Camera housing arrangement, and wheel alignment measuring arrangement comprising such camera housing arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camera housing arrangement for a wheel alignment camera. The camera housing arrangement comprises a spring loaded bearing arrangement having an additional bearing, the spring loaded bearing arrangement being arranged inside a camera housing of the camera housing arrangement and controllable between a first position in which the additional bearing (122) is arranged at a first distance (D1) from a longitudinal geometric axis (108), and a second position in which the additional bearing (122) is arranged at a second distance (D2) from the longitudinal geometric axis (108), wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Description

[0001] CAMERA HOUSING ARRANGEMENT, AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT MEASURING ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING SUCH CAMERA HOUSING ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a camera housing arrangement for a wheel alignment camera. The invention also relates to a wheel alignment measuring arrangement comprising such a camera housing arrangement.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] During vehicle manufacture and assembly, as well as maintenance, there is always a desire to make sure that the wheels are angled relative to each other and to the ground according to drawings and specification. If the wheels of the vehicle are angled differently and do not fulfil the given specification, the wheels may have to be adjusted. This adjustment is commonly referred to as wheel alignment. The purpose of the wheel alignment adjustment of the wheels is to reduce tire wear and to ensure that the vehicle travels straight when desired, as well as to optimize the way the vehicle behaves and responds when driving. The adjustments are, for example, commonly referred to as camber, caster, toe, parallelism, out of square, and king pin inclination, etc.

[0006] Conventionally for wheel alignment measurement applications, a camera can be connected to the wheel of the vehicle and measures wheel alignment parameters relative to a marker. The camera is often arranged inside a camera housing. In conventional camera housings, securing the camera often involves fixed or rigid components that are designed to prevent movement during use. However, this design approach can present several challenges. For instance, the installation and removal of key components, such as shafts or other structural elements, may require complex assembly procedures or specialized tools. Furthermore, the rigid fixation of components can lead to increased wear and tear on housing elements due to the lack of adaptability or movement during assembly and disassembly processes.

[0007] Another significant issue with existing designs is the difficulty in achieving a secure and stable connection that resists axial movement, especially under operational stresses. This can result in misalignment as well as compromised measurement accuracy.These limitations highlight a need for improved camera housing designs that address the challenges of assembly, stability, and durability in wheel alignment applications.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a camera housing arrangement which at least partially overcomes the above described deficiencies. This is achieved by a camera housing arrangement according to claim 1.

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a camera housing arrangement for a wheel alignment camera, the camera housing arrangement comprising a camera housing comprising first and second openings through which a wheel connected shaft is insertable, the first and second openings being spaced apart from each other and centered on a longitudinal geometric axis, a first set of bearings and a second set of bearings, the first and second sets of bearings being arranged inside the camera housing at a first portion of the camera housing, the first set of bearings being spaced apart from the second set of bearings in a direction of the longitudinal geometric axis, and a spring loaded bearing arrangement arranged inside the camera housing at a second portion of the camera housing, wherein the first and second portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal geometric axis in a vertical direction of the camera housing arrangement, the spring loaded bearing arrangement being positioned between the first and second sets of bearings in the direction of the longitudinal geometric axis, wherein the spring loaded bearing arrangement comprises an additional bearing, the spring loaded bearing arrangement being controllable between a first position in which the additional bearing is arranged at a first distance from the longitudinal geometric axis, and a second position in which the additional bearing is arranged at a second distance from the longitudinal geometric axis, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

[0011] The spring loaded bearing arrangement should be construed as an arrangement that comprises the additional bearing. The spring loaded bearing arrangement is preferably controlled by the action offerees from one or more springs.The present invention is based on the insight that the use of an additional bearing will enable for an improved interface to the wheel connected shaft when connecting the camera housing to the wheel connected shaft. In particular, by providing the additional bearing on an opposite side to the first and second sets of bearings, an improved stability of the camera housing will be provided. The risk of unintentionally tilting the camera housing will be more or less avoided. Further, arranging the spring loaded bearing arrangement in the first position enables the wheel connected shaft to be guided through the first and second openings, i.e. through the camera housing. Hence, when arranging the spring loaded bearing arrangement in the first position, the camera housing arrangement assumes a shaft connectable state, i.e. the camera housing arrangement is able to receive the wheel connected shaft. When the wheel connected shaft has been guided through the camera housing and the spring loaded bearing arrangement thereafter assumes the second position, the additional bearing has been moved towards the wheel connected shaft and is preferably arranged in abutment with a recess surface of the wheel connected shaft. Hence, when the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position with the wheel connected shaft arranged through the first and second openings of the camera housing, the wheel connected shaft may preferably be arranged in rotational connection with the first and second sets of bearings as well as with the additional bearing.

