Patent Description:
Vehicle driver assist systems that use a camera to monitor the environment surrounding the vehicle are known. For example, one particular type of driver assist system monitors the area in front of the vehicle and uses a forward looking camera. It is common to mount a forward looking driver assist system to the front windshield of the vehicle. Such a forward looking driver assist system can aid a driver in the operation of a motor vehicle by providing operational information such as a potential collision, lane or roadway departure, location of pedestrians, road sign information, etc. Driver assist systems could also be mounted to other vehicle locations such as the rear window.

Data from the driver assist system is provided to other vehicle systems to provide the driver with a warning, haptic or tactile feedback, and/or autonomous control of the vehicle. <CIT> is considered the closest prior art and discloses a vehicle driver assist system comprising a housing having a camera mounted therein, the housing having at least one tab and a mounting bracket connectable with the vehicle, the mounting bracket including a channel for receiving the tab on the housing, the channel being at least partially defined by an arm extending from a sidewall of the bracket, the arm having an end surface and the sidewall having a guide surface, the end surface of the arm and the guide surface at least partially defining an insertion opening that faces generally downwardly the tab on the housing sliding into the channel in the mounting bracket through the insertion opening to connect the housing to the mounting bracket, the housing and the tab being pivotal relative to the bracket after the tab has slid into the channel.

The invention is defined by a vehicle driver assist system according to claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, a vehicle driver assist system includes a housing having a camera mounted therein. The housing has at least one tab. A mounting bracket connectable with the vehicle includes a channel for receiving the tab on the housing. The channel is at least partially defined by an arm extending from a sidewall of the bracket. The arm has an end surface and the sidewall has a guide surface. The end surface of the arm and the guide surface at least partially define an insertion opening that faces generally downwardly. The tab on the housing slides into the channel in the mounting bracket through the insertion opening to connect the housing to the mounting bracket. The housing and the tab are pivotal relative to the bracket after the tab has slid into the channel. A V-shaped notch in the guide surface is defined by first and second side surfaces of the notch extending at an angle to each other, the first and second side surfaces of the notch extending transverse to the guide surface, wherein the tab engages the second notch side surface and a stop surface on the arm when the housing is connected to the bracket.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

A vehicle driver assist system <NUM> constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in <FIG>. The driver assist system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> secured in a mounting bracket <NUM>. A camera <NUM> or other sensor is mounted within the housing <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is operatively connected to data processing circuitry (not shown) within the camera housing <NUM> for processing any image within the field of view of the camera. The circuitry within the housing <NUM> is connectable with other vehicle systems. For the purposes of explanation, the driver assist system <NUM> is a forward looking system and may be mounted to a window of a vehicle, such as a front windshield. The driver assist system <NUM> views the environment outside of the vehicle and analyzes monitored information for vehicle functions, such as lane keeping, roadway departures, pedestrian information, road sign information, etc. The analyzed information is then further processed and used by vehicle control systems and/or warning systems. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is applicable to other driver assist systems such as a rearward facing system for monitoring the environment rearward of the vehicle.

The mounting bracket <NUM> is connectable to the window in any desired manner. The mounting bracket <NUM> may have a mounting portion <NUM> that is connectable to the window and that least one sidewall <NUM> that extends from the mounting portion <NUM> away from the window when the mounting bracket is connected to the window. The mounting bracket <NUM> is shown as having two sidewalls <NUM> that extend on opposite sides of the housing <NUM> when the housing is connected to the bracket.

Each of the sidewalls <NUM> (<FIG>) has a forward channel or slot <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> is shown as having two forward channels <NUM>, however, it is contemplated that the bracket <NUM> may include any desired number of forward channels. The mounting bracket <NUM> has at least one rear locking arm <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> is shown as having two rear locking arms <NUM>, however, it is contemplated that the bracket may include any number of rear locking arms.

The forward channels <NUM> on the mounting bracket <NUM> receive forward or first rectangular tabs <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may have two forward tabs <NUM> extending from opposite sides of the housing. The rear locking arms <NUM> engage rearward or second rectangular tabs <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. The housing may have two rearward tabs <NUM> that extend from opposite sides of the housing <NUM>. The forward tabs <NUM> may have upper surfaces <NUM> and lower surfaces <NUM> that extend generally parallel to the upper surfaces <NUM>. The rearward tabs <NUM> may have upper surfaces <NUM> and lower surfaces <NUM> that extend generally parallel to each other. The upper surfaces <NUM> and lower surfaces <NUM> of the forward tabs <NUM> may extend generally parallel to the upper surfaces <NUM> and lower surfaces <NUM> of the rearward tabs <NUM>.

