JP2013246324A - On-vehicle camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrically reliable on-vehicle camera allowing improvement in productivity with a fewer production steps.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle camera 100 is disposed on a rear surface of a backward-inclined front window shield FS, so that a circuit board 110 with a CCD image sensor 120 formed on the surface is positioned substantially parallel to the front window shield FS. Therefore the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 faces diagonally upward. However, a reflecting mirror 130 deflects forward the optical axis LA of the CCD image sensor 120 that is substantially orthogonal to the surface of the circuit board 110. Therefore, to reduce the front projection area of the on-vehicle camera 100, it is not necessary to separate the circuit board 110 with the imaging circuit formed thereon from a circuit board 110 with an image processing circuit and the like formed thereon.

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle camera that is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and is used for imaging a scene such as the front.

  Currently, vehicle maintenance systems such as drive recorders that record accident situations, lane departure warning systems that generate warnings when a lane deviates by image recognition and generate torque on the steering wheel, etc. are becoming popular in vehicles such as automobiles. .

  In such a driving assist system, an in-vehicle camera is used for recording an accident situation and recognizing a lane image. Here, a conventional example of a vehicle-mounted camera will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The on-vehicle camera 10 of this conventional example includes a first circuit board 11, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 12, which is an imaging circuit, an imaging optical system 13, a second circuit board 14, and board connection. Means (not shown), camera housing 16, and housing mounting means (not shown).

  The first circuit board 11 is composed of a rigid printed wiring board or the like, and a CCD image sensor 12 is formed on the surface by printed wiring or the like. The imaging optical system 13 is formed of a plurality of lenses that are appropriately combined, and forms an image of incident light from the front on the CCD image sensor 12.

  The second circuit board 14 is also composed of a rigid printed wiring board or the like, and various circuits 15 such as a driver circuit, an image processing circuit, and a power supply circuit for the CCD image sensor 12 are formed by printed wiring or the like.

  The board connecting means is made of a flexible board or the like, and electrically connects the first circuit board 11 and the second circuit board 14.

  The camera housing 16 is made of a hollow plastic molded product having a predetermined shape and houses the first circuit board 11 and the second circuit board 14, the board connecting means, and the imaging optical system 13 described above.

  In the camera housing 16, a window portion 17 including a through hole is formed on the front surface so that incident light from the front is appropriately incident on the imaging optical system 13. The housing mounting means is composed of a suction cup or the like, and mounts the camera housing 16 on the rear surface of the front window shield FS of the automobile as a vehicle.

  The vehicle-mounted camera 10 as described above can capture a scene in front of the front window shield FS.

  For this reason, it can be used for a vehicle maintenance system such as a drive recorder that records the accident situation, a lane departure warning system that generates a warning when a lane image is recognized and deviates, or a torque is generated on the steering wheel.

  In the on-vehicle camera 10 as described above, as shown in the drawing, the first circuit board 11 is arranged in a substantially vertical direction because the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 12 formed on the surface thereof is a substantially horizontal direction. There is a need to.

  However, if a driver circuit, an image processing circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like for the CCD image sensor 12 are formed on the first circuit board 11, the area will inevitably increase.

  In this case, the front projection area of the camera housing 16 located on the rear surface of the front window shield FS is increased, and the front view of the driver (not shown) is obstructed.

  In order to prevent this, in the on-vehicle camera 10 described above, the first circuit board 11 on which the CCD image sensor 12 is formed and the second circuit board 14 on which an image processing circuit or the like is formed are separately provided. They are formed and connected by substrate connecting means such as a flexible substrate.

  For this reason, the second circuit board 14 can be horizontally disposed below the first circuit board 11, and an increase in the front projection area of the camera housing 16 is prevented.

  In addition, in order to further reduce the front projection area, an in-vehicle camera (not shown) that assumes that a part such as the second circuit board 14 is installed outside the camera housing 16 has also been proposed (for example, a patent). Reference 1).