[0012] Optionally, the additional bearing comprises a rotatable outer ring, the rotatable outer ring comprising a chamfered surface portion. A technical benefit is that the chamfered surface portion can form an improved interaction with the wheel connected shaft when the wheel connected shaft is inserted into the camera housing and the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position. In particular, if the wheel connected shaft comprises a circumferentially arranged recess in which the additional bearing is arranged to be in abutment. Further, the chamfered surface portion can distribute forces more evenly across the additional bearing, particularly at the edges, thereby reducing stress concentrations. The chamfered surface portion can thus enhance the durability and lifespan of the bearing by minimizing localized wear and fatigue.

[0013] Optionally, the spring loaded bearing arrangement comprises a pair of rods extending from a first member of the first portion to the second portion, and a carrierconnected to the pair of rods. Accordingly, the carrier is fixed to the pair of rods, whereby the carrier moves along with the movement of the rods. A technical benefit is that the pair of rods can provide a stable and guided path for the carrier's movement, ensuring that the bearing transitions smoothly between the first and second positions without tilting or misalignment. Further, by using a pair of rods for guidance, the forces acting on the carrier during its motion can be evenly distributed. Evenly distributing the forces acting on the carrier can in turn reduce localized stress on the carrier, minimizing wear over time and extending the operational lifespan of the camera housing arrangement.

[0014] Optionally, the additional bearing is rotatably connected to the carrier. Hereby, the additional bearing is allowed to rotate relative to the carrier.

[0015] Optionally, the spring loaded bearing arrangement further comprises a pair of springs, the pair of springs being connected between the carrier and a second member of the second portion. A technical benefit is that the spring loaded bearing arrangement can be pre-loaded using the pair of springs. The spring loaded bearing arrangement can hence be mechanically controlled between the first and second positions. In addition, using two springs provides balanced force distribution, reducing the risk of uneven wear or misalignment during operation.

[0016] Optionally, the pair of springs comprises a first coil spring enclosing a first one of the pair of rods, and a second coil spring enclosing a second one of the pair of rods. Enclosing each rod with a coil spring, the arrangement integrates the spring functionality directly with the guiding structure of the rods, thereby minimizing the overall footprint of the spring mechanism and allowing for a more compact design while maintaining structural stability and effective force application.

[0017] Optionally, the camera housing arrangement further comprises a lever having a pair of abutment surfaces arranged in abutment with the pair of rods at the first portion, the lever being controllable between a first state in which the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the first position, and a second state in which the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position. An advantage is that the lever can provide a simple and ergonomic mechanism for transitioning the spring loaded bearing arrangement between the first and second positions. By applying amanual or automated force to the lever, the user can precisely control the position of the bearing without requiring complex tools or additional components, which enhances usability and facilitates quick adjustments during assembly or operation. Further, the pair of abutment surfaces on the lever ensure a secure and stable engagement with the rods, reducing the risk of unintended movement or misalignment during operation.

[0018] Optionally, the pair of abutment surfaces is configured to exert a force on the carrier via the pair of rods when the lever transitions from the second state to the first state to move the additional bearing arrangement from the second position to the first position. By exerting a force on the carrier via the pair of rods, the lever can ensure that the bearing arrangement moves in a guided and controlled manner, which minimizes the risk of misalignment or uneven forces during the transition between the first and second positions.

[0019] Optionally, the first set of bearings comprises a first bearing and a second bearing, the first and second bearings of the first set of bearings being arranged on opposites sides of the longitudinal geometric axis in a lateral direction of the camera housing arrangement. By arranging the first and second bearings on a respective lateral side of the longitudinal geometric axis will enable for improved connection of the wheel connected shaft when the wheel connected shaft is arranged in the camera housing and the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position. Hence, tilting of the camera housing around an axis perpendicular to the geometric axis is reduced.

