DE102024116936B4 - External rearview camera with sensor and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an external rearview camera device (100) for a vehicle (300), comprising: a base assembly (102) provided for arrangement on the vehicle (300); a movable head assembly (104) configured to be attached to the base assembly (102); at least one actuator (106) configured to move the movable head assembly (104); a backplate (108) attached within the movable head assembly (104); a reflective element (110) attached to the glass support plate (108) and configured to reflect visible light; and at least one sensor (112) mounted within the movable head assembly (104), wherein the backplate (108) has an opening (114) configured such that the sensor (112) has a rearward-facing direction and an outward-facing direction relative to a front (302) of the vehicle (300), and the reflective element (110) has a reflective insert (116), wherein the reflective insert (116) is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it and/or to allow heat to be measured by the sensor (112). It also relates to a vehicle (300) with such a rear-view device (100).

Description

The present disclosure relates to an external rearview camera for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the disclosure relates to a rearview camera for the exterior of a vehicle, wherein the rearview camera is suitable for viewing objects under low-light conditions, for example at night, and/or comprises a sensor located behind a reflective element of the rearview camera. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle with such a rearview camera.

Vehicles generally include rearview devices mounted inside or on the outside of the vehicle. These devices generally comprise one or more mirrors, cameras, or any combination thereof for viewing a scene at least around the rear end and/or side of the vehicle. Rearview devices are typically designed to be adjusted to provide a driver with a desired view.

The US 6,703,925 B2 This describes an interior monitoring device located behind a reflective layer. The monitoring device can be used for driver identification, driver condition monitoring, passenger and passenger position detection, airbag control, and theft monitoring.

The US 11,273,764 B2 describes an external rearview device with a rearview means comprising at least one camera unit and a reflective element, wherein the rearview means comprises at least one reflective element, and a camera unit is configured to obtain a rearview image through the reflective element.

The US 2015 / 0 298 612 A1 This concerns a system and device provided as a side or rearview mirror to offer multiple independently movable reflective surfaces to improve a driver's visibility. To enhance driver visibility, the system and device include a camera to provide the driver with images of the vehicle's surroundings in low-light or dim lighting conditions.

The EP 2 594 434 A1 relates to a rear-view mirror equipped with an image-taking device, which forms a mirror element by forming a reflective layer, consisting of layers of a material with a high refractive index and a layer of a material with a low refractive index, on the back side of a transparent glass substrate.

The DE 10 2017 109 550 A1 relates to a side mirror for a motor vehicle with an optical detection device for detecting a blind spot area for a driver of the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the motor vehicle, wherein the optical detection device has at least one lidar sensor.
The DE 199 03 595 A1 This relates to a rearview mirror, particularly for motor vehicles, with a mirror lens, wherein at least one image capture device is arranged behind the mirror lens. The image capture device looks, for example, through the mirror lens and is a camera connected to an image evaluation and display device.

The DE 10 2014 102 816 A1 relates to a device comprising an infrared selective filter or an infrared selective lens, which is designed and configured to be incorporated into a vehicle headlight assembly, wherein the infrared selective filter or the infrared selective lens is designed and configured to block visible light and to allow the transmission of infrared light waves through it.

The DE 10 2007 012 993 A1 This concerns a system for mounting a camera inside a vehicle, wherein the camera is positioned inside the vehicle behind an IR-transmitting window and within a housing provided inside the vehicle. The camera is thus placed between the windshield and the housing, so that the camera's field of view extends through the window.

The DE 10 2004 057 322 A1 relates to an arrangement comprising a camera mount for a camera that is attached behind a windshield of a vehicle glazing in an interior of the vehicle, wherein a lamination is provided to keep the windshield within a field of view of the camera, wherein the lamination has a non-stick layer that is incorporated into a surface of the windshield that faces away from the interior or an exterior space of the vehicle.

The US 2021 / 0 018 925 A1 relates to a device for an autonomous vehicle navigation maintenance system, wherein an autonomous vehicle monitoring system comprises a mounting surface arranged on an autonomous vehicle and a thermal imaging system attached to the mounting surface, wherein the thermal imaging system is a heat The thermal imaging camera comprises an interchangeable filter and a filter holder designed to attach the interchangeable filter to the thermal imaging camera and aligned with an optical axis of the thermal imaging camera, wherein maintenance of the interchangeable filter does not include recalibration of the thermal imaging camera.

