Camera exterior mirror device

Abstract

The invention relates to a camera exterior mirror device (2), comprising a camera holder (6), on which at least one first camera (18) is mounted, and further comprising a second camera (22), the optical axis of which deviates in a basic position from the optical axis of the first camera (18), having a pivoting device (26) for pivoting the camera holder (6) about two mutually perpendicular axes and / or about two intersecting axes.

Description

[0001] Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0002] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0003] 1

[0004] Designation: Camera exterior mirror device

[0005] The invention relates to a camera external mirror device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] Camera-based systems that replace exterior mirrors in motor vehicles offer several advantages over conventional mirrors. These so-called digital or virtual exterior mirrors use compact, aerodynamically mounted cameras on the sides of the vehicle to capture real-time images of the road and surroundings. The camera images are displayed on high-resolution screens inside the vehicle, usually near the A-pillars or on the dashboard.

[0007] These camera-based systems are smaller and less bulky than conventional side mirrors, which improves aerodynamics and can lead to lower fuel consumption and increased range for electric vehicles at high speeds. They also allow for more flexible field of view coverage, thus reducing blind spots, as they can capture a wide field of vision. This allows the driver to see areas that are difficult to see with conventional mirrors, such as tight intersections or the area behind the vehicle in tight parking spaces. Some systems also offer automatic changes in viewing angle when the vehicle brakes or turns, which significantly improves visibility in critical situations.

[0008] The cameras in these wing mirror replacement systems are often equipped with special lenses and sensors that adapt to changing light and weather conditions. These systems can automatically brighten or optimize the image to ensure clear visibility in darkness, rain, or fog. In addition, the camera units are frequently heated. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0009] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0010] 2. Provided with a water-repellent coating to prevent the lenses from sticking together or fogging up.

[0011] Despite their numerous advantages, camera-based mirror replacement systems also present some challenges. Firstly, it must be ensured that the displays and cameras are robust against vibrations and external influences and guarantee lag-free real-time transmission. Secondly, it must be ensured that the camera's field of view provides the driver with good visibility.

[0012] From DE 20 2021 104 395 U 1, a camera mirror assembly for a vehicle is known, comprising a swivel unit which is rotatable with respect to a rigid part which is formed on a base which is provided on the vehicle, and which comprises a support frame at whose two ends the swivel unit and a camera are mounted accordingly, wherein the support frame is designed to be foldable in and out with respect to the vehicle in order to change a position of the camera while the swivel unit rotates.

[0013] Based on the disadvantages described above, the invention aims to provide a camera-mounted external mirror device with an optimized field of view.

[0014] This problem is solved by a camera-based external mirror device according to claim 1. The camera-based external mirror device comprises a camera holder on which at least one first camera is mounted, and further comprises a second camera whose optical axis, in a home position, differs from the optical axis of the first camera. The camera-based external mirror device is characterized by a pivoting device for pivoting the camera holder about two mutually perpendicular axes and / or about two intersecting axes. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0015] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0016] 3

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0018] The basic position specifies, in particular, a starting position of the camera mount from which it can be swiveled to its maximum extent in all directions. It can also correspond to a specific viewing direction of the cameras, where, for example, one camera is oriented to the rear and the other to the front when mounted.

[0019] In a first preferred embodiment, the swiveling device is designed as a lever drive with a first lever and a second lever, which are coupled to the camera holder at two coupling points arranged at right angles to each other with respect to a central axis of the camera holder. This allows the camera holder to swivel about two axes that are essentially perpendicular to each other. This provides a large field of view for the two cameras.

[0020] The two levers are preferably coupled to the camera mount at the two coupling areas by means of ball joints, thus achieving a large freedom of movement and a large available field of view.

[0021] Advantageously, each lever can be moved by a separate drive unit. In this way, each lever can be moved selectively by a dedicated drive unit.

[0022] The respective drive unit preferably comprises an electric motor (DC motor) with a downstream gearbox.

[0023] At least one gearbox preferably includes a worm gear. This allows for very precise camera mount movements, and through the Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0024] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0025] 4

[0026] Self-locking prevents accidental adjustment of the camera holder's position.

