Automotive camera and automobile having a specific seal between the front part of the housing and the circuit board

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camera (4) for a vehicle (1) having 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 bounded by the housing (23), the camera (4) includes a longitudinal axis (A), and the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9) are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) and arranged axially, and accordingly, a gap (32) is formed between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), and an elastic seal (38) is arranged between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), and accordingly, the gap (32) is sealed from the remaining volume space of the housing (23) by the seal (38).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a camera for an automobile. The camera includes an external housing. A housing space for the camera is bounded by this external housing or by this housing. A lens module of the camera and a circuit board of the camera are arranged in the housing space. In particular, the camera also has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is, in particular, the longitudinal axis of the lens module. Background Technology

[0002] Cameras arranged in automobiles are known to exist in various configurations. In this context, it is known that cameras are formed or arranged to capture the vehicle's environment. However, cameras can also be used to capture the vehicle's interior space and are arranged correspondingly within this space. In this context, cameras are exposed to and must withstand a wide variety of influences. This relates particularly to the effects of severe temperature changes and / or severely fluctuating environments. Furthermore, cameras are also exposed to mechanical stress due to vibrations during vehicle movement and must withstand this permanently. In this context, they must be able to operate highly functionally even under these conditions, capture sufficiently good images, and then provide them to driver assistance systems to evaluate whether the driver assistance system operates and, if so, how it operates based on this image information.

[0003] In such a micro-structured automotive camera, the external housing is known to consist of a separate housing component, an upper housing portion, and a lower housing portion. These housing portions are assembled to form an internal space for additional components, in particular a lens module and at least one circuit board.

[0004] Heaters for heating such cameras, particularly lens modules, are also known. Furthermore, reference may be made to, for example, 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. Additionally, the heater itself is provided to include a ring that can directly abut against the rear side of the lens to heat it. A strip protrudes from this ring arranged on the lens module, and this strip is positioned axially or stepped on the inner side of the housing and connected to an electrical contact on a circuit board. The ring is formed integrally with the strip.

[0005] In compact cameras for automotive technology, capturing a clear image is particularly important. Accordingly, it is also important to ensure that the optical path of the camera, formed between the camera's image sensor and one or more lenses, remains very clean.

[0006] In conventional cameras, contamination in this area can cause camera malfunction. The problem to be solved

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a camera for automobiles as well as an automobile, with improved protection against dust and / or contamination of a specific volumetric area within the housing of the camera. means of solving the problem

[0008] The present object is solved by a camera and a vehicle according to an independent claim.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a camera for an automobile. The camera comprises an external housing or a housing. The housing space of the camera is bordered by the housing. A lens module of the camera is arranged in the housing space in at least a specific area. Furthermore, a circuit board of the camera is arranged in the housing space. The circuit board and the lens module are arranged axially spaced apart from each other when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the camera. In particular, the longitudinal axis is also the longitudinal axis of the lens module. This axially spaced arrangement forms a gap or void between the circuit board and the lens module. An elastic seal of the camera is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module. The gap is sealed from the remaining volume of the housing space by the elastic seal. Therefore, the present invention provides that a specific portion of the volume of the housing space formed axially between the rear end of the lens module and the circuit board is particularly protected. In particular, a partition is also formed by the elastic seal, which is a component of the camera separated from the circuit board and the lens module. In particular, this gap, through which light is guided from the lens module to an image sensor on the circuit board, is therefore bordered by this elastic seal. Accordingly, this gap is effectively created as a partial volumetric space of the receiving space bounded by the seal. This configuration prevents dust or foreign matter from entering this gap. Consequently, the optical path between the lens module and the image sensor on the circuit board can be protected from dust and foreign matter in an improved manner, which is particularly advantageous. Due to the elastic seal, it is also possible for the relevant volumetric boundary to be formed by any type of partition. Rather, specific variations are also permitted by implementing this elastic configuration and this separation wall as a seal. This prevents unwanted gaps between the seal and the circuit board on one hand, and between the seal and the lens module on the other, even if the positions of the circuit board and the lens module change.