[0020] Optionally, the second set of bearings comprises a first bearing and a second bearing, the first and second bearings of the second set of bearings being arranged on opposites sides of the longitudinal geometric axis in a lateral direction of the camera housing arrangement. By arranging the first and second bearings on a respective lateral side of the longitudinal geometric axis will enable for improved connection of the wheel connected shaft when the wheel connected shaft is arranged in the camera housing and the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position. Hence, tilting of the camera housing around an axis perpendicular to the geometric axis is reduced.Optionally, the bearings of the first and second sets of bearings are connected to the camera housing. Hereby, a reliable connection interface of the first and second sets of bearings can be obtained.

[0021] Optionally, the bearings of the first set of bearings are connected to a first side wall of the camera housing, and the bearings of the second set of bearings are connected to a second side wall of the camera housing.

[0022] Optionally, the first opening is arranged in the first side wall, and the second opening is arranged in the second wall.

[0023] According to a second aspect, there is provided a wheel alignment measuring arrangement, comprising a camera housing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, and a wheel connected shaft arranged through the first and second openings.

[0024] The use of an additional bearing will enable for an improved interface to the wheel connected shaft. In particular, by providing the additional bearing on an opposite side to the first and second sets of bearings, an improved stability of the camera housing will be provided. The risk of unintentionally tilting the camera housing will be more or less avoided. Further, arranging the spring loaded bearing arrangement in the first position enables the wheel connected shaft to be guided through the first and second openings, i.e. through the camera housing. Hence, when arranging the spring loaded bearing arrangement in the first position, the camera housing arrangement assumes a shaft connectable state, i.e. the camera housing arrangement is able to receive the wheel connected shaft. When the wheel connected shaft has been guided through the camera housing and the spring loaded bearing arrangement thereafter assumes the second position, the additional bearing is has been towards the wheel connected shaft and is preferably arranged in abutment with a recess surface of the wheel connected shaft. Hence, when the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position with the wheel connected shaft arranged through the first and second openings of the camera housing, the wheel connected shaft may preferably be arranged in rotational connection with the first and second sets of bearings as well as with the additional bearing. A wheel alignment measuring arrangement isthus provided where the camera housing arrangement is connected to the wheel connected shaft in a reliable and stable manner.

[0025] Optionally, the wheel connected shaft comprises a circumferentially arranged recess having a recess surface, wherein the additional bearing is arranged in abutment with the recess surface when the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position. By arranging the additional bearing in abutment with the recess, the camera housing arrangement is more or less prevented from sliding off the wheel connected shaft in the direction of the geometric axis. Hence, the abutment of the additional bearing with the recess surface provides a secure locking mechanism, which ensures that the camera housing remains stably positioned during wheel alignment procedures, reducing the likelihood of misalignment or dislodgment caused by vibrations or external forces. Additionally, the engagement of the additional bearing with the recess surface creates a well-defined axial constraint which improves the repeatability and accuracy of the camera's alignment with respect to the wheel, contributing to reliable and precise measurements during operation.

[0026] Optionally, the recess surface comprises a pair of circumferentially arranged chamfered portions and a mid-portion arranged between and radially inside the circumferentially arranged chamfered portions. The chamfered surface portions can assist in guiding the additional bearing into a centered position within the recess, even if there is slight misalignment during the transition to the second position. The self-centering effect enhances the precision and reliability of the engagement between the additional bearing and the recess.

[0027] Optionally, the circumferentially arranged recess comprises a pair of straight surface portions, the straight surface portions extending circumferentially of the circumferentially arranged recess and radially from an outer envelope surface of the wheel connected shaft towards a center portion thereof. The straight surface portions should thus preferably be construed as extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the geometric axis. The straight surface portions can hereby serve as an axial stop for the additional bearing. Put it differently, the straight surface portions can further prevent axial movement of the additional bearing, and in turn the entirecamera housing arrangement, thereby ensuring that the camera housing will not axially slide off the wheel connected shaft.

[0028] Optionally, each one of the straight surface portions extends from the outer envelope surface of the wheel connected shaft to a corresponding one of the circumferentially arranged chamfered portions.

[0029] Optionally, the wheel alignment measuring arrangement further comprising a first wheel alignment camera and a second wheel alignment camera, the first and second wheel alignment cameras being arranged inside the camera housing at a respective lateral side of the wheel connected shaft. A technical advantage is that positions and angles can be continuously measured with relatively high accuracy. For example, the use of a single camera may not observe an angular measurement, but with the use of two cameras, the angular movement of a wheel can be accurately detected.

