JP7320872B2 - Imaging device and imaging system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device and an imaging system including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, imaging devices such as security cameras and drive recorders are known that can change the shooting direction of a camera attached to an arbitrary attachment position by changing the orientation of the lens of the camera with respect to the attachment member. For example, in a drive recorder, a drive recorder main body having a cylindrical portion (hereinafter referred to as a "drive recorder main body") is attached to the windshield of a vehicle with the cylindrical portion horizontal, and vertically rotated with the horizontal direction as the axis of rotation. There is known a device configured so that the imaging direction can be changed by rotating it (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-105530 A

Here, the drive recorder described above is generally attached to the windshield of a vehicle and used to photograph the front of the vehicle. Thought.

However, for example, in the case of a one-box type vehicle in which the rear glass is installed almost vertically, after the camera is attached to the rear glass with the mounting member, when the camera faces the rear glass, one of the mounting members attached to the rear glass is mounted. part may appear in the image captured by the camera. In particular, when a wide-angle lens is used, the mounting member tends to be reflected, which may affect the reproduced video. In addition, when the camera is attached to the rear glass, it is desirable to make it as small as possible so that it is not conspicuous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact imaging device that can be mounted at a desired mounting location while preventing reflection of the mounting member, and an imaging system including the same.

(1) An imaging apparatus comprising a camera and an attachment member for attaching the camera to a desired attachment location, wherein the attachment member includes support means for supporting the camera and a shooting direction of the camera. and a mounting plate configured to be mountable to the desired mounting location on one side perpendicular to the camera and extending in a direction away from the lens of the camera.

According to this, when the camera is mounted at the desired mounting position so that the desired mounting position and the lens substantially face each other, the mounting plate can be attached to the image captured by the camera while securing the mounting area of the mounting plate for the desired mounting position. The lens and mounting plate can be brought close together so that the plate is not reflected. That is, it is possible to reduce the size of the camera while preventing reflection of the mounting member.

For example, if the mounting plate is made smaller in order to eliminate reflections, when it is attached to the desired mounting location with double-sided tape, the mounting plate may easily come off or become unstable. By extending in the direction away from the mounting plate, the mounting area of the mounting plate can be increased while suppressing the influence of reflection. That is, it is possible to make the mounting plate less likely to come off from the desired mounting position and to stabilize the mounting plate at the desired mounting position.

The desired mounting position may be a desired position where the camera can be mounted, for example, a desired position on the rear glass of a vehicle or a desired position on the window glass of a building.

The support means preferably supports the camera so that the direction of the lens of the camera can be changed, and more preferably supports the camera rotatably. In particular, it is preferable that the camera is supported so as to be rotatable by 360 degrees. For example, if the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape, the supporting means should be ring-shaped.

In the case where the supporting means supports the camera rotatably, it is preferable to support the camera so that it rotates smoothly, and more preferably so that the camera rotates step by step. For example, the camera may be supported so as to be rotated by 5 degrees with respect to the rotation support member.

Further, in the case where the support means supports the camera rotatably, it is preferable to provide fixing means for fixing the support means at an arbitrary rotational position. The fixing means may, for example, be configured to rotate when a rotational torque greater than or equal to a predetermined amount is applied, and to retain the rotational position when a rotational torque less than the predetermined amount is applied. The rotational torque greater than or equal to the predetermined value may be, for example, rotational torque generated by the user rotating the camera, and the rotational torque less than the predetermined value may be rotational torque acting due to vibration of the mounting location (for example, the vehicle). . Further, it is more preferable to adopt a configuration in which the support means is sandwiched between the camera and the fixing means. In this case, the fixing means may be a fixing member that is screwed into the camera to sandwich the supporting means.

The mounting plate preferably extends from the support means in a direction away from the lens, and more preferably extends from an end of the support means. For example, the mounting plate may be directly or indirectly connected to the support means.

Although the shape of the mounting plate is not particularly limited, it is preferably rectangular, and at least the length in the direction away from the lens is longer than the length in the direction substantially orthogonal to the direction away from the lens. For example, it may be substantially rectangular with the direction away from the lens being the longitudinal direction.

The direction away from the lens may be a radial direction with respect to the lens, and in this case, it may be substantially fan-shaped. As for the direction away from the lens, it is preferable to extend in one of the radial directions, and in this case, it is preferable to form a substantially rectangular shape. For example, if the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape and a lens is arranged on the outer peripheral surface, the direction should be along the central axis of the camera.

The length of the mounting plate in the direction away from the lens (for example, the length in the longitudinal direction) should be such that, for example, when the camera is attached to an arbitrary mounting location with double-sided tape, the camera does not unnecessarily peel off from the mounting location. It is sufficient that the double-faced tape has an attachment area that allows the force to be exerted. In this case, the mounting surface of the mounting plate is preferably substantially planar, and the substantially planar shape makes it easy to attach the mounting plate to an arbitrary mounting location with double-sided tape, for example. For example, the length in the direction away from the lens should be configured so that it does not protrude from the edge of the camera as much as possible.

It is preferable that the camera has a configuration in which a part thereof has a substantially cylindrical portion, and it is more preferable that the whole has a substantially cylindrical shape. By making the entire camera into a substantially cylindrical shape, it is possible to reduce the change in the shape of the camera when the camera is rotated. can be done. Further, by forming the entire camera into a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, the camera can be easily picked up, and the camera can be easily rotated when changing the photographing direction. Furthermore, by forming the entire camera into a substantially cylindrical shape, the appearance of the camera can be made cute.

Also, the camera may be configured to use a wide-angle lens, for example, a wide-angle lens with a diagonal angle of 150 to 170 degrees. For example, when attached to the windshield of a car, it is possible to photograph a range up to the extent that the pillow can be seen at a diagonal angle of 160 degrees, and it is possible to photograph the situation of vehicles traveling in the right and left lanes when stopped at an intersection. . Further, for example, in the case of a work vehicle such as a forklift, it is possible to photograph objects on the road outside the work vehicle such as a forklift. Therefore, it is possible to confirm from the recorded video that the work vehicle such as a forklift has stepped on something, dropped a load, or has a step.

(2) The mounting plate has notches at both ends on the lens side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the separating direction when positioned on the one side of the camera.

According to this, the lens and the mounting member can be brought closer to each other than when the notch is not provided. For example, a mounting plate can be placed in close proximity to the lens. In other words, it is possible to further reduce the size of the camera unit. In particular, even when a wide-angle lens is used, by notching both ends on the lens side, the lens and the mounting plate can be brought close to each other without the mounting plate being reflected in the image captured by the camera.

The shape of the notch is preferably a shape and/or range based on the range of the image captured by the camera, and in particular, the shape and/or the shape and/or the distortion of the camera capturing range caused by the configuration of the optical system etc. or range.

For example, the shape of the notch may be rectangular, and the rectangular notch makes it possible to form the notch more easily and reliably.

(3) The mounting member has band mounting means for mounting a fixing band for fixing the mounting member mounted at the desired mounting position to the desired mounting position.

According to this, it is possible to fix the mounting member attached to the desired mounting location with the fixing band so that it does not come off from the desired mounting location. For example, when the mounting member is attached to the outside of the vehicle with double-sided tape, even if the adhesive strength of the double-sided tape is reduced, the mounting member can be prevented from falling off from the desired mounting location.

