Patent Description:
International patent application <CIT> discloses a camera module assembly. An outer housing for the camera module comprises a front shell with a window and a rear shell. The camera core includes a lens assembly, a sensor assembly, and a sensor housing. The sensor assembly is disposed within the sensor housing, and the sensor housing is fixed to the lens assembly.

International patent application <CIT> relates to a camera module for a motor vehicle. The camera module is used for driver monitoring in the passenger compartment. The camera module has at least one printed circuit board and a shield for enclosing said printed circuit board. The shield comprises at least a first shielding part and a second shielding part.

patent application <CIT> discloses a camera module for a vehicular vision system. The camera module includes a metal front housing, a lens holder and a metal rear housing. The front housing houses a printed circuit board having an imager disposed thereat. The lens holder is attached at a front portion of the housing so that a lens assembly is optically aligned with the imager.

patent application <CIT> discloses a camera housing portion which has an imaging sensor at a base portion of the camera housing portion. A lens system is at a first portion of the camera housing portion. A first circuit board is provided that includes circuitry associated with the imaging sensor, which is disposed at a second circuit board that is in board-to-board electrical connection with the first circuit board. The camera housing portion and a connector portion are joined together to encase the first and second circuit boards. <CIT> discloses a mirror with a camera (vision device) for viewing the rear side of the vehicle. The mirror is equipped with a first outer housing part. The first outer housing part receives the vision device with its spherical housing. Once the vision module is placed in the first outer housing part, the first outer housing part is closed by a second outer housing part. The vision module carries a separate element, which guides electric cables between the separate element and the outer housing to the housing of the mirror. <CIT> discloses a device for automatically detecting a face. The camera is attached to a box and can be adjusted by a rotating ball body.

In general, vision cameras are more and more present in vehicles. They are used for scanning the environment of the vehicle and also the driver and passengers, sending the data to an ECU (electronic control unit) that is processing the data and sending out warnings to the driver or acting on the vehicle brakes. The most advance vision cameras use two cameras working in stereo configuration to output the distance. An algorithm is used, and the ECU receives the distance to the object.

In existing prior art systems, the awareness of a driver is monitored by a driver monitoring system which is based on a vision camera. Accordingly, the vision camera is positioned inside the vehicle in such a manner that the driver is predictably in the middle of a camera field of view. A source of infrared (IR) light is positioned in the vicinity of the vision camera so that, provided natural light is insufficient, the driver is lit in a non-distracting manner. The infrared light is provided by at least one IR diode. As the dissipated power of the IR diodes is high, the heat is mainly transferred to a large cooling dome. The IR diodes are populated on a printed circuit board which is further attached with thermal paste to the cooling dome. In general, the cooling domes are made of metal. The cooling dome is incorporated in the housing of the driver monitoring system.

With different car lines, the required position of an infrared module in the vehicle may differ from car line to car line, to keep focus on the driver. In order to function properly, the installation position of the infrared module, included in the driver monitoring system, is made at different angles as well as inside the electronic control unit (ECU) of the driver monitoring system. This is due to the necessity of mounting of the driver monitoring system's ECU in different positions in the vehicle, also if it is mounted on vehicles with steering on the left or right side, but not limited to it. This brings about a diversity of housing and cover parts, so that similar projects do not share the same housings and covers. It may be that ECUs with identical functions and printed circuit boards are different in construction due to that. Consequently, the development, validation and manufacturing cost is therefore high for such a driver monitoring system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a driver monitoring system which allows a low force assembly and adjustment of the vision devices of the driver monitoring system, so that the driver monitoring system provides a solution for a wide variety of car lines. Additionally, the inventive driver monitoring system should save costs and reduce the variety of parts of the driver monitoring system.

The above object is achieved by a driver monitoring system for a vehicle which comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the driver monitoring system comprises at least one vision device with a housing, wherein the vision device is positioned in an outer housing and points to an outside of the outer housing. The outer housing is defined by a housing cover and a housing base. The housing for the vision device has a first spherical outer contour and a second spherical outer contour. The first spherical outer contour and the second spherical outer contour provide in cooperation with the housing base and in cooperation with a mounting element a form and force fitting mount of the vision device in the outer housing. A channel is provided in the second spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device, wherein the channel guides a band cable. A receptacle of the housing base defines a spherical portion, wherein the second spherical outer contour of the vison device is in form fitting contact with the spherical portion of the receptacle. The mounting element is in form and force fitting contact with the vision device when the housing cover and the housing base (<NUM>) are cojoined. Note that in the sense of the present invention, the firstly mentioned outer housing represents the outer housing of the driver monitoring system which houses the at least one vision device and is defined by the housing cover and the housing base, whereas the other, second housing is a smaller housing which houses the vision device. Accordingly, the smaller housing is arranged in the larger outer housing.

The advantage of the form and force fitting mount of the vision device in the outer housing is that an angular adjustment of field of view of the at least one vision device can be changed regarding the viewing direction and/or an illumination direction at any moment, with a chosen increment. Additionally, the vision devices do not require a glue or any other fixation element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first spherical outer contour and the second spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device are smooth. According to another embodiment, the first spherical outer contour and/or the second spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device have formed an array of shallow grooves.

The advantage is that the smooth first spherical outer contour and second spherical outer contour allow a defined fixation of the vision device in a form and force fitting manner. In case first spherical outer contour and/or the second spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device has an array of shallow grooves, there is an additional support for the position fixation of the vision device.