JP 2007-001334 A

  However, in the above-described conventional vehicle-mounted camera 10, the first circuit board 11 on which the CCD image sensor 12 is formed and the second circuit board 14 on which an image processing circuit or the like is separately separated to form a flexible board. It is necessary to connect again by the board connecting means such as. For this reason, in the vehicle-mounted camera 10 mentioned above, a manufacturing process increases and productivity falls.

  Furthermore, as described above, it is necessary to electrically connect the first circuit board 11 and the second circuit board 14 by board connecting means such as a flexible board. For this reason, in the vehicle-mounted camera 10 mentioned above, electrical reliability will also fall.

  Moreover, in the vehicle-mounted camera of patent document 1, it is necessary to prepare a 2nd circuit board separately. For this reason, a manufacturing process increases more and productivity will fall, and also electrical reliability will fall.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides an in-vehicle camera that can improve the productivity by reducing the manufacturing process and has good electrical reliability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an in-vehicle camera according to the present invention includes a circuit board, an imaging circuit formed on a surface of the circuit board, and an imaging optical system that forms an image of incident light on the imaging circuit. And an optical axis deflection means for deflecting the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the imaging optical system forms an image of incident light on the imaging circuit formed on the surface of the circuit board. However, the optical axis deflecting means deflects the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit. For this reason, in order to reduce the front projection area of the in-vehicle camera, there is no need to divide the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed from the circuit board on which the image processing circuit or the like is formed. Accordingly, not only an imaging circuit but also a driver circuit, an image processing circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like can be formed on one circuit board. Furthermore, it is not necessary to reconnect the two circuit boards divided as described above by a board connecting means such as a flexible board. Nevertheless, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit in a desired direction. For this reason, the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed can be arranged in a desired direction.

  The vehicle-mounted camera as described above further includes an optical axis adjustment mechanism that adjusts an angle of change of the optical axis by the optical axis deflection unit.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the change angle of the optical axis by the optical axis deflection means can be adjusted by the optical axis adjustment mechanism. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield tilted rearward of the vehicle, the imaging optical axis direction can be adjusted in accordance with the angle of the front window shield.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, the present invention further includes a camera housing that houses at least the circuit board, the imaging optical system, and the optical axis deflecting unit, and the camera housing is mounted on the surface of a predetermined portion of the vehicle. And a housing adjusting means for adjusting the holding angle of the camera housing by the housing mounting means.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the camera housing that houses the circuit board, the imaging optical system, and the optical axis deflecting unit is mounted on the surface of a predetermined part of the vehicle by the housing mounting unit. The holding adjustment mechanism adjusts the holding angle of the camera housing by the housing mounting means. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield tilted rearward of the vehicle, the imaging optical axis direction can be adjusted in accordance with the angle of the front window shield.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the camera housing supports the circuit board substantially parallel to the surface of a predetermined portion of the vehicle.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the circuit board having a large occupation area is supported by the camera housing substantially parallel to the surface of a predetermined part of the vehicle. For this reason, the occupied volume of the vehicle-mounted camera can be minimized.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the camera housing supports the circuit board substantially horizontally while being mounted on a surface of a predetermined portion of the vehicle.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, a circuit board having a large occupation area but a very thin plate thickness is supported substantially horizontally by the camera housing. For this reason, the front projection area of the vehicle-mounted camera can be minimized.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit may include the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield that is a predetermined part of the vehicle. The optical axis is deflected forward.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the image pickup circuit is deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the image pickup circuit is formed.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means is a light of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface which is the surface of the meter visor which is a predetermined part of the vehicle. The axis is deflected forward.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface of the meter visor forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the image pickup circuit is deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the image pickup circuit is formed.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit may include the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface which is the surface of the rear window shield which is a predetermined part of the vehicle. The optical axis is deflected backward.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis deflecting unit can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface of the rear window shield backward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the image pickup circuit is deflected backward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the image pickup circuit is formed.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit may include the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface, which is the surface of the instrument panel, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle. The optical axis is deflected forward.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface of the instrument panel forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the image pickup circuit is deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the image pickup circuit is formed.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit further includes the light of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface, which is the surface of the rear parcel, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle. The axis is deflected backwards.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface of the rear parcel backward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the image pickup circuit is deflected backward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the image pickup circuit is formed.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means is a light of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface which is the surface of the rear view mirror which is a predetermined part of the vehicle. The axis is deflected forward.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis deflecting unit can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface of the rear view mirror forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the image pickup circuit is deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the image pickup circuit is formed.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, at least a part of the imaging optical system is composed of the optical axis deflecting unit. Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the number of parts of the imaging optical system, at least a part of which is composed of the optical axis deflecting means, can be reduced.