[0030] Further effects and features of the second aspect are largely analogous to those described above in relation to the first aspect. Hence, advantages described above in relation to the first aspect are also applicable for the second aspect.

[0031] Further features of, and advantages will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person will realize that different features may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0034] Fig. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a wheel alignment measuring arrangement connected to a wheel of a vehicle;

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates the wheel alignment measuring arrangement in two perspective views according to an example;Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement when a spring loaded bearing arrangement thereof assumes a first position;

[0036] Fig. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement when the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes a second position; and

[0037] Fig. 5 is an exemplary illustration of the additional bearing and a portion of the wheel connected shaft.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0040] With particular reference to Fig. 1, which is an exemplary illustration of a wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 connected to a wheel 12 of a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is positioned / located at a measuring station for performing wheel alignment measurements of the wheels 12 of the vehicle 10. The measuring station can, for example, be a maintenance repair shop, or at a vehicle manufacturing plant station, etc. The wheel alignment measurements should preferably be performed relative a well-defined coordinate position so that “correct” measurements and subsequent wheel alignment of the wheel 12 can be performed, so that the wheels 12 of the vehicle 10 are correctly aligned to thereby reduce wear during operation.

[0041] The wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 comprises a camera housing arrangement 100 and a wheel connected shaft 200. The exemplified camera housing arrangement 100 comprises a first 101 and a second 10T wheel alignment camera arranged inside a camera housing 102 of the camera housing arrangement 100. The wheel connected shaft 200 is connected to the wheel 12 of the vehicle, either by connecting the wheel connected shaft 200 directly to a wheel nut or a center nut of the wheel, or by connecting the wheel connected shaft 200 to a rack, which rack inturn is connected to the wheel 12. The camera housing arrangement 100 is pivoting on the wheel connected shaft 200 via bearings, which will be detailed further below.

[0042] The wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 operates in conjunction with one or more optical markers 400, 400’. In Fig. 1 , a first 400 and a second 400’ optical marker are provided, where the first optical marker 400 is arranged in front of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 and the second optical marker 400’ is arranged rearwardly of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300. The optical markers 400, 400’ are positioned on a respective pillar 402, 402’, each pillar 402, 402’ is arranged on the floor at the measurement station. Each optical marker 402, 402’ comprises a predefined measuring pattern 404, 404’. The predefined measuring pattern 404, 404’ is here arranged in the form of a plurality of dots 406, 406’, where the dots are arranged at predefined distance and angle relative to each other. The predefined measuring pattern 404, 404’ can alternatively be arranged in the form of a wave pattern having a predefined height and length.

[0043] The first 101 and second 10T wheel alignment camera are thus arranged to capture an image of the respective optical marker 400, 400’. In the exemplification of Fig. 1 , the first wheel alignment camera 101 is arranged to capture an image of the first optical marker 400, while the second wheel alignment camera 10T is arranged to capture an image of the second optical marker 400’. It should however be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of two wheel alignment cameras, a wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 having a single wheel alignment camera is also applicable.

[0044] The wheel alignment camera 101, 10T is thus arranged to capture an image of the optical marker(s) 400, 400’ for determining e.g. wheel angles of the wheel 12 of the vehicle 10.

[0045] In order to describe the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 in further detail, reference is now made to Fig. 2 which illustrates the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 in two perspective views according to an example. In particular, Fig. 2 illustrates an example of the exterior of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300. As briefly described above, the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 comprises the camera housing arrangement 100 andthe wheel connected shaft 200. The camera housing arrangement 100 comprises the camera housing 102 in which the first 101 and second 10T wheel alignment cameras are arranged. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the first 101 and second 10T wheel alignment cameras are arranged at a respective lateral side of the wheel connected shaft 200.

[0046] Further, the wheel connected shaft 200 is inserted through a first 104 and a second 106 opening of the camera housing 102. The wheel connected shaft 200 is extending along a longitudinal axis 108, i.e. the wheel connected shaft 200 is centered on the longitudinal axis 108. As such, the first 104 and second 106 openings are also centered on the longitudinal axis 108. The first opening 104 is arranged on a first side wall 102’ of the camera housing 102, while the second opening 106 is arranged on a second side wall 102” of the camera housing 102, where the first 102’ and second 102” side walls are lateral offset from each other.