The DE 20 2023 103 160 U1 comprises a rearview device for a motor vehicle, comprising: a base assembly configured for fixed attachment to the motor vehicle; a movable head assembly configured for attachment to the base assembly and having an interior; at least one actuator configured to move the movable head assembly relative to the base assembly; a support plate attached to the movable head assembly; a reflective element supported by the support plate; and a movable element between the reflective element and the support plate and mechanically connected to both the reflective element and the support plate, wherein the movable element has at least two configurations between which it alternates depending on the application of a force to the reflective element in the direction of the interior of the movable head assembly.

The WO 2023/144 331 A2 relates to an external rearview device comprising: a base suitable for mounting on the side of a vehicle, the base comprising a base frame and a base cover; a head for supporting at least one component to provide a driver of the vehicle with a rearward field of vision; a cover carried between the base and the head, the cover having an underside; and a foot seal attached to the base, the foot seal comprising: a hard section having a circular side wall and an upper surface; a first sealing lip extending vertically from the upper surface; and a second sealing lip extending horizontally from the circular side wall and contacting the base.

The term "rearview" is defined here as a view of the area surrounding a vehicle that is not within the driver's field of vision, i.e., directions opposite to, left, right, below and above the direction of view, but can also include a view in the direction of the driver's view and/or any combination of directions.

The terms “driver” and “driver of the vehicle” refer here to the person who controls the main parameters of the vehicle, such as direction, speed and/or altitude, e.g. normally the person who is in the position designated for the controlling person, for example in a seat, but can also refer to any other person or entity inside or outside the vehicle.

The term "vehicle" refers to any motorized vehicle, with or without a trailer, driven by a driver, who requires information about people, other vehicles, or objects in the (immediate) vicinity of the vehicle in order to drive safely. Examples of vehicles include cars, trucks, tractors, and trailers.

The term "reflective element" refers to a reflective surface onto which light, for example emitted from a light guide, falls and is reflected in a specific direction to emit reflected light. The reflective element can be a polished or coated surface that provides a mirror-like surface finish.

There is a need to further improve rearview devices. The purpose of the present disclosure is to further develop the generic rearview device with a sensor for a vehicle in such a way as to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

This objective is achieved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the dependent external rearview device claims.

Finally, the present disclosure also provides a vehicle with at least one rearview device according to the present disclosure by further claims.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Fahrzeugs gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 2 eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 3 eine perspektivische Rückansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung von 2 in Bezug auf eine Front des Fahrzeugs ist;
• 4 eine perspektivische Rückansicht der 2 und 3 ist, wobei ein Gehäuseoberteil einer bewegbaren Kopfbaugruppe entfernt ist;
• 5A eine perspektivische Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist;
• 5B eine perspektivische Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist;
• 5C eine perspektivische Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß noch einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist;
• 5D eine perspektivische Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist;
• 6A eine Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung mit einem reflektierenden Element, einer Heizungsfolie und einer entfernten Rückenplatte gemäß einer Ausführungsform ist;
• 6B eine Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung mit dem reflektierenden Element, der Heizungsfolie und der entfernten Rückenplatte gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist;
• 7 eine teilweise Innenansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 8A eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung von 5A ist;
• 8B eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung von 5B ist;
• 8C eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung von 5C ist;
• 8D eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung von 5D ist;
• 9A eine isolierte Querschnittsansicht der Rückblickvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist; und
• 9B eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht ist, angegeben durch einen gestrichelten Kreis von 9A.