[0010] In one embodiment, the seal is formed as at least a ring section. This means that the seal is formed circumferentially in a specific area at least along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the seal is formed as a circumferentially closed ring. By doing so, this gap can be completely circumferentially bounded by the seal in a particularly advantageous manner. Thus, the optical path is virtually completely accommodated by this seal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the seal has a first rim that is directly in contact with the upper surface of the circuit board. This first rim is the rim viewed from the axial direction facing the circuit board. By doing so, direct mechanical contact of the seal with the upper surface of the circuit board is realized. This also allows for a stable fit of the seal.

[0012] In one embodiment, a receptacle for the seal is formed on this upper side of the circuit board. In one embodiment, this receptacle is a groove-shaped recess. The seal has a first rim that extends into this groove-shaped recess. By doing so, it is possible to position the seal particularly accurately with respect to the circuit board. This prevents unwanted radial displacement of the seal. In particular, even if the seal undergoes an axial change in shape (e.g., compression or expansion), the radial position on the circuit board can still be maintained relatively accurately. In particular, the first rim of the seal is positioned in a particularly accurate radial position in this embodiment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing of the camera includes a front housing portion viewed from the axial direction. A lens module is arranged in this front housing portion. This means that the lens module extends into this front housing portion in at least a specific area. In particular, the lens module is introduced into the front housing portion, specifically into an opening of this front housing portion. In the assembled state, the lens module extends partly into the front housing portion and partly outwardly. The front housing portion preferably includes a butt surface facing a circuit board. An elastic seal has a second rim that abuts on this butt surface. The second rim is on the opposite side of the first rim of this seal when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Thus, in this embodiment, direct mechanical contact between the seal and the housing portion may be achieved. This also supports a stable and positionally secure arrangement of the seal. Then, the seal is positioned virtually directly between the circuit board and the housing portion.

[0014] This abutting surface of the front housing portion may be provided to include a receptacle for this second rim of the seal. In one embodiment, this second receptacle may be a groove-shaped recess. By this, the seal may also be arranged so that the second rim is recessed in at least a specific area on this abutting surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the seal is arranged to be axially compressed between the circuit board and the abutting surface in the final assembled state. By doing so, on the one hand, the positionally secure mechanical arrangement is improved, and on the other hand, the dust-proof housing of the gap is improved.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the gap, the optical path of the camera extending between the image sensor of the camera and the lower surface of the lens module facing the image sensor is separated from the rest of the volumetric space of the housing in a dust-proof manner by a seal in at least a specific area. The image sensor is arranged on the upper surface of the circuit board. By doing so, this optical path between the lens module and the image sensor is particularly advantageous as it is protected from dust and foreign matter.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lens module includes a receiving sleeve. At least one lens of the lens module is arranged in this receiving sleeve. The carrier sleeve of the lens module is a component distinct from the housing, particularly the front housing portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the elastic seal is arranged particularly inseparably on the support plate of the camera. The support plate is particularly an annular support plate. In particular, it is rigider than the seal. By this individual support plate, a component is provided that allows the seal to be directly attached first. By this, in one embodiment, unwanted deformation of the seal radially with respect to the longitudinal axis is prevented. Since the support plate is formed annularly, it includes a hole. This is advantageous in that the optical path between the circuit board and the lower side of the lens module facing the circuit board is not obscured. Thus, this annular support plate is positioned so that the optical path between the image sensor of the camera and the lower side of the lens module is not obscured. This support plate is particularly formed integrally. It is a component distinct from the lens module, the circuit board, and the housing. In particular, this annular support plate is accommodated in the receiving space of the housing. In particular, it is completely accommodated inside it. In the axial direction, this annular support plate is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module. In one embodiment, the elasticity of the seal is large, particularly much greater than the elasticity of the support plate. In one embodiment, the support plate is dimensionally stable, particularly compared to the seal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support plate is arranged directly on the rear side of the lens module, particularly the rear side of the lens module, and / or the support plate is arranged directly on the front housing portion, particularly on the abutting surface of the front housing portion. The gap between the circuit board and the support plate is sealed, particularly up to the remaining volumetric area of ​​the receiving space. In one embodiment, the support plate, particularly the front side of the support plate, is arranged directly on the front housing portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the support plate may be a functional component. In this context, it may also be used as a support member for additional components.