[0047] The camera housing arrangement 100 further comprises a lever 150 as well as a control module 150’ at an upper surface of the camera housing 102. The lever 150 is arranged for enabling the camera housing arrangement 100 to receive the wheel connected shaft 200 as well as to lock the camera housing arrangement 100 to the wheel connected shaft 200, which will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0048] In order to describe the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 in further detail, reference is now made to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 when a spring loaded bearing arrangement thereof assumes a first position, while Fig. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the wheel alignment measuring arrangement 300 when the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes a second position. However, the camera housing 102 described above has been omitted from the illustrations in Figs. 3 and 4 for simplifying for the skilled reader.

[0049] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the camera housing arrangement 100 comprises a first portion 114 and second portion 116. The first portion 114 is arranged above the second portion 116 when the camera housing arrangement 100 is connected to the wheel connected shaft 200. The first portion 114 may be construed as the volumeabove the longitudinal axis 108 while the second portion 116 may be construed as the volume below the longitudinal axis 108.

[0050] Further, the camera housing arrangement 100 comprises a first set of bearings 110 and a second set of bearings 112, which first 110 and second 112 sets of bearings are arranged at the upper portion 114 and spaced apart from each other in the direction of a geometric axis 108. As will be understood better below, the geometric axis 108 will form a center longitudinal axis of the wheel connected shaft. Hence, the geometric axis 108 may represent a longitudinal axis that passes through the center of the wheel connected shaft 200, defining the alignment and positioning of the shaft within the camera housing arrangement 100. The exemplified first set of bearings 110 comprises a first bearing 110’ and a second bearing 110”. As seen in a lateral direction 103 of the camera housing arrangement 100, the first 110’ and second 110’ bearings of the first set of bearings 110 are arranged on opposite sides of the geometric axis 108. The lateral direction may preferably refer to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis 108 and parallel to the plane defined by the first side wall 102' and the second side wall 102" of the camera housing 102. Moreover, the first 110’ and second 110” bearings of the first set of bearings 110 are connected to the camera housing 102 via a respective bearing holder 11 T, 111”. Hence, the bearing holders 11 T, 111” are rigidly connected to the camera housing 102. In yet further detail, the first 110’ and second 110” bearings of the first set of bearings 110 are connected to the first side wall 102’ of the camera housing 102, which can also be seen in Fig. 2.

[0051] Further, the exemplified second set of bearings 112 comprises a first bearing 112’ and a second bearing 112”. As seen in the lateral direction 103 of the camera housing arrangement 100, the first 112’ and second 112’ bearings of the second set of bearings 112 are arranged on opposite sides of the geometric axis 108. Moreover, the first 112’ and second 112” bearings of the second set of bearings 112 are connected to the camera housing 102 via a respective bearing holder 113’, 113”. Hence, the bearing holders 113’, 113” are rigidly connected to the camera housing 102. In yet further detail, the first 112’ and second 112” bearings of the second set of bearings 112 are connected to the second side wall 102” of the camera housing 102.In yet further detail, a center axis of the first bearing 110’ of the first set of bearings 110 is preferably aligned with a center axis of the first bearing 112’ of the second set of bearings 112. In a similar vein, a center axis of the second bearing 110’ of the first set of bearings 110 is preferably aligned with a center axis of the second bearing 112’ of the second set of bearings 112. Each bearing of the first 110 and second 112 sets of bearings is preferably locked in an axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the geometric axis, in order to prevent the bearings to slide in the axial direction.

[0052] Moreover, and as can be seen in Fig. 3, the camera housing arrangement 100 further comprises a spring loaded bearing arrangement 120. The spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 is arranged inside the camera housing 102 at the above described second portion 116. In the direction of the geometric axis 108, the spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 is positioned between the first 110 and second 112 sets of bearings. The spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 can be positioned at equal distance from the first 110 and second 112 sets of bearings, or be positioned closer to first set of bearings 110, or positioned closer to the second set of bearings 112.

[0053] The spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 comprises an additional bearing 122. In addition, the exemplified spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 comprises a carrier 140 on which the additional bearing is rotationally connected. In the example depicted in Fig. 3, the carrier 140 comprises a vertically extending through hole 140’ in which the additional bearing 122 is positioned. The additional bearing 122 is preferably locked in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the geometric axis.

