Abstract:
The invention relates to an image detection system ( 10 ) comprising a camera unit ( 21 ) for detecting images of the outside area of a motor vehicle, and a protection element ( 22 ) that can be moved from a closed position (Ia) to an open position (I 1 a) by a mechanism ( 23 ) through a drive ( 41 ), wherein at least one lens ( 21.1 ) of the camera unit ( 21 ) is located behind the protection element ( 22 ) inaccessible from the outside when the protection element ( 22 ) is located in the closed position (Ia), and at least the lens ( 21.1 ) of the camera unit ( 21 ) is released by the protection element ( 22 ) for image detection in the open position (IIa). According to the invention, at least the camera unit ( 21 ) with the mechanism ( 23 ) and the protection element ( 22 ) is disposed in a first module ( 20 ) and the drive ( 41 ) is provided in a second module ( 40 ) physically separate from the first module ( 20 ), wherein the first and the second module ( 20, 40 ) are mechanically connected to one another by way of at least one actuation element ( 60 ) so that the drive ( 41 ) drives the mechanism ( 23 ) by way of the actuation element ( 60 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention concerns an image acquisition system with a camera unit used for image acquisition of the outside area of the vehicle. Such image acquisition systems have a protective element that can be moved via a mechanism, especially a pivot mechanism by means of a drive from a closed position to an open position, in which case at least one lens of the camera unit is situated inaccessible from the outside behind the protective element in the closed position of the protective element and in the open position at least the lens of the camera unit is released from the protective element for image acquisition. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Such image acquisition systems, which are used for image acquisition of an outside area of the vehicle are generally known. 
         [0003]    For example, such image acquisition systems can be used in the field of assisted parking of vehicles. The camera units produce an image of the outside area for the driver of the vehicle, especially a rear view of the vehicle, which is displayed on a monitor within the vehicle and represents a significant support for the driver during maneuvering. It is known to mount such systems with a camera unit on various vehicle locations, like a bumper, trunk lid or the like. 
         [0004]    A camera system for a vehicle is known from document EP 1 648 737 B1 in which the camera unit can be closed by a protective element in order to protect it from external environmental effects when not in use. If the camera unit is used the protective element is pivoted away so that the camera unit can now record the desired images. For this purpose the entire image acquisition system is equipped with an electric motor that acts directly on the protective element via a gear mechanism to transfer the protective element from an open to a closed position and vice versa. The entire unit of the image acquisition system requires considerable space, for which reason this system cannot be arranged on space-critical locations on or in the vehicle. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    It is therefore the task of the present invention to develop an image acquisition system of the aforementioned type, which can also be arranged on space-critical locations and consequently has minor space requirements. The lens of the camera unit should nevertheless be protectable by a protective element. 
         [0006]    The image acquisition system according to the invention has at least two modules, at least the camera unit with the mechanism and the protective element being arranged in a first module. The drive is provided in the second module constructionaly separate from the first module, the first and second module being mechanically connected to each other by at least one activation element so that the drive drives the mechanism for the protective element via the activation element. By constructional separation of the image acquisition system into two modules only the first module can therefore be arranged on a space-critical location, which is configured much smaller relative to the second module. The first module then serves for image acquisition with the camera unit, whereas the second module assumes mechanical control of the first module via the activation element. This second module which because of the drive, which generally comprises an electric motor, is configured much larger, can be switched to a location at which sufficient space is available. At least mechanical control of protective elements is then possible via the mentioned activation element. The protective element itself is activated via the mentioned mechanism, which, for example, can be equipped as a pivot or rotational mechanism. 
         [0007]    In a first variant the camera unit is unmovable, i.e., arranged rigidly in the first module. Consequently, only the activation element can control or produce activation of the protective element from the open position to the closed position and vice-versa. It is then also conceivable that a second activation element, for example, an activation element of the same construction, is used so that the first activation element is prescribed only for the opening process from the closed position to the open position and the second activation element is prescribed for the closing process from the open position to the closed position. 
         [0008]    The required drive of the activation elements can then be produced by a drive or several drives. Ordinarily an electric motor serves as a drive, which can be set up as a servomotor. A gear mechanism can also be arranged between the drive and activation element. 
