Vehicle vision system, actuator system for a vehicle vision application and vehicle provided therewith

Abstract

Actuator system for a vehicle vision application, comprising a base frame and a support frame rotationally attached to the base frame, wherein an electric motor is provided in the base frame, for rotating the support frame relative to the base frame around a rotational axis extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base frame, and provided with a transmission for at least transmitting rotation of a drive-axis of the electric motor to rotation of the support frame around said rotational axis, wherein the base frame has at least in part a sandwich construction, comprising a base layer and a first top layer and a second top layer, wherein the first top layer and the second top layer are provided on and connected to respective opposite sides of the base layer, wherein the base layer is provided with accommodations for at least part of the motor and the transmission and wherein the first and second top layer preferably cover at least part of the transmission.

Description

[0001] P138055PC00

[0002] Title: Vehicle vision system, actuator system for a vehicle vision apphcation and vehicle provided therewith

[0003] The invention relates to a actuator system for a vehicle vision apphcation, preferably but not limited to a vehicle camera actuator system. The invention especially relates to a vehicle camera actuator system for use with a vehicle, mounted to a side of such vehicle, for supporting a camera for providing at least a rear view of the vehicle.

[0004] Rear view systems such as camera systems, mirror systems LiDAR systems or other systems provided with environmental observation sensors, henceforward mentioned as ’camera’s, are known in the art, which are mounted to a side of a vehicle and are provided with a camera support supporting a camera allowing a rear view from the vehicle alongside the vehicle. In simple embodiments the camera support is a support stationarily attached to the vehicle. In more advanced system a camera is supported by a camera support which is pivotably connected to the vehicle, such that it can be folded in and out from the vehicle. In NL2015468 the camera support is pivotable around a pivot axis situated close to or even in the surface of the vehicle, wherein the camera can be held relatively close to the vehicle surface. In other systems the pivot axis is provided further away from the vehicle surface. In such embodiments the camera is normally further from the vehicle surface, which may improve rear viewing.

[0005] A disadvantage of having the camera positioned further from the vehicle surface is that any force exerted at a distal of the system will provide for a relatively large moment relative to the attachment to the vehicle. In order to be able to bear such forces in a forward or rearward direction it is known to provide for a fold in and fold over, allowing the camera support to rotate around a vertical axis. In order to accommodate for such forces in a vertical direction supports are used which have a large height. This has the disadvantage that the known systems like NL2025682 are bulky and have a large frontal surface, which leads to high wind resistance, noise and increased fuel consumption of the vehicle.

[0006] An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for an alternative actuator system for a vehicle vision application, such as a camera. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for an actuator system for a vehicle vision application, such as but not limited to a camera, wherein a vision application, such as a camera, can be positioned spaced apart from a vehicle surface and can be electrically operated. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a vehicle vision system which is relatively slim, especially in frontal view, and can nevertheless withstand relatively large vertical forces, even when exerted at a distal end thereof. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for an actuator system for use in a vehicle vision system of the disclosure.

[0007] In an aspect an actuator system for a vehicle vision system comprises a base frame and a support frame rotationally attached to the base frame, wherein an electric motor is provided in the base frame, for rotating the support frame relative to the base frame around a rotational axis extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base frame. The system is further provided with a transmission for at least transmitting rotation of a drive-axis of the electric motor to rotation of the support frame around said rotational axis. The base frame has at least in part a sandwich construction, comprising a base layer and a first top layer and a second top layer, wherein the first top layer and the second top layer are provided on and connected to respective opposite sides of the base layer. The base layer is provided with accommodations for at least part of the motor and the transmission. The first and second top layer preferably cover at least part of the transmission.

[0008] By using a sandwich configuration for the base frame a high stiffness can be achieved for the base frame, with a relatively small height. Thus a stiff system can be achieved with a relatively small frontal surface area. By accommodating at least part of the motor and the transmission in the base layer effective use is made of available space. Thus a compact system can be provided, which is strong and allows for controlled rotation of the support frame relative to the base frame.

[0009] Preferably the base layer is made of plastic and the first top layer and second top layer are made of metal or plastic or a combination thereof, for example fiber reinforced plastic, wherein the material or combination of materials of the first top layer and second top layer each have an E-modulus higher than the plastic of the base layer. Preferably the material or combination of materials of the first top layer and second top layer each have an E-modulus at last 5 times higher than the plastic of the base layer Preferably the top layer and the base layer have been connected to the base layer, preferably by at least one of adhering, screwing or bolting, fusing or in- or outsert molding.

[0010] In embodiments the accommodations in the base layer comprises at least one first compartment for receiving at least part of the electric motor and at least one second compartment for receiving at least part of the transmission, wherein the at least one second compartment is at least substantially enclosed between the first top layer and the second top layer, wherein preferably the first top layer and second top layer comprise means for rotationally supporting at least part of the transmission.

[0011] In advantageous embodiments the first top layer and the second top layer do not extend over the at least one first compartment. Preferably the first compartment is accessible from opposite sides of the base layer, and / or the base layer has a first compartment on each opposite side of the base layer, accessible from a relevant opposite side of the base layer, such that the electric motor can be placed from either one of said opposite sides of the base layer. Thus flexibility in use of the system can be improved.

[0012] Preferably the electric motor can be placed such that the electric motor is suspended in the relevant first compartment such that part of the electric motor extends from the said first compartment above the relevant one of said opposite sides of the base layer. In such embodiments the base layer can have a thickness smaller that the relevant size of the motor measured in parallel direction.

[0013] In advantageous embodiments the first top layer and the second top layer are substantially identical and have a plane of symmetry extending perpendicular to a main plane of the relevant top layer and comprising a longitudinal axis of said relevant top layer. The first top layer and the second top layer are preferably made of plate material and are preferably substantially flat or corrugated with corrugations having a length direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the relevant top layer. In embodiments the top layers can have longitudinal edge portions folded at least partly over longitudinal sides of the base layer. In such embodiments at least one of the top layers, preferably both layers, can be provided with outward extending flanges, for example for connecting the top layers to each other, thus forming a substantially tubular configuration, and / or for forming a slide element on either side of the base layer.

[0014] The top layers may however be enforced by ribs or end folding. Such embodiments require less different parts and are easier to manufacture and assemble.

[0015] In preferred embodiments the base frame has a plane of symmetry extending central between the first top layer and the second top layer, such that the same base frame can be used for a left hand side of a vehicle and a right hand side of a vehicle. In such embodiments preferably for use at a first side of the vehicle the motor is placed on a first lateral side of the base frame or at least of the base layer, whereas for use at the opposite second lateral side of the vehicle the motor is placed at the opposite second side. Thus with minimal adjustment the same base frame can be used for either lateral side of the vehicle, reducing cost in for example tooling, storage and inventory. In a system of the disclosure preferably the rotation axis extends perpendicular to the first top layer and second top layer and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the base frame, wherein the electric motor is preferably positioned such that the rotational axis of the electric motor lies in a plane perpendicular to said rotation axis.