The advantage of the topologies of the housing design of the vision device is that its spherical outer areas mate with a receptacle, which is part of the housing base in an embodiment. The spherical outer area, which is the first spherical outer contour of the vision device, mates with the mounting element. A channel, which is part of the housing of the vision device in a further embodiment, is used for routing a band cable (flex cable) for electrical connection with at least one signal element, for example at least one (infrared) diode.

In case the vision device is an infrared module, the infrared module has a printed circuit board which is hosted, for example, on a parallelepiped dome attached to a main body of the infrared module. A neck of the infrared module is as long as needed in order for the infrared diodes to reach the border of the ECU or go past it. The neck of the infrared module can be used for insertion, orientation or reorientation of the infrared module. The main body of the infrared module is further on denominated as well "housing of the (infrared) vision device". The channel is formed in the housing of the vision device so that the flexible printed circuit board and the band cable can reach the inner side of the outer housing of the driver monitoring system. The length of the band cable may differ based on actual requirements of the driver monitoring system. For cost reasons, it is best that the band cable is already attached to the flexible printed circuit board by the time the infrared module is assembled to the outer housing of the driver monitoring system. Electronic components may be populated on the outer face of the parallelepiped dome next to the infrared diodes and, if needed, as well on the area attached to the neck or even inside the channel.

Preferably, the infrared module is made of good heat conductors, such as aluminium. In a further embodiment, the topologies of the housing of the infrared module have multiple venting holes which may reduce weight, but more importantly increase the convection area. The overall convection area of the infrared module should be designed such that the area around infrared diodes features a temperature consistently above the temperature of the surroundings. One or several cooling holes may be formed inside the body of the infrared module, that is inside housing and neck, with the benefit of increasing convection area, without affecting the re-orientation capacity of the infrared module.

The vision device may be a vision camera or an infrared module. In most cases, the driver monitoring system has two vision devices installed. One vision device is a vision camera and the other vision device is an infrared module. Additionally, the vision camera and the infrared module may share the same vision device housing design, with at least the first spherical outer contour and the second spherical outer contour of the vision device housing, which enables a similar mounting concept for the vision camera and the infrared module.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting and orientation adjustment of the vision device is carried in that the vision device is first positioned on a receptacle of the housing base. The receptacle has a spherical portion which is in form fitting contact with the second spherical outer contour of the vision device. In a further embodiment, the at least one receptacle has a central pin which reaches into a channel of the vision device. The channel is provided at the second spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device.

The advantage of the receptacle is that it allows an adjustment of the vision device with regard to orientation. The spherical portion of the receptacle allows in cooperation with the second spherical outer contour of the vision device an easy rotational movement of the vision device. The central pin of the receptacle limits the rotational movement of the vision device so that the vision device cannot rotate about the optical axis, as it is in the case of the vision camera. The central pin functions as a blocking pin for such rotation.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a mounting element of the driver monitoring system is in a form and force fitting contact with the first spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device. This concept enables a secure mounting of the vision device (for example, vision camera or infrared module) into or to the outer housing, which still opens the possibility of re-orientation.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting element is a flange of the housing cover. The flange has a flexible area with a topology mating the first spherical outer contour of the vision device, when the housing cover and the housing base are conjoined.

The advantage is that the topology (spherical area) of the flange mates with the first spherical outer contour of the housing of the vision device. The flexible area of the flange may provide appropriate tensioning of the vision device at the same time the housing cover is fixed to the housing base. At this time, the housing of the vision device is fixed, and inside the outer housing, the main printed circuit board is fixed to the housing base. The vision device is seated on the housing base, and optionally, a minimal force may be exerted on the vision device via a gripper, so that the vision device does not move during next step or steps of the assembly process. The vision device is oriented to an angular position as per requirements. Then the housing cover is lowered down unto the housing base. As the housing cover begins descent, the flexible flange of the housing cover comes at first into contact with the vision device, and the clamping force of vision device starts to increase. The clamping is achieved when the housing cover fully rests on the housing base. The housing cover is fixed to housing base by whatever conventional means chosen, for example, screwing. The optional gripper is disengaged.

The interference of flexible flange and vision device are chosen by design so that the clamping is sufficient for securing position of the vision device and that flange does not go into plastic deformation. The clamping of the vision device can be better controlled by means of a dedicated screw. The screw is fixing the flange to the housing base, on a dedicated dome that may be part of the flange of the housing base. The dedicated screwing dome is at a corner of the housing base and may serve as a protection against damage of the vision device.

In embodiments, as the housing cover is fully rested on the housing base, a clamping gap is still open between the flange of the housing cover and screwing dome. Such a nominal gap may be <NUM> to <NUM>. As a screw is bringing the flange of the housing cover and the flange of the housing base together, the flexible flange of the housing cover exhibits a deformation and the gap is brought to <NUM>. The vision device is firmly tightened and fixed in the outer housing of the driver monitoring system.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting element is a flange of the housing cover with a flexible area. The flexible area has a topology which mates the first spherical outer contour of the vision device. For mounting the housing cover to the housing base, the housing cover has an elongation of the flexible area which is joined with a clinching dome of the housing base.

The advantage of the above embodiment is that the screw for conjoining the housing cover and the housing base may be replaced by a clinching operation of the housing cover flange tip inside the outer housing. The clinching dome, in other embodiments the screwing dome, will extend toward the flange of the housing cover, for example, a sheet metal flange. The height and width of the clinching dome or screwing dome can be adjusted to the required need. The geometry for clinching shall feature one or several recesses for clinching. It is not the scope of the current disclosure to propose a clinching topology or tool. With current disclosure, the possibility exists that a clinching tool in the shape of a compound lever (tongs) is used. The flange, for example a sheet metal flange, has one or several faces which are fit for sinking into the recesses in the housing base.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the mounting element has a plurality of flexible fingers each of which with a tip portion. The at least one tip portion is in form and force fitting contact with at least one shallow groove on the first spherical outer contour of the vision device when the housing cover is joined with the housing base.