The preceding summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read together with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, certain examples of the present revelation are shown in the drawings. It is understood, however, that the present revelation is not limited to the exact arrangements and instruments depicted. Rather, the drawings, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the present revelation, whereby:

• 1 a perspective view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure;
• 2 a perspective side view of a retrospective device according to the present disclosure;
• 3 a perspective rear view of the rearview device of 2 in relation to the front of the vehicle;
• 4 a perspective rear view of the 2 and 3 is, wherein a housing top part of a movable head assembly is removed;
• 5A a perspective view of the rearview device according to one embodiment;
• 5B a perspective view of the rearview device according to a further embodiment;
• 5C a perspective view of the rearview device according to yet another embodiment;
• 5D a perspective view of the rearview device according to a further embodiment;
• 6A a view of the rear view device with a reflective element, a heating film and a removed backplate according to one embodiment;
• 6B a view of the rear view device with the reflective element, the heating film and the removed back plate according to a further embodiment;
• 7 a partial interior view of the retrospective device according to the present disclosure;
• 8A a split-view view of the rearview camera of 5A is;
• 8B a split-view view of the rearview camera of 5B is;
• 8C a split-view view of the rearview camera of 5C is;
• 8D a split-view view of the rearview camera of 5D is;
• 9A an isolated cross-sectional view of the retrospective device according to the present disclosure; and
• 9B An enlarged cross-sectional view is indicated by a dashed circle of 9A .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As in 1 As shown, a vehicle 300 according to the present disclosure can comprise a rearview device 100. The vehicle 300 can further comprise a front 302, a rear (not shown), a left side or driver's side 304, and a right side or passenger's side 306. The designation of these sides is intended to further clarify the orientations described in the present disclosure. The vehicle 300 can comprise at least one rearview device 100. These rearview devices 100 can be located on the left side 304 (driver's side) and/or the right side 306 (passenger's side) of the vehicle 300.

The 2 and 3 show perspective views of the rearview device 100. 2 Figure 1 shows a side view of the rearview device 100. The rearview device 100 can comprise a base assembly 102, which can be attached to the vehicle 300. The base assembly 102 can comprise a base sensor 128. The base sensor 128 can be a camera, a blind spot monitor, or a combination thereof. The rearview device 100 can also comprise a movable head assembly 104. The movable head assembly 104 can comprise a housing upper part 126 and a housing lower part 138. The movable head assembly 104 can further comprise a reflective element 110.

4 Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the rearview device 100, with the upper housing part 126 removed from the movable head assembly 104. Furthermore, the movable head assembly 104 includes at least one actuator 106. When the movable head assembly 104 is in a travel position, as shown in Figure 106, the actuator is located at the rear of the device. 4 As shown, an actuation can be performed such that it moves the movable head assembly 104 to adjust the rearward field of vision of the driver of vehicle 300. Consequently, the movement required to adjust the movable head assembly 104 sets the rearward field of vision of the driver of vehicle 300. The actuation of the movable head assembly 104 about a horizontal axis 140 can be performed from any position to move the movable head assembly 104 about the horizontal axis 140 to any other position. For example, the movable head assembly 104 can first be tilted upward (not shown) and then actuated in a second direction to tilt the movable head assembly 104 downward. During the downward tilting, the actuation can be stopped to move the movable head assembly 104 into a position that is 4 to set the nominal position shown, or continue to set the movable head assembly 104 downwards.

Furthermore, the actuation can be designed in such a way that it moves the movable head assembly. 104 is moved so that the driver's field of vision in vehicle 300 is adjusted to the rear. Consequently, the movement required to adjust the movable head assembly 104 adjusts the driver's field of vision in vehicle 300 to the rear. Actuation of the movable head assembly 104 about a vertical axis 142 can be performed from any position to move the movable head assembly 104 about the horizontal axis 140 to any other position. For example, the movable head assembly 104 can first be tilted inwards towards the vehicle (not shown) and then actuated in a second direction to tilt the movable head assembly 104 outwards away from the vehicle. During the outwards tilting, the actuation can be stopped to move the movable head assembly 104 to a position in 4 to set the nominal position shown, or continue to adjust the movable head assembly 104 outwards.

4 Figure 1 shows the at least one actuator 106 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the at least one actuator 106 comprises the first vertical axis 142 and the horizontal axis 140. The vertical axis 142 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis 140. Furthermore, the vertical axis 142 is substantially vertical relative to the at least one actuator 106, and the horizontal axis 140 is substantially horizontal relative to the at least one actuator 106.

4 Figure 104 also shows the movable head assembly, comprising a sensor holder 124. The sensor holder 124 is designed to accommodate and/or hold a sensor 112 (not shown). It is understood that many different types of sensors 112 can be used as the sensor 112; for example, the sensor 112 can be a camera, an infrared (IR) camera, a far-infrared (FIR) camera, a near-infrared (NIR) camera, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a radar, a lidar, a sonar, or combinations thereof.