[0016] In embodiments the electric motor is accommodated in the base frame near a first longitudinal end of the base frame and wherein the base frame comprises a third compartment near an opposite second longitudinal end of the base frame, wherein the third compartment is at least partly open to both opposite sides of the base frame, for accommodating a rotational support for the support frame.

[0017] In embodiments the electric motor has a part extending outside the base frame, above one of the first top layer and the second top layer, wherein a cap is provided over at least said part of the electric motor. The combined height of the base frame and the cap, measured in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, preferably is substantially the same as the height of the electric motor measured in the same direction.

[0018] On a side of the base frame opposite the side from which the electric motor is extending above the relevant top layer, the first compartment can be covered by a thin layer of plastic or metal, for instance a foil, a self-adhesive sticker or decal, for instance with information about a company-name or the (use of) the actuator.

[0019] In embodiments the cap extends over part of one of the opposite sides of the base frame, especially over part of the relevant top layer, leaving a part free from or through which the rotation axis extends, such that the support frame is mounted to the rotation axis next to the cap, extending over a further part of the relevant side of the base frame, wherein the support frame has a thickness above the relevant further part substantially corresponding to the height of the cap, preferably such that the support frame does not extend above the cap, seen in side view. Thus the actuator system can be inserted through a tubular element having a cross section corresponding to a maximum width of the base frame and support frame, when aligned, and the combined height of the base frame and the cap. In such embodiments the support frame preferably extends over the first top layer or over the second top layer, a bottom side of the support frame facing the base frame and an opposite top side of the support frame facing away from the base frame.

[0020] In embodiments the support frame has a thickness measured between a top side and a bottom side which is substantially equal to a height of a part of the electric motor extending above the relevant top layer at the side of the base frame at which the support frame is provided and / or the height of the cap.

[0021] In embodiments the support frame has a longitudinal support frame axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base frame. When the two axis extend parallel to each other the support frame and the base frame will be aligned.

[0022] In advantageous embodiments the system comprises a concave first wall, having a first wall height in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the distance between the concave side of said first wall and the rotation axis. In embodiments said first wall is provided by the cap provided over at least part of the electric motor.

[0023] In embodiments, especially embodiments having a first concave wall as discussed, the support frame comprises a second, convex wall having a height direction parallel to the rotation axis, with a radius of curvature substantially equal to the distance between the convex side of said second wall and the rotation axis. The first wall and the second wall then preferably have substantially the same radius of curvature, such that upon rotation of the support frame relative to the base frame the second wall will slide along the first wall at a small distance or in contact therewith. A relative small distance should in this respect be understood as at least meaning between 0 and 2 mm, preferably between 0 and 1 mm. The first and second wall can be in sliding contact.

[0024] In embodiments the base frame comprises a first stop for limiting motor driven rotation of the support frame relative to the base frame. Preferably at least two stops are provided, for limiting said rotation in two opposite directions. In such embodiments the support frame is preferably mounted to the base frame through an axis-configuration, resiliently biasing the support frame towards the base frame but allowing the support frame to move in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, away from the base frame, for allowing rotation of the support frame beyond at least one of said stops.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively the system can comprise two stops forming hard stops, especially stops for a fold in and a fold over position. To this end for example two channels can be provided in the support frame and to stops in the casing, wherein each channel has a closed end against which the stops can abut for limiting said rotation.

[0026] In advantageous embodiments the first stop has a first sloping surface at a first rotational side and a second sloping surface at a second rotational side, opposite the first side, wherein the sloping angle of the first sloping surface is different from the sloping angle of the second sloping surface.

[0027] In advantageous embodiments the base frame comprises at at least one longitudinal side, preferably at two opposite longitudinal sides, at least one slide element extending in the longitudinal direction of the base frame, the or each slide element preferably having a tapering configuration in at least one of a longitudinal direction of the base frame or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0028] The disclosure is further directed to a vehicle vision system, preferably comprising at least one vehicle camera actuator system of the disclosure, wherein a casing is provided, into which the base frame of a camera actuator system can be slid, wherein the casing is provided with a counter sliding provision for the or each sliding element, such that upon insertion of the base frame into the casing the or each sliding element is received by the or a counter sliding provision, such that the base frame is increasingly clamped upon further insertion in the longitudinal direction. The casing is preferably designed to be mounted to a vehicle or can be part of the vehicle.

[0029] The casing preferably is substantially tubular and has an entry opening through which a vehicle camera actuator system can be inserted into the casing, in a longitudinal direction of the base frame and the support frame facing forward. In embodiments the casing has an end wall portion at an end opposite the entry opening and the base frame has a connecting provision at a forward facing, distal end, which is brought close to or in contact with the end wall portion, such that the connecting provision can be connected to the end wall part, preferably by screwing a bolt or screw through the end wall part into or over the connecting provision for pulling the base part closer to the end wall part. In embodiments provided with the sliding provisions as discussed, this will pull the base frame tight into the casing, preventing movement of the base frame and preferably of the camera actuator system relative to the casing.

[0030] A vehicle vision system of the disclosure preferably further comprises a vision application housing, also referred to as camera housing, which can be slid over the support frame in the longitudinal direction of the support frame, wherein the camera housing has an end wall portion at an end trailing in said sliding direction and the support frame has a connecting provision at a distal end, which is brought close to or in contact with the end wall portion, such that the connecting provision can be connected to the end wall part, preferably by screwing a bolt or screw through the end wall part into or over the connecting provision for pulling the end wall part of the camera housing closer to the distal end of the support frame. Thus the camera housing can be pulled tightly onto the support frame. In alternative embodiments the camera housing can be mounted differently, for example by clicking it onto the support frame, or by connecting means such as screws or bolts or the like.

[0031] In embodiments in which the support frame has the sliding element or elements as discussed, the camera housing preferably has at least two side wall portions comprising counter sliding provisions for cooperation with the or each sliding element of the support frame, such that upon insertion of the support frame into the camera housing the or each sliding element is received by the or a counter sliding provision, such that the support frame is increasingly clamped upon further insertion in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in figures. In the drawing:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows in top plan view a vehicle provided with devices according to this disclosure;

[0034] Figs. 1A and IB schematically show in top plan view and side view, respectively, a device according to the invention;

[0035] Fig. 2 schematically shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle vision system of the disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 3 schematically shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle vision system of the disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 4A and 4B schematically shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle vision system of the disclosure, with the camera housing in various rotated positions;

[0038] Fig. 5A and B schematically show in isometric top view and bottom view an embodiment of a vehicle camera actuator system according to the disclosure; Fig. 6A and B schematically show in isometric top view and bottom view an embodiment of a vehicle camera actuator system according to the disclosure, in exploded view;

[0039] Fig. 6C and D schematically show in isometric top view and bottom view an alternative embodiment of an actuator system according to the disclosure, in exploded view;

[0040] Fig. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of a vehicle camera actuator system according to the disclosure, in exploded view;

[0041] Fig. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of a base frame and casing according to the disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 9 schematically shows a proximal of a vehicle camera actuator system of the disclosure;

[0043] Fig. 10 schematically shows a casing according to the disclosure, from a side of an entry opening;

[0044] Fig. 11 schematically shows a top layer for use in a system according to the disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 12 schematically shows a base layer for use in a system according to the disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 13A - C schematically show in three steps sliding an embodiment of a base frame, or at least a base layer, into a casing according to the disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 14A - C schematically show in three steps sliding an embodiment of a camera housing onto a support frame of a vehicle camera actuator system according to the disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 15 schematically shows an embodiment of a base frame, from a first side and from an opposite second side, showing symmetry of at least the base layer;

[0049] Fig. 16 schematically shows, in exploded view, an assembly for forming a vehicle vision system according to the disclosure, for use on a right hand side of a vehicle and for use on a left hand side of a vehicle; and Fig. 17 schematically shows part of a system of the disclosure, showing parts for limiting rotation.