[0021] In one embodiment, the seal is arranged on the outer edge of the support plate. In this context, the outer edge connects the flat upper side and the flat lower side of the support plate. Thus, the outer edge represents the narrow rim of the support plate. By this configuration, the seal is arranged virtually directly on the support plate, perimeter-encircling the seal on the rim side in at least a specific area. By this, the associated stabilization effect is supported particularly radially by the seal. Furthermore, when viewed axially, the upper and lower rims of the seal are exposed and not restricted by the support plate by this configuration. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the camera, the seal extends particularly further to the side of the support plate than to the support plate itself.

[0022] In one embodiment, the seal extends beyond the dimensions of the support plates on both sides when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Thus, the seal is higher or thicker than the support plates when viewed from this axial direction. Accordingly, in one embodiment, advantageous direct mechanical contact with the circuit board and / or the front housing portion of the camera can be achieved by this axial cantilever arrangement of the seal relative to the support plates.

[0023] In one embodiment, the seal is not arranged on the outer edge of the support plate, but is arranged on the upper surface of the support plate. In this embodiment, the seal does not extend from both sides of the support plate, but extends only from the upper surface to the circuit board.

[0024] In one embodiment, the support plate is a separate component from the circuit board, the camera housing, and the lens module. The support plate is positioned in this gap between the circuit board and the lens module. The support plate is positioned outside the lens module of the receiving space.

[0025] The support plate may be provided to be arranged in a non-contact manner with the circuit board and / or with the lens module. In this context, it may also be arranged to be supported by floating in this gap. In this regard, only mechanical contact may then be provided, where on the one hand, the seal contacts the circuit board directly, or on the other hand, the seal contacts the front housing portion.

[0026] Accordingly, a specific relative mobility of the support plate may be achieved, on the one hand, with respect to the circuit board, and on the other hand, with respect to the housing portion. This is because, due to the direct mechanical arrangement of the seal in the support plate and the specific elastic deformation potential of this seal, the support plate may then move indirectly with respect to the circuit board and / or the housing portion by means of the deformation of the seal.

[0027] Preferably, the support plate is spaced apart from the circuit board but is arranged directly in the front housing portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the support plate includes a first electrical contact area. It is provided as intended to connect the electrical lines of a heater of a camera. This heater is formed specifically to heat a lens module. Thus, these electrical lines can be connected to this first electrical contact area outside the lens module. In one embodiment, these lines extend from the lens module to the first contact area. In one embodiment, the support plate includes a second electrical contact area different from the first electrical contact area. As intended, it is provided that electrical contact elements arranged on a circuit board can be connected. By doing so, the electrical coupling element is provided by the support plate in a particularly advantageous manner, and on the one hand, the electrical lines of the heater extending from the lens module, and on the other hand, the electrical contact elements arranged on the circuit board can be in contact. Thus, the support plate constitutes an objective component, allowing for a contact adapter that is effectively interposed. This is particularly advantageous in that the electrical lines extending from the lens module can thus be connected in an improved manner. Then, unwanted disconnections or electrical contact failures occurring at the interface of these lines extending from the lens module in the prior art can be prevented. In other words, this eliminates the need to directly connect these electrical lines of the heater extending from the lens module to the circuit board itself. This is achieved when electrical contact conditions are poor or when the lines are separated from direct coupling on the circuit board in a conventional configuration.

[0029] In one embodiment, the contact element arranged on the circuit board is a spring contact. This allows for permanently stable electrical contact to be achieved even if a movement tolerance occurs between the circuit board and the support plate. The spring contact may be, for example, an angled plate spring or a spring contact pin. Such a spring contact pin is also called a pogo pin.

[0030] Furthermore, this configuration allows for simpler assembly of the heater line extending from the lens module. Directly connecting such a line to a circuit board is very difficult and costly. From an assembly perspective, there are difficult requirements for this. In particular, regarding automation, specific additional steps are required in this specification. Especially when the lens module is screwed into the housing, it is impossible to know or precisely determine where the heater line exiting the lens module is actually located. Therefore, particularly in this configuration, it is difficult to solder such a line directly to the circuit board.