[0027] The respective lever is preferably coupled to the respective transmission via a joint and another lever.

[0028] In a second preferred embodiment, the camera holder has a swivel cross, wherein a first swivel cable is attached to two opposite sides of the swivel cross, which is guided over a first swivel pulley that can be driven by a first drive unit, and wherein a second swivel cable is attached to two other opposite sides of the cross, which is guided over a second swivel pulley that can be driven by a second drive unit.

[0029] The camera mount is preferably actuated by a spring element in such a way that the two swivel ropes or swivel cables are under tension.

[0030] The respective drive unit advantageously includes an electric motor.

[0031] Advantageously, the second camera is also mounted on the camera bracket. This allows both cameras to be adjusted in their viewing direction using the same panning mechanism.

[0032] The camera holder advantageously has a first camera surface and a second camera surface angled to the first camera surface, in particular at right angles, wherein the first camera is mounted on the first camera surface and the second camera is mounted on the second camera surface.

[0033] The cameras' kinematic concept is thus based on the functionality of a marionette. Pan cables or swivel wires are attached to the camera mount on the pan / tilt mechanism, and the cameras are... Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0034] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0035] The camera is positioned at position 5 on the camera mount. Two to three cameras should be used. The entire camera mount is moved; the cameras are not panned independently, but rather the entire mount is moved. Pulling on the respective pan / tilt cable moves the camera mount. This cable / rope solution offers the advantage that the actuators can be positioned elsewhere on the door / vehicle, and the cables can be routed to the camera mount via pulleys. This allows for flexible use of the limited installation space.

[0036] The camera external display device advantageously comprises a housing in which the camera holder and the swivel mechanism are arranged. At least the area of ​​the housing that surrounds the camera holder and thus the cameras is transparent to light falling on the housing. The housing is preferably constructed in two parts, with a first part comprising the swivel mechanism and a second part or attachment that encloses the cameras.

[0037] The camera-equipped exterior mirror device preferably includes at least one lighting unit.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, at least one sensor, in particular a radar or lidar sensor, is arranged on the camera holder instead of or in addition to a camera.

[0039] The invention also relates to a camera-based exterior mirror device system, comprising a camera-based exterior mirror device as described above and a display unit for displaying at least one camera image. In this way, the camera image can be transmitted to the interior of the motor vehicle. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0040] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0041] 6

[0042] The camera-based exterior mirror device system advantageously includes a control unit. The control unit is preferably set up or configured to provide the functionalities described below.

[0043] Further advantageous features of the invention and the advantages of the described camera-based exterior mirror device are described below. Cameras are located on the outside of the car, which can display the rearward image on displays inside the vehicle. The displayed image can be adapted to the driving situation. For example, when maneuvering or turning, the camera can be moved in the appropriate direction to provide the driver with information that a conventional side mirror does not offer.

[0044] Two cameras allow for different viewing angles, thus increasing safety through better coverage of the surroundings, adapted to a specific driving situation.

[0045] The vertical and horizontal axes of the cameras can be moved independently of each other by means of two direct current motors or DC motors in the drive units.

[0046] The camera-equipped exterior mirrors allow safety functions to be integrated into the vehicle's system. While driving, features such as blind spot monitoring and collision warning can be provided. When the vehicle is parked, the surroundings can be monitored, thus providing protection against theft and vandalism.

[0047] The camera's range depends on its specifications. Modern cameras can cover a very wide area, comparable to or better than conventional mirrors. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0048] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0049] 7

[0050] The resolution of the respective camera is preferably between 2 and 12 megapixels.

[0051] Movable cameras offer flexibility for various driving situations, and the field of view can be specifically adjusted and focused. Wide-angle cameras distort the image, especially at the edges, and have a lower resolution for a given area of ​​the image. The pan / tilt mechanism is advantageously configured so that one camera can complete an 80° rotation within 5 seconds. Using two cameras provides redundancy. Depending on the angle of the cameras relative to each other, the front camera can be directed backward.