5A Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the rearview device 100 according to an embodiment, wherein the rearview device 100 is the base assembly 102, which is attached to the vehicle (in 5A (not shown) can be attached, can include, and the movable head assembly 104 can be configured to be attached to the base assembly 102. The movable head assembly 104 can include at least one actuator 106 (in 5A (not shown) which is designed to move the movable head assembly 104. The rear-view device 100 can also have a back plate 108 (in 5A (not shown) include the movable head assembly 104, and the reflective element 110 may be attached to the backplate 108. The rearview device 100 also includes at least one sensor 112 (in 5A (not shown), which may be attached in the movable head assembly 104.

In one embodiment as in 5A As shown, the reflective element 110 can be designed to allow infrared light to pass through it and to reflect visible light. In other words, the reflective element 110 allows the sensor 112 to detect objects, if the sensor 112 can be the infrared camera, while the driver sees the reflective element 110 as a mirror. The reflective element 110 can also be designed to allow the sensor 112 to measure heat.

The reflective element 110 can be made of a material that reflects light in the visible light spectrum. The material of the reflective element 110 can reflect light in the approximate wavelengths from 330 nm to 830 nm, specifically 420 nm to 780 nm. The reflective element 110 can also be made of a material that transmits light in the infrared light spectrum. The material of the reflective element 110 can transmit light in the approximate wavelengths from 780 nm to 1,000,000 nm (1 mm), specifically 7,500 nm to 12,000 nm.

The reflective element 110 can include a coating exhibiting the reflective and transmissive properties mentioned above. The reflective element 110 can be made of glass, plastic, or another material known in engineering and coated with zinc sulfide (ZnS) or other coatings exhibiting similar reflective and transmissive properties as described above. The coating can, for example, be SCHOTT SUISSE SA YVERSON REPART DB VIS/LWIR 0° on ZnS, applied to a substrate material such as FLIR grade ZnS.

If the rearview device 100 detects sensor 112 (in 5A (not shown) and comprising the reflective element 110, the sensor 112 can communicate with the vehicle camera monitoring system (CMS) to warn the driver of potential hazards and/or objects in a rearward and outward direction, relative to the vehicle's direction of travel 300. The sensor 112 can be in the form of an IR camera, specifically an FIR camera with machine vision, whereby the sensor 112 can detect potential hazards under low-light conditions, for example, when driving at night. and/or objects. The detection of potential hazards and/or objects can be communicated to the driver to warn and/or alert the driver. The driver can be alerted in a variety of ways, for example, by an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), a blind spot warning (BSW), a display, a light on an instrument panel or side-view mirror, a sound, seat vibration, haptic feedback, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the sensor 112 can be the FIR camera that communicates with the vehicle 300 and can make computer-controlled decisions that may be faster and more accurate than the driver's eye in the field of vision. An application of this embodiment would be useful for semi-autonomous driving and/or emergency braking in low-light conditions, such as driving at night. Furthermore, the FIR camera, in communication with the vehicle 300 and/or the CMS inside the vehicle, can allow the vehicle 300 to perform emergency braking maneuvers when a person is detected and not an animal or other dangerous object.

5B illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the backview device, wherein it 5A with the exception that the reflective element 110 further comprises a reflective insert 116; 118 and an insert cover 130.

In one embodiment as in 5B As shown, the reflective insert 116; 118 can be designed to allow infrared light to pass through it and to reflect visible light. In other words, the reflective insert 116; 118 allows the sensor 112 to detect objects, where the sensor 112 can be the infrared camera, while the driver sees the reflective insert 116; 118 as a mirror. The reflective insert 116; 118 can also be designed to allow the sensor 112 to measure heat.

The reflective element 116; 118 can be made of a material that reflects light in the visible light spectrum. The material of the reflective insert 116; 118 can reflect light in the approximate wavelengths from 330 nm to 830 nm, more specifically 420 nm to 780 nm. The reflective insert 116; 118 can also be made of a material that transmits light in an infrared light spectrum. The material of the reflective insert 116; 118 can transmit light in the approximate wavelengths from 780 nm to 1,000,000 nm (1 mm), more specifically 7,500 nm to 12,000 nm.