The advantage of the above embodiment is that the housing cover interacts with the vision device by means of circular array of flexible fingers, which are arranged on a flange. At least one tip of the flexible fingers is the first to get in contact with the first spherical outer contour of the vision device, when the housing cover is lowered down onto the housing base. As the housing cover is fully lowered on the housing base, the spring effect of the flexible fingers of flanges is at its maximum. It is advantageous to use a grooved housing of the vision device, because in this manner, the anti-rotation effect of the housing of the vision device is improved. In addition, a screw may clamp even more the package of the housing cover and the housing base. In case more compactness and spring performance is needed, than instead of the flexible finger geometry, a dedicated "finger washer" may be fixed to the housing cover prior to a final assembly. Such finger washers have several "fingers" and exist as standard market products.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the mounting element has oppositely arranged claw flanges. The claw flanges are in form and force fitting contact with the first spherical outer contour of the vision device when the housing cover is joined with the housing base.

The advantage of the claw flanges is that the claw flanges have teeth, the edges will lightly scratch the outer surface of the vision device and even more block it against unintended rotation. The vision device can have a smooth first and second spherical outer contour or a first and second spherical outer contour with a plurality of grooves. For mounting, a bending tool is lowered down on the claw flanges. The bending tool has a number of bending prongs equal to the number of claw flanges. The vision device serves as counter tool and so the flanges get bent downwards, embracing the first spherical outer contour of the vision device body.

According to an embodiment, the vision device may feature on its outer spherical surface an array of shallow grooves. The shallow grooves can be obtained, for example, by knurling, die casting or cold pressing. These grooves are valuable in particular, because the claw flanges may engage some of the shallow grooves, no matter what angular orientation the vision device may have. In doing so, the edges of the claw flanges will lightly scratch the outer surface of the vision device and even more block it against unintended rotation, as some of claw flanges will interact with its edges with the grooves.

According an embodiment of the invention, the mounting element is a hair pin spring with a spherical contact area. The spherical contact area is in a form and force fitting contact with the first spherical outer contour of the vision device when the hair pin spring is mounted to the housing base.

The advantage of the above embodiment is that a spherical contact area is provided which faces toward the vision device. The clamping force is transferred from the hair pin spring to the vision device. The spherical contact area of the hair pin spring provides an anti-rotation friction after the assembly and prevents a change of vision device installation angle. The spherical contact area of the hair pin spring is an overmolded plastic part, which can provide better friction with a certain graining, texture, ribbed or dotted patterns. The plastic part can be manufactured directly through plastic injection.

At the beginning of the mounting process, the vision device is seated on the receptacle of the housing base. The vision device is oriented to an angular position as per requirements. Optionally, a minimal force may be exerted on the vision device via a gripper, so that the vision device does not move during the mounting process. The hair pin spring is lowered to the vision device. First, pre-guidings of the hair pin spring find the channels of the housing base and start to engage ramps, which are part of the housing base and are provided on either side of the receptacle. Finally, the spherical contact area of the overmolded part of the hair pin spring reaches the top of the vision device. Then the spring arms reach the maximum spread at the tip of the ramps. In this phase, if desired, a lateral force may be exerted from the housing base on a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The lateral force is generated by a contact with the outer wall of the housing base channel. Then, the arms are elastically snapping in, while the arms could slightly retreat on the push-in direction. The gripper is disengaged. Finally, the housing cover is lowered down unto the housing base. The housing cover is fixed to the housing base by whatever conventional means chosen, for example, screwing. Optionally, the tips of the arms may be clinched to the outer housing so that the hair pin spring may not be dismounted.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the mounting element is a sheet spring, preferably a sheet metal spring. The sheet spring comprises an outer half ring and two inner quarter rings. The inner quarter rings embrace the first spherical outer contour of the vision device when the sheet spring is pushed down to the housing base.

The advantage of the above embodiment is that it can be used in cases when space is limited around the vision device. Furthermore, the embodiment may or may not imply the need of an overmolded area in the contact to the vision device. The sheet spring can be made of metal or plastic. A sheet spring, made of plastic, allows easy manufacturing of a spherical contact geometry, however the plastic solution may be limited in clamping force.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vision device is an infrared module which is mounted in a form and force fitting manner in the outer housing or outside the outer housing. In the case of mounting outside the outer housing, the upper part and the lower part of a pincer have a spherical topology, which are in form and force fitting contact with a first spherical outer contour and a second spherical outer contour of the infrared module.

The advantage of the above embodiment is that the cooling and orientation dome for the IR diodes is no longer part of the housing base. The inventive housing base or outer housing includes a specific "pincer topology" that is fit for retaining the infrared module. The infrared module hosts the printed circuit board, can be used for cooling the infrared diodes, guides the flexible band cable towards the main printed circuit board, allows orientation and reorientation with respect to the outer housing and can be clamped by the housing pincer so that unintended rotation is not possible.

The pincer topology shall be conveniently positioned, at best on the edge of the housing base or outer housing. The proposed housing topology is fit for plastic injection and die casting, for example metal.

In the ensuing description, numerous specific details are provided to enable maximum understanding of the embodiments that are provided by way of example. The embodiments may be implemented with or without specific details, or else with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other circumstances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail so that various aspects of the embodiments will not be obscured. Reference in the course of the present description to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" means that a particular structure, peculiarity, or characteristic described in connection with its implementation is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" that may recur in various points of the present description do not necessarily refer to one and the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular structures, peculiarities, or characteristics may be combined in any convenient way in one or more embodiments.

