阅读说明：本技术 具有增强的冷却性能的后视组件 (Rearview assembly with enhanced cooling performance ) 是由 S·J·维曼 E·S·斯洛特尔比克 B·D·朱厄尔 于 2020-03-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种后视组件,包括：后视装置；壳体,所述壳体支撑所述后视装置；腔,所述腔由所述壳体和所述后视装置限定；第一印刷电路板,所述第一印刷电路板具有处理器且安置在所述腔内；第二印刷电路板,所述第二印刷电路板与所述第一印刷电路板连通且安置在所述腔内；至少一个肋,所述至少一个肋具有外边缘且从所述壳体延伸到所述腔中；以及通道,所述通道的侧壁由所述壳体的一部分、所述至少一个肋和所述第二印刷电路板的一部分限定。空气移动装置可以通过所述通道抽吸空气。密封件可以用以使所述通道的所述侧壁大体上气密。(A rearview assembly, comprising: a rearview device; a housing supporting the rearview device; a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device; a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity; a second printed circuit board in communication with the first printed circuit board and disposed within the cavity; at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity; and a channel, a sidewall of the channel being defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board. The air moving device may draw air through the passageway. A seal may be used to make the side wall of the channel substantially airtight.)

1. A rearview assembly, comprising:

a rearview device;

a housing supporting the rearview device;

a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device;

a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity;

a second printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface, in communication with the first printed circuit board, and disposed within the cavity;

at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity; and

a channel having sidewalls defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board.

2. The rearview assembly of claim 1, further comprising an air moving device disposed within the cavity and configured to draw air into the cavity from an area external to the housing.

3. The rearview assembly of one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a seal extending between the outer edge of the at least one rib and a portion of the second printed circuit board; wherein the seal is capable of hermetically sealing the sidewall of the channel between the outer edge of the at least one rib and the portion of the second printed circuit board.

4. The rearview assembly of one of claims 1-3, further comprising a seal extending between the second printed circuit board and the air moving device.

5. The rearview assembly of one of claims 1-4, wherein the outer edge of the at least one rib contacts the second surface of the second printed circuit board.

6. The rearview assembly of one of claims 1-5, further comprising a memory card holder configured to receive a memory card, the memory card holder disposed on the first surface of the second printed circuit board.

7. The rearview assembly of claim 6, wherein the housing defines at least one vent opening at a first end of the channel and in fluid communication with the channel.

8. The rearview assembly of claim 7, wherein the memory card holder is near the first end of the channel.

9. The rearview assembly of one of claims 1-8, wherein said housing defines an opening; wherein the opening is in communication with the memory card holder and is configured to receive a memory card.

10. A rearview assembly, comprising:

a rearview device;

a housing supporting the rearview device;

a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device;

a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity;

a second printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface and in communication with the first printed circuit board and disposed within the cavity;

a memory card holder disposed on the first surface of the second printed circuit board;

at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity;

a channel having sidewalls defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second surface of the second printed circuit board; and

an air moving device disposed within the cavity and configured to draw air from an area external to the housing into the cavity.

11. The rearview assembly of claim 10, wherein the sidewall of the channel is substantially air tight.

12. The rearview assembly of one of claims 10-11, further comprising a seal; wherein the seal is disposed between the outer edge of the at least one rib and the second printed circuit board.

13. The rearview assembly of one of claims 10-12, further comprising a seal; wherein the seal is disposed between the second printed circuit board and the air moving device.

14. The rearview assembly of one of claims 10-13, wherein the processor is in communication with at least one imaging device.

15. The rearview assembly of one of claims 10-14, wherein the processor is in communication with at least two imaging devices.

16. The rearview assembly of one of claims 10-15, wherein the housing defines at least one vent opening; wherein the at least one vent opening is disposed at one end of the channel and is in fluid communication with the channel; and wherein said memory card holder is adjacent said vent opening.

17. The rearview assembly of one of claims 10-16, wherein the housing further defines a memory card opening configured to receive a memory card and communicate with the memory card holder.

18. A rearview assembly, comprising:

a rearview device;

a housing supporting the rearview device;

a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device;

a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity;

a second printed circuit board in communication with the first printed circuit board and disposed within the cavity;

a memory card holder in communication with the second printed circuit board;

at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity;

a channel, a sidewall of the channel defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board;

an air moving device disposed within the cavity and configured to draw air from an area external to the housing into the cavity; and

a seal disposed between the air moving device and the second printed circuit board;

wherein the processor is in communication with at least two imaging devices.

19. The rearview assembly of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the outer edge of the at least one rib is in contact with the second printed circuit board.