The fixing band may, for example, be configured so that it can be wound around a frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift and fixed. As for the shape of the fixing band, it is preferable to use a strip shape. As the fixing band, for example, a binding band may be used.

The band attachment means may be provided on the surface of the attachment plate opposite to the attachment surface, or may be provided on the support means.

Further, it may be configured to be provided at a connecting portion between the mounting plate and the support means. When the band attachment means is provided at the connecting portion between the mounting plate and the support means, it should be provided so as not to reduce the strength of the connecting portion. For example, when an insertion hole through which the fixing band can be inserted is provided in the connecting portion, the connecting portion may be configured to be enlarged so as to increase the strength of the connecting portion. should be the size of

In addition, the band mounting means may be configured such that the fixing band can be mounted so that the fixing band fixes the mounting member while the mounting plate is pressed against the desired mounting position. It is preferable that the fixing band can be attached so that the fixing band fixes the attachment member while the fixing band is sandwiched together. For example, when the mounting plate is mounted on the frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift, the band mounting means should be configured so that the mounting plate can be fixed by tightening the mounting plate together with the frame with a fixing band.

For example, as the band mounting means, the fixing band may be a locking portion that can be locked. In this case, the mounting plate and the frame are bundled together by the fixing band while the fixing band is locked to the locking portion. It is preferable to use a configuration in which it is fixed by The band mounting means may be an insertion hole through which the fixing band can be inserted. good.

For example, when the fixing band is fixed to the mounting plate together with the frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift, the insertion hole should be formed so that the fixing band can be inserted in a direction that allows the fixing band to be rolled in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame. good. By doing so, the mounting plate can be easily fixed to the frame, and the fixing band can be shortened.

(4) The mounting plate is connected to the support means so as to be symmetrical in a direction perpendicular to the separating direction.

According to this, when the camera is mounted at the desired mounting position so that the desired mounting position and the lens substantially face each other, the lens and the desired mounting position can be brought close to each other. For example, when the camera is attached to the rear window of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the camera from shooting the rear window of the vehicle. Also, for example, after the lens is attached to the desired attachment location, the camera can be rotated to bring the lens closer to the desired attachment location in a state in which the lens faces the desired attachment location.

As a configuration in which the mounting plate is connected to the support means so as to be symmetrical in the direction substantially orthogonal to the separating direction, for example, is preferably connected to the outer peripheral surface of the supporting means in a state of being close to the outer peripheral surface of the supporting means. For example, when the mounting plate has a substantially rectangular shape, it is preferable that the mounting plate is connected so that the center of the mounting plate in the lateral direction is closest to the outer peripheral surface of the support means.

(5) The camera has a substantially cylindrical portion, the support means has a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the substantially cylindrical portion, and the mounting plate extends substantially in the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion. It is characterized by extending in parallel and away from the lens.

According to this, when the camera is attached to a desired attachment location, the orientation of the camera can be easily changed by rotating the camera relative to the rotation support portion. For example, when the lens of the camera is provided at the tip of the substantially cylindrical portion in the axial direction (for example, when the shooting direction of the camera is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion), the image captured by the camera is displayed on the monitor. The camera can be rotated and adjusted so that the projected image is the image that is normally viewed. In addition, when the lens of the camera is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion (when the photographing direction of the camera is substantially parallel to the direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction), the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion is the center of rotation. It is possible to easily change the shooting direction of the camera.

The camera may have a shape having a substantially cylindrical portion in part, and more preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. By making the entire camera into a substantially cylindrical shape, it is possible to reduce the change in the shape of the camera when the camera is rotated. can be done. Further, by forming the entire camera into a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, the camera can be easily picked up, and the camera can be easily rotated when changing the photographing direction. Furthermore, by forming the entire camera into a substantially cylindrical shape, the appearance of the camera can be made cute.

Alternatively, the camera as a whole may have a substantially cylindrical shape, and a flat portion may be provided by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral surface. In this case, it is preferable to arrange a monitor for projecting an image on the plane portion.

The lens of the camera is preferably arranged at the tip of the substantially cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and more preferably on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion.

When the lens is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the camera, the lens should preferably be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion so as not to protrude beyond at least the mounting plate, so that the image is not obscured by the outer peripheral surface. It may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The size of the camera can be reduced by minimizing the protrusion of the lens from the outer peripheral surface. Also, the camera can be cleaned up.

The camera preferably has a recessed portion where the rotation support is arranged, and when the rotation support is attached, the outer peripheral surface of the rotation support and the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion are positioned substantially on the same plane. It is more preferable to construct the concave shape as shown in FIG. By arranging the outer peripheral surface of the rotation support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion to be positioned on the same plane, the overall shape of the camera can be made neat.

Further, for example, when the housing of the camera is formed of two members, it is preferable to form the screw portion connecting the two members in the concave portion in which the rotation support portion is arranged. By forming the concave portion, the screw portion can be hidden when the rotation support portion is provided.

(6) The camera has a hole, and a connected portion to which a connecting portion of a connection cable can be connected is provided in the hole.

According to this, the connected portion can be hidden. For example, it is possible to prevent the connected portion from being exposed to the outside.

For example, the hole may be formed such that the connecting portion of the connection cable to which the packing is attached can be inserted while the packing is brought into close contact with the inner wall. By doing so, the inside of the hole where the connecting portion of the connection cable is connected to the connected portion can be made waterproof. In addition, for example, when the connector of the connecting portion of the connection cable is an HDMI male connector, the connected portion may be an HDMI female connector to which the HDMI male connector can be connected.

(7) A guide means capable of guiding the connecting portion of the connection cable is provided in the connected portion provided in the hole.

According to this, even when the connected portion is provided in the hole, the connecting portion of the connection cable and the connected portion can be easily connected. In other words, the connecting portion of the connection cable and the connected portion can be easily connected even when the connected portion cannot be seen in the hole. For example, if the connecting portion of the connection cable has a substantially cylindrical shape with respect to the substantially cylindrical hole portion, it can be easily connected to the connected portion simply by rotating the connecting portion and searching for the guide portion.

As the guide means, for example, a protrusion may be provided in the connection portion of the connection cable, and a groove may be provided in the inner wall of the hole so that the protrusion can be guided toward the connected portion. It is more preferable to provide a groove and provide a protrusion on the inner wall of the hole so that the groove can be guided to the connected portion.

By providing a groove in the connection portion of the connection cable, for example, it becomes easier to attach a packing such as an O-ring to the connection portion of the connection cable.

In addition, by providing a protrusion on the inner wall of the hole, for example, when the connection portion of the connection cable is attached to the hole, the connector portion (e.g., male connector) of the connection portion of the connection cable and the to-be-connected portion can be easily connected. If the connection direction of the part (e.g., female connector) does not match, the tip of the molded part of the connection part can contact the protrusion of the hole, so the connector part provided at the tip of the connection part is unnecessary. It is possible to prevent damage or the like due to contact with the connected portion. In this case, the length of the protrusion should be longer than the length of the connector.