[0031] With this individual support plate, the assembly can be effective in a particularly advantageous way so that a line from the lens module is soldered to a pre-set electrical contact area on the support plate. In particular, then, this pre-assembled module is provided, and only then is effective contact with the circuit board allowed. Therefore, if a screw connection corresponding to the present specification is provided, the lens module can be simply screwed into the front housing portion. Then, soldering of the line of the heater extending from the lens module to the correspondingly provided contact area on the support plate can then be effective. Since the position of the line after screwing the lens module into the front housing portion is lower in this regard, a simple connection, particularly soldering, to this contact area on the support plate can also be simply effective. Due to an additional contact area on the support plate provided to make electrical contact with a second electrical contact area, position decoupling is achieved virtually simply and reliably in this regard. Nevertheless, a highly functional and safe path is allowed, for example, from an energy source arranged on the circuit board to the heater of the lens module. In this way, bringing the circuit board into contact with the second electrical contact area on the support plate can then be achieved simply and reliably in the assembly method.

[0032] Another independent aspect of the present invention relates to a camera for an automobile. The camera comprises an external housing or a housing. A receiving space is bounded by this housing. A lens module of the camera and a circuit board of the camera are arranged in the receiving space. Furthermore, the camera includes a heater for heating the lens module. 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. Furthermore, 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 component from the circuit board, the housing, and the lens module. The support plate includes a first electrical contact area to which an electrical line of the heater can be connected. Such a line extends from the lens module to the first contact area. Additionally, or instead, the support plate includes a second electrical contact area different from the first contact area. An electrical contact element arranged on the circuit board can be connected to this second electrical contact area. In particular, they are connected to each other. Accordingly, energy can be transferred from a circuit board, particularly an energy source on the circuit board, to the lens module to perform heating of the lens module with a heater.

[0033] In one embodiment, the lens module is connected to the housing by a screw connection. In one embodiment, the housing includes a front housing portion. This should be considered in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the camera. The lens module is directly attached to the front housing portion. It is directly attached to the front housing portion by a screw connection. Furthermore, the lens module includes a threaded portion that is screwed into a matching thread on the front housing portion. In particular, the front housing portion includes a hole, and its boundary wall includes this matching thread.

[0034] In particular, in this embodiment having a screw connection (fixedly arranged on the lens module) between the lens module, the housing on one side, and the line of the heater on the other, the exact position of this line cannot be known when the lens module is screw-coupled to the housing portion. Therefore, if such an arrangement is provided, corresponding position and connection problems arise. This is because it is very difficult to directly attach, in particular, the line of the heater extending from the lens module to the circuit board. According to the present invention, this configuration is particularly advantageous because, by means of this additional support plate, this line from the lens module can first be directly attached, in particular, to the first electrical contact area. Furthermore, it may be effective to correspondingly solder this line to the first contact area when the lens module is screw-coupled to the housing portion.

[0035] However, the lens module may first be connected to a support plate. Then, lines from the lens module may be soldered to a first electrical contact area. Then, the entire module may be attached to a housing part, specifically by screw connection. Then, the electrical interface between the lines of the lens module's heater and other components is not important. This is because the relevant support plate is arranged separately from the circuit board and can be positioned more flexibly in this regard.

[0036] Therefore, due to this support plate, the heater line extending from the lens module is no longer directly connected to the circuit board. In this regard, indirect coupling is formed through the support plate.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support plate is formed in an annular shape. This is specifically a ring plate. The support plate is arranged in a gap so that light from the camera's optical path, extending between the lens module and the image sensor of the camera arranged on the circuit board, passes through the hole in the ring plate. By doing so, this optical path is not obscured or otherwise obstructed by the support plate.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle having a camera as described in the aforementioned aspect or an advantageous embodiment thereof. The camera may be installed in the vehicle to capture the environment of the vehicle. However, it may also be a camera that captures the interior space or cabin of the vehicle.

[0039] The camera can be a component of the vehicle's electronic guidance system.

[0040] An embodiment of one aspect of the present invention is also an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention.