20. The rearview assembly of one of claims 18-19, further comprising a vent opening defined by said housing and disposed at one end of said channel; wherein the vent opening is configured such that when air is drawn into the cavity from an area outside the housing, the air enters through the vent opening and travels through at least a portion of the passage.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to rearview mirror assemblies and, in particular, to rearview mirror assemblies having enhanced cooling capabilities.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a rearview assembly may include: a rearview device; a housing supporting the rearview device; a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device; a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity; a second printed circuit board having a first surface and a second surface, in communication with the first printed circuit board, and disposed within the cavity; at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity; and a channel, a sidewall of the channel being defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board.

The rearview assembly may further include an air moving device disposed within the cavity and configured to draw air into the cavity from an area external to the housing. The rearview assembly may further include a seal extending between the outer edge of the at least one rib and a portion of the second printed circuit board; wherein the seal is capable of making the sidewall of the channel airtight. The rearview assembly may further include a seal extending between the second printed circuit board and the air moving device. The outer edge of the at least one rib may contact the second surface of the second printed circuit board. The rearview assembly may further include a memory card holder configured to receive a memory card disposed on the first surface of the second printed circuit board. The housing may define at least one vent opening at a first end of the channel and in fluid communication with the channel. The memory card holder may be near the first end of the channel. The housing may define an opening in communication with the memory card holder and configured to receive a memory card.

According to another aspect, a rearview assembly may include: a rearview device; a housing supporting the rearview device; a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device; a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity; a second printed circuit board in communication with the first printed circuit board and disposed within the cavity; a memory card holder disposed on the second printed circuit board; at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity; a channel, a sidewall of the channel defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board; and an air moving device disposed within the cavity and configured to draw air from an area external to the housing into the cavity. The side walls of the channel may be substantially airtight.

The rearview assembly may further include a seal; wherein the seal may be disposed between the outer edge of the at least one rib and the second printed circuit board. The rearview assembly may further include a seal; wherein the seal may be disposed between the second printed circuit board and the air moving device. The processor may be in communication with at least one imaging device. The processor may be in communication with at least two imaging devices. The housing may define at least one ventilation opening; the at least one vent opening may be at one end of the channel and in fluid communication with the channel; and the memory card holder may be in the vicinity of the ventilation opening. The housing may further define a memory card opening configured to receive a memory card and communicate with the memory card holder.

According to another aspect, a rearview assembly may include: a rearview device; a housing supporting the rearview device; a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device; a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity; a second printed circuit board in communication with the first printed circuit board and disposed within the cavity; a memory card holder in communication with the second printed circuit board; at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity; a channel, a sidewall of the channel defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board; an air moving device disposed within the cavity and configured to draw air from an area external to the housing into the cavity; and a seal disposed between the air moving device and the second printed circuit board. The processor may be in communication with at least two imaging devices. At least a portion of the outer edge of the at least one rib is in contact with the second printed circuit board. The rearview assembly may further include a vent opening defined by the housing and disposed at one end of the channel. The vent opening may be configured such that, when air is drawn into the cavity from an area outside the housing, the air enters through the vent opening and travels through at least a portion of the passage.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a partially cut-away rear portion of a rearview assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the rearview assembly;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away rear portion of the rearview assembly;

FIG. 3B illustrates a portion of the rearview assembly showing at least one rib of the housing;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of one configuration of a portion of a rearview assembly; and is

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a second configuration of a portion of the rearview assembly.

Detailed Description

In accordance with the present disclosure, the rearview assembly may include an enhanced cooling system to allow for the addition of image storage and other capabilities without overheating the components of the rearview assembly.

Referring to fig. 1, a rearview assembly, generally indicated at 10, may include a housing 20, a rearview device 24, and a first printed circuit board 28 having a processor (not shown). The rearview device 24 may include at least one of a light source such as a light emitting diode, a mirror element, and an electro-optic device. The housing 20 may support the rearview device 24, and the cavity 32 may be defined by the housing 20 and the rearview device 24. The first printed circuit board 28 may be positioned within the cavity 32. Rearview device 24 may further include a connecting element 36 configured to mate with an opposing connecting element (not shown) on housing 20, where connecting element 36 allows rearview device 24 to be connected to housing 20.

In some embodiments, the processor may be in communication with and configured to receive input from a plurality of cameras or imaging devices. In some embodiments, a rearview assembly in the vehicle can capture, display, and store images of a scene at the rear of the vehicle, where the images can be collected from a first camera or other imaging device (not shown). The rearview assembly is also capable of capturing and storing images collected from a second camera or other imaging device. In some embodiments, a second camera or other imaging device may be configured to capture images of a scene in front of the vehicle. In some embodiments, a second camera or other imaging device may be configured to capture images of a scene of the interior of the vehicle.