(8) The hole is formed at the end of the substantially cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and the connected portion is provided so that the connecting portion of the connection cable can be attached and detached in the axial direction. It is characterized by

According to this, it is possible to facilitate attachment and detachment of the connecting portion of the connection cable to the connected portion. For example, if the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape, the connection can be covered by simply holding the cylindrical part of the camera with one hand and the connection part of the connection cable with the other hand and pulling it in the direction opposite to the camera. It can be pulled out from the connector.

Further, for example, when the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape and the mounting plate extends in the axial direction, the mounting plate can be made inconspicuous by connecting the connecting portion of the connection cable to the connected portion.

Furthermore, for example, when the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape and the mounting plate extends in the axial direction, the connecting portion of the connection cable can be attached to and detached from the connected portion in the axial direction. When attaching and detaching the mounting plate, the mounting plate can be made difficult to peel off from the mounting portion.

For example, the hole should be formed in a size that allows the connecting portion of the connection cable fitted with a packing such as an O-ring to be inserted thereinto, and should be of a size that allows the packing to be appropriately crushed. By forming in this way, it is possible to make the connecting portion between the connected portion inside the hole portion and the connecting portion of the connection cable waterproof. In this case, it is preferable to provide an attachment portion (for example, an attachment groove) to which a packing such as an O-ring can be attached at the connection portion of the connection cable. By providing the mounting portion, when inserting the connection portion of the connection cable into the hole, the packing such as the O-ring is less likely to come off from the connection portion of the connection cable.

(9) The hole portion is formed at the deepest portion of the substantially cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and the connected portion is provided so that the connecting portion of the connection cable can be attached and detached in the axial direction. and

According to this, since the connected part is provided at the end of the hole provided in the axial direction, for example, the connection part of the connection cable (for example, HDMI male connector) can be connected to the connected part (for example, HDMI female connector). connector).

(10) The imaging apparatus includes the imaging device described above, a recording device that records image data captured by the camera of the imaging device, and a connection cable that connects the camera and the recording device.

According to this, the camera can be miniaturized by separately configuring the camera and the recording device for recording the video shot by the camera.

The connection cable may be configured to be connected to the camera and recording device in a fixed state (for example, in a state in which it cannot be pulled out from the camera and recording device). By adopting a configuration that prevents the connection cable from being pulled out, it is possible to prevent the connection cable from being unnecessarily pulled out of the camera or the recording device. As a configuration that prevents the connection, it may be configured such that it cannot be extracted from the beginning, or it may be configured such that it cannot be extracted once it is connected. Also, once connected, it may be difficult to pull out. A configuration that makes it difficult to pull out may be a configuration for the imaging device and the connected portion.

Moreover, it is preferable to configure it so that it can be attached to and detached from either the camera or the recording device, and more preferably to be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the camera. By configuring in this way, for example, it is possible to prevent the removal or replacement of the entire imaging system during maintenance or failure.

Further, the connection cable may be configured such that the shape of the molded portion of the connection cable is different between the camera side and the recording device side while the electrical wiring is the same. For example, the shape of the mold portion on the camera side may be approximately cylindrical, and the shape of the mold portion on the recording device side may be approximately rectangular parallelepiped. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the connection destination of the connection cable is uniquely determined. By changing the shape of the mold part, for example, the mold part on the side of the camera that you want to install outdoors and want to make it waterproof can be made into a substantially cylindrical shape so that it fits inside the camera. In the case where the molded portion of the recording device that does not need to be waterproofed is configured to have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as not to enter the interior of the recording device, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection. Furthermore, when it is made substantially cylindrical, it is preferable to make the direction of connection readily identifiable. For example, a mark indicating the direction of connection may be provided.

(11) The connection cable is detachably attached to the imaging device and the recording device.

According to this, it is possible to select a connection cable having a required length to connect the imaging device and the recording device. It is possible to prevent the length from running out or being too long. Further, for example, the camera can be rotated without connecting the connection cable, so the camera can be easily rotated. For example, the connection cable does not get in the way when rotating the camera in a narrow space.

For example, when transmitting large-capacity data such as video, it is possible to prevent video from disappearing by lengthening the cable length using a connector. In addition, it is possible to prevent the connection cable from becoming an obstacle due to its excessive length.

Also, in the event of maintenance or failure, the imaging device, the recording device, and the connection cable can be individually repaired or replaced.

The connector portion of the connecting portion of the connection cable is preferably a non-circular connector. For example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped connector portion may be used. A standardized connector is preferably used for the connector portion of the connecting portion of the connection cable, and in particular, a connector that is standardized for a specific application is preferably used. For example, it is more preferable to use a connector portion of a USB or HDMI cable (hereinafter referred to as "HDMI connector"). By using a standardized HDMI connector, it is possible to reduce the size and cost and increase the number of pins. In particular, pins different from standardized connector standards are used. ) can be taken. As for the number of pins, for example, eight pins may be used. In particular, the connector should be capable of transmitting both power and video. Power may be supplied from the main body side, or may be supplied from the camera to the main body.

(12) The camera has a hole, and the hole is provided with a connected terminal to which a connection terminal provided at the tip of the connection portion of the connection cable can be connected. .

According to this, the connected terminal can be hidden. For example, it is possible to prevent the connected terminal from being exposed to the outside.

For example, the hole may be formed such that the connecting portion of the connection cable to which the packing is attached can be inserted while the packing is brought into close contact with the inner wall. By doing so, it is possible to make the inside of the hole waterproof in a state where the connection terminal of the connection portion of the connection cable is connected to the connected terminal. In addition, for example, when the connection terminal of the connecting portion of the connection cable is an HDMI male connector, the connection terminal may be an HDMI female connector to which the HDMI male connector can be connected.

(13) The hole is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the connection part of the connection cable is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that can be attached to the hole with a predetermined packing attached. Characterized by

According to this, by forming the hole and the connection portion of the connection cable into a substantially cylindrical shape, it is possible to improve the waterproof performance when the packing is interposed between the hole and the connection portion of the connection cable.

The predetermined packing may be, for example, an O-ring, and the connecting portion may be provided with a mounting groove to which the O-ring can be attached. In this case, the mounting portion should be formed so that the portion where the O-ring is engaged with the mounting portion is larger than the portion where the O-ring is exposed.

(14) A guide means is provided for guiding the connecting terminal of the connecting portion to the connected terminal provided in the hole.

According to this, even when the to-be-connected terminal is provided in the hole, the connecting terminal of the connecting portion of the connection cable and the to-be-connected terminal can be easily connected. In other words, the connection terminal of the connection cable and the connection terminal can be easily connected even when the connection terminal in the hole cannot be seen. For example, if the connecting portion of the connection cable has a substantially cylindrical shape with respect to the substantially cylindrical hole portion, it can be easily connected to the connected terminal simply by rotating the connecting portion and searching for the guide portion.

As the guide means, for example, a protrusion may be provided in the connection portion of the connection cable, and a groove may be provided in the inner wall of the hole so that the protrusion can be guided toward the terminal to be connected. It is more preferable to provide a groove and provide a protrusion on the inner wall of the hole so that the groove can be guided to the terminal to be connected.

By providing a groove in the connection portion of the connection cable, for example, it becomes easier to attach a packing such as an O-ring to the connection portion of the connection cable.