Same reference numerals refer to same elements or elements of similar function throughout the various figures. Furthermore, only reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the figures. The shown embodiments represent only examples of how the invention can be carried out. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

<FIG> shows the arrangement of a driver monitoring system <NUM> inside a motor vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment of the prior art. The driver monitoring system <NUM> is mounted at or close to a windshield <NUM> of the motor vehicle <NUM>, so that at least one vision device <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the driver monitoring system <NUM> is looking at a driver <NUM> of the motor vehicle <NUM>. Especially, a lens <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, which is, for example, a vision camera <NUM>, is pointing at the driver <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a driver monitoring system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the prior art. The driver monitoring system <NUM> has two vision devices <NUM>, which are a vision camera <NUM> and an infrared module <NUM>. The vision camera <NUM> defines a camera window (not shown). The infrared module <NUM> defines an IR window (not shown). The infrared module <NUM> of the prior art driver monitoring system <NUM> has two infrared diodes <NUM>. The number of diodes <NUM> should not be regarded as a limitation. The driver monitoring system <NUM> has an outer housing <NUM> which is composed of a housing cover <NUM> and a housing base <NUM>. The housing base <NUM> has at least one mounting ear <NUM> for fixing the driver monitoring system <NUM> in the vehicle <NUM>.

As the dissipated power of the infrared diodes <NUM> is high, the heat is preferably mainly transferred to a large cooling element. For example, the enlarged, perspective view in <FIG> shows a cooling dome <NUM> according to an embodiment of the prior art. The cooling dome <NUM> is used to transport the heat away which is generated by the infrared diodes <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the driver monitoring system <NUM> is positioned inside the vehicle <NUM> in such a manner that the driver's <NUM> face is predictably in the middle of camera's <NUM> field of view. The infrared module <NUM> is positioned in the vicinity of the vision camera <NUM> so that if natural light is insufficient, the driver is lit in a non-distracting manner by infrared light. The infrared diodes <NUM> are populated on a printed circuit board <NUM> which is further attached, for example with thermal paste, to the cooling dome <NUM>. According to the prior art, the cooling dome <NUM> is made of metal.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing base <NUM> for mounting and adjusting two vision devices <NUM> (one vision camera <NUM> and one infrared module <NUM>), see <FIG>. The number of vision devices <NUM> should not be regarded as a limitation of the invention. The embodiment of the housing base <NUM> shown here has two receptacles <NUM>, wherein each of which is designed to accommodate one vision device <NUM>. Here, each receptacle <NUM> has an elastic pin <NUM> for the fixation of a respective vision device <NUM>. As mentioned above, the mounting ears <NUM> of the housing base <NUM> are provided in order to mount the outer housing <NUM> of the driver monitoring system <NUM> inside a vehicle. Each receptacle <NUM> has a wall element <NUM> which blocks the interior of the housing base <NUM> and outer housing <NUM>, respectively from the ingress of dust, dirt or the like. The housing base <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM> can be manufactured of sheet metal. No holes or slots are provided in housing base <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM>, so that no passage for water (dripping) or radiation (EMC issues) is possible.

<FIG> show different views of an embodiment of the vision device <NUM>. The vision device <NUM> is designed to have a housing <NUM> with a first spherical outer contour <NUM> and a second spherical outer contour <NUM>. Note that in the sense of the present invention, outer housing <NUM> represents the outer housing of driver monitoring system <NUM> which houses the at least one vision device <NUM> and is defined by the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM>, whereas housing <NUM> is the smaller housing which houses a single vision device <NUM>. Accordingly, the smaller housing <NUM> is arranged in the outer housing <NUM>. In the embodiment shown here, the vision device <NUM> is an infrared module <NUM>. A channel <NUM> is formed in the housing <NUM>. A band cable <NUM> is guided in channel <NUM>. A neck <NUM> of the housing <NUM> accommodates the infrared diodes (not shown here).

<FIG> show various views of a further embodiment of the vision device <NUM>. As mentioned above, the vision device <NUM> comprises a first spherical outer contour <NUM> and a second spherical outer contour <NUM>. In this embodiment, one or several cooling fins <NUM> are part of the housing <NUM>. The cooling fins <NUM> are formed such that they do not disturb the first spherical outer contour <NUM> and the second spherical outer contour <NUM>. Furthermore, the cooling fins <NUM> lead to an increasing convection area without affecting the re-orientation capacity of the vision device <NUM>.

<FIG> are various views of a further embodiment of the vision device <NUM> in the form of an infrared module <NUM> for illumination with IR light in case the ambient light conditions are not sufficient for obtaining an image of the driver. The housing <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> has a neck <NUM> and on a free end <NUM> where the infrared diodes <NUM> are placed. The infrared diodes <NUM> are positioned on a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, which is hosted by the housing <NUM>. The cooling of the infrared diodes <NUM> is carried out through flexible printed circuit board <NUM> which is in contact with the housing <NUM>. Consequently, the vision device <NUM> in the form of an infrared module <NUM> should preferably be made of a good heat conducting material, for example aluminium. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is connected via the band cable <NUM> to a printed circuit board (not shown here) in the outer housing <NUM> of the driver monitoring system <NUM>. The arrows <NUM> in <FIG> show possible faces of the neck <NUM> fit to be used in insertion, orientation or reorientation of the infrared module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of one embodiment of the housing base <NUM>. Here, the receptacle <NUM> of the housing base <NUM> is defined by a flange <NUM> with a siting surface <NUM> for the vision device <NUM> (for example, vision camera <NUM> or infrared module <NUM>). The siting surface <NUM> is defined by a spherical portion <NUM> and a central pin <NUM>. The spherical portion <NUM> has a form so that it can have a form fitting relationship with the second spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The central pin <NUM> can block the free movement of the vision device <NUM> siting on the siting surface <NUM> of flange <NUM>.