The first printed circuit board 28 of the rearview assembly 10 may communicate with a first camera or other imaging device via inputs received through a first wiring harness or flexible harness 44. The first printed circuit board 28 may further communicate with the rearview device 24. The processor of the first printed circuit board 28 may be configured to process image data captured by the first imaging device. The image data may be processed to enable the captured image to be displayed on the rearview device 24. In some embodiments, the processor may be a high speed processor. When the rearview assembly 10 is used in the full display mirror mode, the processor may generate a high thermal load where the image displayed on the rearview element is captured by a rear facing camera or other imager.

The first printed circuit board 28 may also be in communication with a second camera or other imaging device (not shown) and may receive input via a second wiring harness or flexible harness 48 in communication with the second imaging device. The processor may be configured to process image data from an image captured by the second imaging device. As shown, the rearview assembly 10 is configured to receive input from two cameras or imaging devices, although more or fewer cameras or imaging devices may be used and still be within the contemplation of the present disclosure. For example, a third imaging device (not shown) may be positioned to capture image data of a scene external to the passenger side of the vehicle. The third imaging device may be in communication with the processor, and the processor may be configured to process image data received from the third imaging device. Continuing the example, the fourth imaging device may be positioned to capture image data from a scene external to the driver side of the vehicle. The fourth imaging device may be in communication with the processor, and the processor may be configured to process image data received from the fourth imaging device.

The rearview assembly 10 may include a memory card holder 52 and may be configured to allow a memory card to store image data from images captured by at least one of the first and second imaging devices. Memory card holder 52 may be configured to receive a memory card and may be in communication with at least one printed circuit board of rearview assembly 10. Housing 20 may define a memory card opening 56, shown in fig. 2, that communicates with memory card holder 52 and is configured to allow a memory card to be inserted therethrough.

The rearview assembly 10 may be configured to use a high capacity memory card (not shown). The high capacity memory may comprise a high capacity flash memory card, such as a Secure Digital (SD) card or a micro SD card, but the rearview assembly 10 may be configured to use other types of memory cards and remain within the scope of this disclosure.

In operation, the memory card may be used to record image data from a scene captured by at least one of the first imaging device and the second imaging device. The image data may be processed by a processor of the rearview assembly 10, thereby allowing the rearview assembly 10 to selectively function as a digital video recorder to store image data from images captured by one or more imaging devices. However, the use of a memory card in the rearview assembly 10, particularly in the rearview assembly 10 having a full mirror function, may increase the power consumption of the rearview assembly 10 by about thirty percent or more. The additional power consumption results from the power requirements of the memory card itself and the additional video processing required to process image data from captured images to be stored on the memory card. The use of a memory card may increase the thermal load in the rearview assembly 10 such that the memory card or other components may be susceptible to damage or failure.

In some embodiments, input from additional cameras or imaging devices may be added to the rearview assembly 10, and additional image data to be processed may also increase the power requirements of the rearview assembly 10. The increased power consumption may be accompanied by increased heat generation within the rearview assembly 10. However, memory cards have an upper temperature limit at which they can operate, typically no higher than 85 ℃. Furthermore, it may be desirable to limit the temperature within the rearview assembly 10 to prevent the housing 20 of the rearview assembly 10 from becoming too hot for a user who may need to adjust or otherwise handle the rearview assembly 10. Accordingly, it may be desirable to limit the temperature within the rearview assembly 10, and to limit the temperature of any processors and/or printed circuit boards and other heat generating components that may be within the rearview assembly 10.

In some embodiments, the rearview assembly 10 components may be arranged to minimize temperature. For example, in some embodiments, the rearview assembly 10 may further include a second printed circuit board 60. The second printed circuit board 60 may have a first surface 64 and an opposing second surface 68. Memory card holder 52 may be disposed on a first surface 64 of second printed circuit board 60. Memory card holder 52 and second printed circuit board 60 may be in communication with first printed circuit board 28. In some embodiments, the first printed circuit board 28 may be connected to the second printed circuit board by a wire harness or wiring 72. In some embodiments, the first printed circuit board 28 may be connected to the second printed circuit board 60 via a board-to-board connection (not shown).

During operation, the memory card may generate a significant amount of heat. Placing memory card holder 52 on second printed circuit board 60 instead of on first printed circuit board 28 may reduce or eliminate the temperature increase that exists on first printed circuit board 28 due to the memory card during operation. However, it may be desirable to dissipate heat that may be generated by the memory card on the second printed circuit board 60 to ensure that the memory card, which may be sensitive to high temperatures, and other components of the rearview assembly 10 do not fail.