In addition, by providing a protrusion on the inner wall of the hole, for example, when the connection portion of the connection cable is attached to the hole, the connection terminal (e.g., male connector) of the connection portion of the connection cable and the to-be-connected portion can be easily connected. If the direction of connection with the terminal (e.g., female connector) does not match, the tip of the connecting part can come into contact with the projection of the hole, so the connecting terminal may contact the connected terminal unnecessarily and be damaged. can be prevented. In this case, for example, the length of the protrusion may be longer than the length of the connection terminal.

(15) The guide means has a guide projection provided in the hole portion and a guide groove provided in the connection portion.

According to this, when the connection portion of the connection cable is attached to the hole, the connection direction of the connection terminal (for example, male connector) of the connection portion of the connection cable and the connected terminal (for example, female connector) are aligned. If not, the tip of the connecting portion and the protrusion of the hole can be brought into contact with each other, so that it is possible to prevent the connecting terminal from unnecessarily contacting the connected terminal and being damaged. The guide protrusion is preferably formed to be longer than the length of the connection terminal in the connection direction.

(16) The connection portion includes a primary insertion portion in which the connection terminal is arranged and the guide groove is formed, and a secondary insertion portion located downstream of the primary insertion portion in the insertion direction and in which the predetermined packing is mounted. and an insertion portion.

According to this, the guide projection provided in the hole can be engaged with the guide groove of the connection cable before the predetermined packing is attached to the hole. That is, it is possible to easily engage the guide projection and the guide groove. For example, the connecting part can be rotated to easily find the guide projection.

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a compact imaging device that can be attached to a desired attachment location while preventing reflection of the attachment member, and an imaging system including the same.

1 is a perspective view showing a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6A and 6B are six views of the camera unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the camera is rotated with respect to the mounting bracket; It is a figure which shows the bracket for attachment based on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the camera which concerns on this embodiment. 2 is an exploded view of the camera according to the embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the fixing member which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st connection part of the connection cable which concerns on this embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a recording apparatus according to this embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the camera unit which concerns on this embodiment to the rear glass of the vehicle. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the drive recorder which concerns on this embodiment to the forklift. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a photographed image displayed on a monitor using a PC viewer;

An embodiment of an imaging system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, as an example of an imaging system, a drive recorder 1 attached to a working vehicle such as an ordinary car or a forklift will be used. First, a schematic configuration of the drive recorder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a drive recorder 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. 2(a) is a front view of the camera unit 20 shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a left side view, and (e). is a right side view, and (f) is a rear view. 3A is a front view of the camera unit 20 with the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 2 rotated, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of FIG. ) is a perspective view of (a) viewed from the tip side.

4(a) is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 200 viewed from the base end side, (b) is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 200 viewed from the distal end side, and (c) is a front view of (a). d) is a bottom view. FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the camera 210 viewed from the base end side, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the camera 210 viewed from the distal end side. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of camera 210. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the fixing member 250 viewed from the base end side, and FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of the fixing member 250 viewed from the distal end side.

8A is a perspective view of the first connection portion 400 of the connection cable 40, FIG. 8B is a plan view, FIG. 8C is a front view, FIG. 8D is a bottom view, and FIG. ) is a rear view, (f) is a left side view, and (g) is a right side view. 9A is a perspective view of the recording device 30, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the sensor unit 5. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drive recorder 1 includes a camera unit 20 that can be attached to a desired attachment location in a vehicle, a recording device 30 that records an image captured by the camera unit 20, the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30. and a connection cable 40 to which the

The desired mounting location is a desired location where the camera unit 20 can be attached. It includes a desired location, a desired location on a frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift, and the like. Also, hereinafter, the desired attachment point is simply referred to as an attachment point.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera unit 20 includes an attachment bracket (hereinafter simply referred to as "bracket") 200 that can be attached to an attachment location, and a bracket that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and has a central axis A as the center. The camera 210 is rotatably supported by the bracket 200, and the fixing member 250 fixes the camera 210 to the bracket 200 at an arbitrary rotational position.

In other words, the camera unit 20 rotates the camera 210 relative to the bracket 200 attached to the attachment location to change the imaging direction of the camera 210 at the attachment location, and the fixing member 250 moves the camera 210 to the bracket 200 . By fixing it to the mounting position, it is possible to photograph a desired object to be photographed.

In this embodiment, the camera 210 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 33 mm and a length of about 50 mm in the direction of the central axis A. Also, the size and shape are relatively inconspicuous. For example, the camera 210 according to this embodiment has a neat shape without an LCD monitor, operation buttons, SD slot, etc., and does not have a fixing hole for attaching a tripod. there is

As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the bracket 200 is formed in a substantially annular shape and can be attached to a ring portion 201 that supports the camera 210 so as to be rotatable about the central axis A and to an attachment location. and a connecting portion 203 that connects the ring portion 201 and the mounting plate 202 .

The ring portion 201 is formed in a substantially annular shape, and in the present embodiment, the length (width) in the direction of the central axis A is approximately 10 mm, and the length (thickness) in the direction toward the central axis A is approximately 10 mm. It is formed in a 2 mm belt-like substantially annular shape.

The ring portion 201 can be attached to the base end side of the camera 210 in the direction of the central axis A (hereinafter simply referred to as the “base end side”), and the camera 210 can be attached relative to the ring portion 201 when the camera 210 is attached. so that the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 201b (hereinafter referred to as the "inner diameter") is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mounting recess 214 (see, for example, FIG. 5A) of the camera 210, which will be described later. designed to grow. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the ring portion 201 is set to approximately 29 mm.

Further, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 201a of the ring portion 201 (hereinafter referred to as “outer diameter”) is such that when the camera 210 is attached, the outer peripheral surface 201a of the ring portion 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 are substantially on the same plane. It is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (for example, the same diameter, or slightly smaller or larger). In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the ring portion 201 is approximately 33 mm, which is the same as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (see FIG. 3A, for example).

Of the side surfaces 201c and 201d orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 201a and the inner peripheral surface 201b of the ring portion 201, the side surface 201c that contacts the camera 210 when the camera 210 is attached to the ring portion 201 is provided with an engaging portion 204. ing. The meshing portion 204 is composed of a plurality of sawtooth-shaped concave portions 204a and convex portions 204b formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the side surface 201d opposite to the side surface 201c is not provided with anything and has a substantially planar shape that can contact the fixing member 250 .

As shown in FIG. 4C, the mounting plate 202 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and when the camera 210 is attached to the ring portion 201, the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate 202 is along the central axis A. is connected to the ring portion 201 through the connecting portion 203 so as to extend away from the lens 231 (see, for example, FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c)). In this embodiment, the mounting plate 202 is slightly tapered in the direction away from the lens of the camera 210. The length of the mounting plate 202 in the longitudinal direction is approximately 39 mm, and the maximum length in the lateral direction is approximately 39 mm. is formed to about 28 mm.

4(c) and 4(d), the mounting plate 202 extends along the central axis A with the side surface 201c of the ring portion 201 as a base end. Notch portions 205a and 205b are provided on both sides in the hand direction. The shape and range of the cutouts 205a and 205b are set based on the range of the image captured by the camera 210, especially taking into consideration the distortion of the captured range of the camera 210 caused by the configuration of the optical system and the like. is set. In this embodiment, the shape and range of the cutouts 205a and 205b are formed into a substantially rectangular shape taking these into consideration, and even when the camera 210 is rotated relative to the bracket 200, the mounting The plate 202 is designed not to be reflected. Moreover, the notch portion 205a and the notch portion 205b are formed so as to be symmetrical with respect to the central axis A. As shown in FIG. The end of the mounting plate 202, which is formed by cutting out a substantially rectangular shape, is formed in an R shape so as to eliminate corners.