[0041] Further features of the present invention are apparent from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. Features and combinations of features mentioned in the description above, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned in the description of the drawings below or depicted solely in the drawings, may be used in other combinations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments that are not explicitly depicted and described in the drawings but arise from the described embodiments and can be generated by individual combinations of features from the described embodiments should also be considered to be encompassed and disclosed by the present invention. Embodiments and combinations of features should also be considered disclosed, and thus do not include all features of the originally expressed independent claims. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that extend beyond or deviate from the combinations of features described in relation to the claims, in particular, should be considered to be disclosed by the embodiments described above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail based on schematic diagrams. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a camera according to the present invention and an exemplary embodiment of a car according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of some components of an embodiment of a camera according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing of the components of the camera according to FIG. 2, together with the front housing portion of the camera housing. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a camera according to the present invention in a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 5 is a drawing of a camera having an additional rear housing part. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a partial area of ​​the drawing of Figure 4. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of some components of a camera according to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an additional embodiment of a camera according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] In the drawings, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numeral.

[0044] In FIG. 1, the vehicle (1) of the present invention is illustrated in a plan view in one embodiment. In this specification, the vehicle (1) is formed as a passenger car. The vehicle (1) includes an electronic vehicle guidance system or a driver assistance system (2). The driver assistance system (2) includes a control unit (3), which may be formed, for example, by an electronic controller of the vehicle (1). Furthermore, the driver assistance system (2) includes at least one camera (4). In this embodiment, the driver assistance system (2) includes four cameras (4), and the cameras (4) are distributed and arranged in the vehicle (1). Currently, one of the cameras (4) is arranged in the rear area (5), one of the cameras (4) is arranged in the front area (7) of the vehicle (1), and the remaining two cameras (4) are arranged in their respective lateral areas (6), particularly in the area of ​​the side mirror. Currently, the number and arrangement of the cameras (4) of the driver assistance system (2) should be understood purely as an example.

[0045] Additionally or instead, at least one camera may be provided, which is formed and arranged to capture the interior space or cabin of the vehicle (1). The camera is installed specifically to be assembled to individual vehicle components. For example, the vehicle components may be bumpers, exterior mirrors, or side trims. For example, the vehicle components may be headliners, interior trims, interior mirrors, or the cover of the steering wheel center. The vehicle components should be understood only as examples, and alternative vehicle components may exist. This merely expresses that the vehicle components can be formed in a wide variety of positions, arrangements, and material compositions.

[0046] In one embodiment, the environment area (8) of the vehicle (1) can be captured by a camera (4). Preferably, four cameras (4) are formed with the same configuration. In particular, an image sequence or video data describing the environment area (8) can be provided by the camera (4). This video data can be transmitted from the camera (4) to a control unit (3). By the control unit (3), a display device of the vehicle (1), which is not illustrated herein, can be controlled so that the video data from the camera (4) can be displayed to the driver. Thus, the driver assistance system (2) serves to assist the driver of the vehicle (1) in driving the vehicle (1). The driver assistance system (2) may be, for example, a so-called electronic rearview mirror, a parking assistance system, or another system. It may also be formed internally to capture a person, particularly the vehicle driver.

[0047] In FIG. 2, a lens module (9) of a camera (4) is shown in a perspective view. This lens module (9) includes a module housing (10). At least one lens is arranged therein. Preferably, a plurality of lenses are arranged therein.

[0048] In this embodiment, the camera (4) also includes a heater (11) for heating the lens module (9). Furthermore, a line (12) of the heater (11) is provided. These can be arranged in the lens module (9) to heat the lens located therein. The heating line extends from the lens module (9) on the rear side or rear (13) of the lens module (9). The lens module (9) has a longitudinal axis (A). In this embodiment, this is also the longitudinal axis of the camera (4). This rear side or rear (13) of the lens module (9) is arranged within the housing of the camera (4) with the lens module (9) installed within the housing. Thus, the line (12) is arranged in the housing of the camera (4).

[0049] In FIG. 3, a lens module (9) according to FIG. 2 is illustrated. In this specification, a front housing portion (14) of the entire housing, which may also be referred to as an outer housing of the camera (4), is further illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens module (9), specifically the module housing (10), includes a threaded portion (16) on the outer portion (15) as illustrated in FIG. 2. The lens module (9) is screwed into an opening (17) of the front housing portion (14) by this threaded portion (16). Furthermore, a matching threaded portion (19) (Fig. 4), which is not clear in FIG. 3, is formed on the inner surface (18) of this hole or feedthrough (17). Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates the final screwed state of the lens module (9) in the front housing portion (14). In this state, the lens module (9) is partially extended into the housing and partially extended outward through the feedthrough (17) to the outside of the housing, and thus to the outside of the front housing portion (14).