<FIG> show various detailed views of the receptacle <NUM> for the vision device <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the housing base <NUM> (see <FIG>) is separated from the inner portion 9I of the housing base <NUM> by a surrounding wall 9W. The surrounding wall 9W has a passage <NUM> formed therein, which allows the guidance of the band cable <NUM> (see for example <FIG>) into the interior portion 9I of the housing base <NUM>.

<FIG> is sectional view of a portion of the housing base <NUM> with the receptacle <NUM> for the vision device <NUM> (not shown here). The spherical portion <NUM> of the siting surface <NUM> surrounds the central pin <NUM>. The wall 9W separates the inner portion 9I (see <FIG>) of the housing base <NUM> from the receptacle <NUM>. From the description of <FIG> one recognizes that the housing base <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM> (see for example <FIG>) are best fit for a die cast technology.

A top view of the housing base <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The vision device <NUM> is positioned on the flange <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of housing base <NUM>. The band cable <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> is guided through the passage <NUM> of surrounding wall 9W of housing base <NUM> into the inner portion 9I of housing base <NUM>. Housing base <NUM> accommodates a printed circuit board (not shown here) to which the band cable <NUM> is connected. The inner portion 9I of housing base <NUM> is separated from the at least one vision device <NUM> by surrounding wall 9W. Neck <NUM> of vision device <NUM> is pointing to the outside of housing base <NUM>.

<FIG> provide an insight of the mounting of the vision device <NUM> according to a first embodiment. The housing cover <NUM> is placed on top of the housing base <NUM> and thereby mounts the at least one vision device <NUM> therebetween. The housing cover <NUM> has a formed on mounting element <NUM> which is a flexible flange <NUM> in the present embodiment. The flexible flange <NUM> has an area <NUM> with a topology <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>) that mates the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> when the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are mounted and form the outer housing <NUM>. <FIG> shows the situation in which the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are still separated a bit from each other and are not yet mounted together. The vision device <NUM> rests with its second spherical outer contour <NUM> on the spherical portion <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of flange <NUM>. The central pin <NUM> is used to center the vision device <NUM> on the receptacle <NUM> and limits the rotational movement of the vision device <NUM> on the receptacle <NUM>. The neck <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> is pointing through a window <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. The flexible area <NUM> of flange <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> is touching the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The band cable <NUM> is guided from the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to the inner portion 9I of the outer housing <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the mounting situation of the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> is shown. Here, the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are joined together and thus form the outer housing <NUM>. <FIG> is the enlarged view of the area E in <FIG> which is a sectional view along line A-A in <FIG>.

When the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are joined together, the topology <NUM> of the area <NUM> of the flexible flange <NUM> mates the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The flexible flange <NUM> provides an appropriate tension so that the second spherical outer contour <NUM> of vision device <NUM> is in contact with the spherical portion <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>.

The mounting of the outer housing <NUM> is carried out in several steps. The main printed circuit board (not shown) is mounted inside the housing base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vision device <NUM> is seated on the receptacle <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. Optionally, a minimal force may be exerted on the vision device <NUM> via a gripper (not shown), so that the vision device <NUM> does not move during the following mounting step or steps. The vision device <NUM>, sitting on the receptacle <NUM>, can oriented to an angular position as required by the type of vehicle <NUM> in which the driver monitoring system <NUM> is used. Then the housing cover <NUM> is lowered down unto the housing base <NUM>. As the housing cover <NUM> begins the descent, the cover flange <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> first contacts the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The clamping force, exerted onto the vision device <NUM>, increases up to a maximum value when the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are fully joined. The housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are fixed together by conventional means, for example screws. Finally, the optional gripper is disengaged.

<FIG> provide an insight to the mounting of the vision device <NUM> according to a further embodiment. The driver monitoring system <NUM> has the vision device <NUM> mounted as well between the housing base <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vision device <NUM> is held in the outer housing <NUM> so that the neck <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> points to the outside of the housing. A sectional view along line A-A in <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. The vision device <NUM> is seated on the receptacle <NUM> of the housing base <NUM> (already described in detail in <FIG> and <FIG>). When the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are cojoined, the mounting element <NUM> is in form and force fit contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>.

A clinching dome <NUM> (see <FIG>) is provided at the flange <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. As shown by the top view of the outer housing <NUM> in <FIG>, the flexible area <NUM> of the flexible flange <NUM> is connected to the clinching dome <NUM>. As a result, the flexible area <NUM> is in contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the driver monitoring system <NUM> from the direction F as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is an enlarged view of the area marked with G in <FIG>. The clinching dome <NUM> is in a from fit contact with an elongation <NUM> of the flexible area <NUM> once the housing base <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM> are conjoined. Due to the joined clinching dome <NUM>, the elongation <NUM> of the flexible area <NUM> exerts a force onto the vision device <NUM>. Consequently, the vision device <NUM> is held in position by the flexible area <NUM> and the siting surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the housing base <NUM> with the clinching dome <NUM> placed in a corner <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, which carries the siting surface <NUM>. The height and width of the clinching dome <NUM> can be adjusted to the required needs.