A portion of the mounting plate 202 excluding the cutouts 205a and 205b is provided with a mounting surface 202a to which a double-sided tape can be adhered for mounting to the mounting location. In other words, the bracket 200 is configured to be attached to the attachment location by sticking the attachment plate 202 to the attachment location with double-sided tape. The sticking surface 202a is formed in a rectangular shape to which a commercially available double-sided tape or the like can be stuck. Moreover, the sticking surface 202a protrudes slightly from the mounting plate 202 in the thickness direction of the mounting plate 202, so that the place where the double-sided tape is stuck on the mounting plate 202 can be easily recognized.

The attachment surface 202a should have an attachment area that allows the double-sided tape to exhibit adhesive strength to the extent that the bracket 200, which is attached to the attachment location while supporting the camera 210, does not easily come off from the attachment location. Well, in this embodiment, in order to increase the bonding area of the bonding surface 202a, the mounting plate protrudes from the base end of the camera 210 by approximately 10 mm in a direction away from the lens 231 and substantially flat with the direction of the central axis A. It is configured. Incidentally, depending on the adhesive strength of the double-sided tape, the length of this projection can be shortened. By extending the mounting plate 202 in the direction away from the lens 231 , it is possible to increase the bonding area of the mounting plate 202 while keeping the base end of the mounting plate 202 as close to the lens 231 as possible.

Also, the mounting plate 202 is connected to the ring portion 201 via a connecting portion 203 so as to be symmetrical in the lateral direction. In other words, the mounting plate 202 is connected to the ring portion 201 via the connecting portion 203 so that the center of the mounting plate 202 in the lateral direction is positioned on the central axis A when the mounting surface 202a is viewed from the front. In other words, when the mounting surface 202a is viewed from the side, the center of the mounting plate 202 in the lateral direction is closest to the ring portion 201, and both sides thereof are symmetrical. (see, for example, FIGS. 2(e) and (f)).

The connecting portion 203 is interposed between the ring portion 201 and the mounting plate 202. The connecting portion 203 is provided with an insertion hole 203a through which a banding band (not shown) can be inserted. The insertion hole 203a penetrates the connecting portion 203 substantially parallel to the circumferential direction of the ring portion 201, and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so that a belt-like binding band can be inserted through it. For example, when the bracket 200 is attached to the frame of a forklift, the insertion hole 203a is formed by wrapping the mounting plate 202 and the frame together with a binding band so that the mounting plate 202 is pressed against the frame. It is used when fixing to In other words, the insertion hole 203a serves as insurance for enabling the binding band to be used to prevent the bracket 200 from falling.

By providing the insertion hole 203a, for example, when the camera unit 20 is attached to the outside of the vehicle, the camera unit 20 can be attached even if the bracket 200 is exposed to the weather and the mounting plate 202 is peeled off from the mounting location of the vehicle. It is possible to prevent things such as dropping from the mounting location.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the camera 210 includes a camera housing 211 and a camera module 229 incorporated in the camera housing 211. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the camera housing 211 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of approximately 33 mm and a length of approximately 50 mm in the central axis direction. By forming the camera housing 211 into a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, the camera 210 can be easily rotated with respect to the bracket 200, and the appearance is neat, small, and cute. Further, for example, even if the camera 210 is rotated, the outer shape does not change much (for example, the shape is basically substantially cylindrical when viewed from any angle), so that it is difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable.

A lens placement section 212 in which a lens 231 of the camera module 229 is arranged is provided on the front end side (hereinafter simply referred to as "front end side") of the camera housing 2111 in the direction of the central axis A. As shown in FIG. The lens placement portion 212 is arranged in the camera housing such that the lens 231 faces in a direction perpendicular to the central axis A and does not protrude from the mounting surface 202a of the mounting plate 202 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis A. 211 (see, for example, FIGS. 2B and 2C). In addition, the lens placement portion 212 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211 at a substantially central portion in the central axis A direction.

Note that the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211 is a portion that is exposed without being hidden by the bracket 200 and the fixing member 250 when the bracket 200 and the fixing member 250 are attached. The length in the central axis A direction is approximately 30 mm. Moreover, the length of the part hidden by the bracket 200 and the fixing member 250 in the direction of the central axis A is approximately 20 mm.

An opening 213 for exposing the lens 231 is formed in the lens arrangement portion 212. As shown in FIG. It is exposed through the packing 232 . Note that the opening 213 in this embodiment is formed in a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 13 mm. Interposing the packing 232 between the opening 213 and the lens 231 (camera module 229) prevents water from entering through the opening 213 unnecessarily.

Nothing is provided on the front end side of the lens placement portion 212 of the camera housing 211, that is, the front end portion of the camera housing 211 (the front end portion of the camera 210), and for example, double-sided tape can be attached. It has a substantially planar shape.

A mounting recess 214 to which the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 can be mounted is provided on the base end side of the lens placement portion 212 of the camera housing 211 . The mounting recess 214 is formed so that when the camera 210 is mounted on the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200, the outer peripheral surface 201a of the ring portion 201 and the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211 are positioned on the same plane. It is formed in a concave shape with respect to the surface 211a. That is, the mounting recess 214 is formed in a recessed shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface 211a by the thickness of the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 (approximately 2 mm in this embodiment). The outer diameter of the mounting recess 214 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 so that the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 can rotate on the mounting recess 214 .

At the boundary between the outer peripheral surface 211a and the mounting recess 214, when the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 is mounted in the mounting recess 214, the side surface 201c of the ring portion 201 (see, for example, FIG. 4B) can contact. A contact surface 215 is erected in a direction orthogonal to the central axis A. As shown in FIG. A part of the contact surface 215 in the circumferential direction (a semicircular area in this embodiment) is formed with a meshing portion 216 that can mesh with the meshing portion 204 of the ring portion 201 . The meshing portion 216 is composed of a plurality of concave portions 216a and convex portions 216b adjacent to each other. Rotation relative to 200 is regulated.

In addition, the meshing portion 216 and the meshing portion 204 are formed so as to restrict rotation in increments of 5 degrees. By regulating the rotation in increments of 5 degrees, the orientation of the camera 210 can be adjusted to a desired orientation when the camera unit 20 is attached to the vehicle.

A threaded portion 217 into which the fixing member 250 can be screwed toward the distal side is provided on the proximal side of the mounting recess 214 of the camera housing 211 . The threaded portion 217 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the mounting recess 214 , and at the boundary between the mounting recess 214 and the threaded portion 217 , a restricting surface 218 that restricts the amount of screwing of the fixing member 250 in the axial direction is formed along the central axis. It is erected in a direction orthogonal to A.