         [0009]    In another practical example it is conceivable that the camera unit is mounted movable in the first module, in which case the activation element also serves for a position change of the camera unit (and not just the protective element) from a rest position into a recording position. In this second practical example it is conceivable that the recording direction of the camera unit is also variable or controllable. For this purpose, it can be prescribed that the camera unit be mounted movable in the first module, in which case the first activation element activates the protective element and the second activation element serves for a position change of the camera unit from a rest position to a recording position. The recording direction of the camera unit can also be controlled with the second activation element. It is then also conceivable that a third activation element is provided in order to execute the recording direction not only in one dimension, but also in a second dimension. In other words, the camera, for example, can be pivoted not only up and down, but also to the left and right by the corresponding activation element. It is also conceivable that the camera unit is mounted to rotate on a circular track around the central recording axis with only one activation element in order to therefore obtain the greatest possible recording range. 
         [0010]    It can also be prescribed that only one activation element is provided between the first and second module, in which case the activation element transfers the protective element from its closed position to its open position and a recording direction of the moving camera is controllable by the same activation element. For this purpose the movement of the activation element produced by the drive can initially be used to open the protective element in order to then use further movement of the activation element to control the recording direction of the moving camera unit. It is also conceivable that the activation element simultaneously activates the protective element and the camera unit so that not only the protective element but also the camera unit is controlled by the activation element. 
         [0011]    It is also conceivable that the mechanism for the protective element also serves to accommodate and house the moving camera unit. The protective element can therefore be moved simultaneously with the camera unit. The camera unit however, can also be mounted via an additional mechanism in the first module so that separate movement of the protective element is possible by the moving camera unit. It is also conceivable that the different mechanisms for the protective element and the moving camera unit are coupled to each other in order to produce deliberate movement processes. 
         [0012]    It can also optionally be prescribed that the protective element and/or the moving camera unit are spring-loaded so that the protective element can be transferred by spring force from its open position to its closed position or the camera unit can be transferred from the recording position to the rest position. The mentioned spring force can be furnished by one or more spring elements, in which case the activation element works at least partially against the spring element in order to control the protective element or the moving camera unit. However, it is possible that an automatic return of the protective element from its open position to the closed position is possible without having to drive the activation element for this purpose. Instead the spring force supplies the required restoring force of the protective element. Naturally the same spring force or a spring force from an additional spring element can also be used to automatically reset the moving camera unit. This reset expediently occurs from the recording position to the rest position. However, a reverse resetting is naturally also conceivable. If only one activation element is provided in order to activate the protective element in the camera unit, one spring element is also sufficient to automatically carry out reset. 
         [0013]    It is also conceivable that the mechanism for activation of the protective element has a toggle lever mechanism so that the protective element cannot be activated from the outside in the closed position, so that it is blocked in the closed position. It is therefore only possible to remove the protective element violently from the closed position. Through the mentioned toggle lever mechanism no lock or the like is necessary in order to secure the protective element in the closed position. Instead the toggle lever mechanism has a self-inhibiting effect. The camera unit can be secured in the rest position by an additional or the same toggle lever mechanism. 
         [0014]    The image acquisition system according to the invention can have an activation element which is equipped as a Bowden cable, a pushrod and/or rotating rod, gear mechanism, toothed belt or chain or the like. It is advantageous here, if the activation element is configured flexible in order to achieve any arrangement of the two modules relative to each other. Consequently, the same modules and activation elements can be used for different vehicle models in which only the arrangement of the flexible activation element need be adjusted to the corresponding installation situation. It is then recommended to connect the activation element to the vehicle via clip connections. To avoid flapping noises during driving, the activation element itself can be mounted in foam cushions or foam rollers. These foam cushions also prevent fraying of the activation element at possible contact sites on the vehicle. 
         [0015]    It is also conceivable that the protective element is configured in one part as a cover flap, in which case the cover flap can be shaped arc-like or flat. A multipart protective element can optionally also be provided, which has louver or central closure. It is also conceivable that a multipart shutter closure is used so that the protective element can also be guided arc-like over the lens of the camera unit. For this purpose the protective element can be mounted in a slit-like guide in front of the lens of a camera unit. The slit-like guide can be designed linear, arc-like or otherwise. Precisely in a shutter closure an optimal arrangement of the protective element against the lens of a camera unit is therefore attainable so that the protective element is arranged close to but without contact in front of the lens of the camera unit. In addition, a cleaning element in the form of a cleaning lip, a micro-nonwoven or the like can be provided on the inside of the protective element so that the protective element cleans the lens of a camera unit during opening or closing. For this purpose a tube can also be guided to the first module, which furnishes a cleaning fluid in order to avoid scratching of the lens during the cleaning process. 