[0050] Fig. 18 schematically shows in top view cooperating slide elements and counter slide elements;

[0051] Fig. 19 schematically shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a base frame mounted inside a casing; having top layers folded over longitudinal sides of the base frame and forming flanges used as slide elements; and

[0052] Fig. 20 A and 2 OB schematically show in side view or top view an embodiment of a slide element and a counter slide provision, showing deformation elements provided on or by at least one of the slide element and the counter slide provision, in respectively undeformed and in deformed configuration.

[0053] In this description, like or corresponding parts have like or corresponding reference numerals. The invention is elucidated on the basis of the examples hereinafter described and shown, but is not limited thereto. For instance, in the figures, a passenger car is used as an example of a vehicle. However, other vehicles according to the invention may also be provided, such as, for example, trucks, motor cycles and motor scooters, rail vehicles, work vehicles and the like. The drawings in this disclosure are schematic representations of possible embodiments and, unless expressly stated otherwise, are not necessarily represented to scale.

[0054] In this description, front side, rear side, bottom side and top side and lateral side of a vehicle are to be understood in relation to a normal driving position of the vehicle. By the same token, forward, and rearward, sideward and up or down are to be understood as related to the normal driving position of a vehicle.

[0055] In this description, indications such as ‘substantially’ and like indications are to be understood as indicating that a quantity or position being referred to may be deviated from to some extent, for example, by at least 25%, more particularly at least 15%, as for example at least 10%, without falling outside the definition.

[0056] Fig. 1 schematically shows in top plan view a vehicle 1.

[0057] Represented in this example is a passenger car, in particular a station wagon. In Fig. 1 the car 1 is shown from the top side 2, with the front side 3 facing leftwards, the rear side 4 facing rightwards. Left and right lateral sides are indicated by reference numeral 5, where necessary 5ieft or 5right. The bottom side is indicated by reference numeral 6. In Fig. 1 there are shown a hood 7 with on opposite sides a front fender 8, doors 9A and side panels 9B and a hatchback 10. The roof 11 is connected in the usual manner with the further bodywork such as the above-mentioned hood, fenders, side panels and the like via respective A, B, C and D posts. Clearly, vehicles may also have fewer or different posts and body parts. In this description, for simplicity, the different body parts such as 7, 8, 9A, B, 10, 11 will also be individually and / or jointly designated as body part Q.

[0058] In Fig. 1, by way of illustration, on opposite sides of the car, that is, on the opposite lateral sides 5, an imaging device 12 according to the invention has been included, in a use position, generally also referred to as vehicle camera system or vehicle vision system 12. Clearly, such a device 12 may also be provided only on one lateral side 5, or a plurality of such devices 12 may be provided. In Fig. 1 the devices 12 are placed at the location of the front fenders 8 or side panels 9B. However, they may also be positioned otherwise, for example in a door 9A or in or on one of the posts A-D.

[0059] In the example shown, the devices 12 have an angle of view a, a horizontal angle of vision 0 and vertical angle of vision 6 which face toward the rear side 4. In this description, angle of view a is to be understood to mean the angle included between the vertical median longitudinal plane V of the car, extending vertically from front to back, centrally through the car, and the central optical axis Oaxis of an image recording sensor 13 in the device 12 and / or of a lens or lens system 14 thereof, as will be further elucidated hereinafter. Angle of vision 0 and 5 should be understood to mean the angle included by the boundaries of the image plane of the sensor 13 and / or of the lens or lens system 13A thereof. In Figs. 1A and B the angles a, 0 and 5 are drawn in. The angle of view and the angles of vision may be fixed by the sensor and / or the lens or lens system, or may be mechanically and / or electronically adjustable. In embodiments, the view and vision angles of at least one device may also be directed differently, for example, towards the front side 3, sidewardly and / or up or down. In embodiments, the device may be implemented such that in different positions thereof the angle of view and / or angle of vision are directed differently. The angle of view a may be adjustable, for example electrically, as will be discussed hereafter.

[0060] In this description, image recording devices 12 are described, for use in a vehicle 1. In embodiments, such a device 12 comprises a camera and / or an optical sensor and / or a lens or lens system for use with such a camera or optical sensor. Lens or lens system is herein understood to also encompass a prism or mirror for transmitting light to a camera or optical sensor. In this description, sensor, camera and / or lens or lens system may also be referred to as optical elements 13 or as camera 13.

[0061] In this description embodiments of a vehicle vision system 12 will be described, comprising a housing 100 and a vehicle vision application actuator system 101 at least largely and preferably substantially entirely enclosed within said housing 100.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 12 in top view, fig. 3 shows the same or a similar system in front view. The housing 100 comprises a casing 102, provided with an attachment provision 103, here shown as a flange 104 for mounting the casing 102, and thereby the system 12, to a vehicle 1, for example by bolting, screwing or the like means known in the art. As by way of example only shown in fig. 10 the flange 104 can for example comprise a number of stubs 103A provided for receiving bolts or screws for connecting the flange to a vehicle in a known manner. The housing further comprises a camera housing 105, housing a camera 13 or other optical element for providing a rear view to an occupant of the vehicle. The casing 102 has a longitudinal axis 106, also referred to as casing axis 106, and the camera housing has a longitudinal axis 107, also referred to as camera housing axis 107, which in an aligned position, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, extend parallel to each other.

[0063] The camera housing 105 with the camera can pivot around a rotational axis 14, relative to the casing 102, in a forward direction, as schematically shown in fig. 4A, and in a rearward direction, as schematically shown in fig. 4B. In broken lines in fig. 4B a “ fold in” position of the system 12 is shown, in broken lines in fig. 4A a “fold over” position. In solid fines in fig. 4A and 4B exemplary positions are shown for the system 12 between which the camera housing 105 can be repositioned electrically for normal use. The rotational axis 14 in use will preferably extend substantially vertically, parallel to the plane V.

[0064] In order to allow rotation of the camera housing 105 relative to the casing 102 the system 12 is provided with the vehicle camera actuator system 101, of which exemplary embodiments are shown and discussed, primarily with reference to fig. 5 - 15.

