranged at a distance from the circuit board but is arranged directly on the housing part.

[0036] In an embodiment, the support plate comprises a first electrical contact area. They are provided with the intention of connecting the electrical line of the heater of the camera. This heater is formed in particular for heating the lens module. Thus, these electrical lines can be connected outside the lens module to these first electrical contact areas. In an embodiment, these lines are led from the lens module to the first contact area. In an embodiment, the support plate comprises a second electrical contact area different from the first electrical contact area. As intended, they are provided in such a way that electrical contact elements arranged on the circuit board can be connected. Thereby, on the one hand, the electrical line of the heater led from the lens module, and on the other hand, an electrical coupling element with which the electrical contact elements arranged on the circuit board can come into contact, are particularly advantageously provided by the support plate. Thus, the support plate constitutes a component for the purpose of practically enabling an intervening contact adapter. This is particularly advantageous in that the electrical lines led from the lens module can be well connected. Unwanted disconnection or poor electrical contact occurring at the interface of the lines led from the lens module in the prior art can thus be avoided. That is, thereby, it is possible to obviate the need to directly connect these electrical lines of the heater led from the lens module to the circuit board itself. This connection, in a conventional configuration, in the case of a direct connection, results in poor electrical contact and the line coming off from the direct coupling with the circuit board.

[0037] In an embodiment, the contact element arranged on the circuit board is a spring contact. Thereby, even if a movement tolerance occurs between the circuit board and the support plate, a permanently stable electrical contact can be obtained. The spring contact is, for example, an angled leaf spring or a spring contact pin. These spring contact pins are also referred to as pogo pins.

[0038] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lines of the heater led from the lens module can be assembled more easily. Making such lines in direct contact connection with the circuit board is very difficult and costly. Regarding assembly, there are difficult requirements in this regard. In particular, when the lens module is screwed into the housing component, it is not precisely known where the lines of the heater extending from the lens module are actually located. Therefore, especially in such a configuration, it is difficult to solder these lines directly to the circuit board.

[0039] With this separate support plate, the assembly can be carried out in a very advantageous manner of soldering the lines from the lens module to a predetermined electrical contact area on the support plate. In particular, this pre-assembled module is provided, and immediately afterwards, the corresponding contact with the circuit board can be carried out. Therefore, if the corresponding screw connection is provided, the lens module can be easily screwed into the front housing component. Thereafter, soldering of the lines of the heater led from the lens module to the correspondingly provided contact area on the support plate can be carried out. Since the position of the lines after the lens module is screwed into the front housing component is more subordinate to the said position in this regard, here too, a simple connection, especially soldering, to these contact areas on the support plate can be easily carried out. An additional contact area provided additionally on the support plate, and then a further contact area provided for making electrical contact with the second electrical contact area, enables positional separation to be achieved simply and reliably in this regard. Nevertheless, a high-performance and safe path from, for example, an energy source arranged on the circuit board to the heater of the lens module is made possible. This contact of the circuit board to the second electrical contact area on the support plate can then be achieved simply and reliably in the assembly method.

[0040] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a camera according to the above aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The camera can be installed on the motor vehicle to capture the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle. However, it can also be a camera that captures the interior space of the motor vehicle, i.e., the passenger compartment.

[0041] The camera can be a component of the electronic vehicle guidance system of the motor vehicle.

[0042] An embodiment of an aspect of the present invention is also an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention.

[0043] Further features of the present invention are apparent from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and combinations of features described above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features described hereinafter in the description of the drawings, and / or the features and combinations of features shown alone in the drawings, can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments are also considered to be included and disclosed in the present invention. These embodiments are not explicitly shown and described in the drawings, but can result from and be generated by combinations of features distinct from the described embodiments. Also, as a result of considering the embodiments and combinations of features to be disclosed, they do not constitute all of the features of the originally formulated independent claims. Furthermore, the embodiments and combinations of features are considered to be disclosed by the above-described embodiments that particularly exceed or deviate from the combinations of features defined in relation to the claims.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail based on schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] In the drawings, the same or functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0047] In FIG. 1, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention is shown in a top view of an embodiment. Here, the motor vehicle 1 is formed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle 1 comprises an electronic vehicle guidance system, i.e. a driver assistance system 2. The driver assistance system 2 comprises a control unit 3 formed, for example, by an electronic controller of the motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, the driver assistance system 2 comprises at least one camera 4. In the present embodiment, the driver assistance system 2 comprises four cameras distributed in the motor vehicle 1. Currently, one of the cameras 4 is arranged in the rear area 5 of the motor vehicle 1, one of the cameras 4 is arranged in the front area 7, and the remaining two cameras 4 are arranged in the respective side areas 6, in particular in the area of the side mirrors. Currently, the number and arrangement of the cameras 4 of the driver assistance system 2 are to be understood purely by way of example.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, at least one camera may be provided that is configured and arranged to capture the interior space of the motor vehicle 1, i.e., the passenger compartment. The camera is in particular installed so as to be assembled to individual motor vehicle parts. The motor vehicle parts can be, for example, a bumper, or an exterior mirror, or a side trim. The motor vehicle parts can also be, for example, a headliner, or an interior trim, or a cover of a steering wheel center, or a rearview mirror. The motor vehicle parts are to be understood by way of example only, and alternative motor vehicle parts may also exist. Thus, it is only stated that the motor vehicle parts can be formed in a very diverse manner with respect to their positional arrangement and material composition.