[0050] In FIG. 3, a plurality of connecting elements (19, 20, 21 and 22) are also illustrated. These are components of the front housing portion (14). In particular, they are provided to mechanically couple to the rear housing portion (37) (Fig. 5) (not illustrated herein) of this housing of the camera (4). The front housing portion (14) and the rear housing portion adjacent to the rear in the axial direction are separate components in this regard.

[0051] In FIG. 4, a camera (4) having the components according to FIG. 3 is illustrated. In this specification, the housing (23) of the camera (4) is illustrated only as a front housing portion (14). In this specification, the rear housing portion (37) ( FIG. 5) is not illustrated. The rear housing portion is axially adjacent to the front housing portion (14). A receiving space (24) is formed between the front housing portion (14) and this rear housing portion. A circuit board (25) is arranged in this receiving space (24). As is evident, the front housing portion (14) is illustrated in a perspective cross-sectional view. An image sensor (27), illustrated only schematically in FIG. 4, is arranged on the upper side (26) of the circuit board (25) facing the lens module (9). This faces the rear side or rear (13) of the lens module (9). Lines (12a and 12b) of the heater (11) extending away from the lens module (9) are also evident. In this specification, these lines (12a and 12b) are attached to a support plate (28). In particular, they are welded to the first electrical contact areas (29 and 30) (Fig. 7). Thus, these lines (12a and 12b) are terminated at this support plate (28). In Figs. 4 and 5, the support plate (28) is shown in a cross-sectional view. In this specification, the support plate (28) is an integral, separate component. It is a component distinct from the lens module (9), the circuit board (25), and the housing parts (14, 37). In Figs. 4 and 5, the lens module (9) is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0052] In this specification, the support plate (28) is formed as a ring plate. In this context, it includes a feedthrough (31) or a corresponding hole. By doing so, the optical path between the image sensor (27) and the rear side (13) of the lens module (9) is not damaged.

[0053] An enlarged portion of Fig. 4 is shown in Fig. 5. An additional very schematic drawing of the rear housing portion (37) is shown in Fig. 5.

[0054] As is evident from FIGS. 6 and 7, these electrical contact areas (29 and 30) are formed as circumferential ring sections in this specification. In this specification, they are arranged concentrically with respect to each other. They are formed as conductive tracks. In this context, they are formed on the rear side (28a) of this support plate (28) facing the circuit board (25). Thus, lines (12a and 12b) pass through a feedthrough (31) coming from the lens module (9) and are directly soldered to the first electrical contact areas (29 and 30) on this rear side (28a).

[0055] In that these first electrical contact areas (29 and 30) are formed as circumferential conductive tracks, the position in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis (A) between the lens module (9) and the support plate (28) is lower. Therefore, when screwing the lens module (9) into the first front housing part (14), the final position reached by the lens module (9) is lower relative to the support plate (28). This is because a direct connection between the lines (12a and 12b) for these first electrical contact areas (29 and 30), particularly their ends, can effectively be created at each azimuth position in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis (A). This becomes an even more essential advantage because this relative rotational position between the lens module (9) and the lines (12a and 12b) fixedly positioned thereon and the first electrical contact areas (29 and 30) in the circumferential direction around this longitudinal axis (A) is therefore lower. In fact, at each azimuth position between the support plate (28) and the lens module (9), direct contact can be made between these ring sections and these ends of these lines (12a and 12b) corresponding to the first electrical contact area (29 and 30).

[0056] Furthermore, as is evident in FIG. 4, the support plate (28) is arranged spaced apart from the lens module (9) and / or spaced apart from the circuit board (25) when viewed from the axial direction in one embodiment. In this regard, the support plate (28) is arranged in the gap (32) formed axially between the circuit board (25) and the rear surface (13) of the lens module (9).