[0065] A vehicle camera actuator system 101 according to the disclosure comprises a base frame 16 and a support frame 18 rotationally attached to the base frame 16. An electric motor 20 is provided in the base frame 16, for rotating the support frame 18 relative to the base frame 16 around the rotational axis 14, extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction 22 of the base frame 16 and to a longitudinal direction 23 of the support frame 18. Furthermore a transmission 24 is provided, shown in exploded view in fig. 6 and 7, for at least transmitting rotation of a driveaxis 26 of the electric motor 20 to rotation of the support frame 18 around said rotational axis 14. The base frame 16 preferably has at least in part a sandwich construction, comprising a base layer 28 a first top layer 30 and a second top layer 32. The first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32 are provided on and connected to respective opposite sides 28A and 28B of the base layer 28. The base layer 28 is provided with accommodations 34 for accommodating at least part of the electric motor 20 and the transmission 24. In preferred embodiments the first and second top layer 30, 32 cover at least part of the transmission 24.

[0066] The first top layer 30 and second top layer 32 are preferably connected to the base layer by suitable connecting means, such as for example but not limited to screws, bolts, fusion, adhesive, press fit or the like, such that the top layers 30, 32 increase the overall stiffness of the base frame 16. In the embodiments shown the base layer 28 is made of plastic, for example by injection moulding, and the top layers 30, 32 are made of metal of fiber reinforced plastic. In embodiments the top layers 30, 32 are made of a material or combination of materials having an e-modulus higher, preferably significantly higher than the material of the base layer 28. In embodiments the top layers 30, 32 can themselves be of a sandwich configuration. By connecting the top layers 30, 32 to the base layer 28 the stiffness of the base frame 16 is significantly increased, allowing an overall lower thickness D of the system, measured parallel to the rotational axis 14, especially of the base frame 16 compared to a base frame 16 made only of plastic.

[0067] The accommodations 34 in the base layer 28 comprise at least one first compartment 36 for receiving at least part of the electric motor 20 and at least one second compartment 38 for receiving at least part of the transmission 24. The at least one second compartment 38 is at least substantially enclosed between the first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32. Preferably the first top layer 30 and second top layer 32 comprise means for rotationally supporting at least part of the transmission 24, for example a bearing opening 40 for bearing a sprocket wheel 42, as will be discussed.

[0068] The first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32 preferably do not extend over the at least one first compartment 36, allowing access to the firs compartment 36. In the embodiments shown the first compartment 36 is accessible from opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base layer 28. Alternatively the base layer 28 has a first compartment 36 on each opposite side 28A, 28B of the base layer 28, accessible from a relevant opposite side 28A, 28B of the base layer. The electric motor 20 can thus be placed from either one of said opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base layer, preferably such that the electric motor 20 is suspended in the relevant first compartment 36 such that a part 20A of the electric motor 20 extends from the said first compartment 36 above the relevant one of said opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base layer 28, especially above the relevant first or second top layer 30, 32. Thus the base layer 28 with the top layers 30, 32 can have a thickness T, measured in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 14 which can be limited.

[0069] In advantageous embodiments, as shown in the drawings, for example fig. 11, the first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32 are substantially, especially fully identical. Preferably they have a plane of symmetry P extending perpendicular to the plane of drawing in fig. 11, which is a main plane of the relevant top layer 30, 32 which comprises a longitudinal axis 44 of said relevant top layer 30, 32. The first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32 are preferably made of plate material and are preferably substantially flat or corrugated with corrugations having a length direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the relevant top layer. The top layers 30, 32 can thus for example be made by stamping.

[0070] Preferably the base frame 16 also has a plane of symmetry Z as indicated in Fig. 7. This plane of symmetry Z preferably extends central between the first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32, parallel to the plane of drawing in fig. 12, such that the same base frame 16 can be used for a left hand side 5 A of a vehicle 1 and a right hand side 5B of a vehicle 1. Fig. 15 shows in a top view two base frames 16 on opposite sides of a line M with the top layers 30, 32 removed, showing a first base frame from a side of the first top layer 30 to the left of said line M, and a second base frame from a side of the second top layer 32 to the right of said line M. Thus the base layer 28 and top layers 30,32 can be used for both sides of the vehicle, reducing the number of different parts necessary.

[0071] The rotational axis 14 preferably extends perpendicular to the first top layer 30 and second top layer 32 and to the longitudinal direction 22 of the base frame 16, wherein the electric motor 20 is preferably positioned such that the rotational axis 26 of the electric motor 20 lies in a plane perpendicular to said rotation axis 14. The electric motor 20 thus can be positioned in the relevant first compartment 36 in a lying down position, preferably such that the smallest dimension of the motor of length, width and height extends in the direction parallel to the rotational axis 14.

[0072] The electric motor 20 in the embodiments shown is accommodated in the base frame 16 near a first longitudinal end 46 of the base frame 16. The base frame 16 comprises a third compartment 48 near an opposite second longitudinal end 50 of the base frame 16. The second compartment 38 can be positioned between the first compartment 36 and the third compartment 48. The third compartment is at least partly open to both opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base frame 16, for accommodating a rotational support 52 for the support frame 18.

[0073] Fig. 6A shows an isometric exploded view of a vehicle camera actuator system 101 of the disclosure, from above, fig. 6B shows a similar exploded view from below. Fig. 7 shows in side view an exploded view of a vehicle camera actuator system 101 of the disclosure.

[0074] The system 101 as shown comprises the base layer 28, the top layers 30, 32 and the transmission 24, as well as the rotational support 52. The first compartment 36 is at least open to the side of the base layer 30 shown at a side of the base layer 28 facing upward in fig. 6A and 7, such that the body 20B of the motor 20 can be inserted therein partly, for example with a lower half thereof, an upper part, for example an upper half thereof extending above the top layer 30. The drive axis 26 of the motor 20 extends horizontally, i.e. parallel to the top and bottom top layers 30, 32, in an appropriately designed axis portion 36 A of the first compartment 36. Appropriate electrical wiring (not shown) for control and energizing of the motor 20 can be provided in a known manner. The motor axis 26 is provided with appropriate profiling, for example a worm gear 53 for engaging a first gear 54, which engages the first sprocket wheel 42 comprised in the second compartment 38. The first gear 54 can comprise evolute gearing, in a known manner, to be compact and easy to manufacture, for engaging the profiling 53 on the motor axis 26.

[0075] The second compartment 38 has a substantially cylindrical shape, open to opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base layer 28, circumferentially relatively closely fitting the first sprocket wheel 42, which has a central cylindrical stub 56 fitting in the bearing openings 40 in the top layers 30, 32. Thus rotation of the motor axis 26 will rotate the first sprocket wheel 42 through the first gear 54.

[0076] The third compartment 48 also has a substantially cylindrical shape, open to both opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base layer 28. The base layer 28 has a circular recess 56 in said opposite sides 28A, B extending around the rim of the third compartment. In both recesses 56 a profiled ring

[0077] 57 is provided, enclosed between a bottom of said recess 56 and the relevant top layer 30, 32. The second compartment 38 and the third compartment 48 partly coincide, such that teeth 42 A of the first sprocket wheel 42 can engage with, especially intermesh with teeth 58A of a second sprocket wheel

[0078] 58 provided in the third compartment 48. Thus rotation of the first sprocket wheel 42 will result in rotation of the second sprocket wheel 58. The second sprocket wheel 58 is hollow cylindrical, with said teeth 58A on an outer peripheral surface. A stepped cylindrical rotation stub 60 extends through a central bore of the second sprocket wheel 58 and is connected to the sprocket wheel, for example by appropriate profiling, such that a rotation of the sprocket wheel 58 results in a rotation of the stub 60 around the axis of rotation 14, which coincides with a central axis of the stub 60. The stub has an upper end 62 extending through a circular opening 64 in the relevant top layer 30, providing a mounting provision 66 for the support frame 18, as will be discussed. The second sprocket wheel 58 is enclosed with a peripheral portion between the top layers 30, 32, especially between peripheral edge portions of the openings 64, preventing that the second sprocket wheel 58 can exit the third compartment 48.