         [0016]    The protective element can also be transferred from its open position to its closed position and vice-versa by means of a translatory and/or rotatory movement, in which the movement process can especially be divided into different phases that differ in their type of movement. For example, a two-phase movement process can occur in which the protective element is removed from the lens of the camera unit in a first movement phase and the protective element pivoted away or rotated out in a second movement phase. A combination of different movement types is also conceivable for the protective element. In a multipart protective element the individual parts of a protective element can also be guided from the top or bottom or laterally over the lens. 
         [0017]    According to the invention a significant distance can be provided between the first and second modules, the distance being greater than 5 cm, preferably greater than 10 cm, especially greater than 20 cm. The first module itself can be positioned on this account at very space-critical locations on the vehicle, whereas the second module is arranged far removed at a location in the vehicle that offers sufficient space. Only an electrical line and the activation element lead away from the first module. Generally there is sufficient space for this so that through the invention the image acquisition system can still be arranged at previously inaccessible locations in the vehicle. Arrangement of the image acquisition system in the area of the rear license plate is particularly expedient in order to provide the driver with image information when backing up. 
         [0018]    It can additionally be prescribed that an operating element and/or a mechanical lock cylinder is arranged next to the camera unit, which is also accommodated with the protective element in the closed position protected from the outside, in which case the operating element, in particular, can be an electrical switching element, like a button, switch, piezo element or the like. For example, the operating element for central locking in the vehicle can be protected on the trunk lid by the protective element from external soiling so that the operator, even in a dirty vehicle, keeps his hands clean during activation of the trunk lid switch, which comprises the operating element. It can additionally be prescribed that a proximity sensor or additional sensor be provided on the first module. The proximity sensor can serve to detect the approach of a person or object. And it is possible that the protective element is only transferred to the open position if a person attempts to activate the operating element for the central locking via the protective flap. Otherwise the protective element is only transferred from the closed position to the open position automatically when the camera unit is used for image acquisition. It is also conceivable that the central locking also executes control of the protective element via the second module of the image acquisition system. For example, the protective element can then be brought into the open position when the driver of the vehicle has been identified in contactless fashion by an ID transmitter. After a certain time interval central locking can then ensure that the protective flap then moves back to the closed position, if the operating element was not used next to the camera unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Additional advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description in which several practical examples of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be significant to the invention both individually or in any combination. In the drawings: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1   a  shows a purely schematic view of the first module of the image acquisition system with a camera unit and a protective element in the closed position Ia, 
           [0021]      FIG. 1   b  shows the image acquisition system according to  FIG. 1   a , in which the protective element is released from the camera unit, 
           [0022]      FIG. 1   c  shows the image acquisition system according to  FIG. 1   a , in which the protective element is situated in the open position IIa, 
           [0023]      FIG. 2   a  shows a comparable view to  FIG. 1   a  with an additional variant of the image acquisition system situated again in the closed position, 
           [0024]      FIG. 2   b  shows the image acquisition system according to  FIG. 2   a , in which the protective element has separated from the camera unit, 
           [0025]      FIG. 2   c  shows the image acquisition system according to  FIG. 2   a , in which the protective element is situated in the open position IIa, 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic view of the image acquisition system according to the invention, in which the first module is operated with the second module via a gear mechanism as an activation element, 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a comparable view of another practical example to  FIG. 3 , in which, however, the first and second module are connected via a Bowden cable as an activation element and the first module additionally has an operating element and 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a cross section through the first module from  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    A camera unit  21  with a protective element  22  is shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c . The camera unit  21  serves for image acquisition of the outside area of the vehicle, the protective element  22  being movable from a closed position Ia, which is shown in  FIG. 1   a , to an open position IIa according to  FIG. 1   c . In the closed position Ia the camera unit  21  is situated behind the protective element  22  inaccessible from the outside. The camera unit  21  is fastened to the vehicle body within the first module  20  or on the first module  20  (not shown), the camera unit  21  being aligned in a recording direction  21 . 2 . In the open position IIa of the protective element  22  image acquisition of the camera unit  21  can be performed. During movement from the closed position Ia into the open position IIa (called the opening process for short) the protective element  22  executes a two-phase movement. A first movement phase is characterized by a pivot movement of the protective element  22  and the first axis  30 . In this first movement phase the protective element  22  is separated from the camera unit  21  and moved essentially in recording direction  21 . 2 . Through this first movement phase a greater distance is initially created between the protective element  22  and the camera unit  21 . In a subsequent second movement phase a protective element  22  together with the first axis  30  is moved away from the front area of the camera unit  21 , especially lens  21 . 1 . The camera unit  21  can be fastened, for example, to a housing  27  not shown in this  FIG. 1 , in which case the protective element  22  is moved into the housing in the second movement phase (see  FIGS. 1   b  and  c ) so that in the open position IIa according to  FIG. 1   c  the protective element  22  is situated fully within the housing and not visible to the user. 