[0057] Furthermore, as is evident from FIG. 4, the perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, and the perspective view of the support plate (28) of FIG. 7, this support plate (28) includes second electrical contact areas (33 and 34) particularly on the rear side (28a). In this specification, the larger contact surface is formed only locally. These are connected to the ends (29a and 30a) of the first electrical contact areas (29 and 30), respectively, in a line shape or ring section shape in this view. In this view, they are directly transferred to the corresponding first electrical contact areas (29 and 30). These second electrical contact areas (33 and 34) are provided as intended to be directly electrically connected to electrical contact elements arranged on the circuit board (25). In this view, these electrical contact elements (35 and 36) are illustrated exemplarily in FIG. 6. In this specification, they are formed as spring contact pins, particularly pogo pins. These contact elements (35, 36) are arranged directly on the upper side (26), as is evident in FIG. 6, and on the other hand, are in direct contact with these second electric contact areas (33, 34).

[0058] In contrast, an additional embodiment in which spring contacts are also provided is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this specification, these are formed as plate spring elements rather than pogo pins. These are additional examples for electrical contact elements (35, 36) and are in contact with the second electrical contact areas (33 and 34). By this, an axial restoring force of the contact elements (35, 36) is also allowed.

[0059] In one embodiment, an energy source may be provided to be arranged on a circuit board (25). By this, energy may be transferred to a support plate (28) through these electrical contact elements (35, 36), and therefrom to lines (12a and 12b) through a second electrical contact area (33, 34) and a first electrical contact area (29, 30), and accordingly, heating energy may be provided to the lens module (9) to heat a lens located inside the lens module (9).

[0060] In FIG. 5, the camera (4) is shown in a perspective view with an additional rear housing part (37).

[0061] In one embodiment, it is evident from FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 that the camera (4) includes an elastic seal (38). This elastic seal (38) is axially arranged between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9). By this, the gap (32) is separated from the rest of the volumetric space of the housing (24) of the camera (4) by this elastic seal (38) in at least a specific area. Thus, this gap (32) is protected from the ingress of dust and dirt in an improved manner. By this, the optical path between the image sensor (27) and the rear side (13) of the lens module (9) can be kept in a more dust-free state.

[0062] As is evident in FIG. 6, the opening (31) of the support plate (28) formed as a ring plate is positioned exactly so that this optical path is not obstructed by the support plate (28).

[0063] In an embodiment where a support plate (28) is also present, the elastic seal (38) may be arranged directly on the support plate (28). In this context, it may be arranged on the outer rim edge (39), for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, the elastic seal (38) may be formed at least partially as a perimeter wall on the outer rim (39). In particular, it may be overmolded onto the outer rim (39), for example. The elastic seal (38) is more elastic than the support plate (28).

[0064] In the illustrated drawings, this elastic seal (38) is formed entirely circumferentially, particularly around the outer rim (39) of the support plate (28). When viewed from the axial direction, the elastic seal (38) is arranged such that the first rim (38a) is in direct contact with the upper side (26) of the circuit board (25), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0065] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a receptacle, particularly a groove-shaped recess (40), may be formed on this upper side (26) of the circuit board (25). Then, the first rim (38a) of this elastic seal (38) may be engaged with it.

[0066] In one embodiment, the elastic seal (38) may come into direct contact with the butt surface (41) of the front housing portion (14). This is illustrated in the cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 6. Furthermore, the second rim (38b) of the seal (38), which is axially opposite to the first rim (38a), comes into direct contact with this butt surface (41) in particular in one embodiment. In one embodiment, a receptacle, specifically a grooved recess (42), may be provided to be formed on this butt surface (41). The second rim (38b) may extend inward.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the elastic seal (38) is directly connected to the support plate (28), and accordingly, the elastic seal (38) extends axially beyond the thickness of the support plate (28) on both sides. By this, the seal (38) is in direct contact with the circuit board (25), and in the illustrated embodiment, the opposing rims (38a and 38b) are in direct contact with the front housing portion (14). In this regard, the support plate (28) is arranged to be spaced apart from the circuit board (25) and / or the contact surface (41) in a non-contact manner. Thus, the support plate (28) can be arranged to be spaced apart axially from these mentioned components. In this regard, a specific floating support is also possible.

[0068] In this embodiment, the seal (38) is fixedly connected to the support plate (28). In this regard, it cannot be separated from the support plate (28) without destroying the support plate (28).

[0069] An embodiment in which the groove-type recess (40 and / or 42) is not present is also possible.