[0049] In an embodiment, the ambient environment area 8 of the motor vehicle 1 can be captured by the camera 4. Preferably, the four cameras 4 are identically formed in terms of their configuration. In particular, an image sequence, i.e., video data, depicting the ambient environment area 8 can be provided by the camera 4. This video data can be transmitted from the camera 4 to the control unit 3. By the control unit 3, a display device of the motor vehicle 1, not shown here, can be controlled such that the video data of the camera 4 can be displayed to the driver. Thus, the driver assistance system 2 serves to assist the driver of the motor vehicle 1 in driving the motor vehicle 1. The driver assistance system 2 can be, for example, a so-called electronic rearview mirror, or a parking assistance system, or another system. This can also be formed inside to capture a person, in particular the driver of the vehicle.

[0050] In FIG. 2, the lens module 9 of the camera 4 is shown in perspective view. This lens module 9 comprises a module housing 10. At least one lens is arranged therein. Preferably, a plurality of lenses are arranged therein.

[0051] In this embodiment, the camera 4 also includes a heater 11 for heating the lens module 9. For this purpose, a line 12 of this heater 11 is provided. These are arranged on the lens module 9 and can heat the lens arranged therein. The heating line is led from the lens module 9 at the rear surface, i.e., the back surface 13, of the lens module. The lens module 9 has a longitudinal axis A. In this embodiment, this is also the longitudinal axis of the camera 4 at the same time. The rear surface, i.e., the back surface 13, of the lens module 9 is arranged on the housing when the lens module 9 is installed in the housing of the camera 4. Therefore, the line 12 is arranged on the housing of the camera 4.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows the lens module 9 according to FIG. 2. Here, the front housing component 14 of the overall housing, which can also be referred to as the outer housing of the camera 4, is further shown. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the lens module 9, particularly the module housing 10, has a thread 16 on the outer surface 15. The lens module 9 is screwed into the opening 17 of the front housing component 14 by this thread 16. For this purpose, a corresponding thread 19, which is not visible in FIG. 3, is formed on the inner surface 18 of this hole, i.e., the through portion 17. FIG. 3 shows the final state of the lens module 9 screwed into the front housing component 14. In this state, the lens module 9 extends partially into the housing, passes partially through the through portion 17, and extends out of the housing, and thus out of the front housing component 14 to the outside.

[0053] FIG. 3 also shows a plurality of connecting elements 19, 20, 21, 22. These are components of the front housing component 14. In particular, these are provided for the mechanical coupling of this housing of the camera 4 to a rear housing component 37 (FIG. 5), which is not shown here. The front housing component 14 and the rear housing component adjacent to it axially at the rear are separate components in this regard.

[0054] Figure 4 shows a camera 4 having the components according to Figure 3. Again, the housing 23 of the camera 4 is shown as having only the front housing part 14. Again, the rear housing part 37 is not shown. The rear housing part is axially adjacent to the front housing part 14. A receiving space 24 is formed between the front housing part 14 and the rear housing part. The circuit board 25 is disposed in this receiving space 24. As is clear, the front housing part 14 is shown in a perspective cross-section. The image sensor 27, which is only schematically shown in Figure 4, is disposed on the upper surface 26 of the circuit board 25 facing the lens module 9. It faces the rear surface, i.e., the back surface 13 of the lens module 9. Also clear are the lines 12a and 12b of the heater 11 extending away from the lens module 9. Here, these lines 12a and 12b are attached to the support plate 28. In particular, they are welded to the first electrical contact areas 29 and 30 (Figure 7). Thus, these lines 12a and 12b terminate at this support plate 28. In Figures 4 and 5, the support plate 28 is shown in a non-cross-sectional view. Here, the support plate 28 is an integral separate part. It is a part separate from both the lens module 9, the circuit board 25, and the housing parts 14, 37. In Figures 4 and 5, the lens module 9 is shown in a non-cross-sectional view.

[0055] Here, the support plate 28 is formed as a ring plate. In this context, it has a through-hole 31 or a corresponding hole. Thereby, the optical path between the image sensor 27 and the rear surface 13 of the lens module 9 is not impaired.