The forward channels <NUM> (<FIG>) are at least partially defined by arms <NUM> extending from the sidewalls <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. Only one arm <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> will be described in detail. The arm <NUM> has an end surface <NUM> that partially defines an insertion opening <NUM> that faces generally downwardly. The end surface <NUM> of the arm <NUM> extends generally parallel to a guide surface <NUM> on the sidewall <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> to define the insertion opening <NUM>. A V-shaped notch <NUM> in the guide surface <NUM> is defined by first and second side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the notch <NUM> extending at an angle to each other. The first and second side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the notch <NUM> extend generally transverse to the guide surface <NUM>.

A curved surface <NUM> extends from the guide surface <NUM> on the sidewall <NUM>. The curved surface <NUM> is spaced from the notch <NUM> and faces toward the insertion opening <NUM>. The curved surface <NUM> and the portion of the guide surface <NUM> extending between the curved surface and the notch <NUM> define a wedged shaped portion <NUM> of the forward channel <NUM>. A surface <NUM> on the sidewall <NUM> extends from the curved surface <NUM> and generally parallel to the arm <NUM>. The surface <NUM> extends from the curved surface <NUM> to an end of the channel <NUM>. The space between the surface <NUM> and the arm <NUM> provides strain relief to help prevent the mounting bracket <NUM> from breaking.

After the mounting bracket <NUM> (<FIG>) is secured to the window or windshield, the housing <NUM> is snapped into the bracket by first inserting the forward tabs <NUM> into the associated forward channels <NUM> and then pivoting the rear end of the housing into engagement with the rear locking arms <NUM>. The rear locking arms <NUM> lock onto the associated rearward tabs <NUM> of the housing <NUM> thereby securing the housing into the bracket.

The forward tabs <NUM> are inserted into the insertion openings <NUM> with the rearward tabs <NUM> spaced from the rear locking arms <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The forward tabs <NUM> may engage the end surfaces <NUM> on the arms <NUM> extending from the sidewalls <NUM> and the guide surfaces <NUM> on the sidewalls to guide insertion of the forward tabs into the forward channels <NUM>. The forward tabs <NUM> may be inserted into the forward channels <NUM> until the forward tabs engage the curved surfaces <NUM>.

After insertion of the forward tabs <NUM> into the forward channels <NUM>, the housing <NUM> may be pivoted relative to the bracket <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG> toward the position shown in <FIG>. The rearward tabs <NUM> move toward the rear locking arms <NUM> as the housing <NUM> is pivoted relative to the bracket <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is pivoted until the upper surfaces <NUM> of the forward tabs <NUM> engage the second notch side surfaces <NUM> and the lower surfaces <NUM> of the forward tabs engage stop surfaces <NUM> on the arms. The rearward tabs <NUM> may engage the rear locking arms <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be pivoted about the intersection of the second notch side surface <NUM> and the guide surface <NUM> and/or the intersection of the end surface <NUM> of the arm <NUM> and the stop surface <NUM> on the arm. The forward tabs <NUM> may be spaced from the curved surfaces <NUM> when the housing <NUM> is pivoting relative to the bracket <NUM> and once the tabs <NUM> engage the stop surface <NUM> and/or the second side surface <NUM> of the notch <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is pivoted relative to the mounting bracket <NUM> until the forward tabs <NUM> engage the second side surfaces <NUM> of the notches <NUM> and the stop surfaces <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the forward tabs <NUM> may engage the first side surfaces <NUM> of the notches. The forward tabs <NUM> may have an interference fit between the second side surfaces <NUM> of the notches <NUM> and the stop surfaces <NUM> on the arms <NUM> when the housing <NUM> is connected to the bracket <NUM>.

The rearward tabs <NUM> (<FIG>) on the housing <NUM> snap into the rear locking arms <NUM> when the housing pivots relative to the bracket <NUM>. Only one locking arm <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> will be described in detail. The locking arm <NUM> has detent <NUM> that engages the rearward tab <NUM>. The detent <NUM> has an upper surfaces <NUM> that engages the lower surface <NUM> on the rearward tab <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> on the detent <NUM> may extend generally perpendicular to a vertical surface <NUM> on the locking arm <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> on the rearward tab <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may extend generally perpendicular to a vertical surface <NUM> of the housing. Thus, the lower surface <NUM> on the rearward tab <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may extend generally parallel to the upper surface <NUM> on the locking arm detent <NUM> when the housing is connected to the bracket <NUM>.

The rearward tabs <NUM> on the housing <NUM> may have forward facing surfaces <NUM> that engage rearward facing surfaces <NUM> on the bracket <NUM> to prevent the camera or sensor <NUM> extending from the housing from engaging the window. A biasing member or spring tab <NUM> (<FIG>) on the bracket <NUM> may apply a downward force on the housing <NUM> to help maintain the rearward tabs <NUM> in engagement with the upper surfaces <NUM> on the detents <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> urges the lower surfaces <NUM> on the tabs <NUM> of the housing <NUM> into engagement with the upper surfaces <NUM> on the detents <NUM> of the locking arms <NUM>.