         [0030]    Another variant of the first module  20  of the image acquisition system  10  according to the invention is shown in  FIGS. 2   a  to  2   c , in which the first movement phase is characterized by a purely translatory movement of the protective element  22  in the direction of the recording direction  21 . 2  (see  FIG. 2   b ). Starting from the closed position Ia according to  FIG. 2   a  a translatory movement of the protective element  22  occurs via a drive  41  (not shown) which is arranged in a second module  40 , so that the distance from the protective element  22  to camera unit  21 , especially lens  21 . 1 , is increased. The protective element  22  is then moved away from the front area of the camera unit  21  via the second movement phase, which is shown in  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0031]    Relative to the practical examples just described according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second movement phase can also be a purely translatory movement. It is also conceivable that the second movement phase is accomplished by the fact that the protective element  22  moves in front of the camera unit  21  like a “sliding door” in order to provide the camera unit  21  with a sufficiently large view for image acquisition. For example, starting from  FIG. 2   b  the protective element  22  can be moved in the direction of the plane of the drawing in the fashion of a sliding door perpendicular to the movement direction of the first movement phase. 
         [0032]    The special advantage of this two-phase movement is seen in the fact that the camera unit  21 , especially lens  21 . 1 , is treated gently during the opening and closing process, since movement of a protective element  22  occurs essentially without contact with the camera unit  21 . According to  FIGS. 1 and 2  the protective element  22  can naturally lie directly on the camera unit  21  in its closed position. During the first movement phase according to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the protective element  22  is raised by a certain distance without causing scratches on lens  21 . 1  of the camera unit  21  before it is moved in the second movement phase in the direction of the open position IIa of the protective element  22 . The protective element  22  according to the variant from  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  can be designed with a seal or cleaning element on its inside facing the camera unit  21 , which lies directly on the camera unit  21 , especially lens  21 . 2  in the closed position Ia of protective element  22 . The mentioned seal protects the camera unit  21  from moisture, dirt, etc. in the closed position Ia. 
         [0033]    If the protective element  22  is moved in a first movement phase parallel to the surface of lens  21 . 1 , it is conceivable to provide the protective element  22  with a cleaning element so that the lens  21 . 1  is cleaned during the opening and closing process. In addition, a cleaning fluid, which is liquid or gaseous, can support the cleaning process. This cleaning fluid can be supplied by a tube right in front of lens  21 . 1 , where it then emerges. 
         [0034]    A schematic sectional view of the entire image acquisition system is shown in  FIG. 3 . It is then apparent that this image acquisition system includes two modules  20 ,  40 , namely a first module  20  and a second module  40 , which are effectively connected to each other via activation element  60 . 
         [0035]    As is apparent from  FIG. 3 , the first module  20  is arranged in a recess for a license plate  13  in a trunk lid  12  in the vehicle. For better depiction the recess is shown very large in order to also be able to better depict the first module. Generally there is little room in this area of the trunk lid  12 , since the license plate illumination and the trunk lid lock, as well as the operating element  25  for the trunk lid  12 , are also provided. In order to nevertheless protect the camera unit  21 , especially lens  21 . 1  of the image acquisition system  10  from external effects, like dirt, rainwater or the like, it is proposed to pass a protective element  22  in front of lens  21 . 1 . A drive  41  is necessary for the movement of the protective element  22  required for this purpose, which requires corresponding space. This space is often not available in the area of the trunk lid  12 . The image acquisition system  10  can also be provided in other areas of the vehicle where space was also sharply restricted. For this reason it is proposed to separate the drive unit for the protective element  22  by design from the camera unit  21 . For this purpose the second module  40  is provided, which has the drive  41 , which includes an electric motor. In addition, a gear mechanism  42  can be provided, which acts on an activation element  60  via a connection element  43 . The entire second module  40  can be arranged in a housing  44  within the trunk lid  12 , in which, however, it can have a significant spacing relative to the first module  20 . Consequently, in terms of design one is not restricted to proximity of the first module  20  to the second module  40 . Both the first module  20  and the second module  40  can be connected via fastening elements  11  to the trunk lid  12 . These fastening elements  11  can comprise snap-in devices and their mating parts. Screws that cooperate with mating threads can also be involved. Clip connectors can also be involved, which cooperate with corresponding mating elements. A seal can additionally be provided between the first module and the trunk lid  12  so that no rainwater can penetrate into the interior of the trunk lid  12 . 