[0052] The advantages of pan-tilt cameras, as proposed here, over wide-angle cameras lie in image quality and resolution, and in the fact that pan-tilt cameras can capture a specific area at full resolution, while wide-angle cameras have to distribute the available resolution over a larger area. Distortions at the edges, which are typical of wide-angle cameras, do not occur.

[0053] The movable cameras offer a situation-adapted view and allow for targeted adjustment of the field of view depending on the driving situation (parking, lane changes, highway driving). Optimized focus on relevant areas is enabled through dynamic alignment.

[0054] EU regulations can be complied with using the camera-equipped exterior mirror device.

[0055] Night vision functionality can also be provided. The camera systems and / or the control unit are preferably equipped with software that brightens the image in low-light conditions to ensure good visibility even in darkness. Alternatively, external lighting is also conceivable. External lighting can be particularly useful for... Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0056] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0057] 8 will be integrated to further improve visibility in low light conditions.

[0058] The camera housing can be heated and coated with special coatings to prevent icing and fogging.

[0059] One camera can be permanently installed, while the other can be moved independently using the camera mount to cover different viewing angles. The cameras can be configured to adjust automatically or remain fixed, depending on the driving situation and design requirements.

[0060] The components of the camera-mounted exterior mirror device are preferably made of shatterproof plastic.

[0061] The described camera-integrated exterior mirror device enables extended functionalities. It allows for active tracking of objects or vehicles through motion-based auto-tracking. Time-based automatic scan functions for systematic monitoring of various areas can also be implemented.

[0062] The camera-based exterior mirror system enables the implementation of safety-relevant functionalities. Improved detection of hazardous situations is achieved through targeted focus on critical areas. Optimized visibility is provided when cornering, which is particularly important for larger vehicles. Improved visibility of trailers / semi-trailers when cornering is possible through automatic tracking.

[0063] The camera-integrated exterior mirror device offers flexibility, ergonomics, and ease of use. Remote control of the respective camera is possible. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0064] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0065] 9 manual adjustments as needed. Different zoom levels can be combined with movement for optimized visibility. A more natural view, similar to conventional mirrors, can be achieved by precisely positioning the camera mount. This reduces the driver's cognitive load by focusing on relevant areas.

[0066] Furthermore, the camera-equipped exterior mirror system provides safety functions. Approaching individuals can be tracked, classified, and access permissions granted. The actions of unauthorized persons are also classified and translated into vehicle responses.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, it may also be provided that a wide-angle camera is combined with a movable camera.

[0068] Another version envisions combining a wide-angle camera with one or two movable cameras. This ensures that rear-view monitoring, i.e., the rearview mirror replacement function, is always available, while the other one or more cameras can be used for additional functions.

[0069] Further objectives, advantages, features, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, even independently of their compilation in the claims or their cross-references.

[0070] Some of the diagrams show, in a schematic way: Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0071] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0072] 10

[0073] Figure 1 shows a camera external mirror device in a first preferred embodiment in a basic position in a first perspective view;

[0074] Figure 2 shows the camera external mirror device according to Figure 1 in a further perspective view;

[0075] Figure 3 shows the camera external mirror device according to Figure 1 in a position with block direction to the upper right in a perspective view;

[0076] Figure 4 shows the camera external mirror device according to Figure 1 with a partially shown housing in a perspective view;

[0077] Figure 5 shows a camera external mirror device in a second preferred embodiment, and

[0078] Figure 6 shows the camera external mirror device according to Figure 5 with a housing.

[0079] Identical or equivalent components are labelled with reference numerals in the following figures of the drawing, based on one embodiment, to improve readability. Not all components are labelled with reference numerals in all figures.

[0080] A camera-equipped external mirror device 2, shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a basic position, comprises a camera holder 6, which has two camera surfaces angled relative to each other, namely a first camera surface 10 and a second camera surface 14, which are angled relative to each other, in particular substantially at a right angle. A first camera 18 is mounted on the first camera surface 10, and a second camera surface 14 on the second camera surface 14. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0081] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0082] 11

[0083] A second camera 22 is mounted on camera surface 14. The two cameras 18 and 22 are not designed as wide-angle cameras. Their optical axes are essentially aligned at a perpendicular angle to each other.