<FIG> shows a further embodiment for a mechanism connecting the housing cover <NUM> to the housing base <NUM>. A lug topology <NUM> is formed, for example, on the corner <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the flange <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. On the housing cover <NUM>, a hook <NUM> will be located onto a snapping dome <NUM>. Along direction <NUM>, the lug topology <NUM> and the snapping dome <NUM> are moved towards each other. Once the lug topology <NUM> and the snapping dome <NUM> cooperate, the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are conjoined.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the outer housing <NUM> of the driver monitoring system <NUM>, and <FIG> shows an enlarged view of the area marked with E in <FIG>. The housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are conjoined and form the outer housing <NUM>. The clinching dome <NUM> and the elongation <NUM> are connected and fix the vision device <NUM> in the outer housing <NUM>. The vision device <NUM> is positioned between the siting surface <NUM> and the flexible area <NUM>. The neck <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> points through the window <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vision device <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective top view of the embodiment of the vision device <NUM> of <FIG> placed on the flange <NUM> of housing base <NUM>. The vision device <NUM> has an array of shallow grooves <NUM> formed at least on the first spherical outer contour <NUM> and the second spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The shallow grooves <NUM> provide an additional support for the position fixation of the vision device <NUM>.

<FIG> show an embodiment of mounting the embodiment of the vision device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The driver monitoring system <NUM> comprises the vision device <NUM> mounted as well between the housing base <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vision device <NUM> is held in the outer housing <NUM>, so that neck <NUM> of vision device <NUM> points to the outside of outer housing <NUM>. A sectional view along line A-A in <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. The vision device <NUM> is seated on the receptacle <NUM> of the housing base <NUM> (already described in detail in <FIG> and <FIG>). The mounting element <NUM> of the flange <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> is in contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are cojoined. The mounting of the housing cover <NUM> to the housing base <NUM> can be carried out, for example, by screws (not shown).

<FIG> is an enlarged, sectional view of the area marked with B in the embodiment shown in <FIG>. The vision device <NUM> has an array of shallow grooves <NUM> formed at least on the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of vision device <NUM>. In an embodiment shown here, the mounting element <NUM> has a plurality of flexible fingers <NUM>. A tip portion <NUM> of the flexible fingers <NUM> is in form and force fitting contact with the respective shallow groove <NUM> when the housing cover <NUM> is fully joined with the housing base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the joined housing cover <NUM> and housing base <NUM>, forming the outer housing <NUM> of the driver monitoring system <NUM>. In an embodiment shown here, the housing cover <NUM> carries the mounting element <NUM> which interacts with the vision device <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the area marked C in <FIG>. The embodiment of the mounting element <NUM> shown here has a circular array of flexible fingers <NUM> which are symmetrically arranged at the mounting element <NUM>. As the housing cover <NUM> is fully lowered on the housing base <NUM> (see <FIG>), the spring effect of the flexible fingers <NUM> reaches a maximum and the tip portion <NUM> of the flexible fingers <NUM> are in contact with respective shallow grooves <NUM> on the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The advantage of the shallow grooves <NUM> is that an anti-rotation effect of the vision device <NUM> is improved when the tip portion <NUM> of the flexible fingers <NUM> interact with respective shallow grooves <NUM>. The mounting element <NUM> is attached via a flexible strip <NUM> to the housing cover <NUM>. Opposite to the attachment of the flexible strip <NUM> to the housing cover <NUM>, the flexible strip <NUM> is attached to a fixing <NUM> which can be attached to the housing base <NUM>. In addition, a screw (not shown) may clamp even more the fixing <NUM> and consequently the vision device <NUM> when the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are fully joined.

<FIG> show a detailed view of the flexible fingers <NUM>, contacting the vision device <NUM> during the mounting process. The tip portion <NUM> of the flexible fingers <NUM> are the first to get in contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, when the housing cover <NUM> is lowered down onto the housing base <NUM> (see <FIG>). When the housing cover <NUM> is fully lowered on the housing base <NUM>, the spring effect of the flexible fingers <NUM> of the mounting element <NUM> enables a form and force fitting contact with the shallow grooves <NUM> on first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the outer housing <NUM>, wherein the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are joined. The outer housing <NUM> is formed by the housing cover <NUM> joined with the housing base <NUM>. The vision device <NUM> is arranged between the receptacle <NUM> and a flexible area <NUM> of the mounting element <NUM> being part of the flange <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of the area E in <FIG>. The mounting element <NUM> is in close contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The mounting element <NUM> is a part of the flange <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the housing cover <NUM> mounted to the housing base <NUM>. The mounting element <NUM> of the housing cover <NUM> has claw flanges <NUM> for mounting the vision device <NUM>. With the flexible strip <NUM>, the mounting element <NUM> is attached to the housing cover <NUM>. The fixing <NUM> is attached to the housing base <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view of the outer housing <NUM> along line F-F in <FIG>, wherein the claw flanges <NUM> are in contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown here, the claw flanges <NUM> are at least in form fitting contact with the grooves <NUM> of the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are joined, and the second spherical outer contour <NUM> of the housing device <NUM> is in form fitting contact with the receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> are detailed perspective views of the cooperation of the claw flanges <NUM> with the vision device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the claw flanges <NUM> cooperate with a smooth first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The claw flanges <NUM>, which are in contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, hinder the movement of the vision device <NUM> once the housing cover <NUM> and the housing base <NUM> are joined. <FIG> is a detailed perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention. The first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> has grooves <NUM> and the claw flanges <NUM> are in at least in a form fitting contact with the grooves <NUM>. It is apparent from <FIG> that the housing cover <NUM> is joined with the housing base <NUM> by a screwing fixation of the fixing <NUM>. Thereby, the housing cover <NUM> mounted to a screwing block <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. Once the fixing <NUM> of the mounting element <NUM> is attached to the screwing block <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>, the claw flanges <NUM> will get as well into a force fitting contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> is a smooth surface. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> has a plurality of grooves <NUM>. The claw flanges <NUM> will get into a form and force fitting contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. This embodiment requires partial or full release of the fixing <NUM> to the screwing block <NUM> so that the angular adjustment torque of the vision device <NUM> becomes as low as needed (for example, for hand adjustment and allowing orientation and reorientation with respect to the vision device <NUM>).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the embodiment of the housing base <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The housing base <NUM> has two receptacles <NUM> for vision devices <NUM> (vision camera <NUM> and infrared module <NUM>). The receptacle <NUM> may be fully placed, or only partially placed on the housing base <NUM>. In the embodiment shown here the receptacle <NUM> is fully placed on the housing base <NUM>. Generally, the receptacle <NUM> is separated from a main housing space <NUM> for a main printed circuit board (not shown) by walls that prevent dirt ingress into the main housing space <NUM>. The vision devices <NUM> (vision camera <NUM> and infrared module <NUM> (infra-red projectors)) can withstand environmental challenges better than main printed circuit board.