[0054] The spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 further comprises a pair of rods 130, 130’. The pair of rods 130, 130’ extends from a first member 132 of the first portion 114 to the second portion 116. In particular, each rod of the pair of rods 130, 130’ has a first end portion (131, 13T in Fig. 4) and a second end portion (133, 133’ in Fig. 4). The first end portion is arranged in abutment with a portion of the first member 132 as will be described in further detail below. The second end portion of the respective rods are on the other hand arranged at a distance of a second member 134 of the second portion 116. Hence the second end portion of the respective rods are free ends, preferably in no mechanical connection to the second member 134. Further, the above described carrier 140 is attached to the pair of rodsat a position between the first 131, 131’ and second 133, 133’ end portions of the respective rods. Hence, moving the rods vertically will cause the carrier to move a corresponding distance, i.e. the carrier moves along with the motion of the rods.

[0055] The exemplified spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 also comprises a pair of springs 142, 142’. The pair of springs 142, 142’ are arranged between the carrier 140 and the second member 134 of the second portion 116. In particular, the pair of springs 142, 142’ is preloaded between the carrier 140 and the second member 134 to thereby exert a force on the carrier 140 in a vertical direction towards the first portion 114 of the camera housing 102. Preferably, and as illustrated in Fig. 3, the pair of springs 142, 142’ comprises a first coil spring 143 and a second coil spring 143’. The first coil spring 143 is enclosing a portion of the first rod 130, while the second coil spring 143’ encloses a portion of the second rod 130’. In yet further detail, the first coil 143 encloses the portion of the first rod 130 arranged between the carrier 140 and the second member, and the second coil 143’ encloses the portion of the second rod 130’ arranged between the carrier 140 and the second member 134.

[0056] Moreover the exemplified camera housing arrangement 100 also comprises the above described lever 150. The lever 150 forms part of the first member 132. As such, the lever 150 is arranged at the first portion 114 of the camera housing 102. The lever 150 comprises a pair of abutment surfaces 152, 152’. The pair of abutment surfaces 152, 152’ is arranged in abutment with the pair of rods 130, 130’. In further detail, a first abutment surface 152 of the lever 150 is arranged in abutment with the first rod 130 and a second abutment surface 152’ of the lever 150 is arranged in abutment with the second rod 130. In yet further detail, the first abutment surface 152 of the lever 150 is arranged in abutment with the first end portion 131 of the first rod 130, while the second abutment surface 152’ of the lever 150 is arranged in abutment with the first end portion 13T of the second rod 130.

[0057] In Fig. 3, the lever 150 assumes a first state. The first state is exemplified as the lever 150 being arranged in a up folded position. When the lever 150 assumes the first state, the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 assumes a first position, i.e. the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 is arranged in the first position. When the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 is arranged in the first position, the additional bearing 122 is arranged at a first distance D1 from the longitudinalgeometric axis 108. In further detail, a center axis of the additional bearing 122 is arranged at the first distance D1 from the geometric axis 108. As can be seen in Fig.

[0058] 3, the additional bearing 122 is hereby arranged a distance from the wheel connected shaft 200, i.e. there is a geometric gap between a rotatable outer ring 124 of the additional bearing 122 and the wheel connected shaft 200. As such, the wheel connected shaft 200 can hereby be inserted to the camera housing arrangement 100. By the statement “wheel connected shaft inserted 200 to the camera housing arrangement 100” should of course be construed that the camera housing arrangement is moved such that the wheel connected shaft 200 is directed through the first 104 and second 106 openings of the camera housing. As such, when connecting the camera housing arrangement 100 to the wheel connected shaft 200, the wheel connected shaft 200 can be stationary arranged on the wheel of the vehicle 10, while the camera housing arrangement is moved in the direction of the geometric axis 108 to arrange the wheel connected shaft 200 in the camera housing arrangement 100 as depicted in Fig. 3.