[0079] As discussed, the electric motor 20 in embodiments shown has a part 20A extending outside the base frame 16, above one of the first top layer 30 and the second top layer 32. A cap 70 is provided over at least said part 20A of the electric motor 20. The combined height H of the base frame 16 and the cap 70, measured in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 14, preferably is substantially the same as the height of the electric motor 20 measured in the same direction. An opening 72 can be provided in the cap 70, allowing a surface portion of the motor 20 to extend into said opening 72, even further reducing the required height H.

[0080] In embodiments the system 101 comprises a concave first wall 74, having a height H74 in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis 14, and having a radius R74 of curvature substantially equal to the distance D74 between the concave side 75 of said first wall 74 and the rotation axis 14. Preferably the curved first wall 74 is provide by or attached to the cap 70.

[0081] The support frame 18 is mounted to the stub 60, for example as shown especially in fig. 7, by positioning it into and / or over the stub end 62. The stub 60 and support frame 18 can have cooperating slots and fingers, such that the support frame 18 can shde relative to the stub 60 along the rotation axis, but cannot rotate relative thereto. As shown in fig. 7 one or more springs 76 can be placed on the support frame 18, especially in an indentation 78 therein, locked in place by a locking ring 80 screwed or otherwise attached to the stub 60. The springs 76 bias the support frame 18 towards the base frame 16, such that a lower side 82 of the support frame 18 is in engagement with the profiled ring 57, or at least with protrusions 84 of said ring 57 extending through slots 86 in the relevant top layer 30, 32. It will be clear that by choosing the position of the protrusions 84 and / or counter protrusions 92 the angle pi and 2 over which the camera housing 105 can be rotated forward and rearward respectively can be set, for example as required for the intended use, position on a vehicle and the like.

[0082] The base frame 16 in embodiments comprises at least one stop 84 for limiting motor driven rotation of the support frame 18 relative to the base frame 16, preferably at least two stops for limiting said rotation in two opposite directions Fi, F2. The support frame 18 is mounted to the base frame 16 through an axis-configuration, resiliently biasing the support frame 18 towards the base frame 16 but allowing the support frame 18 to move in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 14, away from the base frame 16, for allowing rotation of the support frame 18 beyond at least one of said stops, and back again.

[0083] Fig. 17 shows schematically an enlarged side view of part of the ring 57 and lower side of the support frame 18. The protrusions 84, forming the stops, extend upward through the slots 86, and have a first sloping surface 88 at a first side and a second sloping surface 90 at an opposite second side. The first sloping surface 88 has a steeper angle of sloping than the second sloping surface 90. The lower side 82 of the support frame 18 has counter protrusions 92 extending downward. Upon rotation of the support frame 18 around the rotation axis 14 in a first direction F 1 in fig. 17 the counter protrusion 92 will move along the sloping second surface 90 relatively easily, pushing the camera support platform 18 upward, against the biasing force provided by the springs 76, until the counter protrusion 92 can be pushed further, passing the protrusion 84, such that the camera support platform 18 can be pushed back towards the base frame 16 again. If the counter protrusion 92 is positioned on said opposite side of the protrusion 84, in fig. 17 at the right hand side thereof, and is rotated back in the opposite direction F2, it will encounter the first, steeper sloping surface 88. In order to push the counter protrusion 92 back over the protrusion 84 in said second direction F2 a relatively large force will be necessary, larger than the force necessary for making the counter protrusion pass the protrusion in said first direction F 1.

[0084] If the support frame 18 is rotated around the rotation axis 14 in the said second direction F2 by the motor 20 and transmission 24, the counter protrusion 92 will engage the relevant protrusion 84 and encounter the resistance, which may be the end position in forward direction (fig. 4B, solid lines) or in rearward direction (fig. 4A, solid lines). The motor 20 will stop driving the transmission because of the said resistance higher than the force it is designed to deliver in said direction. If for some reason a larger force is encountered by the support frame 18, for example because of an external force, such as by a collision or a person pushing or pulling the camera housing 105, the support frame 18 will rotate further, as described, if the force is high enough to overcome the resistance (>F2). The counter protrusion 92 will then be brought into the position as shown in fig. 17, which may for example be a fold over position (fig. 4A, broken lines) or a fold in position (fig. 4B, broken lines). In order to bring the support frame 18 back into a normal use position the counter protrusion 92 will be driven back over the protrusion 84, which will require less force because of the shallower angle of sloping of the relevant surface 90, and which will allow driving the support frame back by use of the electrical motor 20. In preferred embodiments the ring 57 has at least two protrusions 84, spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the ring 57, with first sloping surfaces 88 facing each other, such that during normal use (between the end positions as shown in fig. 4A and B in solid fines) the protrusion 84 will extend between said first sloping surfaces.

[0085] As is schematically shown in for example fig. 5, 6 and 7, the support frame 18 has a generally flat configuration, with substantially parallel opposite sides. The support frame 18 extends over one of two opposite sides 28A, 28B of the base frame 16, especially over the first top layer 30 or over the second top layer 32. The lower or bottom side 82 of the support frame 18 faces the base frame 16 and an opposite top side 94 of the support frame 18 faces away from the base frame 16. The support frame 18 preferably has a longitudinal support frame axis 96 extending substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis 14, in a plane parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and encompassing the longitudinal axis of the base frame. As can be seen in e.g. fig. 5A and B the support frame 18 can have a portion extending over the longitudinal second or distal end 50 of the base frame 16.

[0086] As discussed the support frame is connected to the stub 60, such that it can rotate around the rotational axis 14. The support frame 18 preferably has a thickness Tis measured between the top side 94 and the bottom side 82 which is substantially equal to a height of the part 20A of the electric motor 20 extending above the relevant top layer 30, 32 at the side of the base frame 16 at which the support frame 18 is provided and / or the height H of the cap 70. Moreover the support frame preferably has a width Wis which is substantially equal to the width Wi6 of the base frame 16.

[0087] The support frame 18 comprises a second, convex wall 98 having a height H98 parallel to the rotation axis 14, with a radius of curvature R98 substantially equal to the distance between the convex side 99 of said second wall 98 and the rotation axis 14. The first wall 74 and the second wall 98 preferably have substantially the same radius of curvature R74, R98, such that upon rotation of the support frame 18 relative to the base frame 16 the second wall 98 will slide along the first wall 74 at a small distance or in contact therewith. A distance between said walls 74, 98 can for example be less than 2 mm, for example less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm or less. The height H74 of the first wall 74 preferably is also substantially equal to the height H98 of the second wall 98, such that at least their free upper curved rims are substantially at the same level, as shown in fig. 5A. The upper rim of the first curved wall 74 preferably lies a short distance above a top wall 70 A of the cap 70.