[0070] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the seal (38) is arranged only on the rear side (28a). The seal (38) extends only on one side of the support plate (28). The seal (38) extends from the rear side (28a) toward the circuit board (25). In FIG. 5, the seal (38) is placed on the front side of the circuit board (25). The support plate (28) is placed on the butt surface (41).

[0071] A camera is formed without the aforementioned heater, and in this context, embodiments that do not include a support plate (28) are also possible. This is illustrated in the schematic cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 8. In this specification, an elastic seal (38) is then provided. It is abutted on the butting surface (41) of the front housing portion (14). Then, a recess (42) may or may not be provided. On the other hand, the elastic seal (38) is placed directly on the upper side surface (26). In this specification, a recess (40) may or may not be provided. In one embodiment, the elastic seal (38) may be slightly compressed axially in the installed state, and accordingly, it may be arranged in a clamping manner between the front housing portion (14) and the circuit board (25) in this regard.

Claims

Claim 1 A camera (4) for a vehicle (1) having 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 bounded by the housing (23), and the camera (4) includes a longitudinal axis (A), wherein the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A), and accordingly a gap (32) is formed between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), and an elastic seal (38) is arranged between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9), and accordingly the gap (32) is sealed from the remaining volume space of the housing (23) by the seal (38), and the seal (38) is arranged on an annular support plate (28), and the support plate (28) is connected to the lens module (9) and the circuit A camera characterized by including electrical contact areas (29, 30, 33, 34) that allow electrical connection between substrates (25). Claim 2 A camera characterized in that, in claim 1, the seal (38) is a ring. Claim 3 A camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal (38) is characterized in that the first rim (38a) is in direct contact with the upper side (26) of the circuit board (25). Claim 4 A camera according to claim 3, wherein a groove-shaped recess (40) is formed on the upper side (26) of the circuit board (25), and the seal (38) is characterized in that the first rim (38a) extends into the recess (40). Claim 5 A camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (23) includes a front housing portion (14) on which the lens module (9) is arranged, the front housing portion (14) includes a butting surface (41) facing the circuit board (25), and the seal (38) is characterized in that a second rim (38b) is in contact with the butting surface (41). Claim 6 In claim 5, the abutting surface (41) includes a groove-shaped recess (42), and the seal (38) is characterized in that the second rim (38b) extends into the recess (42). Claim 7 A camera characterized in that, in claim 5, the seal (38) is arranged by being compressed axially between the circuit board (25) and the abutting surface (41). Claim 8 A camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the gap (32), an optical path extends between an image sensor (27) arranged on the upper side (26) of the circuit board (25) and the lower side (13) of the lens module (9), and the optical path is separated in a dustproof manner from the remaining volume of the receiving space (24) of the housing (23) by the seal (38). Claim 9 A camera according to claim 1, wherein the seal (38) is arranged on the outer edge (29) of the support plate (28), and the seal (38) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the camera (4) between the lens module (9) and the support plate (28), and accordingly, the gap (32) between the lens module (9) and the support plate (28) is sealed from the remaining volume space. Claim 10 A camera according to claim 9, wherein the support plate (28) is a separate component from the circuit board (25), the housing (23), and the lens module (9), and is arranged in the gap (32) between the circuit board (25) and the lens module (9). Claim 11 In claim 10, the support plate (28) includes a first electrical contact area (29, 30) to which an electrical line (12, 12a, 12b) of a heater (11) of the camera (4) for heating the lens module (9) can be connected, and the electrical line (12a, 12b) extends from the lens module (9) to the first electrical contact area (29, 30), and the support plate (28) includes a second electrical contact area (33, 34) to which an electrical contact element (35, 36) arranged on the circuit board (25) can be connected, and the second electrical contact area (33, 34) is each connected to a corresponding first electrical contact area (29, 30). Claim 12 A camera according to claim 11, characterized in that the electrical contact elements (35, 36) arranged on the circuit board (25) are spring contact parts. Claim 13 A camera according to claim 5, wherein the support plate (28) is arranged in a non-contact manner with respect to the circuit board (25) by the arrangement of the seal (38), and / or is arranged in a contact manner with respect to the front housing portion (14). Claim 14 A vehicle (1) having a camera (4) described in claim 1 or 2.

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