[0059] Reference is now also made to Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the lever 150 assumes a second state. The second state is exemplified as the lever 150 being arranged in a down folded position. When the lever 150 assumes the second state, the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 assumes a second position, i.e. the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 is arranged in the second position. When the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 is arranged in the second position, the additional bearing 122 is arranged at a second distance D2 from the longitudinal geometric axis 108. In further detail, a center axis of the additional bearing 122 is arranged at the second distance D2 from the geometric axis 108. The second distance D2, representing the position when the additional bearing engages the wheel connected shaft, is smaller than the first distance D1, which corresponds to the disengaged state. The force from the pair of springs 142, 142’ has hereby moved the carrier 140, and as such also the additional bearing 122, in a vertical direction towards the geometric axis 108. When the spring loaded bearing arrangement 120 is arranged in the second position, the additional bearing 122 is arranged in a circumferentially arranged recess 202 of the wheel connected shaft 200. Thus, when the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 is arranged in the second position, the wheel connected shaft 200 and the camera housing arrangement 100 are connected to each other. The first 110 and second 112 sets of bearings, as well as the additional bearing 122 allow the camera housingarrangement 100 to pivot around the geometric axis 108. However, axial displacement of the camera housing arranged along the geometric axis 108 is prevented by means of the additional bearing being arranged in the circumferentially arranged recess 122 of the wheel connected shaft 120.

[0060] As is evident from the above description, the pair of abutment surfaces 152, 152’ of the lever 150 thus exerts a force on the carrier 140 via the pair of rods 130, 130’ when the lever transitions from the second state to the first state to move the additional bearing arrangement from the second position to the first position. Hence, and due to the design of the abutment surfaces 152, 152’ of the lever 150 the pair of springs 142, 142’ is compressed to a greater extent when the lever 150 is arranged in the first state depicted in Fig. 3 compared to when the lever 150 is arranged in the second state depicted in Fig. 4.

[0061] Although not depicted in the figures, the camera housing arrangement 100 may comprise a weight at the second portion 116 to cause the camera housing arrangement 100 to obtain a desired position. The weight can be an additional component positioned at the second portion 116, or the second member 134 can be formed by a material of higher density compared to the density of the material in the camera housing and the first member 132.

[0062] In order to describe the additional bearing 122 and the wheel connected shaft 200 in further detail, reference is now made to Fig. 5. As described above, the additional bearing 122 comprises a rotatable outer ring 124 arranged in the circumferentially arranged recess 202 of the wheel connected shaft 200 when the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 is arranged in the second position. The rotatable outer ring 124 comprises a chamfered surface portion 126. In particular, the rotatable outer ring 124 comprises a chamfered surface portion 126 at each axial end of the rotatable outer ring 124.

[0063] The circumferentially arranged recess 202 comprises a pair of straight surface portions 210, 210’. The straight surface portions 210, 210’ each extends circumferentially of the circumferentially arranged recess 202 and radially from an outer envelope surface 212 of the wheel connected shaft 200 towards a center portion 214 thereof.Further, the circumferentially arranged recess 202 comprises a recess surface 204. The recess surface 204 comprises a pair of circumferentially arranged chamfered portions 206, 206’ and a mid-portion 208. The mid-portion 208 is arranged between and radially inside the circumferentially arranged chamfered portions. Each of the above described straight surface portions 210, 210’ preferably extends from the outer envelope surface 212 to a corresponding one of the circumferentially arranged chamfered portions 206, 206’.

[0064] When the spring loaded bearing arrangement 140 assumes the second position, the chamfered surface portions 126 of the additional bearing 122 are preferably arranged in abutment with a corresponding circumferentially arranged chamfered portions 206, 206’ of the circumferentially arranged recess 202. The straight surface portions 210, 210’ in act as an axial lock and prevents the additional bearing 122 to axially slip out from the circumferentially arranged recess 202.

[0065] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A camera housing arrangement (100) for a wheel alignment camera, the camera housing arrangement (100) comprising:- a camera housing (102) comprising first (104) and second (106) openings through which a wheel connected shaft (200) is insertable, the first and second openings being spaced apart from each other and centered on a longitudinal geometric axis (108),- a first set of bearings (110) and a second set of bearings (112), the first and second sets of bearings being arranged inside the camera housing at a first portion (114) of the camera housing, the first set of bearings (110) being spaced apart from the second set of bearings (112) in a direction of the longitudinal geometric axis, and - a spring loaded bearing arrangement (120) arranged inside the camera housing at a second portion (116) of the camera housing, wherein the first (114) and second (116) portions are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal geometric axis (108) in a vertical direction of the camera housing arrangement (100), the spring loaded bearing arrangement (120) being positioned between the first (110) and second (112) sets of bearings in the direction of the longitudinal geometric axis, wherein the spring loaded bearing arrangement (120) comprises an additional bearing (122), the spring loaded bearing arrangement (120) being controllable between a first position in which the additional bearing (122) is arranged at a first distance (D1) from the longitudinal geometric axis (108), and a second position in which the additional bearing (122) is arranged at a second distance (D2) from the longitudinal geometric axis (108), wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

2. The camera housing arrangement (100) of claim 1 , wherein the additional bearing (122) comprises a rotatable outer ring (124), the rotatable outer ring (124) comprising a chamfered surface portion (126).

