Electronic module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic module (4) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a sensor (8) configured to control the unlocking of a door, - a camera (9), and - a support (19) supporting both the camera and the sensor, the support being intended to be fastened to a door panel (3) of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Electronic module for a motor vehicle

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to an electronic module for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising a door panel and such an electronic module attached to the door panel. The invention further relates to a method for assembling such an arrangement. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such an electronic module and / or such an arrangement.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Motor vehicles incorporate an ever-increasing number of electronic components offering a variety of functions, including those contributing to vehicle safety and those enhancing user comfort. For example, some vehicles are equipped with a camera capable of observing the vehicle's surroundings, particularly at the rear. It is also common to integrate such a camera into a vehicle's trunk lid. Other vehicles are equipped with a sensor configured to control the unlocking of a door, such as a trunk lid. Finally, some vehicles are equipped with signaling devices that allow other road users to clearly see the vehicle and / or provide visual cues related to vehicle control, such as brake lights or turn signals.

[0007] Among the various electronic components found in a motor vehicle, some are located on or near the surface of the vehicle's body. In this case, the integration of these electronic components must be particularly careful to maintain an attractive vehicle appearance. Specifically, such electronic components must be precisely positioned relative to adjacent body panels while remaining discreet. Furthermore, the size and / or weight of these electronic components must be kept to a minimum.

[0008] Ultimately, vehicles equipped with a camera, a sensor configured to control door unlocking, and even a lighting system are complex to assemble and sometimes suffer from aesthetic flaws. Furthermore, the space occupied by these various electronic components is considerable and reduces the available space for passengers or for storing items inside the vehicle.

[0009] Presentation of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement comprising a camera and a sensor configured to control the unlocking of a door, remedying the above disadvantages and improving upon arrangements of electronic components known in the prior art.

[0011] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an arrangement of a camera and a sensor to control the unlocking of a door which is compact, lightweight, discreet, and simple to assemble to a motor vehicle.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention relates to an electronic module for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0014] - a sensor configured to control the unlocking of a door,

[0015] - a camera, and

[0016] - a bracket supporting both the camera and the sensor, the bracket being intended to be attached to a door panel of the vehicle.

[0017] The electronic module may include a signaling light device, the light device comprising a light source, in particular at least one light-emitting diode, the light source also being supported by the bracket. The bracket may include a mounting interface, in particular at least one threaded opening, for attaching the bracket to the vehicle door panel.

[0018] The electronic module may include a housing, fixed to the support and enclosing the sensor and the camera, the housing comprising a first face extending in a first plane, in particular a substantially horizontal plane, and a second face extending in a second plane, in particular a substantially vertical plane, said first and second planes being intersecting, the sensor extending along the first face, the second face being provided with a first aperture, the camera comprising a lens arranged opposite the first aperture.

[0019] The housing may include a second opening adjacent to the first opening, with the light source arranged opposite the second opening.

[0020] The electronic module may include a bundle of electrical wires connected to the sensor and the camera, and the housing may include a third opening, with the bundle of electrical wires passing through the third opening.

[0021] The invention also relates to an arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising a door panel and an electronic module as defined above, the door panel comprising a housing within which the electronic module is positioned, and the electronic module being fixed to the door panel.

[0022] The door panel may include a housing within which the electronic module is positioned, the electronic module being fixed to the door panel. The door panel comprises a first face extending along the first plane and a second face extending along the second plane, the first face of the housing being flush with the first face of the door panel, and the second face of the housing being flush with the second face of the door panel. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an electronic module as defined above and / or an arrangement as defined above.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an arrangement comprising a door panel and an electronic module as defined above, the assembly method comprising:

[0024] - the supply of an electronic module as defined above and the supply of a door panel, then

[0025] - Assembling the electronic module to the door panel.

[0026] Presentation of the figures

[0027] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a motor vehicle equipped with an electronic module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a rear and top perspective view of the electronic module.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electronic module, with a support and housing for the electronic module hidden.

[0031] Figure 4 is a front and bottom perspective view of the electronic module.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a support for the electronic module.

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the electronic module, with the electronic module housing hidden.

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the electronic module housing.

[0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle door panel, the door panel including a housing within which the electronic module is positioned. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing formed in the door panel.

[0036] Figure 10 is a longitudinal and vertical cross-sectional view of the electronic module.