The reflective insert 116; 118 may include a coating exhibiting the reflective and transmissive properties mentioned above. The reflective insert 116; 118 may be a part made of glass, plastic, or another material known in the art and coated with a zinc sulfide (ZnS) or other coatings exhibiting similar reflective and transmissive properties as described above. The coating may, for example, be SCHOTT SUISSE SA YVERSON REPART DB VIS/LWIR 0° on ZnS, applied to a substrate material such as FLIR grade ZnS.

As in 5B As shown, the reflective insert 116 can have a substantially round shape 118 and can be located in an area of the reflective element 110 outside the field of view (FOV) required by the regulations of some countries. The reflective insert 116; 118 may appear to the driver as the reflective element 110. The reflective insert 130 may also appear to the driver as the reflective element 110.

5C shows a perspective view of the rearview device 100 according to yet another embodiment and resembles 5B with the exception that the reflective insert 116; 120 may essentially have a U-shape or a horseshoe shape, or may be located in an area of the reflective element 110 outside a field of view (FOV) required by the regulations of some countries. The reflective insert 116; 120 may appear to the driver as the reflective element 110.

5D Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the rearview device 100 according to a further embodiment. The in 5D The embodiment shown is essentially similar to the one in 5B The embodiment shown. However, this embodiment does not include the insert cover 130.

6A Figure 6A shows an embodiment of the rearview device 100 with the reflective element 110, a heating film 122, and the removed backplate 108. In this embodiment, the sensor 112 can be located in a central position of the movable head assembly 104. The movable head assembly 104 can comprise the upper housing part 126, the sensor holder 124, the sensor 112, the lower housing part 138, and the at least one actuator 106. The rearview device 100 further comprises the base assembly 102, by which the movable head assembly 104 is attached to the vehicle 300 (not shown in Figure 6A).

6B Figure 6B shows another embodiment of the rearview device 100, wherein the reflective element 110, the heating film 122, and the backplate 108 have been removed. In this embodiment, the sensor 112 can be located in an outer position of the movable head assembly 104. The movable head assembly 104 can comprise the upper housing part 126, the sensor holder 124, the sensor 112, the lower housing part 138, and the at least one actuator 106. The rearview device 100 can further comprise the base assembly 102, by which the movable head assembly 104 is attached to the vehicle 300 (not shown in Figure 6B). 6B illustrates sensor 112, which is located in a position outside the field of view (FOV) required by the regulations of some countries.

7 shows a partial interior view of the retrospective device 100 according to the present disclosure. 7 Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of part of the rearview device 100, comprising the sensor 112, the sensor holder 124, the reflective element 110, the heating film 122, and the backplate 108. The backplate 108 may have an opening 114 configured to allow the sensor 112 to see in a rearward direction and an outward direction relative to a front 302 of the vehicle 300. The outward direction may be defined as a direction away from the vehicle 300, either on the left side 304 (driver's side) or the right side 306 (passenger's side) of the vehicle 300. The sensor 112 may be attached to the backplate 108 by the sensor holder 124. When the movable head assembly 104 is rotated about the horizontal axis 140 and the vertical axis 142, the sensor holder 124 and consequently the sensor 112 move in the same way. For example, if the driver rotates the movable head assembly 104 in an outward direction, away from the vehicle 300, the sensor 112 also rotates in the outward direction, away from the vehicle 300. The sensor 112 can be attached to the sensor holder 124 by a plurality of fasteners 146. The plurality of fasteners 146 can include screws, nuts, bolts, snap-fit connectors, and combinations thereof.

8A is an expanded view of the rearview device 100 of 5A , wherein the rearview device 100 comprises the movable head assembly 104, at least one actuator 106 configured for moving the movable head assembly 104, and the backplate 108 attached within the movable head assembly 104. The backplate 108 includes the opening 114 to allow the sensor 112 to view the rearward and outward directions relative to a front 302 of the vehicle 300. The heating film 122 includes a heating film opening 144, which also allows the sensor 112 to view the rearward and outward directions relative to the front 302 of the vehicle 300. The heating film 122 can be attached to the backplate 108, and the reflective element 110 can be attached to the heating film 122. As in 8A As shown, the reflective element 110 is designed to allow infrared light to pass through it and to reflect visible light. Furthermore, the reflective element 110 is designed to allow heat to be measured by the sensor 112.