[0088] The base frame 16 in advantageous embodiments comprises at at least one longitudinal side 120, preferably at two opposite longitudinal sides 120, at least one slide element 122 extending in the longitudinal direction 22 of the base frame 16. The or each slide element 122 preferably has a tapering configuration in at least one of the longitudinal direction 22 of the base frame 16 or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 22. In the embodiments shown such slide element 122 is provided on each of said two opposite longitudinal sides 120, having a wedge shape, such that a proximal end 122A has a cross section larger than the cross section at the distal end 122B.

[0089] In advantageous embodiments the system 12, especially the housing 100, comprises the casing 102 for attachment to a vehicle 1, wherein the casing 102 is substantially tubular and has an entry opening 124 through which a vehicle camera actuator system 101 can be inserted into the casing 102, in a longitudinal direction 22 of the base frame 16 and the support frame 18 facing forward. Fig. 8 shows in side view schematically a base frame 16 with cap 70 next to a casing 102. Fig. 9 shows a vehicle camera actuator system 101, in rear view, the support frame 18 facing away into the plane of drawing. Fig. 10 shows a casing in rear view, looking into an entry opening 124. The casing 102 preferably has an end wall portion 126 at an end 128 opposite the entry opening 124 and the base frame 16 has a connecting provision 130 at a forward facing, distal end 50. When inserting the system

[0090] 101 into the casing 102 the distal end 50 is brought close to or in contact with the end wall portion 126, such that the connecting provision 130 can be connected to the end wall portion 126, preferably by screwing a bolt or screw 132 through the end wall portion 126 into or over the connecting provision 130, for pulling the base frame 16 closer to the end wall portion 126.

[0091] As is shown in fig. 10 and for example fig. 13 A - C the casing 102 can be provided with a counter sliding provision 134 for the or each slide element 122, such that upon insertion of the base frame 16 into the casing

[0092] 102 the or each slide element 122 is received by the or a counter sliding provision 134, such that the base frame 16 is increasingly clamped upon further insertion in the longitudinal direction 22 by pushing and / or pulling it towards the end wall portion 126. Fig. 13A - C show in three steps inserting the base frame 16 into the casing 102, in which for practical reasons only the base layer 28 is shown, and the casing 102 in partial cross section, shown the counter sliding provisions 134, on opposite sides of the base frame 16. In fig. 13A the based frame is entirely outside the casing 102. In fig. 13B the base frame 16 has been slid into the casing about halfway. IN this position the counter slide provisions 134 loosely grab the slide elements 122, guiding the base layer 28. In fig. 13C the base frame 16 (as indicated represented by the base layer 28) has been fully introduced into the casing 102, the screw or bolt 132 screwed into the connecting provision 130, locking the base frame 16 in position tightly, wherein the tapering slide elements 122 and counter slide provisions are fully engaged, eliminating possible movement because of the tapering engaging surfaces and shapes.

[0093] As can be seen in e.g. fig. 8, the casing 102 in side view has an proximal portion 102A, at the side of the flange 103, which is tubular, whereas it has a distal portion 102B which is open at a top side and has the end wall portion 126 and bottom. At the transition between the proximal portion 102A and the distal portion 102B a curved edge 138 is formed.

[0094] As shown in e.g. fig. 9 and 10, the vehicle camera actuator system 101 can be inserted into the casing 102, wherein the part of the support frame 18 extending forward over the distal end 50 of the base frame 16 will be slid fittingly over the wall portion 126 of the distal end of the casing 102. In such position the convex wall 74 is brought to a position directly below the curved edge 138, closing off the opening below the curved edge 138 at the end of the proximal portion 102A of the casing 102 above the top layer 30. The support frame 18 in such position extends over the end wall portion 126, inclose proximity thereof. Thus ingress of dirt and water into the casing is substantially prevented.

[0095] A system 12 of the disclosure further comprises a camera housing 105, supporting and preferably enclosing at least the camera 13 or such optical element. The camera housing 105 in preferred embodiments can be slid over the support frame 18 in the longitudinal direction 23 or sliding direction S of the support frame 18, wherein the camera housing has an end wall portion 140 at an end 142 trailing in said sliding direction S. The support frame 18 preferably has a connecting provision 144 at a distal end 146, which is brought close to or in contact with the end wall portion 140, such that the connecting provision 144 can be connected to the end wall part 140, preferably by screwing a bolt or screw 132 through the end wall part 140 into or over the connecting provision 144 for pulling the end wall part 140 of the camera housing 105 closer to the distal end 146 of the support frame 18.

[0096] The support frame 18 preferably comprises at at least one longitudinal side, preferably at two opposite longitudinal sides 148, at least one slide element 150 extending in the longitudinal direction of the support frame 18, the or each slide element 150 preferably having a tapering configuration in at least one of a longitudinal direction of the support frame 18 or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, for example similar to but in opposite direction to the slide elements 122 of the base frame 16. The camera housing 105 in such embodiments preferably has at least two side wall portions 152 comprising counter sliding provisions 154 for cooperation with the or each slide element 150 of the support frame 18, such that upon insertion of the support frame 18 into the camera housing 105 the or each slide element 150 is received by the or a counter sliding provision 154, such that the support frame 18 is increasingly clamped upon further insertion in the longitudinal direction. Fig. 14A - C show, by way of example, sliding a camera housing 105 over the support frame 18, wherein the slide elements 150 and counter slide provisions 154 are schematically shown. In fig. 14A they are fully separated. In fig. 14B the camera housing 105 has been slid partly onto the support frame 18, whereas in fig. 14C the camera housing 105 is shown fully slid onto the support frame 18, with the bolt or screw 132 screwed into the connecting provision 130. In this position an appropriately curved and dimensioned end 105A of the camera housing 105 is brought into close contact with the curved second end wall 98, closing off said end 105A of the camera housing 105, preventing dirt and / or water or the like from entering into the camera housing 105.

[0097] As discussed, fig. 2 - 4 show a vehicle camera device according to the disclosure, assembled using a camera actuator system 101 and a housing, especially a casing 102 and a camera housing 105 as disclosed. Assembling of the system 12 is made easy, by sliding the assembled actuator system 101 into and partly through the casing 102, and then sliding the camera housing 105 onto the support frame 18 extending outside the casing 102. As is shown in e.g. fig. 2, fig. 4A and 4B, fig. 5, fig. 9 and fig. 14, the first wall 74 and second wall 98, having substantially the same curvature, during use slide alongside each other, whereas the close off the casing 102 and the camera housing 105 respectively, preventing contamination of the interior thereof and at the same time providing an improved appearance of the system 12, not only when the casing 102 and the camera housing are aligned, as shown in fig. 1A and fig. 2, but also when pivoted away from such aligned position, as for example shown in fig. 4A and 4B, and even in the fold over position and the fold in position.