         [0036]    The first module  20  in  FIG. 3  includes the camera  21 , which is mounted to move in a mechanism  23 . This mechanism  23  serves, on the one hand, for mounting of the protective element  22  and, on the other hand, for movable mounting of the camera unit  21 , which can be moved in the movement direction  22  [sic]. The entire camera unit  21  in the closed position Ia is arranged in the housing  27  of the first module  20 . The opening  28  of housing  27  is then covered by the protective element  22 . The mechanism  23  ensures that the protective element  22  is initially transferred from the closed position Ia into the open position IIa. For this purpose the mechanism  23  is equipped with a connection element  26 , which protrudes lever-like from the rear side of the first module  20 . This connection element  26  is movable horizontally so that the mechanism  23  can be activated. It is also conceivable that the connection element  26  can be arranged to tilt or pivot in the first module  20  and cooperates with the mechanism  23 . Activation of the connection element  26  of the first module  20  occurs via the activation element  60 , which is also mechanically connected to the second module  40 . In the present case the activation element  60  is configured as a push and pull rod  62 . The activation element  60  is connected to the connection element  43  in the second module  40 . This connection element  43  is also horizontally displaced by the gear mechanism  42 . The gear mechanism  42  is itself driven by a drive  41 . It is also conceivable that the drive  41  also acts directly on the activation element  60 . Both the connection element  26  and the connection element  43  can be articulated to the rod-like activation element. After the protective flap  22  has been opened by mechanism  23  by means of activation element  60 , the moving camera unit  21  is also moved from a rest position IIb into the recording position Ib in its movement direction  21 . 3 . The closure process for the first module  20  occurs in reverse, in which the camera unit  21  is initially moved in the opposite movement direction  21 . 3  so that the protective element  22  can then change into the closed position Ia from its open position IIa. 
         [0037]    Another variant of the image acquisition system  10  according to the invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . Here the first module  20  includes not only the camera unit  21 , but also an operating element  25  so that the trunk lid  12  can be opened. Both the camera unit  21  and the operating element  25  are protected in the closed position Ia from external environmental effects by the protective element  22 . As also follows from  FIG. 5 , which shows a cross section through the first module from  FIG. 4 , the camera unit  21  and the operating element  25  are arranged next to each other. The image signal obtained by the camera unit  21  is sent from the first module  20  to the vehicle via an electrical connection. The image signal can be made visible to the driver there on a monitor in the interior of the vehicle. 
         [0038]    The camera unit  21  is arranged fixed in  FIG. 4 , that is, unmovable in the first module  20 . Consequently, the indicated mechanism  23  serves only the protective element  22 . This mechanism  23  is activated via the lever-like connection element  26 . The end of Bowden cable  61  engages on this lever-like connection element  26 , which serves as activation element  60 . With the other end the Bowden cable  61  leads into the second module  40  where the Bowden cable  61  is connected to connection element  43 . The Bowden cable  61  can have an adjustment mechanism so that the length of the Bowden cable  61  is adjustable. An adjustment is also possible on this account. The spring element that serves for the restoring force of the protective element  22  and/or camera  21  is not shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As mentioned previously in the description, several spring elements can also be used, which are used for automatic reset of the camera unit  21  and protective element  22 . 
         [0039]    It is apparent from  FIG. 5  that the camera unit  21  is arranged next to the operating element  25  within the first module  20 . Electrical connections  14  lead to the vehicle both from the camera unit  21  and from the operating element  25 . Activation of the protective element  22  occurs via the lever-like connection element  26 , which can be activated leftward. A toggle lever mechanism can be arranged between this connection element  26  and mechanism  23  so that the protective element  22  with closed position Ia cannot be easily opened from the outside. The self-inhibiting effect of the toggle lever mechanism can only be overcome by a violent and destructive opening. In addition, a proximity sensor  29 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , as well as additional sensors or electrical switch elements can be arranged on or in the first module  20 . The proximity sensor  29  can be configured as a capacitive sensor.