[0037] Detailed description

[0038] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a rear portion of a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 can be of any type. For example, the vehicle 1 can be a passenger vehicle, such as a sedan, a minivan, or an SUV. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 could also be a commercial vehicle, a truck, or even a bus. The vehicle 1 includes a trunk lid 2, shown in the closed position in Figure 1, which provides access to the vehicle's trunk. The trunk lid 2 can be secured in the closed position by a lock, in particular an electric lock, that is, a lock equipped with an electrically controlled actuator to lock or unlock the trunk lid 2. The trunk lid 2 includes a door panel 3. The door panel 3 includes an external face visible from outside the vehicle, the shape of which contributes to the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and aerodynamics.The door panel 3 can, for example, be made from a composite fiber, plastic, or metal sheet, preferably with a colored coating such as paint. The vehicle 1 is also equipped with an electronic module 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic module 4 is attached to the door panel 3. The electronic module 4 can, in particular, be centered on a median plane passing through the center of the door panel. Alternatively, the electronic module 4 could be positioned further to the right or further to the left of the median plane.

[0039] In this document, the X-axis represents the longitudinal axis of a vehicle. When moving forward in a straight line, the vehicle progresses from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X-axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, that is, in the direction of reverse. The Y-axis represents the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right defined from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle. The Z-axis represents the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The vehicle is assumed to be resting on a horizontal surface. The Z-axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y, and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system. This same coordinate system, defined with reference to a vehicle, will also be used to describe the electronic module 4, even when considered outside the vehicle, since it is intended for mounting in a specific orientation within the vehicle.

[0040] The door panel 3 comprises a first face 5 that is substantially horizontal and a second face 6 that is substantially vertical. The second face 6 is adjacent to the first face 5, and an edge 7 is thus formed at the line of junction between the two faces 5 and 6. By "substantially horizontal," it is understood that the first face 5 forms an angle of 30° or less with the horizontal plane, or even 20° or less, preferably 10° or less. Similarly, by "substantially vertical," it is understood that the second face 6 forms an angle of 30° or less with a vertical plane, or even 20° or less, preferably 10° or less. Preferably, an angle A1 formed between the first face 5 and the second face 6 is between 45° and 135°, or even between 60° and 120° inclusive.According to the embodiment presented, the second face 6 is, for stylistic reasons, oriented slightly forward and downward, and therefore forms a non-zero angle with the vertical axis. Angle A1 is thus strictly less than 90°. Alternatively, other shapes and values ​​of angle A1 could be considered.

[0041] The first face 5 and / or the second face 6 may be flat but are not necessarily flat. Each may include, at least locally, a rounded shape contributing to the stylized and / or aerodynamic appearance of the vehicle. The orientation of a non-planar face can then be defined as the orientation of a mean plane of that face. The angle A1 between the two faces 5 and 6 is considered at the level of the electronic module 4, which is arranged at the edge 7, specifically at the midpoint of edge 7 along the transverse axis Y. The electronic module 4 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 2. The electronic module 4 includes a sensor 8 configured to control the unlocking of the trunk lid 2, a camera 9, and a light device 10.

[0042] Sensor 8 is an electronic component designed to interact with the electric lock used to lock or unlock the trunk lid 2. Sensor 8 is preferably configured to detect the passage of a hand or key at a short distance from the sensor. Sensor 8 thus allows the trunk lid to be locked or unlocked very easily. Sensor 8 may, in particular, be a capacitive sensor. Referring to Figure 3, sensor 8 may include a touch surface 11 connected to a printed circuit board 12. The printed circuit board 12 is equipped with an electrical connection means 13 through which sensor 8 is electrically connected to the electric lock.

[0043] Camera 9 is a device designed to film the environment behind the vehicle. Camera 9 is electrically connected to a screen located inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, allowing vehicle occupants to easily observe the environment behind the vehicle. For this purpose, camera 9 includes an electrical connection means 14, arranged in particular on the front face of the camera. Camera 9 includes a lens 15 whose optical axis is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0044] The lighting device 10 is a signaling lighting device, meaning that it is designed to make the vehicle clearly visible to road users positioned behind it and / or to emit visual indications related to vehicle control. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, lighting device 10 is intended to signal the activation of a vehicle braking system. Automotive regulations require a third lighting device to signal the activation of a vehicle braking system, in addition to the brake lights integrated into the left and right rear lighting units. Lighting device 10 can therefore be configured to provide this third brake light.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the lighting device 10 comprises a light source 16, preferably red, a diffusing filter 17, and a protective lens 18. The light source 16 comprises three light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The three LEDs are either square or rectangular in shape. They are positioned vertically and side-by-side along the transverse Y-axis. The diffusing filter 17 may be translucent and may be interposed between the light source 16 and the protective lens 18. The lighting device 10 is also connected by electrical wires (not shown) to an electronic control unit of the vehicle, in particular to an electronic control unit of a vehicle braking system. For this purpose, the LEDs may be connected to a single printed circuit board (not shown), which itself is provided with an electrical connection.According to a simplified embodiment of the invention, the electronic module 4 could not be equipped with any lighting device.