  In the vehicle-mounted camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means is composed of a reflecting mirror.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit is deflected by the reflecting mirror. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components, and the productivity can be improved.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit is a prism.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit is deflected by the prism. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components, and the productivity can be improved.

  In the vehicle-mounted camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit is composed of an optical fiber array.

  Therefore, in this in-vehicle camera, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit is deflected by the optical fiber array. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components, and the productivity can be improved.

  The various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent of each other. A plurality of components are formed as a single member, and a single component is formed of a plurality of members. It may be that a certain component is a part of another component, a part of a certain component overlaps with a part of another component, or the like.

  In the in-vehicle camera of the present invention, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected by the optical axis deflecting means. For this reason, in order to reduce the front projection area of the in-vehicle camera, there is no need to divide the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed from the circuit board on which the image processing circuit or the like is formed. Accordingly, not only an imaging circuit but also a driver circuit, an image processing circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like can be formed on one circuit board. For this reason, it is possible to improve the productivity by reducing the manufacturing process of the in-vehicle camera. Furthermore, it is not necessary to reconnect the two circuit boards divided as described above by a board connecting means such as a flexible board. For this reason, the electrical reliability of the in-vehicle camera can be improved. Nevertheless, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit in a desired direction. For this reason, the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed can be arranged in a desired direction. Therefore, for example, there is no need to vertically stand the circuit board disposed on the rear surface of the front window shield tilted rearward of the vehicle, so that the front projection area can be reduced and the driver's field of view can be secured satisfactorily. it can.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the change angle of the optical axis by the optical axis deflecting unit can be adjusted by the optical axis adjustment mechanism. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield tilted rearward of the vehicle, the imaging optical axis direction can be adjusted in accordance with the angle of the front window shield.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the holding adjustment mechanism adjusts the holding angle of the camera housing by the housing mounting means. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield tilted rearward of the vehicle, the imaging optical axis direction can be adjusted in accordance with the angle of the front window shield.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, a circuit board having a large occupation area is supported by the camera housing substantially parallel to the surface of a predetermined part of the vehicle. For this reason, the occupied volume of the vehicle-mounted camera can be minimized. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted camera can be reduced in size and weight.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, a circuit board having a large occupied area but an extremely thin plate thickness is supported substantially horizontally by the camera housing. For this reason, the front projection area of the vehicle-mounted camera can be minimized. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle-mounted camera is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield of the vehicle, the driver's field of view can be ensured satisfactorily.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed. Therefore, it is possible to capture a scene in front of the vehicle.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface of the meter visor forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed. Therefore, it is possible to capture a scene in front of the vehicle.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting unit can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface of the rear window shield backward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected backward, regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed. Therefore, a scene behind the vehicle can be imaged.

  In the vehicle-mounted camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface of the instrument panel forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed. Therefore, it is possible to capture a scene in front of the vehicle.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface of the rear parcel backward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected backward, regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed. Therefore, a scene behind the vehicle can be imaged.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis deflecting means can deflect the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface of the rear view mirror forward. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected forward regardless of the direction of the circuit board on which the imaging circuit is formed. Therefore, it is possible to capture a scene in front of the vehicle.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, the present invention can further reduce the number of components of the imaging optical system, at least a part of which is composed of the optical axis deflecting means. For this reason, it can contribute to the improvement of productivity of a vehicle-mounted camera, and size reduction and weight reduction.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit is deflected by the reflecting mirror. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components. Therefore, it can contribute to the improvement of the productivity of the in-vehicle camera.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit is deflected by the prism. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components. Therefore, it can contribute to the improvement of the productivity of the in-vehicle camera.