[0084] The camera-mounted external mirror device 2 has a pivoting device 26, which in this case is designed as a lever drive 30. The lever drive 30 has a first lever 34 and a second lever 38. The first lever 34 is connected via a first rotatable joint 42 to a third lever 46, which is rigidly connected to a first gear 50. The first gear 50 is in engagement with a second gear 54, which is rigidly connected to a gear segment 58.

[0085] A first drive unit 62 comprises an electric motor 66, which drives a shaft 70 with a worm shaft 74. The worm shaft 74 is in mesh with the gear segment 58.

[0086] The camera mount 6 has a central column 80 aligned along a central axis 84. A first web 88 extends perpendicular to the central column 80, to which the first lever 34 is coupled in a first coupling area 96 via a first ball joint 92. When the worm shaft 74 is rotated by the electric motor 66, its rotational movement is transmitted to gear segment 58, gear 54, gear 50, and the third lever 46. Due to the connection of the third lever 46 with the first lever 34 via the first joint 42, the first lever 34 shifts in a direction essentially along the direction of the central axis 84, thus pivoting the camera mount 6 about a first axis.

[0087] The second lever 38 is coupled by a rotatable second joint 100 to a rotatably mounted fourth lever 104, on which a gear segment 108 is formed, which is connected to a worm shaft 1 12 Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0088] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0089] 12 is engaged on a shaft 1 16, the shaft 1 16 being driven by an electric motor 1 18 of a second drive unit 120.

[0090] A second web 134 extends perpendicularly from the central column 80, to which the second lever 38 is coupled in a second coupling area 142 via a first ball joint 138. Due to the movement of the second lever 38 in a direction essentially along the direction of the central axis 84, the camera holder 6 is pivoted about a second axis oriented perpendicular to the first. This is made possible by the arrangement of the levers 34 and 38 and their coupling to the camera holder in the two coupling areas 96 and 142.

[0091] Figure 3 shows the camera external mirror device 2, in which a viewing direction to the upper right is set using the swivel device 26.

[0092] Figure 4 shows the camera-equipped exterior mirror device 2 with a partially depicted housing 150 or enclosure, where only a first housing part 200 is shown. A second housing part 204 (not shown) surrounds the camera holder 6 with the cameras 19, 22. In this way, only the second housing part 204 needs to be removed if, for example, the cameras 19, 22 need to be replaced.

[0093] A camera-based external mirror device 2 in a second preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The first camera 18 and the second camera 22 are mounted on two camera surfaces 10, 14 on the camera holder 6. The camera holder 6 has a swivel joint 156. A first swivel cable 160 is attached to two opposite sides of the swivel joint 156 and is guided over a first swivel pulley 164, which can be driven by a drive unit 170. A second swivel cable 160 is attached to two further opposite sides of the swivel joint 156. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0094] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0095] 13

[0096] Swivel cable 174 is attached, which is guided over a second swivel roller 176, which can be driven by a drive unit 180.

[0097] The camera holder 6 is actuated by a spring element 184, so that the two swivel bands are under tension. For this purpose, the camera holder 6 has a central column 80, which extends from the center of the swivel cross 156 and has a collar 190, with the spring element 184 arranged under pre-tension between the swivel cross 156 and the collar 190. In a marionette, this pre-tension is achieved, in a sense, by gravity and the marionette hanging from the strings. By rotating the swivel pulleys 164, 176, the camera holder 6 can be pivoted about two axes perpendicular to each other.

[0098] As can be seen in Figure 6, the camera-side mirror device 2 has a housing 150 which is constructed in two parts: a first housing part 200, which surrounds the swiveling device 26, and a second housing part 204, which surrounds the camera holder 6 with the cameras 19, 22. In this way, only the second housing part 204 needs to be removed if, for example, the cameras 19, 22 need to be replaced.