[0056] Figure 5 shows an enlarged portion of Figure 4. Further, a very schematic view of the rear housing part 37 is shown in Figure 5.

[0057] As is clear in FIGS. 6 and 7, these electrical contact areas 29 and 30 are here formed as circumferential ring portions. Here, they are arranged concentrically with each other. In fact, they are formed as conductive tracks. In this context, they are formed on the rear surface 28a of this support plate 28 facing the circuit board 25. Therefore, lines 12a and 12b extend from the lens module 9, pass through the through portion 31, and are directly soldered to the first electrical contact areas 29 and 30 of this rear surface 28a.

[0058] In that these first electrical contact areas 29 and 30 are formed as circumferential conductive tracks, the positions in the circumferential direction centered on the longitudinal axis A between the lens module 9 and the support plate 28 are subordinate. Therefore, when screwing the lens module 9 into the first front housing component 14, this final reaching position of the lens module 9 is subordinate compared to the support plate 28. A direct connection to these first electrical connection areas 29 and 30 of lines 12a and 12b, especially their ends, can in fact occur at each azimuthal position in the circumferential direction centered on the longitudinal axis A. This is a further essential advantage. Because the relative rotational positions of the lens module 9 centered on this longitudinal axis A, and thus the lines 12a and 12b fixedly arranged thereon, and the first electrical contact areas 29 and 30 are thus subordinate. At practically each azimuthal position between the support plate 28 and the lens module 9, corresponding direct contact between these ends of the lines 12a and 12b and these ring portions can occur corresponding to the first electrical contact areas 29 and 30.

[0059] Furthermore, as is clear in FIG. 4, the support plate 28 is arranged at a distance from the lens module 9 and / or from the circuit board 25 when viewed axially in the embodiment. Therefore, in this regard, this support plate 28 is arranged in the gap 32 formed in the axial direction between the circuit board 25 and the rear surface 13 of the lens module 9.

[0060] Furthermore, as is also clear from the perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 and the perspective view of the support plate 28 of FIG. 7, this support plate 28 is provided with second electrical contact areas 33 and 34, particularly at the rear surface 28a. Here, a larger contact surface is formed only locally. These are each connected at this point to the ends 29a and 30a of the linear or ring-shaped first electrical contact areas 29 and 30. At this point, they transition directly to the corresponding first electrical contact areas 29 and 30. These second electrical contact areas 33 and 34 are provided so as to enable a direct electrical connection to electrical contact elements arranged on the circuit board 25. Exemplary electrical contact elements 35 and 36 are shown in FIG. 6 at this point. Here, they are formed as spring contact pins, particularly pogo pins. As is clear in FIG. 6, these contact elements 35, 36 are arranged directly on the upper surface 26 and, on the other hand, are in direct contact with these second electrical contact areas 33 and 34.

[0061] In contrast, a further embodiment in which spring contacts are likewise provided is shown in FIG. 4. Here, they are formed not as pogo pins but as leaf spring elements. These are a further example for the electrical contact elements 35, 36 and are likewise in contact with the second electrical contact areas 33, 34. Thereby, axial elasticity of the contact elements 35, 36 is likewise made possible.

[0062] In an embodiment, it can be assumed that an energy source is arranged on the circuit board 25. Thereby, energy is transmitted to the support plate 28 via these electrical contact elements 35, 36 and from there via the second electrical contact areas 33, 34 and the first electrical contact areas 29 and 30 to the lines 12a and 12b. Thereby, it becomes possible to provide heating energy to the lens module 9 and the lens arranged therein is heated.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows the camera 4 in a perspective view together with a further rear housing part 37.

[0064] In an embodiment, as is also clear in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the camera 4 comprises an elastic seal 38. The elastic seal 38 is arranged axially between the circuit board 25 and the lens module 9. Thereby, the gap 32 is separated from the remaining volume space of the receiving space 24 of the camera 4 at least in a specific area by this elastic seal 38. Accordingly, this gap 32 is well protected from the ingress of dust and dirt. Thereby, the optical path generated between the image sensor 27 and the rear surface 13 of the lens module 9 can be maintained in a cleaner state.

[0065] As is also clear in FIG. 6, the opening 31 of the support plate 28 formed as a ring plate is accurately positioned so that this optical path is not obstructed by the support plate 28.

[0066] In an embodiment in which the support plate 28 is also present, the elastic seal 38 can be arranged directly on this support plate 28. In this context, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, this can be arranged on the outer rim edge 39. Accordingly, this elastic seal 38 can be at least partially formed as a peripheral wall on this outer rim 39. In particular, this can be overmolded on this outer rim 39, for example. The elastic seal 38 has a greater elasticity than the support plate 28.

[0067] In the illustrated example, this elastic seal 38 is formed circumferentially around the outer rim 39 of the support plate 28 in particular. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when viewed axially, the elastic seal 38 is arranged in direct contact with the upper surface 26 of the circuit board 25 at the first rim 38a.