Here, the length of the mounting recess 214 in the direction of the central axis A is slightly shorter than the length of the ring member 21 in the direction of the central axis A when the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 is mounted in the mounting recess 214. is formed in Therefore, when ring portion 201 of bracket 200 is mounted in mounting recess 214 , regulation surface 218 described above is located inside side surface 201 d of ring portion 201 . As a result, when the fixing member 250 is screwed into the threaded portion 217 after the ring portion 201 is mounted in the mounting recess 214 , the ring portion 201 contacts the fixing member 250 without being restricted by the restricting surface 218 . It is sandwiched between the surface 215 and the ring portion 201 can be fixed. At this time, the meshing portion 204 of the ring portion 201 meshes with the meshing portion 216 of the contact surface 215, and the rotation of the ring portion 201 on the mounting recess 214 is restricted.

On the other hand, if the screwing amount of the fixing member 250 is reduced, it becomes possible to release the meshing between the meshing portion 204 of the ring portion 201 and the meshing portion 216 of the contact surface 215 . It can be rotated in increments of degrees.

On the proximal side of the threaded portion 217 of the camera housing 211 (the proximal end of the camera housing 211), the distal end portion of the first connection portion 400 (see, for example, FIG. 8A) of the connection cable 40 is attached. An insertable insert 219 is provided. The insertion portion 219 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape centering on the central axis A and passing through the central portion of the screw portion 217 in the direction of the central axis A, and is connected to the inner wall of the screw portion 217 by a plurality of ribs 219a. (see, for example, FIG. 5(a)). In this embodiment, the insertion portion 219 is connected to the inner wall of the screw portion 217 by eight radially provided ribs 219a. By connecting the screw portion 217 and the insertion portion 219 with a plurality of ribs 219a, the insertion portion 219 can be reinforced without unnecessarily increasing the amount of resin.

In addition, the insertion portion 219 is formed in a size that allows the tip portion of the first connection portion 400 to which the O-ring 407 (see, for example, FIG. 8A) to be attached can be inserted while crushing the O-ring 407. . For example, the first connecting portion 400 having an O-ring 407 with a thickness of 1.5 mm can be inserted while the O-ring is crushed by 0.2 to 0.3 mm. By inserting the first connection portion 400 into the insertion portion 219 while crushing the O-ring 407, the inside of the insertion portion 219 is sealed by the first connection portion 400, and the inside of the insertion portion 219 becomes waterproof.

The deepest part of the insertion part 219 is positioned around the mounting recess 214 in the central axis A direction. In other words, the insertion portion 219 has a depth up to about the mounting recess 214 , so that the distal end portion of the first connecting portion 400 can be inserted up to the vicinity of the mounting recess 214 . Also, at the deepest part of the insertion part 219, an HDMI female connector to which an HDMI male connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "male connector") 401 (see, for example, FIG. 8A) of the first connection part 400 can be connected. A connector placement portion 219b in which a 230 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "female connector") can be placed is provided (see, for example, FIG. 2(f)). The connector placement portion 219b is configured by an opening having substantially the same shape as the female connector 220, and the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400 inserted into the insertion portion 219 is connected to the female connector 220 exposed from the opening. It has become. At this time, since the inside of the insertion portion 219 is kept waterproof by the O-ring 407 , water does not enter from the insertion portion 219 to the connecting portion between the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 .

A guide projection 221 is provided on the inner wall of the insertion portion 219 to guide the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400 toward the female connector 230 . The guide protrusion 221 is formed substantially parallel to the central axis A from the deepest portion of the insertion portion 219, and engages with a guide groove 408 (see, for example, FIG. 8A) of the first connection portion 400, which will be described later. Then, the male connector 401 is directed toward the female connector 230 in a state in which the orientation of the male connector 401 and the orientation of the female connector 230 of the first connecting portion 400 are matched (for example, the outer shape and pin arrangement are matched). to guide you. When first connecting portion 400 is inserted into insertion portion 219 , male connector 401 is guided to female connector 230 by guide protrusion 221 and guide groove 408 , so that female connector 230 is positioned at the deepest portion of insertion portion 219 . is provided, the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 can be easily connected. For example, even if the female connector 230 inside the insertion portion 219 cannot be seen, the male connector 401 can be easily connected to the female connector 230 .

Further, the guide projections 221 are provided above the long sides of the substantially rectangular female connector 230 . Therefore, the guide groove 408 is also provided above the long side of the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400, so that the guide groove 408 is formed in the relatively thick portion of the first connection portion 400. It's becoming

Note that the guide projection 221 is formed to be longer than at least the length of the first connection portion 400 in the connection direction of the male connector 401 , so that when the tip portion of the first connection portion 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 219 , the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 do not come into direct contact with each other. Further, the guide projection 221 is formed so as to be shorter than at least the length of the first connection portion 400 to an O-ring 407 described later. By making the distance to the O-ring 407 as short as possible, the O-ring 407 can be inserted deeper into the insertion section 219. For example, the first connection section 400 inserted into the insertion section 219 can be can make it difficult to get out of.

In addition, a mark 222 indicating the position of the guide projection 221 is provided at the entrance of the insertion portion 219 , which is the end portion of the insertion portion 219 on the extension line of the guide projection 221 , so that the user can easily see the position inside the insertion portion 219 . The position of the guide protrusion 221 can be predicted to some extent. Further, the guide projection 221 is arranged on an extension line in the radial direction with one of the plurality of ribs 219a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the camera housing 211 includes a first housing 211b and a second housing 211c that can be fitted with the first housing 211b. That is, the camera housing 211 can be divided into a first housing 211b and a second housing 211c. By dividing the camera housing 211 into a first housing 211b and a second housing 211c, the camera module 229 can be taken out and housed inside.

A threaded portion 217 and an insertion portion 219 are integrally formed in the first housing 211b. It is divided substantially equally into a first housing 211b and a second housing 211c. Therefore, in the camera housing 211, a packing 223 formed along the cross section of the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c is arranged between the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c. By doing so, water or the like is prevented from entering between the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c.

In addition, the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c are fixed by screwing after the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c are fitted together while crushing the packing 223. is configured to In this embodiment, four screws 224 are configured to fix the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c, and the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c are fixed. Two screw-fastening portions are formed on the outer peripheral surface 211a and two on the mounting recess 214 for this purpose. Specifically, screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, and 225d through which the screws 224 pass are formed in the outer peripheral surface 211a and the mounting recess 214 of the second housing 211c. , 225b, 225c and 225d are formed with screw grooves 226a, 226b, 226c and 226d.

The screws 224 are inserted into the screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, and 225d with seal washers interposed therebetween, so that water or the like is prevented from entering through the screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, and 225d. It's becoming Further, by forming the screw holes 225c and 225d in the mounting recesses 214c and 214d, when the camera 210 is mounted on the bracket 200, the screw holes 225c and 225d and the screws 224 in the screw holes 225c and 225d can be hidden. become able to.

The camera module 229 is arranged so that the female connector 230 is positioned on the central axis A, and is fixed to the first housing 211b so that the female connector 230 is positioned on the central axis A. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the female connector 230 is positioned on the central axis A by combining the boards, and the screws 227 are screwed into the screw holes 228a and 228b formed on the inner surface of the first housing 211b. Thus, the female connector 230 is fixed to the first housing 211b so as to be positioned on the central axis A. As shown in FIG. As a result, the female connector 230 is positioned at the connector placement portion 219b formed on the central axis A. As shown in FIG.