[0098] Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a top layer 30, 32 for use in a system according to the disclosure. The top layer 30, 32 can for example be stamped from metal plate, can for example be flat, and has the plane of symmetry P, in fig. 11 perpendicular to the plane of drawing. The layer 30, 32 has the bearing opening 40 and the circular opening 64, with the slots 86 along a periphery of said opening 64, substantially between the opening 64 and the bearing opening 40, seen in longitudinal direction of the layer 30, 32. The layer 30, 32 in this embodiment has two legs 148, extending at an angle alongside a recess 156 open towards an end of the layer facing away from the opening 64. When positioning the layer 30, 34 on top of a surface 28A, 28B of the base layer 28, the legs 148 will extend alongside two sides of the first compartment 36, over the motor axis 26 when the motor 20 is placed in the first compartment 36, part of the motor extending though the recess 156 at the side from which the motor 20 is placed. Because of the symmetry the layer 30, 32 can be mounted easily, with either surface facing either one of the surfaces 28A, 28B of the base layer 28.

[0099] As previously discussed and for example shown in fig. 15, the base frame is symmetrical, such that it can be used for a system for either side of the vehicle 1. Fig. 16 schematically shown an assembly of a system for use at a left hand side of a vehicle and for use at a right hand side of the vehicle, shown that exactly the same components are used, and assembly can be performed in the same order, in mirrored configuration.

[0100] As is shown in for example fig. 6, 7 and 16 a filling block 158 can be placed in the base layer 28 at a side opposite the side from which the motor 20 is placed, for supporting the first gear 54, or at least its axis 55, said axis 55 preferably having a bearing 59 in the top layer 30, 32 at the side from which the motor 20 is placed.

[0101] As shown, a system 12 according to the disclosure can have a very compact configuration, wherein the housing 100 can especially have a very small height or thickness D, for example but not limited to 30 mm or less, such as for example 25 mm or less, wherein the minimal thickness is primarily defined by the smallest thickness of the electrical motor 20.

[0102] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments of a vehicle system 12 or a actuator system 101 or vehicle 1 as described here before. Many variations thereof are possible within the ambit of the disclosure. The housing 100 can be designed freely around the system 101, and can for example have at least a front facing side which is streamlined for reducing wind resistance and noise.

[0103] For example the housing 100 can be made differently, for example such that it can be assembled around the actuator system 101. For example the casing 102 can be assembled from two or more components. The base frame 16 and / or the support frame 18 can be shaped differently and can be secured differently in the casing 102 and the camera housing 105, for example but not limited to by clicking connectors, by screwing or bolting in different directions or by adhering or the like. The actuator system 101 can be designed such that it can be slid into the casing 102 from a side facing away from the vehicle 1, wherein the camera housing and / or camera support platform can comprise a wall portion for closing off the longitudinal, distal end through which the system 101 is inserted into the casing. In embodiments the transmission 24 can be designed differently, for example but not limited to by using a belt drive, worm gear or by providing a direct drive of the stub 60, for example by integration of a motor in the stub 60. In embodiments the top layers 30, 32 can be designed differently, or one or both can be left out, for example wherein the casing 102 performs the function of one or both of said layers 30, 32. In embodiments the layers 30, 32 can be designed to also enclose part of the longitudinal sides 120 of the base layer 28, for example such that they can provide at least part of the slide elements 122. Instead of using protrusions and counter protrusions as stops for rotation, other means can be used, such as for example but not limited to electronic means for measuring an angular position of the camera housing relative to the casing. Multiple optical elements 13 can be provided in the system 12, especially in or on the camera housing, which can be designed differently. In embodiments the support frame can be provided at a lower side of the base frame 16 instead of the upper side thereof. The or each optical element, such as a camera, can be provided with appropriate wiring for connecting it to vehicle electronics, or can be provided for wireless communication.

[0104] These and many other variations, including but not limited to combinations of elements as disclosed, are considered to have been disclosed herein.

[0105] Vehicle top side front side rear side lateral sides bottom hood fender A door B side panel 0 hatchback 1 roof 2 vehicle vision system 3 Image recording sensor 3A lens 4 axis of rotation 6 Base frame 8 Support frame 0 Electric motor 0A Part of the motor 0B Motor body 2 Long, direction base frame 3 Long, direction cam supp frame4 Transmission 6 Drive axis motor 8 Base layer 8A, 28B Opposite sides base layer 0 First top layer 2 Second top layer Accommodations First compartment Second compartment Bearing opening Sprocket wheel A Teeth first sprocket wheel Long axis top layer First long end base frame Third compartment Second long end base frame Rotational support Worm gear First gear First gear axis Circular recess profiled ring Second sprocket wheel A Teeth second sprocket wheel First gear axis bearing Stub Stub upper end Circular opening Mounting provisions Cap concave first wall concave side springs indentation for springs locking ring lower side support frame protrusions slots first sloping surface second sloping surface counter protrusions top side camera support frame support frame axis second, convex wall convex side Housing Vehicle camera actuator system Casing A proximal portion B distal portion Attachment provision A stubs Flange Camera housing Longitudinal / casing axis Camera housing axis longitudinal side slide element A proximal end B distal end entry opening end wall portion end connecting provision bolt or screw counter sliding provision 138 curved edge

[0106] 140 end wall portion camera housing 142 end trailing

[0107] 144 connecting provision

[0108] 146 distal end camera platform

[0109] 148 legs

[0110] 150 slide element

[0111] 152 side wall portions

[0112] 154 counter sliding provisions

[0113] 156 recess

[0114] 158 filling block a angle of view

[0115] P horizontal angle of vision

[0116] 5 vertical angle of vision

[0117] D Thickness

[0118] H Height base frame / cap

[0119] H74 height

[0120] H98 height

[0121] M Line

[0122] Oaxis, optical axis

[0123] P Plane of symmetry top layers

[0124] Q body parts

[0125] R74 radius

[0126] R98 radius of curvature

[0127] S sliding direction

[0128] T Thickness base layer

[0129] V median longitudinal plane

[0130] W width base

[0131] Wis width camera frame

[0132] Z Plane of symmetry base frame

Claims

Claims1. Actuator system for a vehicle vision application, comprising a base frame and a support frame rotationally attached to the base frame, wherein an electric motor is provided in the base frame, for rotating the support frame relative to the base frame around a rotational axis extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base frame, and provided with a transmission for at least transmitting rotation of a driveaxis of the electric motor to rotation of the support frame around said rotational axis, wherein the base frame has at least in part a sandwich construction, comprising a base layer and a first top layer and a second top layer, wherein the first top layer and the second top layer are provided on and connected to respective opposite sides of the base layer, wherein the base layer is provided with accommodations for at least part of the motor and the transmission and wherein the first and second top layer preferably cover at least part of the transmission.

2. Actuator system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second top layer are made of a material with an E-modulus value at least 5x the E-modulus value of the material of the base frame.

3. Actuator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the accommodations in the base layer comprises at least one first compartment for receiving at least part of the electric motor and at least one second compartment for receiving at least part of the transmission, wherein the at least one second compartment is at least substantially enclosed between the first top layer and the second top layer, wherein preferably the first top layer and second top layer comprise means for rotationally supporting at least part of the transmission.