3. The camera housing arrangement (100) of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the spring loaded bearing arrangement (120) comprises a pair of rods (130, 130’) extending from a first member (132) of the first portion (114) to the second portion (116), and a carrier (140) connected to the pair of rods (130, 130’).

4. The camera housing arrangement (100) of claim 3, wherein the additional bearing (122) is rotatably connected to the carrier (140).

5. The camera housing arrangement (100) of any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the spring loaded bearing arrangement (120) further comprises a pair of springs (142, 142’), the pair of springs (142, 142’) being connected between the carrier (140) and a second member (134) of the second portion (116).

6. The camera housing arrangement (100) of claim 5, wherein the pair of springs (142, 142’) comprises a first coil spring (143) enclosing a first one (130) of the pair of rods, and a second coil spring (143’) enclosing a second one (130’) of the pair of rods.

7. The camera housing arrangement (100) of any one of claims 3- 6, further comprising a lever (150) having a pair of abutment surfaces (152, 152’) arranged in abutment with the pair of rods (130, 130’) at the first portion (114), the lever (150) being controllable between a first state in which the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the first position, and a second state in which the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position.

8. The camera housing arrangement (100) of claim 7, wherein the pair of abutment surfaces (152, 152’) is configured to exert a force on the carrier (140) via the pair of rods (130, 130’) when the lever transitions from the second state to the first state to move the additional bearing arrangement from the second position to the first position.

9. The camera housing arrangement (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of bearings (110) comprises a first bearing (110’) and a second bearing (110”), the first (110’) and second (110”) bearings of the first set of bearings being arranged on opposites sides of the longitudinal geometric axis (108) in a lateral direction of the camera housing arrangement (100).

10. The camera housing arrangement (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of bearings (112) comprises a first bearing (112’) and a second bearing (112”), the first (112’) and second (112”) bearings of the second setof bearings (112) being arranged on opposites sides of the longitudinal geometric axis (108) in a lateral direction of the camera housing arrangement.

11. The camera housing arrangement (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearings of the first and second sets of bearings are connected to the camera housing (102).

12. The camera housing arrangement (100) of claim 11 , wherein the bearings of the first set of bearings (110) are connected to a first side wall (102’) of the camera housing (102), and the bearings of the second set of bearings (112) are connected to a second side wall (102”) of the camera housing (102).

13. The camera housing arrangement (100) of claim 12, wherein the first opening (104) is arranged in the first side wall (102’), and the second opening (106) is arranged in the second wall (102”).

14. A wheel alignment measuring arrangement (300), comprising a camera housing arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a wheel connected shaft (200) arranged through the first (104) and second (106) openings.

15. The wheel alignment measuring arrangement (300) of claim 14, wherein the wheel connected shaft (200) comprises a circumferentially arranged recess (202) having a recess surface (204), wherein the additional bearing (122) is arranged in abutment with the recess surface (204) when the spring loaded bearing arrangement assumes the second position.

16. The wheel alignment measuring arrangement (300) of claim 15, wherein the recess surface (204) comprises a pair of circumferentially arranged chamfered portions (206, 206’) and a mid-portion (208) arranged between and radially inside the circumferentially arranged chamfered portions.

17. The wheel alignment measuring arrangement (300) of any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the circumferentially arranged recess (202) comprises a pair of straight surface portions (210, 210’), the straight surface portions (210, 210’)extending circumferentially of the circumferentially arranged recess (202) and radially from an outer envelope surface (212) of the wheel connected shaft (200) towards a center portion (214) thereof.

18. The wheel alignment measuring arrangement (300) of claim 17 when dependent on claim 16, wherein each one of the straight surface portions (210, 21 O’) extends from the outer envelope surface (212) of the wheel connected shaft (200) to a corresponding one of the circumferentially arranged chamfered portions (206, 206’).

19. The wheel alignment measuring arrangement (300) of any one of claims 14 -18, further comprising a first wheel alignment camera and a second wheel alignment camera, the first and second wheel alignment cameras being arranged inside the camera housing at a respective lateral side of the wheel connected shaft.

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