[0046] The light-emitting device 10 is positioned above a rear portion of the camera 9, specifically above the camera lens 15. The protective glass 18 is positioned approximately at the height of the edge 7. The sensor 8 is positioned above a front portion of the camera 9.

[0047] The electronic module 4 further includes a common bracket 19 supporting the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the light source 16. The electronic module 4 can therefore be a single unit integrating the functions of locking or unlocking the trunk lid, monitoring the environment behind the vehicle, and signaling the activation of the vehicle's braking system. The electronic module 4 can be attached to the door panel 3 via the bracket 19, which greatly facilitates the integration of these three functions into the vehicle 1. The bracket 19 is part of the electronic module 4 and is not intended to support any other components of the vehicle 1. In particular, the bracket 19 is not a body panel or a component of the vehicle's body.

[0048] The support 19 is particularly clearly visible in Figure 4. The support 19 advantageously includes a fixing interface, in particular at least one threaded opening 20, intended to fix the support to the door panel 3. The threaded opening is preferably arranged on an underside face of the support 19.

[0049] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the support 19 is formed by the assembly of a first part 21 and a second part 22. The second part is attached to the first part, notably by means of a fixing screw 23. Each part 21, 22 is preferably made of plastic material, in particular by molding. The two-part design of the support 19 facilitates its manufacture and also facilitates the assembly of the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the light source 16 to the support. In particular, the camera 9 and the light source 16 can be attached to the first part 21. The first part 21 may, in particular, include an aperture 24 of substantially circular shape accommodating the lens 15 of the camera 9. The sensor 8 can be attached to the second part 22. The camera 9 is attached to the first part 21 before the second part 22 is attached to the first part.Advantageously, the second part 22 of the support includes a conduit 25 for guiding electrical wires supplying the light sources 16 with electrical energy.

[0050] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the electronic module 4 also includes a housing 26, fixed to the support 19, and enclosing the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the light device 10. The housing 26 comprises a first face 27, or upper face 27, extending substantially horizontally, and a second face 28, or rear face 28, extending substantially parallel to the vertical Z axis and the transverse Y axis. The housing 26 also comprises side faces 29 extending substantially parallel to the vertical Z axis and the transverse X axis. Finally, the housing also comprises a front face 30 extending substantially parallel to the vertical Z axis and the transverse Y axis. The housing 26 is fixed to the support 19 by a set of fixing screws 31 (visible in Figure 4) passing through holes 32 formed in the side faces 29 and in the front face. 30 of the case.The fixing screws 31 cooperate with threaded openings 33 (visible in figure 5) provided in the support 19.

[0051] The electronic module 4 thus forms a single unit with a roughly parallelepiped shape. The combination of the support 19 and the housing 26 forms a watertight enclosure around the sensor 8, the camera 9 and the light device 10. The electronic module 4 may have a width less than or equal to 50mm along the transverse axis Y, and / or a length less than or equal to 150mm along the longitudinal axis X, and / or a height less than or equal to 60mm along the vertical axis Z.

[0052] The housing 26 is formed by assembling a first part 34 and a second part 35. The second part 35 is attached to the first part 34, in particular by means of fixing screws 36. Each part 34, 35 is preferably made of plastic material, in particular by molding. The first part 34 comprises the faces 27, 28 and 29, while the second part 35 comprises at least a portion of the front face 30.

[0053] The sensor 8, and in particular the touch surface 11 of the sensor 8, extends along the first face 27 of the housing. It is therefore understood that the first face 27 covers the sensor 8. The sensor 8 is nevertheless capable of detecting a proximity element, for example the presence of a hand or a key, through the first face 27. The first face 27 may include markings, for example in the form of an engraving and / or a drawing allowing a user to locate the sensor.

[0054] 8 under the first face 27.

[0055] Furthermore, the housing 26, and in particular the second face 28 of the housing, includes a first aperture 37, notably circular in shape. The camera lens 15

[0056] 9 is arranged opposite the first opening 37. The first opening 37 may be recessed relative to the second face 28 along the longitudinal axis X. The second face 28 also includes a second opening 38 adjacent to the first opening 37. The light source 16 is arranged opposite the second opening 38, meaning that the light device 10 is configured to emit light rays through the second opening 38. The second opening 38 has an elongated shape parallel to the transverse axis Y and extends across the entire width of the second face 28. The second opening 38 is positioned above the first opening 37. As a note, the protective glass 18 is held in the second opening 38 by complementary shape. In particular, the protective glass 18 has a trapezoidal cross-section with a large base facing forward.The protective glass 18 is designed to be inserted into the second opening by a transverse movement of the protective glass. Once the protective glass 18 is in place in the second opening 38, it is locked along the longitudinal axis X. The diffusing filter 17 can advantageously be sandwiched between the housing 18 and the support 19, as shown in Figure 10.