A wide-angle lens is used for the lens 231 of the camera module 229 . In this embodiment, a wide-angle lens with a diagonal angle of 150 to 170 degrees is used. By using such a wide-angle lens, for example, when it is attached to the windshield of a vehicle, it is possible to photograph a range up to the extent that a pillow can be seen at a diagonal angle of 160 degrees. can be photographed. Further, for example, when the camera is attached to a work vehicle such as a forklift, it is possible to photograph objects on the road outside the work vehicle such as a forklift. Therefore, it is possible to confirm from the recorded video that the work vehicle such as a forklift has stepped on something, dropped a load, or has a step. In addition, it is possible to confirm whether or not the driver has performed a pointing check before boarding.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fixing member 250 is formed in a cap shape that can be attached to the base end portion of the camera 210. A thread groove 251 is formed in the inner peripheral surface 250a so that it can be screwed. In addition, when the fixing member 250 is screwed into the screw portion 217, the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211) and the outer peripheral surface 250b of the fixing member 250 are substantially on the same plane. The outer diameter is formed to be approximately the same diameter (for example, the same diameter, or slightly smaller or slightly larger) than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211). It is In this embodiment, the fixing member 250 has an outer diameter of about 33 mm, which is the same as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), a side surface 250c perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface 250a and the outer peripheral surface 250b of the fixing member 250 is formed in a substantially planar shape capable of coming into contact with the side surface 201d of the ring portion 201. . An opening 252 that exposes the inserting portion 219 is formed in a substantially central portion of a surface 250d opposite to the side surface 250c. Further, the surface 250d is formed so as to be positioned substantially on the same plane as the entrance of the insertion portion 219, so that the insertion portion 219 is formed at the base end of the camera.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connection cable 40 includes a first connection portion 400 connectable to the camera unit 20, a second connection portion 410 connectable to the recording device 30, and the first connection portion 400 and the second connection portion. and a cord portion 420 that connects with 410 .

As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8G, the first connection section 400 includes an HDMI male connector 401 and a molded section 402 molded from resin. The male connector 401 is configured by a rectangular HDMI terminal, and eight pins are arranged in parallel inside. The wires connected to the pins are housed in the mold portion 402 while being wrapped with aluminum foil. Also, the pins arranged in parallel inside the male connector 401 are arranged so as not to break while reducing the number of pins unlike the pin arrangement of the existing HDMI cable.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), the male connector 401 includes an engaging portion provided on an HDMI female connector (in this embodiment, the female connector 230), as in an existing HDMI male connector. Engageable engaged portions 401a and 401b are provided.

In addition, by using the HDMI terminal, the first connection unit 400 is small and inexpensive, and allows more pins to be arranged. For example, in the case of a USB terminal, only 5 pins can be taken, but by using an HDMI terminal, 5 or more pins can be arranged. Further, for example, the thickness of the cord section 430 can be reduced by reducing the number of pins compared to using an existing HDMI cable having 12 pins.

The pins also include power supply pins, and the connection cable 40 supplies power from the device to which the first connection section 400 is connected to the device to which the second connection section 410 is connected, for example. Power can be supplied from the device to which the second connection section 410 is connected to the device to which the first connection section 400 is connected. In other words, the connection cable 40 can supply power in both directions. For example, when the second connection portion 410 is connected to a drive recorder that receives power from the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, and the first connection portion 400 is connected to the camera unit 20, the camera unit 20 is connected via the drive recorder. It is designed to be able to receive power supply from the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 8( a ), the molded portion 402 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes a primary insertion portion 403 , a secondary insertion portion 404 , a handle portion 405 and a bellows portion in order from the tip side. 406 and. The primary insertion portion 403 is formed so as to be insertable into the insertion portion 219 without the guide protrusion 221 provided on the insertion portion 219 and the guide groove 408 engaging with each other. be. A guide groove 408 is formed in the primary insertion portion 403, and the guide projection 221 of the insertion portion 219 and the guide groove 408 of the primary insertion portion 403 are engaged (the guide projection 221 enters the guide groove 408). , the mold portion 402 can be further inserted into the insertion portion 219 .

The secondary insertion portion 404 is a portion that can be inserted when the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408 are engaged with each other, and is entirely inserted into the insertion portion 219 when the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected. The secondary insertion portion 404 is provided with a mounting groove 404a for mounting an O-ring 407. In this embodiment, the mounting groove 404a is capable of mounting an O-ring having a thickness of 1.5 mm so as to protrude by 0.5 mm. is formed. That is, the mounting groove 404a has a depth of 1.0 mm.

The handle portion 405 is a portion that is not inserted into the insertion portion 219 even when the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected. It is the part that the user grasps. The bellows portion 406 is provided at the proximal end of the first connection portion 400 and is provided to allow the first connection portion 400 and the cord portion 420 to move flexibly.

The correspondence between the first connection section 400 and the connection target (the insertion section 219 in this embodiment) is uniquely specified.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the second connection section 410 includes an HDMI male connector (hereinafter simply referred to as “male connector”) 411 and a molded section 412 made of resin. Since the male connector 411 has the same configuration as the male connector 401, the description thereof is omitted. The molded portion 412 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is substantially similar to the HDMI terminal so that the insertion direction of the male connector can be easily recognized, like the connecting portion of a general HDMI cable. Also, the molded portion 412 is not inserted into a connection portion 400 (see, for example, FIG. 9A) of the recording device 30, which will be described later. That is, unlike the first connecting portion 400 , the second connecting portion 410 is configured such that only the male connector 411 is inserted into the connecting portion 400 .

There are a plurality of connection cables 40 with different lengths of the cord portions 420. For example, the required length is determined according to the distance between the location where the camera unit 20 is arranged and the location where the recording device 30 is arranged. code portion 420 can be selected as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the recording device 30 is formed in a rectangular box shape, and includes a plurality of connection portions 300 (four in this embodiment) to which the second connection portion 410 can be connected, It comprises an SD card slot section 301 into which an SD card is loaded and a microphone section 302 for recording sound.

A female connector 303 to which the male connector 411 of the second connecting portion 410 can be connected is arranged in the connecting portion 300, and the tip of the female connector 303 is exposed. In other words, only the male connector 411 is connected to the connecting portion 300 . In other words, it has a configuration in which no waterproof treatment is performed. The SD card slot unit 301 is provided for recording images captured by the camera 210 on an attached SD card. In this embodiment, the camera 210 itself does not have a recording medium, and the recording device 30 records. Thereby, the camera 210 can be miniaturized. The microphone unit 302 is housed inside the recording device 30, and is capable of recording the voice of the worker, the movement of the work vehicle during work, the sound of the load processed by the work vehicle, and the like.

A sensor unit 5 is connected to the recording device 30, and the sensor unit 5 incorporates an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. A triangular mark 50 for defining the direction of travel and a horizontal line 51 for defining the horizontal direction are drawn on the sensor unit 5. The triangular mark (direction of travel) and the horizontal line ( horizontal direction). By providing a gyro sensor, for example, even in a vehicle that is steered by the rear wheels, such as a forklift, the movement of the vehicle (for example, in the case of a forklift, the movement when the rear wheels are steered and the rotation is performed) can be detected. be able to

Next, how to use the drive recorder 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. In the following, a case where the drive recorder 1 described above is used by being attached to the rear glass 101 of a one-box type vehicle 100 and a case of being used by being attached to a forklift 110, which is an example of a work vehicle, will be described.