  In the on-vehicle camera as described above, in the present invention, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit is deflected by the optical fiber array. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components. Therefore, it can contribute to the improvement of the productivity of the in-vehicle camera.

It is a typical vertical side view which shows the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted camera of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of the 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted camera of the 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of the 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a typical cross-sectional plan view which shows the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted camera of the 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a typical cross-sectional plan view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of the 6th embodiment of this invention. It is a typical vertical side view which shows the use condition of the vehicle-mounted camera of a prior art example.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal side view showing the internal structure of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal side view showing a use state of the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment includes a circuit board 110, a CCD image sensor 120 that is an imaging circuit, an imaging optical system 140, a reflection mirror 130 that is an optical axis deflection unit, As shown in FIG. 2, the camera housing 150 has a suction cup 160 which is a housing mounting means.

  The circuit board 110 is composed of a rigid printed wiring board or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, various circuits 111 such as a driver circuit, an image processing circuit, and a power supply circuit are printed on the surface of the circuit board 110 in addition to the CCD image sensor 120 Etc. are formed.

  The imaging optical system 140 is formed by a plurality of lenses (not shown) properly combined and forms an image of incident light from the front on the CCD image sensor 120. In the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the imaging optical system 140 is disposed at a position directly facing the CCD image sensor 120.

  The reflection mirror 130 has a flat reflection surface, and deflects the optical axis LA of the CCD image sensor 120 substantially orthogonal to the surface of the circuit board 110 in a predetermined direction.

  More specifically, in the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the reflection mirror 130 is mounted on the rear surface, which is the surface, of the front window shield FS that is a predetermined part of the automobile that is a vehicle. The optical axis LA of the CCD image sensor 120 inside the camera housing 150 is deflected forward.

  The camera housing 150 is made of a hollow plastic molded product having a predetermined shape and houses the circuit board 110, the imaging optical system 140, and the reflection mirror 130 as shown in FIG.

  In view of this, the camera housing 150 has a window portion 151 formed of a through-hole formed on the front surface so that incident light from the front is appropriately incident.

  The suction cup 160 detachably mounts the camera housing 150 on the rear surface, which is the surface, of the front window shield FS, which is a predetermined part, of an automobile that is a vehicle.

  In the configuration as described above, the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment is used by being mounted with a suction cup 160 on the rear surface of the front window shield FS of the automobile, as shown in FIG.

  In such a state, the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment can capture a scene in front of the front window shield FS.

  For this reason, it can be used for a vehicle maintenance system such as a drive recorder that records the accident situation, a lane departure warning system that generates a warning when a lane image is recognized and deviates, or a torque is generated on the steering wheel.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield FS tilted backward, so that the CCD image sensor 120 is formed on the surface as shown in FIG. The circuit board 110 is positioned substantially parallel to the front window shield FS.

  For this reason, the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 is obliquely upward on the front side. However, in the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment, the reflection mirror 130 deflects the optical axis LA of the CCD image sensor 120 substantially orthogonal to the surface of the circuit board 110 forward.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the front projection area of the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment, the circuit board 110 on which the imaging circuit is formed and the circuit board 110 on which the image processing circuit and the like are formed are divided. There is no need.

  Therefore, not only the CCD image sensor 120 but also a driver circuit, an image processing circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like can be formed on one circuit board 110. For this reason, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this Embodiment, a manufacturing process can be reduced and productivity can be improved.

  Furthermore, it is not necessary to reconnect the two circuit boards 110 divided as described above by a board connecting means such as a flexible board. For this reason, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this Embodiment, electrical reliability can also be made favorable.

  Nevertheless, the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 can be deflected in a desired direction by the reflection mirror 130. Therefore, the circuit board 110 on which the CCD image sensor 120 is formed can be arranged in a desired direction.