As shown in <FIG> a vision device <NUM> is seated one of the receptacles <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. If required, the vision device <NUM> can be oriented to an angular position. Once the vision device <NUM> is oriented a hair pin spring <NUM> is used to fix the vision device <NUM> in the required orientation in the receptacle <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view an embodiment of a mounting element <NUM> which is a hair pin spring <NUM> for mounting the vision device <NUM> to the housing base. The hair pin spring <NUM> has a U-shaped form with a base <NUM> and two arms <NUM> extending from the base <NUM>. Each arm <NUM> has a free end <NUM> and is connected via a shoulder <NUM> to the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> has a plurality of holes <NUM>, which are used to fix an overmolded part <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the base <NUM> of the hair pin spring <NUM>. Additionally, each arm <NUM> features a lug <NUM> which can engage with a mounting hook (see <FIG>) of the housing base <NUM>. A pre-guide <NUM> is formed at the free <NUM> end of each arm <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hair pin spring <NUM>. The base <NUM> of the hair pin spring <NUM> carries the overmolded part <NUM>. The overmolded part <NUM> of the hair pin spring <NUM> provides an additional plastic zone. The overmolded part <NUM> has a spherical contact area <NUM> toward the vision device <NUM> (not shown here). With the spherical contact area <NUM> a clamping force is transferred from the hair pin spring <NUM> to the vision device <NUM>. The spherical contact area <NUM> contact mainly the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> and provides an anti-rotation friction after the assembly (preventing a change of the vision device <NUM> instalation angle).

<FIG> is perspective view of a further embodiment of the mounting element <NUM>, which is a hair pin spring <NUM> with a spherical contact area <NUM> for the vision device <NUM>, <FIG> is a detailed view of the spherical contact area <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the spherical contact area <NUM> has a formed topology <NUM> (ribs, dots, texture, etc.), creating by graining, which gets into contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown here, the topology <NUM> at the inner side <NUM> of the spherical contact area <NUM> is formed by a plurality of centrally arranged ribs <NUM>. The spherical contact area <NUM> can provide better friction with a certain graining, texture, ribbed or dotted patterns (not shown) that can be manufactured directly by a plastic injection moulding process.

<FIG> show the stages, wherein the overmolded part <NUM>, its spherical contact area <NUM>, of the hair pin spring <NUM> comes into contact with the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>. The arms <NUM> of the of the hair pin spring <NUM> are inserted into a respective channel <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. Optionally a minimal force may be exerted on the vision device <NUM> via a gripper (not shown), so that the vision device <NUM>, positioned in the receptacle <NUM>, does not move during the insertion and mounting of the hair pin spring <NUM> in the channels <NUM>. The hair pin spring <NUM> is lowered to the vision device <NUM> and the spring arms <NUM> start engaging a ramp <NUM> in each channel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the hair pin spring <NUM> is in the final position, wherein each ramps <NUM> on the channels <NUM> of the housing base <NUM> reach through the lug <NUM> (see <FIG>) of each arm <NUM> of the hair pin spring <NUM>. The spherical contact area <NUM> of the overmolded part <NUM> reaches the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> in form and force fitting contact with the outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> while the second spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> is at least in form fitting contact with the spherical portion <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>.

Finally, the housing cover <NUM> (not shown here) is lowered down unto the housing base <NUM> in order to complete the outer housing <NUM>. The housing cover <NUM> is fixed to housing base <NUM> by whatever conventional means. The vision device <NUM> can be of the embodiments shown in <FIG> or <FIG>.

<FIG> show a further embodiment of the mounting element <NUM>. The mounting element <NUM> is sheet metal spring <NUM> with no overmold. The sheet metal spring <NUM> has a lower side which is split in this embodiment in two halves. The lips <NUM> are formed such that they will embrace the first spherical outer contour <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> when mounted to the housing base <NUM>. (see <FIG>).

<FIG> show the mounting element <NUM>, which is in this embodiment the sheet metal spring <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, before clamping of the vision device <NUM>. In <FIG> the vision device <NUM> is clamped by the sheet metal spring <NUM>. The embodiment if the sheet metal spring <NUM> (flexible coil solution) does not need lugs as required in the embodiment of mounting element <NUM> shown in <FIG>. This solution of mounting the vision device <NUM> is particularly valuable because it does not require any lug geometry on itself, or a snap geometry on the housing base <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> the sheet metal spring <NUM> is seated on the initial sitting zones <NUM> on the housing base <NUM>. Then the upper lip <NUM> is pushed down as per arrows <NUM>. The pushing down can be done for example by a screw (not shown). In doing so, the outer half ring <NUM> is pushed down on the inner quarter rings <NUM>, that in turn embrace and clamp on the vision device <NUM>. The mounting is particularly advantageous when the pushing down geometries are belonging to the housing cover <NUM> (not shown). Then no additional fixation items are needed (for example screws).