8B is an expanded view of the rearview device 100 of 5B , wherein the rearview device 100 comprises the movable head assembly 104, at least one actuator 106 configured for moving the movable head assembly 104, and the backplate 108 attached within the movable head assembly 104. The backplate 108 includes the opening 114 to allow the sensor 112 to view the rearward and outward directions relative to a front 302 of the vehicle 300. The heating film 122 includes the heating film opening 144, which also allows the sensor 112 to view the rearward and outward directions relative to the front 302 of the vehicle 300. The heating film 122 can be attached to the backplate 108, and the reflective element 110 can be attached to the heating film 122. As in 8B As shown, the reflective element 110 comprises the reflective insert 116; 118 and the insert cover 130. The reflective insert 116; 118 can be configured to allow infrared light to pass through it and to reflect visible light. Furthermore, the reflective insert 116; 118 is configured to allow heat to be measured by the sensor 112. The reflective insert 116; 118 can be essentially ring-shaped.

8C is an expanded view of the rearview device 100 of 5C , wherein the rearview device 100 comprises the movable head assembly 104, at least one actuator 106 configured for moving the movable head assembly 104, and the backplate 108 attached within the movable head assembly 104. The backplate 108 includes the opening 114 to allow the sensor 112 to view the rearward and outward directions relative to a front 302 of the vehicle 300. The heating film 122 includes the heating film opening 144, which also allows the sensor 112 to view the rearward direction The direction and the outward-facing direction, relative to the front 302 of the vehicle 300, can be viewed. The heating film 122 can be attached to the back plate 108, and the reflective element 110 can be attached to the heating film 122. As shown in 8C As shown, the reflective element 110 comprises the reflective insert 116; 120. The reflective insert 116; 120 can be configured to allow infrared light to pass through it and to reflect visible light. Furthermore, the reflective insert 116; 120 is configured to allow heat to be measured by the sensor 112. The reflective insert 116; 120 can be essentially U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped.

9A an isolated cross-sectional view of the retrospective device 100 according to the present disclosure. 9A Figure 1 shows the reflective element 110 comprising the reflective insert 116; 118; 120, and the reflective insert 116; 118; 120 includes a flange 134, and the flange 134 can extend around a circumference of the reflective insert 116; 118; 120, which is designed to attach the reflective insert 116; 118; 120 to the reflective element 110. The flange 134 of the reflective insert 116 can be attached to the reflective element 110 with an adhesive. 9A Figure 122 also shows the heating film 122, comprising a heating film opening 144, positioned between the reflective element 110 and the backplate 108. The backplate 108, comprising the opening 114, is designed to secure the sensor 112 within the sensor holder 124. The sensor holder 124 may also include a foam seal 132 and an O-ring 136. The foam seal 132 and the O-ring 136 can be used to keep water, moisture, dust, dirt, and other contaminants out of the sensor holder 124. The sensor 112 is attached to the sensor holder 124 by a plurality of fastening means 146.

9B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view, indicated by a dashed circle of 9A . 9A Figure 1 shows the sensor 112, housed in the sensor holder (not shown), and the reflective element 110, comprising the reflective insert 116, 118, 120. The reflective insert 116, 118, 120 includes the flange 134 in a full or partial circumference of the insert 116, 118, 120. The insert 116, 118, 120 can be attached to the reflective element 110 by adhesive or other means of attachment. Also shown is that the backplate 108 includes the opening 114, and the heating film 122 includes the heating film opening 144, which allows the sensor 112 to be in direct line of sight with the reflective insert 116, 118, 120.

The described embodiments can be applied to a vehicle 300 comprising at least one rear-view device 100 according to one of the preceding embodiments.

It is clear to those skilled in the art that modifications could be made to the embodiments described above without deviating from the general concept of the invention. Consequently, it is understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and is also intended to cover modifications that fall within the scope and nature of the present invention.