4. Actuator system according to claim 3, wherein the first top layer and the second top layer do not extend over the at least one first compartment, wherein: the first compartment is accessible from opposite sides of the base layer, and / or the base layer has a first compartment on each opposite side of the base layer, accessible from a relevant opposite side of the base layer, such that the electric motor can be placed from either one of said opposite sides of the base layer, preferably such that the electric motor is suspended in the relevant first compartment such that part of the electric motor extends from the said first compartment above the relevant one of said opposite sides of the base layer.

5. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first top layer and the second top layer are substantially identical and have a plane of symmetry extending perpendicular to a main plane of the relevant top layer and comprising a longitudinal axis of said relevant top layer, wherein the first top layer and the second top layer are preferably made of plate material and are preferably substantially flat or corrugated with corrugations having a length direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the relevant top layer.

6. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame has a plane of symmetry extending central between the first top layer and the second top layer, such that the same base frame can be used for a left hand side of a vehicle and a right hand side of a vehicle.

7. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation axis extends perpendicular to the first top layer and second top layer and to a longitudinal direction of the base frame, whereinthe electric motor is preferably positioned such that the rotational axis of the electric motor lies in a plane perpendicular to said rotation axis.

8. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor is accommodated in the base frame near a first longitudinal end of the base frame and wherein the base frame comprises a third compartment near an opposite second longitudinal end of the base frame, wherein the third compartment is at least partly open to both opposite sides of the base frame, for accommodating a rotational support for the support frame.

9. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor has a part extending outside the base frame, above one of the first top layer and the second top layer, wherein a cap is provided over at least said part of the electric motor, wherein the combined height of the base frame and the cap, measured in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, preferably is substantially the same as the height of the electric motor measured in the same direction.

10. Actuator system according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein at least one opening in a top layer is closed off by a foil, especially an opening in a top layer opposite a side of the bas layer above which the motor extends in part.

11. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a concave first wall, having a first wall height in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and having a radius of curvature substantially equal to the distance between the concave side of said first wall and the rotation axis.

12. Actuator system according to claim 9 and 11, wherein said first wall is provided by the cap.

13. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame has a longitudinal support frame axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base frame.

14. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame extends over one of two opposite sides of the base frame, especially over the first top layer or over the second top layer, a bottom side of the support frame facing the base frame and an opposite top side of the support frame facing away from the base frame.

15. Actuator system according to claim 14 and claim 8, wherein the support frame has a thickness measured between the top side and the bottom side which is substantially equal to a height of the concave first wall above the relevant top layer at the side of the base frame at which the support frame is provided and / or the height of the cap.

16. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame comprises a second, convex wall having a height direction parallel to the rotation axis, with a radius of curvature substantially equal to the distance between the convex side of said second wall and the rotation axis.

17. Actuator system according to at least claims 11 and 16, wherein the first wall and the second wall have substantially the same radius of curvature, such that upon rotation of the support frame relative to the base frame the second wall will slide along the first wall at a small distance or in contact therewith.

18. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame comprises a first stop for limiting motor driven rotation of the support frame relative to the base frame, wherein the support frame is mounted to the base frame through an axis-configuration, resiliently biasing the support frame towards the base frame but allowing the support frame to move in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, away from the base frame, for allowing rotation of the support frame beyond at least one of said stops.

19. Actuator system according to claim 16, wherein the first stop has a first sloping surface at a first rotational side and a second sloping surface at a second rotational side, opposite the first side, wherein the sloping angle of the first sloping surface is different from the sloping angle of the second sloping surface.

20. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the system comprises a first and / or second end stop for limiting a maximum rotation of the support frame relative to the casing in a first direction and / or in a second direction.

21. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame comprises at at least one longitudinal side, preferably at two opposite longitudinal sides, at least one slide element extending in the longitudinal direction of the base frame, the or each slide element preferably having a tapering configuration in at least one of a longitudinal direction of the base frame or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

22. Actuator system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame comprises at at least one longitudinal side, preferably at two opposite longitudinal sides, at least one slide element extending in the longitudinal direction of the support frame, the or each slide element preferably having a tapering configuration in at least one of a longitudinal direction of the support frame or a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

23. Vehicle vision system comprising a casing for attachment to a vehicle, wherein the casing is substantially tubular and has an entry opening through which an actuator system can be inserted into the casing, in a longitudinal direction of the base frame and the support frame facing forward, preferably an actuator system according to any one of claims 1 - 22.

24. Vehicle vision system according to claim 23, wherein the casing has an end wall portion at an end opposite the entry opening and the base frame has a connecting provision at a forward facing, distal end, which is brought close to or in contact with the end wall portion, such that the connecting provision can be connected to the end wall part, preferably by screwing a bolt or screw through the end wall part into or over the connecting provision for pulling the base part closer to the end wall part.

25. Vehicle vision system according to claim 23 or 24 and an actuator system according to claim 20, wherein the casing is provided with a counter sliding provision for the or each sliding element, such that upon insertion of the base frame into the casing the or each sliding element is received by the or a counter sliding provision, such that the base frame is increasingly clamped upon further insertion in the longitudinal direction.

26. Vehicle vision system according to any one of claims 23 - 25, wherein further a camera housing is provided, which can be slid over the support frame in the longitudinal direction of the support frame, wherein the camera housing has an end wall portion at an end trailing in said sliding direction and the support frame has a connecting provision at a distal end, which is brought close to or in contact with the end wall portion, such that the connecting provision can be connected to the end wall part, preferably by screwing a bolt or screw through the end wall part into or over the connecting provision for pulling the end wall part of the camera housing closer to the distal end of the support frame.

27. Vehicle vision system according to at least claim 26 and with an actuator system of claim 22, wherein the camera housing has at least two side wall portions comprising counter sliding provisions for cooperation with the or each sliding element of the support frame, such that upon insertion of the support frame into the camera housing the or each sliding element is received by the or a counter sliding provision, such that the support frame is increasingly clamped upon further insertion in the longitudinal direction.

28. Actuator system according to any one of claims 1 - 22 or a vehicle vision system according to any one of claims 23 - 27, wherein the system has a thickness measured parallel to the rotation axis of 30 mm or less, preferably a thickness of 25 mm or less, more preferably 22 or less.

29. Vehicle comprising at least one vehicle vision system according to any one of claims 23 - 27 and / or an actuator system according to any one of claims 1 - 22.

30. Method for providing an actuator system according to any one of claims 1 - 22 or a vehicle vision system according to any one of claims 23 - 28, comprising the steps of: providing a base frame comprising a motor and a rotation axis configuration; providing a support frame; connecting the support frame to the rotation axis configuration; providing a at least partly tubular casing; sliding the base frame with the support frame attached thereto into and partly through the casing, such that the support frame extends outside and partly over an end portion of the casing; and connecting at least the base frame to the casing.

31. Method of claim 30, wherein a housing portion is connected to the support frame, especially by sliding it onto and / or over a part of the support frame extending out of the casing, and attaching the housing portion to the support frame, such that the housing portion can rotate with the support frame, and wherein the housing portion houses at least one vision application, preferably at least a camera.

Images