# US 12,179,674 B2 · Camera arrangement for mounting in a vehicle > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,179,674 B2 - Document ID: US12179674B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/761,341 - Filed: 2020-09-15 - Published: 2022-10-27 - Granted: 2024-12-31 - Earliest claimed: 2019-09-18 - Assignees: Magna Electronics Sweden AB - Applicants: Veoneer Sweden AB - Inventors: Tomas Krüger; Fredrik Hagstrand - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12179674B2 ## CPC - B60R 11/04: Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle - G03B 17/55: with provision for heating or cooling, e.g. in aircraft - G03B 17/561: {Support related camera accessories} - H04N 23/52: Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements - H04N 23/57: Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices - B60R 2011/0026: {Windows, e.g. windscreen} - B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION ## Abstract A camera arrangement (3) for mounting in a vehicle (1) and including a carrier arrangement (4) configured so as to be attached to the vehicle (1) in order to support a camera housing (6) which carries a camera unit (8). The camera arrangement (3) further including a fan unit (12) with a fan wheel (12a) which is configured for forcing air heated by the camera arrangement (3) into the interior of the vehicle (1), and a fan motor (12b) for operating the fan wheel (12a). Furthermore, the fan motor (12b) includes a fan motor axle (12c) which is connected to the fan wheel (12a) and which is configured with a generally vertical orientation when the camera arrangement (3) is mounted in the vehicle (1). ## Claims ### Claim 1 A camera arrangement adapted for mounting in a vehicle comprising; a carrier arrangement configured so as to be attached to the vehicle in order to support a camera housing which carries a camera unit, the camera arrangement further comprising a fan unit with a fan wheel which is configured for forcing air heated by the camera arrangement into the interior of the vehicle, and a fan motor for operating the fan wheel, the fan motor comprises a fan motor axle which is connected to the fan wheel and which is configured with a generally vertical orientation when the camera arrangement is mounted in the vehicle, a cover unit adapted to be mounted to the camera housing, a fan unit affixed to the cover unit, the cover unit forming a wall structure partially encircling the fan unit and forming an air duct, and an arrangement of heatsink fins formed by the cover unit within the air duct for cooling air which is forced into the interior of the vehicle, the cover unit at least partly surrounds the fan wheel and with the wall structure guides air from the fan wheel to flow into the air duct and across the heatsink fins, and a cover plate affixed to the cover unit to enclose the fan motor and fan wheel. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan motor axle is arranged with an angle with reference to a vertical axis which is less than 25°. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan motor axle is arranged with an angle with reference to a vertical axis which is less than 5°. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan housing is shaped with a single outlet, forcing air in one direction, or a double outlet, forcing air in two separate directions. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan housing is configured to be mounted on the underside of the camera housing when the camera arrangement is mounted in the vehicle. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising an electronics unit which is configured for controlling the operation of the camera unit and which is arranged between the camera housing and the fan housing. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan motor axle is rotatably arranged in the fan motor by means of fluid bearings. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the carrier arrangement comprises a base plate which is configured to be attached to the inside of a windshield of the vehicle. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan wheel is configured for forcing air in a direction which is substantially parallel to a windshield of the vehicle. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The camera arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising the fan unit is arranged in an enclosure which defines a space for guiding air past the fan wheel.