[0057] Finally, the housing 26, and in particular the front face 30 of the housing, includes a single third opening 39. This third opening can advantageously be reinforced by a wall 40 made of a flexible material, in particular an elastomer, provided with a slot. A bundle of electrical wires 41 passes through the third opening 39 and the slot provided in the wall 40. The electrical wires of the bundle of electrical wires 41 are connected respectively to the electrical connection means of the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the light device 10. The means for supplying electrical power and / or the means for exchanging data with the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the light device 10 are thus particularly compact.

[0058] Referring to Figure 9, it can be seen that the door panel 3 includes a housing 42 within which the electronic module 4 is positioned. The housing 42 has a shape complementary to the shape of the electronic module 4, and in particular a shape complementary to the shape of the support 19 and the housing 26. The housing 42 is thus delimited by a bottom wall 43 that conforms to the shape of the underside of the support 19 and by side walls 44 that extend against the side faces 29 of the housing 26. The walls 43 and 44 cover the heads of the fixing screws 31, which are therefore invisible from outside the vehicle. The bottom wall 43 includes a stop surface 45 that forms a longitudinal stop for the electronic module 4, thus securing its position. The bottom wall 43 also includes a first hole 46 positioned opposite the threaded opening 20 for fixing the electronic module to the door panel with a first fixing screw.The back panel 43 also includes a second hole 47 positioned opposite a threaded opening 48 provided in a rear edge of the housing 26 for attaching the electronic module to the door panel with a second fixing screw. It is therefore understood that the electronic module is attached to the door panel 3 both by means of the bracket 19 and by means of the housing 26.

[0059] Advantageously, the first face 27 of the housing is flush with the first face 5 of the door panel. Similarly, the second face 28 of the housing is flush with the second face 6 of the door panel. The electronic module is thus harmoniously integrated into the door panel. The overall shape of the door panel 3 is maintained, preserving the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and aerodynamics.

[0060] To manufacture an assembly comprising the door panel 3 and the electronic module 4 described above, the door panel 3 and the electronic module 4 are first supplied as two separate parts. Specifically, the electronic module 4 is supplied as a single pre-assembled component, containing the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the light device, all attached 10 to the bracket 19 and covered by the housing 26. Next, the electronic module 4 is assembled to the door panel 3. This is done by positioning the electronic module 4 in the slot 42, and then screwing the fixing screws into the threaded openings 20 and 48 provided for this purpose.

[0061] The invention thus allows for the very easy and quick attachment of the sensor 8, the camera 9, and the lighting device 10 to the door panel 3. This facilitates logistical flows within the manufacturing workshop. Furthermore, the electronic module 4 integrates discreetly and harmoniously into the vehicle's design.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Electronic module (4) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a sensor (8) configured to control the unlocking of a door, - a camera (9), and - a bracket (19) supporting both the camera and the sensor, the bracket being intended to be fixed to a door panel (3) of the vehicle.

2. Electronic module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a signaling light device (10), the light device comprising a light source (16), in particular at least one light-emitting diode, the light source also being supported by the support (19).

3. Electronic module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (19) includes a fixing interface, in particular at least one threaded opening (20), for fixing the support to the door panel (3) of the vehicle.

4. Electronic module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a housing (26), fixed to the support (19) and enclosing the sensor (8) and the camera (9), the housing comprising a first face (27) extending in a first plane, in particular a substantially horizontal plane, and a second face (28) extending in a second plane, in particular a substantially vertical plane, said first and second planes being intersecting, the sensor (8) extending along the first face, the second face being provided with a first aperture (37), the camera (9) comprising a lens (15) arranged opposite the first aperture.

5. Electronic module according to claim 2 and according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing (26) comprises a second opening (38) adjacent to the first opening (37), the light source (16) is arranged opposite the second opening.

6. Electronic module according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises a bundle of electrical wires (41) connected to the sensor (8) and the camera (9), and in that the housing (26) comprises a third opening (39), the bundle of electrical wires passing through the third opening.

7. Layout for a motor vehicle comprising a door panel (3) and an electronic module (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, the door panel comprising a housing (42) within which the electronic module is positioned, and the electronic module being fixed to the door panel.

8. An arrangement comprising a door panel (3) and an electronic module (4) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the door panel comprising a housing (42) within which the electronic module is positioned, the electronic module being fixed to the door panel, the door panel comprising a first face (5) extending along the first plane, and a second face (6) extending along the second plane, the first face (27) of the housing being flush with the first face (5) of the door panel, the second face (28) of the housing being flush with the second face (6) of the door panel.

9. Motor vehicle (1) comprising an electronic module (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or an arrangement according to any one of claims 7 or 8.

10. Method for assembling an arrangement comprising a door panel (3) and an electronic module (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises: - the supply of an electronic module according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the supply of a door panel, then - Assembling the electronic module to the door panel.

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