REFERENCE MARK

100

Rearview device

102

Basic assembly

104

movable head assembly

106

at least one actuator

108

backplate

110

reflective element

112

sensor

114

opening

116

reflective insert

118

round-shaped, reflective insert

120

U-shaped, reflective insert

122

Heating foil

124

Sensor holder

126

upper housing

128

base sensor

130

Deployment coverage

132

Foam seal

134

flange

136

O-ring seal

138

Lower housing part

140

horizontal axis

142

vertical axis

144

Heating foil opening

146

Fasteners

300

vehicle

302

Vehicle front

304

left side of the vehicle (driver)

306

right side of the vehicle (passenger side)

Claims (15)

External rearview camera device (100) for a vehicle (300), comprising: • a base assembly (102) provided for arrangement on the vehicle (300); and • a movable head assembly (104) configured to be attached to the base assembly (102), wherein o the movable head assembly (104) comprises a housing upper part (126), a housing lower part (138), at least one actuator (106), a reflective element (110) and at least one sensor (112); ◯ the at least one actuator (106) configured to move the movable head assembly (104); ◯ the reflective element (110) is attached to a backplate (108), ◯ the backplate (108) is attached within the movable head assembly (104), ◯ the reflective element (110) is designed to reflect visible light; and ◯ the at least one sensor (112) is mounted within the movable head assembly (104), characterized in that • the back plate (108) has an opening (114) configured to allow the at least one sensor (112) to view a rearward direction and an outward direction relative to a front (302) of the vehicle (300), and • the reflective element (110) has a reflective insert (116), wherein ◯ the reflective insert (116) is configured to allow infrared light to pass through it and/or to allow heat to be measured by the at least one sensor (112), ◯ the reflective insert (116) comprises a flange (134) around a circumference of the reflective insert (116), and ◯ the flange (134) is configured to attach the reflective insert (116) to the reflective to attach element (110), and • the rearview device (100) further comprises a heating film (122) with a heating film opening (144) which also allows the at least one sensor (112) to view the rearward direction and the outward direction, relative to the front (302) of the vehicle (300), wherein ◯ the heating film (122) is attached to the back plate (108), and ◯ the reflective element (110) is attached to the heating film (122), and • a sensor holder (124) is provided which is designed to receive and/or hold the at least one sensor (112), wherein ◯ the at least one sensor (112) is attached to the back plate (108) by the sensor holder (124), and ◯ the sensor holder (124) comprises a foam seal (132) and an O-ring (136). Retrospective device (100) after Claim 1 , wherein the reflective insert (116) comprises a material that reflects light in a visible light spectrum and transmits light in an infrared light spectrum. Retrospective device (100) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the reflective insert (116) comprises a part made of glass, plastic or combinations thereof. Retrospective device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective insert (116) is coated with zinc sulfide, ZnS. Retrospective device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective insert (116) comprises a substantially round shape (118) or a substantially horseshoe shape (120) or U-shape (120). Looking-back device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (134) of the reflective insert (116) is attached to the reflective element (110) with an adhesive. A rearview device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (112) comprises a camera, an infrared camera or a far-infrared camera, a near-infrared camera, a charge-coupled device, a radar, a lidar and/or a sonar. Retrospective device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (112) is located behind the reflective element (110) and/or an insert cover (130). Retrospective device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective insert (116) and/or, insofar as it relates to Claim 8 retrospectively, the deployment coverage (130) is/are designed to appear as a reflective element. Retrospective device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating film (122) is attached to the back plate (108) and the reflective element (110) is attached to the heating film (122) by an adhesive. Retrospective device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (112) is attached to the sensor holder (124) by a plurality of fastening means (146). Vehicle (300), comprising at least one rearview device (100) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (300) to Claim 12 , wherein at least one sensor (112) is configured to communicate with a vehicle camera monitor system to warn a driver of potential hazards and/or objects in a rearward and an outward direction, relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle (300). Vehicle (300) to Claim 12 or 13 , wherein the at least one sensor (112) comprises a far-infrared camera that communicates with a vehicle control unit, the vehicle control unit preferably being designed to make computer-controlled decisions and/or being self-learning. Vehicle (300) after one of the Claims 12 until 14 , wherein the vehicle (300) is designed for semi-autonomous or autonomous driving.