BACK-VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES

Abstract: Back-vision system for vehicles which comprises a microcamera (6) with its corresponding control unit (13) and power-supply source, a housing for said microcamera (6), formed by an external casing (1) and an internal box (2) joined to the external casing (1) and in communication with it, into which said microcamera (6) is introduced, the objective of which microcamera is focused towards the outside through an opening in the external casing (1), and a monitor (21) on which the images picked up by the microcamera (6) can be seen. By placing a microcamera (6) in its corresponding housing in a suitable manner on one of the sides of the vehicle and, optionally one microcamera and its housing on each side, improved back-vision is obtained.

Description: SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel external back-vision system for motor vehicles of all types, such as saloon cars, lorries, buses, caravans, etc., and including, in addition, competition vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION External rear-view mirrors of the state of the art involve a number of limitations which reduce and even cancel out the necessary periodical information which the driver requires of them. Such drawbacks are the existence of a blindspot in which vision is impossible; non-operation of the mirrors in rainy weather; loss of the necessary front vision when looking in the mirrors; vulnerability to changes in adjustment or breakages caused by acts of vandalism, accidents and the like; dazzling caused by the headlamps of following vehicles at night or by the sun in certain situations such as, for example, when driving away from the sun at dusk; parking difficulties caused by the lack of reference to the ground; difficulties in looking in the mirrors on account of trailers and caravans during certain manoeuvres; and, finally, the aerodynamic resistance which external rear-view mirrors cause and which, to a greater or lesser degree, translates into an increase in fuel consumption. Many of these drawbacks are exacerbated in the case of competition vehicles, particularly in respect of the blindspot, speed of looking in the mirror, non-operation in adverse weather conditions and the resistance which conventional rear-view mirrors offer to forward progress. In connection with this latter aspect, it must be taken into account that the aerodynamic resistance increases with the square of the velocity and, therefore, in vehicles moving at over 300 km/h, such as F-1s, prototypes, etc., the rear-view mirrors account for a considerable resistance to forward progress which translates into lower speed and greater consumption. There are known video cameras in the state of the art which make it possible to pick up images and sound and to store them on a tape for subsequent reproduction on monitors or television screens or, alternatively, to display what is being filmed at the very instant this is taking place. With the development of the technology and for specific purposes, models of cameras have been developed which are smaller in size than traditional cameras but which, nevertheless, offer the same levels of performance: these are known as microcameras and are intended for very different uses, including, in particular, security (CCTV), medicine, observing nature, sports broadcasts and other shots in locations with limited access. However, to date, no use has been found for them in the field of back-vision in vehicles nor, of course, have the problems involved in such an application been solved. An apparatus for viewing of traffic conditions to the rear and side of a motor vehicle using video cameras has been disclosed in US-A-5 027 200. Besides said video cameras, such apparatus includes a power supply for the cameras, CRT displays connected to the cameras, and means for effecting swiweling of the cameras in the desired direction and also retracting them into a recess formed in the vehicle body. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Starting from US-A-5 027 200, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, and with a view to totally or at least very substantially eliminate all the drawbacks mentioned above, the present invention has developed a rear-view system which takes advantage of the potential of video cameras for back-vision in motor vehicles. Particularly, the invention obviates the use of external comparatively large-sized video cameras by using instead microcameras, and so the aerodynamic resistance offered by such video cameras, and also by the conventional rear-view mirrors, is reduced to a minimum. Likewise, the invention uses flat monitors (liquid crystal displays, etc.) to display images, which need little space, so avoiding the use of cathodic ray tubes which are difficult to locate in the restricted space available in the dashboard of a vehicle. According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the apparatus as defined in independent claim 1. Embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. The present invention therefore relates to a back-vision system for vehicles, which comprises a microcamera, its control unit, the corresponding monitor and the housing for the microcamera which is composed of the assembly formed by an external casing with an opening to permit focusing of the objective of the microcamera and an internal box in communication with said external casing and open, in a preferred embodiment, on the side opposite it to allow the introduction of the microcamera. This assembly is finished off, in a preferred embodiment, by a cover which enables the internal box to be closed on the side opposite the external casing and, in addition, a glass pane to be fitted in the closure of the said opening. Preferably, the space around the microcamera, inside the assembly formed by the external casing and the internal box, is filled with an insulating material and, as has just been pointed out, the opening of the external casing is closed by means of a glass pane for protecting the microcamera. All the aforesaid elements form a system which permits back vision on one of the sides of the vehicle. However, a second external casing may be installed on the opposite side of the vehicle together with, as appropriate, a second glass pane, a second internal box, a second microcamera, a second cover and a second control unit for the second microcamera, so as to enjoy visibility on this second side also. In this case, the same monitor may be used to receive the images from both microcameras or, alternatively, two monitors may be installed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a longitudinal section of the housing of the microcamera in one embodiment of the present invention, with the microcamera installed in it and the cover which finishes it off fitted, as well as of the housing of the control unit of said microcamera. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the housing of the microcamera, which is still not fitted. Figure 3 shows a side, perspective view of a vehicle with the back-vision system of the present invention installed. Figure 4 shows a view of the dashboard of a vehicle equipped with the back-vision system of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings show the housing of the microcamera corresponding to the left hand side of the vehicle. It will easily be understood that the back-vision system for vehicles of the present invention is equally applicable to the right hand side of the vehicle and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention which is given below is valid both for a situation in which the housing for the microcamera is placed on the left hand side of the vehicle and for a situation in which it is placed on the right. In a preferred embodiment of the back-vision system for vehicles of the present invention, and as illustrated in Figure 1, a microcamera (6) is housed inside an assembly formed by an external casing (1) and an internal box (2) joined to the external casing (1) and open on the side on which it is joined to the casing. The external casing (1) has an aerodynamic shape and is joined to the lateral surface (17) of the body of the vehicle or, alternatively, forms an integral part of the body. Preferably, the position of the external casing (1) will correspond to the front upper lateral zone of the body of the vehicle (front lateral wing) as shown in Figure 3, in a position which is somewhat further forward, therefore, than conventional external rear-view mirrors. The assembly formed by the external casing (1) and the internal box (2) is finished off by means of a cover (3). This cover (3) closes the internal box (2) on its side opposite the side which is open towards the external casing (1), thereby permitting the introduction of the microcamera (6). The cover (3) is secured by means of pairs of self-tapping screws (4), (4') to the corresponding orifices (22), (22') provided on individual lugs (2') with which the internal box (2) is equipped, as may be seen in Figures 1 and 2. The internal box (2), which is of a size somewhat larger than the external casing, is fixed, preferably by means of welding, to the internal part of the sheet metal of the front upper zone of the body of the vehicle (front lateral wing), as may be observed particularly in Figure 1. The external casing (1) has an opening which receives a glass pane (8) which closes it, as may be seen specifically in Figures 1 and 2. Preferably, said glass pane (8) will be heat-shielded, that is to say a glass pane which is insulating with respect to the outside temperature and with a breaking strength which is greater than that of non-shielded normal glass panes. To enable the glass pane (8) to be received, in the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 provision has been made in the external casing (1) for guides (9), (9'), between which a groove (10) is formed, into which the glass pane (8) is introduced. The guide (9) is in the position of the external casing (1) which corresponds to the limit of the internal box (2) which forms the lower part of the opening of the external casing (1), whilst the guide (9') is located in the extension of the external casing (1), in the position which corresponds to the flange (3') of the cover (3), which is used to secure the glass pane (8). The opening of the external casing (1) is extended beyond the glass pane (8), forming a window (11) to protect it against bad weather. As may be seen in Figure 1, the microcamera (6) is placed inside the assembly formed by the external casing (1) and the internal box (2) so that its objective focuses towards the rear part of the vehicle, outwards in a slightly oblique manner, through the glass pane (8) and the window (11) to take maximum advantage of the angle covered by the objective and, therefore, to further increase the lateral field of view, thereby reducing the blindspot. The space formed around the microcamera (6) and its corresponding cable (7), inside the assembly made up by the external casing (1) and the internal box (2) and closed by the glass pane (8), is filled with an insulating material (5), such as soft rubber or silicone, which protects the microcamera (6) against vibrations, extreme temperatures, changes in adjustment and breakages. Said insulating material (5) may be moulded into two parts which fill up the internal space of the assembly formed by the external casing (1) and the internal box (2) and closed by the glass pane (8) and the cover (3), the microcamera (6) with its corresponding cable (7) being introduced into a hollow provided for this purpose between said parts of insulating material (5) so that the latter can adapt totally to the outer shape of the microcamera (6) and its cable (7), except for the part corresponding to the objective, to permit focusing and back vision. The insulating material (5) moulded in this way is inserted into the internal space defined by the assembly formed by the external casing (1) and the internal box (2), before the cover (3) is fitted. However, other ways of introducing the insulating material (5) into said space are conceivable (for example, it may be injected into it). As may be seen in Figure 1, in the zone of the lateral surface (17) of the vehicle which corresponds to the external part of the glass pane (8), in the part opposite the end of the external casing (1) which defines the window (11), provision has been made for an orifice (18) which constitutes the outlet for a heating tube (19) connected to the main heating system of the vehicle (not shown). Consequently, the heating system of the back-vision system for vehicles in this embodiment of the present invention will begin to operate when the main heating system of the vehicle is activated. However, other heating systems are also possible (for example, an electric resistance element