[0068] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a receptacle, in particular a groove-shaped recess 40, can be formed in this upper surface 26 of the circuit board 25. And the first rim 38a of this elastic seal 38 can engage therewith.

[0069] In an embodiment, the elastic seal 38 can directly abut against the abutment surface 41 of the front housing part 14. This is shown in the perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. For this purpose, the second rim 38b of the seal 38 that axially faces the first rim 38a directly abuts against this abutment surface 41 in the embodiment. In an embodiment, it can be assumed that a receptacle, in particular a groove-shaped recess 42, is formed in this abutment surface 41. The second rim 38b can extend therein.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the elastic seal 38 is directly connected to the support plate 28 such that the elastic seal 38 extends axially beyond the thickness of the support plate 28 on both sides. Thereby, in the illustrated embodiment, the seal 38 directly abuts against the circuit board 25 and directly abuts against the front housing part 14 at its opposing rims 38a and 38b. In this regard, the support plate 28 is arranged at a distance from the circuit board 25 and / or the abutment surface 41 and thus in a non-contact manner. Thus, the support plate 28 can be arranged at a distance from these said parts axially. In this regard, a specific floating support is also possible.

[0071] In this embodiment, the seal 38 is fixedly connected to the support plate 28. In this regard, it cannot be removed from the support plate 28 without being destroyed.

[0072] Embodiments are also possible in which the groove-shaped recesses 40 and / or 42 do not exist.

[0073] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the seal 38 is arranged only on the rear surface 28a. The seal 38 extends only on one side of the support plate 28. The seal 38 extends in a direction from the rear surface 28a towards the circuit board 25. In FIG. 5, the seal 38 is on the front surface of the circuit board 25. The support plate 28 is on the abutment surface 41.

Claims

1. A camera (4) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a housing (23), wherein a receiving space (24) in which a lens module (9) of the camera (4) and a circuit board (25) of the camera (4) are arranged is defined by the housing (23), the camera (4) comprising a longitudinal axis (A) and a heater (11) for heating the lens module (9). In the camera (4), the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9) are arranged axially spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the camera (4), a gap (32) being formed between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), a support plate (28) of the camera (4) being arranged between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), the support plate (28) being a component separate from the circuit board (25), the housing (23) and the lens module (9), the support plate (28) comprising first electrical contact areas (29, 30) to which electrical lines (12, 12a, 12b) of the heater (11) can be connected, these electrical lines (12, 12a, 12b) being led from the lens module (9) to the first electrical contact areas (29, 30) such that energy can be transferred from the circuit board (25) to the lens module (9) for heating the lens module (9) by the heater (11). The support plate (28) is a ring plate, and the support plate (28) is arranged in the gap (32) such that light passes through a hole (31) of the ring plate in an optical path between the lens module (9) and an image sensor (27) of the camera (4) arranged on the circuit board (25). Camera (4), characterized by this.

2. The contact elements (35, 36) arranged on the circuit board (25) are spring contacts. Camera (4) according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. By arranging an elastic seal (38) on the support plate (28), the gap (32) is sealed by the elastic seal (38) from the remaining volume of the receiving space (24). Camera (4) according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The elastic seal (38) is arranged on the support plate (28). The camera (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

5. The elastic seal (38) is a ring, The camera (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

6. The elastic seal (38) directly abuts on the upper surface (26) of the circuit board (25) with a first rim (38a), The camera (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

7. A groove-shaped recess (40) is formed in the upper surface (26) of the circuit board (25), and the elastic seal (38) extends into the groove-shaped recess (40) with the first rim (38a), The camera (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that...

8. The housing (23) includes a front housing component (14) where the lens module (9) is disposed. The front housing component (14) has a contact surface (41) facing the circuit board (25), and the elastic seal (38) abuts on the contact surface (41) with a second rim (38b), The camera (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

9. The contact surface (41) has a groove-shaped recess (42), and the elastic seal (38) extends into the groove-shaped recess (42) with its second rim (38b), The camera (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that...

10. The elastic seal (38) is axially compressed and disposed between the circuit board (25) and the contact surface (41), The camera (4) according to claim 9, characterized in that...

11. In the gap (32), an optical path extends between the image sensor (27) disposed on the upper surface (26) of the circuit board (25) and the bottom surface (13) of the lens module (9), The optical path is separated from the remaining volume part of the receiving space (24) of the housing (23) in a dust-proof manner by the elastic seal (38), The camera (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

12. The elastic seal (38) is disposed on the support plate (28), The camera (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that...

13. The support plate (28) is disposed in a non-contact manner with respect to the circuit board (25) due to the arrangement of the elastic seal (38) and / or is disposed in direct contact with the front housing component (14), The camera (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that...

14. An automobile (1) having the camera (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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