[0099] Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0100] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0101] 14

[0102] Reference symbol list

[0103] 2 camera exterior mirror device

[0104] 6 camera holders

[0105] 10 first camera area

[0106] 14 second camera area

[0107] 18 first camera

[0108] 22 second camera

[0109] 26 Swivel device

[0110] 30 Lever drive

[0111] 34 first lever

[0112] 38 second lever

[0113] 42 first joint

[0114] 46 third lever

[0115] 50 first gear

[0116] 54 second gear

[0117] 58 gear segment

[0118] 62 Drive unit

[0119] 66 Electric motor

[0120] 70 wave

[0121] 74 worm shaft

[0122] 80 central column

[0123] 84 Central axis

[0124] 88 first jetty

[0125] 92 first ball joint

[0126] 96 first coupling area

[0127] 100 second joint

[0128] 104 fourth lever

[0129] 108 gear segment

[0130] 1 12 worm shaft

[0131] 1 16 wave

[0132] 1 18 Electric motor Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025

[0133] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0134] 15

[0135] 120 drive unit

[0136] 134 second jetty

[0137] 138 second ball joint

[0138] 142 second coupling area 150 housing

[0139] 156 Swivel cross

[0140] 160 first swivel rope

[0141] 164 first swivel caster

[0142] 170 Drive unit 174 Second swivel cable

[0143] 176 second swivel caster

[0144] 180 drive unit

[0145] 184 Spring element

[0146] 190 collar 200 first housing part

[0147] 204 second housing part

Claims

Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 16 Patent claims 1. Camera external mirror device (2), comprising a camera holder (6) on which at least one first camera (18) is mounted, and further comprising a second camera (22) whose optical axis in a basic position deviates from the optical axis of the first camera (18), characterized by a pivoting device (26) for pivoting the camera holder (6) about two mutually perpendicular axes and / or about two intersecting axes.

2. Camera external mirror device (2) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the pivoting device (26) is designed as a lever drive (30) with a first lever (34) and a second lever (38) which are coupled to the camera holder (6) at two coupling areas (96, 142) arranged at a substantially right angle to each other with respect to a central axis (84) of the camera holder (6).

3. Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two levers (34, 38) are coupled to the camera holder (6) at the two coupling areas (96, 142) by means of ball joints (92, 138). Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 17 4. Camera external mirror device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the respective lever (34, 38) is movable by a separate drive unit (62, 120).

5. Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the respective drive unit (62, 120) comprises an electric motor (66, 1 18) with downstream gearbox (50, 54, 58, 74; 108, 1 12).

6. Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one transmission is a worm gear (58, 74; 108, 1 12) included.

7. Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the respective lever (34, 38) is coupled to the respective transmission (50, 54, 58, 74; 108, 1 12) via a joint (42, 100) and a further lever (46, 104).

8. Camera external mirror device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera holder (6) has a swivel cross (156), wherein a first swivel cable (160) is attached to two opposite sides of the swivel cross (156), which is guided over a first swivel pulley (164) which can be driven by a first drive unit (170), and wherein a second swivel cable (174) is attached to two other opposite sides of the cross. Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 18 is, which is guided via a second swivel roller (176) which can be driven by a second drive unit (180).

9. Camera external mirror device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the camera holder (6) is acted upon by a spring element (184) such that the two swivel cables (160, 174) are under pretension.

10. Camera external mirror device (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the respective drive unit (170, 180) has an electric motor. 1 1 . Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second camera (22) is also mounted on the camera holder (6).

12. Camera external mirror device (2) according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the camera holder (6) has a first camera surface (10) and a second camera surface (14) angled to the first camera surface, in particular at right angles, wherein the first camera (18) is mounted on the first camera surface (10) and the second camera (22) is mounted on the second camera surface (14). Our reference: K006P535PCT 27.10.2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 19 13. Camera external mirror device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (150) in which the camera holder (6) and the swivel device (26) are arranged.

14. Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to one of the previous Claims comprising at least one lighting unit.

15. Camera exterior mirror device (2) according to one of the previous Claims, wherein at least one sensor, in particular a radar or lidar sensor, is arranged on the camera holder (6) instead of or in addition to a camera (18).

16. Camera exterior mirror device system (2) comprising a camera exterior mirror device (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a display unit for displaying at least one camera image.

17. Camera exterior mirror device system (2) according to claim 16, comprising a control unit.

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