  Therefore, in the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to erect the circuit board 110 disposed on the rear surface of the front window shield FS tilted rearward. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the front projection area and to ensure the driver's field of view.

  Furthermore, in the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the optical axis deflecting unit that deflects the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 includes the reflection mirror 130. For this reason, the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components, and the productivity can be improved.

  Moreover, in the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment, the circuit board 110 having a large occupation area is supported by the camera housing 150 substantially in parallel with the front window shield FS.

  For this reason, the occupation volume of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 can be minimized, and the vehicle-mounted camera 100 can be reduced in size and weight.

  The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications are allowed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the in-vehicle camera 100 of the above embodiment, the imaging circuit is exemplified by the CCD image sensor 120.

  However, such an imaging circuit may be formed by a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor.

  Moreover, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, it illustrated that the housing mounting means consisted of the suction cup 160. FIG. However, such a housing mounting means may be formed of an adhesive material or the like (not shown).

  Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, it illustrated that the imaging optical system 140 which consists of a some lens is located in the middle of the CCD image sensor 120 and the reflective mirror 130. FIG.

  However, such an imaging optical system 140 may be disposed in front of the reflection mirror 130, and a plurality of lenses of the imaging optical system 140 are provided in front of the reflection mirror 130, the reflection mirror 130, and the CCD image sensor. It may be distributed in the middle of 120 (not shown).

  Moreover, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, the reflective surface of the reflective mirror 130 became a plane, and it illustrated only deflecting the optical axis LA of the CCD image sensor 120. However, the reflection surface of the reflection mirror 130 may be a curved surface and may form at least a part of the imaging optical system 140.

  In this case, the number of parts of the imaging optical system 140 can be reduced. For this reason, it can contribute to the improvement of productivity and reduction in size and weight of the in-vehicle camera 100.

  Moreover, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, it illustrated that the optical axis deflection | deviation means which deflects the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 consists of the reflective mirror 130. FIG. However, such optical axis deflecting means may be formed by a prism or an optical fiber array.

  Also in these cases, the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 can be deflected in a desired direction by existing general components, so that the productivity of the in-vehicle camera 100 can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, it assumed that the reflective mirror 130 was being fixed inside the camera housing 150. FIG. However, such an in-vehicle camera 100 may further include an optical axis adjustment mechanism that adjusts the change angle of the optical axis LA by the reflection mirror 130.

  Such an optical axis adjustment mechanism, for example, pivotally supports the reflection mirror 130 with a support shaft penetrating the camera housing 150 in the left-right direction, and disc-shaped manual dials are mounted on both the left and right ends of the support shaft. This is realized by keeping (not shown).

  In the vehicle-mounted camera 100 equipped with such an optical axis adjustment mechanism, the change angle of the optical axis LA by the reflection mirror 130 can be adjusted. For this reason, when the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield FS tilted backward as described above, the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 is set in accordance with the angle of the front window shield FS. It can be deflected forward.

  Moreover, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, only fixing the camera housing 150 to the rear surface of the front window shield FS of a motor vehicle with the suction cup 160 was illustrated. However, such an in-vehicle camera 100 may further include a holding adjustment mechanism that adjusts the holding angle of the camera housing 150 by the suction cup 160.

  In the in-vehicle camera 100 equipped with such a holding adjustment mechanism, the optical axis direction of imaging can be adjusted.

  Therefore, when the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is mounted on the rear surface of the front window shield FS tilted backward as described above, the optical axis direction of imaging is adjusted in accordance with the angle of the front window shield FS. I can do it.

  Moreover, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the said form, in order to enter the incident light from the front appropriately, it illustrated that the window part 151 which consists of a through-hole in the camera housing 150 was formed. However, such a window 151 may be sealed with a transparent plastic panel (not shown).

  Furthermore, in the said form, it illustrated that the vehicle-mounted camera 100 was utilized for a drive recorder and a lane departure warning system.

  However, the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment is used for a cruise control system that measures an inter-vehicle distance and controls an accelerator, an anti-collision system that measures an inter-vehicle distance and generates a warning or drives a brake. Also good.