Referring to fig. 3B, the housing 20 may include at least one rib 80 extending into the cavity 32. At least one rib 80 may have an outer edge 84 extending along at least a portion of its length. Sidewall portions of the channel 88 may be defined by at least a portion of the at least one rib 80, a portion of the housing 20, and a portion of the second printed circuit board 60. The housing 20 may define at least one ventilation opening 100. At least one vent opening 100 may be disposed at a first end of the channel 88 and in fluid communication therewith. Memory card holder 52 may be positioned on first surface 64 of second printed circuit board 64 at a location adjacent to at least one ventilation opening 100.

In some embodiments, the outer edge 84 of the at least one rib 80 may be seated against the second surface 68 of the second printed circuit board 60. The channel 88 may extend from the at least one vent opening 100 across at least a portion of the second surface 68 of the second printed circuit board 60. The sidewall portion of the channel 88 may include the housing 20, at least one rib 80, and a portion of the second printed circuit board 60. Thus, the portion of second printed circuit board 60 that may be in contact with memory card holder 52 may be exposed to incoming air shortly after the air enters cavity 32 and before the air has been exposed to other components of rearview assembly 10 and thus begins to warm up.

The sidewall portions of the channel 88 may be substantially air tight to allow maximum airflow through the channel 88 and across the second surface 68 of the second printed circuit board 60, thereby providing maximum cooling to the second printed circuit board 60. After passing through the second printed circuit board 60, air may be directed to the remainder of the cavity 32, where it may be used to cool other components of the rearview assembly 10. Directing the incoming air first to the second printed circuit board 60 may cause the coolest air to be directed through the second printed circuit board 60 to cool it.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the seal 92 may be positioned to substantially hermetically seal the sidewall portions of the channel 88. The seal 92 may comprise a soft material, such as neoprene foam, polyurethane, polyethylene foam, polystyrene, polyester foam, polyether foam, silicone foam, soft rubber, elastomer, or another suitable material.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 4, a seal 92 may be disposed between the outer edge 84 of the at least one rib 80 and the second printed circuit board 60. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 5, a seal 92 may be disposed between the second printed circuit board 60 and the rearview device 24. The seal 92 may be disposed between the first printed circuit board 28 and the second printed circuit board 60, between the first printed circuit board 28 and the heat sink 96, or at another suitable location. The seal 92 may be compressible. Having a compressible seal 92 may allow for easier manufacturing of the rearview assembly 10, wherein at least one rib 80 contacts the second printed circuit board 60, thereby forming a channel 88 having substantially airtight sidewalls for airflow. The seal 92 may be configured to, when in place, press the outer edge 84 of the at least one rib 80 against the second printed circuit board 60, thereby holding the second printed circuit board 60 in place against the at least one rib 80 to achieve a substantially air-tight seal 92 while allowing the rearview device 24 to be connected to the housing 20 during manufacture without damaging components, the rearview device 24, or the housing 20. Disposing the seal 92 between the first printed circuit board 28 and the second printed circuit board 60 may isolate the second printed circuit board 60 from heat generated by other components of the rearview assembly 10, thereby reducing heat transfer from other components of the rearview assembly 10 and limiting heating of the second printed circuit board 60.

In some embodiments, the cooling system may be implemented within the rearview assembly 10. An air moving device 104 may be positioned within the cavity 32 and adjacent to the ventilation opening 100. In some embodiments, the air moving device 104 may be configured to draw ambient air from an area outside the housing 20 into the cavity 32. Air may be drawn into the cavity 32 through the at least one vent opening 100. The temperature of the incoming air may be lower than the temperature of the air inside the cavity 32.

Air drawn in by the air moving device 104 through the at least one ventilation opening 100 may be drawn onto the second surface 68 of the second printed circuit board 60. Since memory card holder 52 may be positioned on first surface 64 of second printed circuit board 60 and adjacent to the at least one ventilation opening, the memory card holder may be cooled.

The housing 20 may further include an exhaust opening 108. In some embodiments, the exhaust opening 108 may be disposed about a mounting element 112 that is capable of mounting the rearview assembly 10 to a vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, since seams or gaps in the rearview assembly 10 may not be airtight, air may exit the cavity 32 through the seams or gaps in the rearview assembly 10.

The rearview assembly 10 may be adapted for use within a vehicle interior. The rearview assembly 10 may be operatively coupled to an interior surface of a windshield, a roof lining of a vehicle, a headliner of a vehicle, operatively coupled to an instrument panel of a vehicle, or directly coupled to a support structure or frame of a vehicle.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, front and back, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship, order, or number between such entities or actions. These terms are not intended to limit the elements they describe, as the various elements may be oriented in different ways in different applications.