provided for this purpose in the glass pane (8)). The control unit (13) of the microcamera (6), which fulfils the functions of powering the microcamera (6) and sending the signal generated by the latter to the monitor (21), will preferably be introduced into a box (14), with appropriately sealed closure, the space between the control unit (13) and the cables (7) and (15) and the internal faces of the box (14) being filled with an insulating material (5') which may also be of the same type as the insulating material (5) described previously, placed in a similar manner. Given its small size, the control unit (13), with its respective box (14) as appropriate, may be housed in any of the many vacant sites which are found on the vehicle and preferably in the internal part of the wing of the vehicle, on whose external part the external casing (1) is placed, next to the internal box (2) and its corresponding cover (3) since there is sufficient space at this site to place all these elements. The connection between the microcamera (6) and its control unit (13) takes place by means of the cable (7) and is facilitated by means of the orifices (12) and (16) made in the internal box (2) and in the box (14) which protects the control unit (13), respectively. This box (14) for protecting the control unit (13) may be secured by means of any conventional fixing means and preferably by means of welding to the sheet metal of the vehicle on the internal part of the wing. The power-supply source for the control unit (13) of the microcamera (6) may be the actual vehicle battery (not shown), suitably connected to said control unit (13), it also being possible for the power-supply system to be protected against short-circuits by means of the introduction of a fuse into the power-supply cable (15) which is connected to the control unit (13) in the box (14), penetrating inside the latter through the orifice (16'). The entire system will preferably be actuated by means of the ignition key (20) of the vehicle (Figure 4), so that actuation of the system is automatic, thereby making it invulnerable to forgetfulness or distractions. However, it may also be connected by means of a switch for this purpose on the dashboard of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, the monitor (21) will be placed inside the vehicle, on the dashboard, facing the driver as far as possible, to make it easy to view it, and will be equipped with locating accessories which fulfil the insulating functions of safety or protection which are required to protect the monitor against extreme temperatures, vibrations, possible knocks and other eventualities. As has been indicated, if the back-vision system for vehicles of the present invention is applied to obtain back-vision information on both sides of the vehicle, it is possible either to install two monitors (for example, on the dashboard, on both sides of the steering wheel, facing the driver as far as possible), each one of which will provide the images from one side, or a single monitor whose screen may be divided into image sectors, each showing the images from one side. The above description must be regarded as illustrative and non-limiting. Experts in the art will devise other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope thereof. It is therefore essential to take the attached claims into account when determining the scope of the present invention.

Claims: Back-vision system for vehicles comprising camera means (6) for picking up images external to the vehicle, a power-supply source for the camera means (6), and means (21) for displaying images picked up by the camera means (6), characterized in that: a) an external casing (1) is provided, which is equipped with an opening closed by a glass pane (8) incorporating a heating system, b) an internal box (2) is provided, which is joined to the external casing (1) and in communication with the same, c) the camera means (6) consists of a microcamera which is located inside the assembly formed by the external casing (1) and the internal box (2), and whose objective focuses through the opening of the external casing (1), an insulating material (5) filling the space which exists inside the assembly of the external casing (1) and the internal box (2), around the microcamera (6) and its corresponding cable (7), d) a control unit (13) for the microcamera (6) is provided, which is inserted into a box (14) and powered by the same supply source that powers the microcamera (6), an insulating material (5') filling the intermediate space between the control unit (13), the box (14) and the connection cables (7) and (15), e) optionally, a second external casing equipped with an opening, a second internal box joined to said second external casing and in communication with the same, a second microcamera and a second control unit for the second microcamera are provided, so as to permit back vision on the side of the vehicle opposite that on which the microcamera (6) is located, and f) the display means (21) consists of at least a monitor (21) where the images picked up by the microcamera (6) and by the second microcamera, if appropriate, can be seen. Back-vision system for vehicles according to Claim 1, wherein the internal box (2) is open on the side opposite the side open towards the external casing (1) and is closed by means of a cover (3). Back-vision system for vehicles according to either of the previous claims, wherein the external casing (1) has an aerodynamic shape. Back-vision system for vehicles according to Claim 1, wherein the heating system comprises an outlet orifice (18) and a tube (19) for connection to the main heating system of the vehicle. Back-vision system for vehicles according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monitor (21) is placed inside the vehicle, facing the driver as far as possible. Back-vision system for vehicles according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power-supply source for the microcamera (6) and its control unit (13) is the battery of the vehicle. Back-vision system for vehicles according to Claim 6, wherein actuation of the system takes place at the ignition key (20) of the vehicle. Vehicle comprising a back-vision system according to any of the preceding claims.

Inventors: LAMATA CORTES LUIS LEON, LAMATA CORTES, LUIS LEON
Applicants: IDESA ACCESORIOS SA, IDESA ACCESORIOS, S.A.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B60R1
IPC codes: B60R1