  Moreover, in the said form, the motor vehicle was assumed as a vehicle and the front window shield FS was illustrated as the predetermined part.

  However, such a vehicle may be a motorcycle, and the predetermined part on which the in-vehicle camera 100 is mounted may be a transparent window shield or meter visor MB (not shown).

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional side view showing a use state of the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment. In addition, regarding embodiment illustrated below, the same part as 1st Embodiment mentioned above uses the same name and code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  In the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment, an adhesive material that is a housing mounting means is mounted on the bottom surface of the camera housing 150 (not shown). Therefore, the in-vehicle camera 100 according to the present embodiment is attached to the front inclined face of the meter visor MB located behind the front window shield FS of the automobile which is a vehicle.

  In the configuration as described above, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of the present embodiment can capture a scene in front of the front window shield FS in a state where the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is mounted on the front side of the automobile meter visor MB. .

  Since the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment is not located in the driver's field of view, the driver's visibility is not hindered.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional side view showing a use state of the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment. The in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on the front surface of a rear window shield RS of an automobile that is a vehicle.

  In the configuration as described above, the in-vehicle camera 100 of the present embodiment can capture a scene behind the rear window shield RS.

  For this reason, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this Embodiment can be utilized for vehicle maintenance systems, such as a drive recorder which records accident situations, such as a rear-end collision from the back, and a back monitor which assists parking.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 is a schematic longitudinal side view showing the internal structure of the in-vehicle camera 200 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal side view showing the use state of the in-vehicle camera 200 according to the present embodiment. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the in-vehicle camera 200 of the present embodiment also includes a circuit board 110, a CCD image sensor 120 that is an imaging circuit, an imaging optical system 140, a reflection mirror 130 that is an optical axis deflecting unit, It has a camera housing 210 and an adhesive material (not shown) as housing mounting means.

  The camera housing 210 is made of a hollow plastic molded product having a predetermined shape, and accommodates the circuit board 110 substantially horizontally at the bottom thereof. An imaging optical system 140 and a reflection mirror 130 are disposed above the CCD image sensor 120 formed on the upper surface, which is the surface of the circuit board 110.

  The reflection mirror 130 is inclined at approximately 45 °, and deflects the optical axis direction of the substantially vertical CCD image sensor 120 forward substantially horizontally. Therefore, in the camera housing 210, a window portion 211 made of a through hole or the like is formed on the upper front surface so that incident light from the front is appropriately incident on the reflection mirror 130.

  The adhesive material is disposed on the lower surface of the camera housing 210. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6, the in-vehicle camera 200 of the present embodiment is mounted on the upper surface, which is the surface of the instrument panel IP, behind the front window shield FS of the automobile that is a vehicle.

  In the configuration as described above, the in-vehicle camera 200 according to the present embodiment can capture a scene in front of the front window shield FS as shown in FIG.

  For this reason, it can be used for a vehicle maintenance system such as a drive recorder that records the accident situation, a lane departure warning system that generates a warning when a lane image is recognized and deviates, or a torque is generated on the steering wheel.

  Since the in-vehicle camera 200 of the present embodiment is not located in the driver's field of view, the driver's visibility is not hindered. In addition, in the in-vehicle camera 200 of the present embodiment, the circuit board 110 that has a large occupation area but is extremely thin is supported by the camera housing 210 substantially horizontally.

  For this reason, the front projection area of the vehicle-mounted camera 200 can be minimized. Therefore, even when this in-vehicle camera 200 is arranged on the rear surface of the front window shield FS, it is possible to minimize the impediment to driver visibility (not shown).

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional side view showing a use state of the vehicle-mounted camera 200 of the present embodiment. The in-vehicle camera 200 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the upper surface that is the surface of the rear parcel in front of the rear window shield RS of the automobile that is the vehicle.