The sidewalls <NUM> (<FIG>) of the bracket <NUM> may include projections <NUM> extending toward the housing <NUM> when the housing is connected to the bracket. The projections <NUM> may engage the housing <NUM> when the housing is connected to the bracket <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may also have stiffening ribs <NUM> extending between the sidewalls <NUM> of the bracket and the mounting portion <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>.

Another vehicle driver assist system <NUM> is shown in the <FIG>. This driver assist system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> secured in a mounting bracket <NUM>. A plurality of cameras or other sensors may be mounted within the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may have three cameras, however, it is contemplated that any desired number of cameras may be mounted within the housing. The cameras are operatively connected to data processing circuitry (not shown) within the camera housing <NUM> for processing images within the fields of view of the cameras. The circuitry within the housing <NUM> is connectable with other vehicle systems. The driver assist system <NUM> may be a forward looking system and may be mounted to a window of a vehicle, such as a front windshield. The driver assist system <NUM> views the environment outside of the vehicle and analyzes monitored information for vehicle functions, such as lane keeping, roadway departures, pedestrian information, road sign information, etc. The analyzed information is then further processed and used by vehicle control systems and/or warning systems. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present driver assist system is applicable to other driver assist systems such as a rearward facing system for monitoring the environment rearward of the vehicle.

The mounting bracket <NUM> is connectable to the window in any desired manner. The mounting bracket <NUM> includes at least one forward channel or slot <NUM> (<FIG>). It is contemplated that the bracket <NUM> may include any desired number of forward channels <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> has at least one rear locking arm <NUM>. It is contemplated that the bracket <NUM> may include any number of rear locking arms <NUM>.

The forward channels <NUM> on the mounting bracket <NUM> receive forward or first tabs <NUM> on the housing <NUM>. The rear locking arms <NUM> engage rearward tabs <NUM> on the housing <NUM> (<FIG>).

After the mounting bracket <NUM> is secured to the window or windshield (<FIG>), the housing <NUM> is snapped into the bracket <NUM> by first inserting the forward tabs <NUM> into the associated front channels <NUM> and then pivoting the rear end of the housing into engagement with the rear locking arms <NUM>. The rear locking arms <NUM> lock onto associated rearward tabs <NUM> of the housing <NUM> thereby securing the housing into the bracket <NUM>.

The rearward tabs <NUM> on the housing <NUM> snap into the rear locking arms <NUM> when the housing pivots relative to the bracket <NUM>. The rear locking arms <NUM> (<FIG>) have detents <NUM>. The detents <NUM> on the locking arms <NUM> have upper surfaces <NUM> that engage lower surfaces <NUM> on the rearward tabs <NUM>. The upper surfaces <NUM> on the locking arm detents <NUM> may extend generally perpendicular to vertical surfaces <NUM> on the locking arms <NUM>. The lower surfaces <NUM> on the rearward tabs <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may extend generally perpendicular to side walls <NUM> of the housing. Thus, the lower surfaces <NUM> on the rearward tabs <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may extend generally parallel to the upper surfaces <NUM> on the locking arm detents <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A vehicle driver assist system (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a camera (<NUM>) mounted therein, the housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) having at least one tab (<NUM>; <NUM>); and
a mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) connectable with the vehicle, the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) including a channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) for receiving the tab (<NUM>; <NUM>) on the housing (<NUM>; <NUM>), the channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) being at least partially defined by an arm (<NUM>) extending from a sidewall (<NUM>) of the bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>), the arm (<NUM>) having an end surface (<NUM>) and the sidewall (<NUM>) having a guide surface (<NUM>), the end surface (<NUM>) of the arm (<NUM>) and the guide surface (<NUM>) at least partially defining an insertion opening (<NUM>) that faces generally downwardly, the tab (<NUM>; <NUM>) on the housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) sliding into the channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) in the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) through the insertion opening (<NUM>) to connect the housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) to the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>), the housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) and the tab (<NUM>; <NUM>) being pivotal relative to the bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) after the tab (<NUM>; <NUM>) has slid into the channel (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein a V-shaped notch (<NUM>) in the guide surface (<NUM>) is defined by first and second side surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the notch (<NUM>) extending at an angle to each other, the first and second side surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the notch (<NUM>) extending transverse to the guide surface (<NUM>), wherein the tab (<NUM>; <NUM>) engages the second notch side surface (<NUM>) and a stop surface (<NUM>) on the arm (<NUM>) when the housing (<NUM>; <NUM>) is connected to the bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>).