As well, the mounting element <NUM> (lamellar spring) may be obtained fully by plastic injection. Such a plastic solution is advantageous because it allows easy manufacturing of a spherical contact geometry for the vision device <NUM>, however the plastic solution may be limited in clamping force.

<FIG> is a side view of a further embodiment of the outer housing <NUM> for the driver monitoring system <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> is designed such that a pincer <NUM> is provided for mounting the vision device <NUM> which is an infrared module <NUM> (not shown here) outside form the h outer housing <NUM>. The pincer <NUM> has an upper part <NUM> and a lower part <NUM>. With this arrangement, the cooling and orientation of the infrared module <NUM> is no longer part of the outer housing <NUM>. The pincer <NUM> specially designed for retaining the infrared module <NUM> (see <FIG>). The pincer <NUM> is positioned, at best on the edge of the outer housing <NUM> to optimize the cooling of the infrared module <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> is fit for plastic injection or die casting (metal).

<FIG> is a top view into the housing base <NUM> of <FIG> is a view into the housing cover <NUM> along line A-A in <FIG>. The housing base <NUM> holds in the inner portion 9I the main printed circuit board <NUM>. The edge 9E of the housing base <NUM> and/or the edge 8E of the housing cover <NUM> can be provided with a sealing <NUM>. The only difference from the housings described above is a formed area for a window <NUM> for the infrared module <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed view of the area marked with the circle B in <FIG> of the pincer <NUM> for clamping the vision device <NUM> which is an infrared module <NUM>.

The infrared module <NUM> is hosting the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, wherein IR-diodes <NUM> are placed on the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and cooling of the IR diodes <NUM> is carried out through the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Through the channel <NUM> the flexible band cable <NUM> (see <FIG>) is guided the toward the main printed circuit board <NUM> (see <FIG>). During the mounting process, the infrared module <NUM> can be oriented and reoriented with respect to the outer housing <NUM>. The clamping of the infrared module <NUM> is cone by the pincer <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>, so that unintended rotation is not possible.

The arrows <NUM> in <FIG> show possible faces <NUM> of the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> to be used in insertion, orientation or reorientation of the infrared module <NUM>. The contact surface of the infrared module <NUM> with the faces <NUM> of the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> is generally spherical and serves as counter geometry for clamping with the pincer <NUM>.

The infrared module <NUM> shall be made of a good heat conducting material, for example aluminium. In addition, the topology of the infrared module <NUM> (see <FIG>) has multiple venting holes, which may reduce weight but more importantly increase a convection area.

<FIG> shows the orientation of the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM>, wherein the topology design of the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> is visible. <FIG> shows the orientation of the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM>, wherein the topology design of the upper part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> is visible. The upper part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> has a recess <NUM> for extraction of a mounting tool (not shown) for the infrared module <NUM>. The upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> have a guiding groove <NUM> formed which is used for the mounting tool (not shown). Both, the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> have a spherical topology <NUM> formed, which is in form and force fitting contact with the infrared module <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the vision device <NUM> (infrared module <NUM>) clamped between the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM>. The infrared module <NUM> is clamped between the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> and thereby the first spherical outer contour <NUM> and the second spherical outer contour <NUM> of the infrared module <NUM> are if form and force fitting contact with the spherical topology <NUM> of the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> show a further embodiment for the installation of the vision device <NUM> (infrared module12). According to the embodiment shown here the installation of the vision device <NUM> is at a the corner <NUM> of the housing base <NUM>. As can be clearly seen from <FIG> (view along cutting line A-A in <FIG>), the vision device <NUM> is held as well by a pincer <NUM> comprising the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM>. Here the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> are no longer parallel. The upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> be at an angle dictated by the outline of the housing base <NUM>. as for instance <NUM> degrees. The arrow <NUM> in <FIG> shows the insertion direction for the vision device <NUM> between the upper part <NUM> and the lower part <NUM> of the pincer <NUM>. The band cable <NUM> is guides through wall 9W into the inner portion 9I of the housing base <NUM>. The neck <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> is pointing to the outside of the outer housing <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A driver monitoring system (<NUM>), comprising
an outer housing (<NUM>),
a mounting element (<NUM>),
a band cable (<NUM>) and
at least one vision device (<NUM>) with a housing (<NUM>), wherein the vision device (<NUM>) is positioned in or at the err outer housing (<NUM>) and pointing to an outside of the outer housing (<NUM>), wherein the outer housing (<NUM>) is defined by a housing cover (<NUM>) and a housing base (<NUM>),
wherein
a first spherical outer contour (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) for the vision device (<NUM>) is in cooperation with the mounting element (<NUM>);
a second spherical outer contour (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) for the vision device (<NUM>) is in cooperation with the housing base (<NUM>); and
a receptacle (<NUM>) of the housing base (<NUM>) defines a spherical portion (<NUM>), wherein the second spherical outer contour (<NUM>) of the vision device (<NUM>) is in form fitting contact with the spherical portion (<NUM>) of the receptacle (<NUM>) and the mounting element (<NUM>) is in a form and force fitting contact with the vision device (<NUM>) when the housing cover (<NUM>) and the housing base (<NUM>) are cojoined;
characterized in that
a channel (<NUM>) is provided in the second spherical outer contour (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) of the vision device (<NUM>), wherein the channel (<NUM>) guides the band cable(<NUM>).