  In the configuration as described above, the in-vehicle camera 200 according to the present embodiment can capture a scene behind the rear window shield RS.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view showing the internal structure of the in-vehicle camera 300 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view showing the use state of the in-vehicle camera 300 according to the present embodiment. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the in-vehicle camera 300 of the present embodiment also includes a circuit board 110, a CCD image sensor 120 that is an imaging circuit, an imaging optical system 140, a reflection mirror 130 that is an optical axis deflection unit, It has a camera housing 310 and an adhesive material (not shown) as housing mounting means.

  The camera housing 310 is made of a hollow plastic molded product having a predetermined shape, and accommodates the circuit board 110 horizontally in the rear part thereof. An imaging optical system 140 and a reflection mirror 130 are disposed in front of the CCD image sensor 120 formed on the front surface which is the surface of the circuit board 110.

  The reflection mirror 130 is inclined in the left-right direction, and deflects the optical axis direction of the CCD image sensor 120 deflected in the left-right direction substantially forward.

  The adhesive material is disposed on the rear surface of the camera housing 310. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle-mounted camera 300 of the present embodiment is mounted on the front surface, which is the surface of the rear view mirror RM, behind the front window shield FS of the automobile that is a vehicle.

  In the configuration as described above, the vehicle-mounted camera 300 according to the present embodiment can capture a scene in front of the front window shield FS as shown in FIG. Since the in-vehicle camera 300 according to the present embodiment is not located in the driver's field of view, the driver's visibility is not hindered.

  Needless to say, the above-described plurality of embodiments and the plurality of modifications can be combined within a range in which the contents do not conflict with each other. Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the structure of each part has been specifically described, but the structure and the like can be changed in various ways within a range that satisfies the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Car-mounted camera 110 ... Circuit board 111 ... Various circuits 120 ... CCD image sensor 130 ... Reflection mirror 140 ... Imaging optical system 150 ... Camera housing 151 ... Window part 160 ... Suction cup 200 ... Car-mounted camera 210 ... Camera housing 211 ... Window Part 300 ... In-vehicle camera 310 ... Camera housing FS ... Front window shield IP ... Instrument panel LA ... Optical axis MB ... Meter visor RM ... Rear view mirror RS ... Rear window shield

Claims (15)

A circuit board;
An imaging circuit formed on the surface of the circuit board;
An imaging optical system for imaging incident light on the imaging circuit;
Optical axis deflecting means for deflecting the optical axis direction of the imaging circuit;
An in-vehicle camera.   The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1, further comprising an optical axis adjustment mechanism that adjusts a change angle of the optical axis by the optical axis deflection unit. A camera housing containing at least the circuit board, the imaging optical system, and the optical axis deflecting means;
Housing mounting means for mounting the camera housing on the surface of a predetermined part of the vehicle;
A holding adjustment mechanism for adjusting a holding angle of the camera housing by the housing mounting means;
In addition, have
The in-vehicle camera according to claim 1 or 2. The camera housing supports the circuit board substantially parallel to the surface of a predetermined part of the vehicle.
The in-vehicle camera according to claim 3. The camera housing supports the circuit board substantially horizontally while being mounted on a surface of a predetermined part of the vehicle.
The in-vehicle camera according to claim 3. The optical axis deflecting unit deflects the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the rear surface, which is the surface of a front window shield, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle, forward.
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5. The optical axis deflection means deflects forward the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface which is the surface of the meter visor which is a predetermined part of the vehicle.
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5. The optical axis deflecting unit deflects the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing attached to the front surface, which is the surface of a rear window shield, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle, backward.
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5. The optical axis deflection means deflects the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface, which is the surface of an instrument panel, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle,
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5. The optical axis deflection means deflects the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the upper surface, which is the surface of a rear parcel, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle,
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5. The optical axis deflection means deflects the optical axis of the imaging circuit inside the camera housing mounted on the front surface, which is the surface of a rear view mirror, which is a predetermined part of the vehicle,
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5. At least a part of the imaging optical system comprises the optical axis deflecting means;
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11. The optical axis deflecting means comprises a reflecting mirror,
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 12. The optical axis deflecting means comprises a prism.
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 12. The optical axis deflecting means comprises an optical fiber array,
The vehicle-mounted camera as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 12.

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