First, the case of attaching to the rear glass 101 of a one-box type vehicle 100 for use will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the camera unit 20 is connected in advance to the drive recorder attached to the windshield of the vehicle 100 via the connection cable 40, and the camera unit 20 is used as a second camera for photographing the rear of the vehicle. will be used to explain. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the camera unit 20 according to this embodiment is attached to the rear glass 101 of the vehicle 100. As shown in FIG.

When mounting the camera unit 20 on the rear glass 101, first, the mounting position of the camera unit 20 on the rear glass 101 is determined. Here, when it is attached to the rear glass 101 , it must be attached in a place away from the heating wire 102 arranged on the rear glass 101 . In other words, the desired location is a location other than the location where the hot wire 102 is arranged. In this embodiment, it is attached to the right upper end of the rear glass 101 .

After the installation location is determined, next prepare a connection cable 40 having a length corresponding to the distance between the installation location and the drive recorder attached to the windshield. The connection cable 40 having a length suitable for the distance should be selected and prepared in advance. By using a connecting cable with a length corresponding to the required distance, for example, the length of the cord is insufficient or the cord is too long and becomes an obstacle. In particular, by extending the cord with a connector, problems such as the image disappearing can be eliminated. This is possible because the camera unit 20 and the connection cable 40 are configured separately.

After the connection cable 40 is prepared, the release sheet of the double-sided tape attached to the mounting surface 202a of the mounting plate 202 of the bracket 200 is peeled off, and the central axis A of the ring portion 201 is aligned substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. , and attach the mounting plate 202 to the rear glass 101 . By attaching in this way, when the camera 210 is supported by the ring portion 201, the camera 210 can take a wide-angle image in the left-right direction of the vehicle. For example, it is possible to photograph the situation of vehicles traveling in the right and left lanes.

After attaching the mounting plate 202 to the rear glass 101 , the mounting recess 214 of the camera 210 is mounted on the ring portion 201 . When the mounting recess 214 is mounted on the ring portion 201, the camera 210 is rotated so that the lens 231 of the camera 210 faces the outside of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the camera 210 is rotated so that the rear glass 101 and the lens 231 face each other. At this time, for example, even if the camera 210 is rotated 360 degrees, the lens 231 does not come into contact with the mounting plate 202 . Also, even if the camera 210 faces the rear glass 101, the lens 231 will not be hidden by the mounting plate 202 and photography will not be possible. Moreover, since the connection cable 40 is not connected, the camera 210 can be easily rotated. After rotating the camera 210 , the fixing member 250 is then screwed into the camera 210 to secure the camera 210 to the bracket 200 .

After fixing the camera 210 to the bracket 200 , the first connection portion 400 of the connection cable 40 is connected to the camera 210 . Specifically, first, the handle portion 405 of the first connection portion 400 is grasped and the primary insertion portion 403 is inserted into the insertion portion 219 of the camera 210 . When the primary insertion section 403 is inserted into the insertion section 219, the distal end of the primary insertion section 403 will move if the guide projection 221 provided on the inner wall of the insertion section 219 is not engaged with the guide groove 408 of the primary insertion section 403. It comes into contact with the guide projection 221 and the primary insertion portion 403 cannot be inserted any further. That is, when the connecting direction of the male connector 401 and the connecting direction of the female connector 230 do not match, the primary insertion portion 403 cannot be inserted more than necessary. At this time, since the length in the insertion direction of the male connector 401 provided at the tip of the primary insertion portion 403 is shorter than the length in the insertion direction of the guide protrusion 221, the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are not required. It will not be damaged by contact.

Next, the user rotates the handle portion 405 while inserting the primary insertion portion 403 into the insertion portion 219 to engage the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408 . At this time, since the handle portion 405 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, the user can easily rotate the first connection portion 400 . In addition, since the first connection portion 400 includes the bellows portion 406, the load on the cord portion 420 due to rotation is reduced. Also, at this time, the user may support the camera 210 with the other hand, and since the camera 210 is also formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, the user can easily support it. Furthermore, since the insertion portion 219 is provided at the proximal end of the camera 210 and the mounting plate 202 of the bracket 200 extends in a direction away from the proximal end substantially parallel to the central axis A, the first connection portion 400 is rotated. In fact, even if a force is applied in a direction away from the rear glass 101 from the base end side, the mounting plate 202 will not be easily peeled off from the rear glass 101 .

When the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408 are engaged by the rotation of the first connection portion 400 , the secondary insertion portion 404 can be inserted into the insertion portion 219 . At this time, first, the secondary insertion portion 404 is inserted up to the front of the portion where the O-ring 407 is attached, and when the secondary insertion portion 404 is further pushed from there, the O-ring 407 is crushed and the secondary insertion portion 404 is inserted. is inserted into the insertion portion 219 . By inserting the O-ring 407 into the insertion portion 219 while being crushed, the inside of the insertion portion 219 is sealed and water and the like are prevented from entering. At this time, since the guide projection 221 and the guide groove 408 are engaged with each other, the connection direction of the male connector 401 and the connection direction of the female connector 230 are matched. , the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected.

When the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected, then the second connecting portion 410 is connected to the drive recorder. When the second connection unit 410 is connected to the drive recorder, power is supplied from the drive recorder to the camera 210 via the connection cable 40, and an image captured by the camera 210 can be confirmed on the liquid crystal monitor of the drive recorder. When the camera image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor, the user adjusts the photographing direction of the camera 210 while looking at the liquid crystal monitor. At this time, since notches 205a and 205b are provided at both ends of the mounting plate 202 of the bracket 200 on the lens side, the liquid crystal monitor can be viewed even when the camera 210 is facing the rear glass 101 or when the camera 210 is rotated. The mounting plate 202 is not reflected.

Moreover, since the camera 210 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, it is relatively inconspicuous even when attached to the rear glass 101 . Moreover, even when the mounting plate 202 extends away from the lens 231, the mounting plate 202 does not stand out because of the configuration in which the first connecting portion 400 is connected to the base end portion of the camera 210. FIG.

Next, a case where the drive recorder 1 is attached to a forklift 110 and used will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment is attached to a forklift 110. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the forklift 110, the camera unit 20 is mounted on the upper frame 111 of the forklift 110 so that the camera unit 20 can simultaneously capture the working state of the forklift 110 and the driver driving the forklift 110. mounted behind the

Specifically, first, the release sheet of the double-sided tape attached to the mounting surface 202a of the mounting plate 202 of the bracket 200 is peeled off, and the mounting plate is mounted so that the central axis A of the ring portion 201 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. 202 is attached to the lower surface 111a behind the upper frame 111. As shown in FIG. By sticking in this way, when the camera 210 is supported by the ring portion 201, the camera 210 can take a wide-angle image of the forklift in the horizontal direction.

After attaching the mounting plate 202 to the lower surface 111 a of the upper frame 111 , the mounting plate 202 is pressed against the upper frame 111 by inserting a binding band (not shown) through the insertion hole 203 a and winding it around the upper frame 111 . fixed. This prevents the bracket 200 from falling off from the upper frame 111 even when the adhesive force of the double-sided tape on the mounting surface 202a is reduced due to the bracket 200 being exposed to the weather.

After winding the binding band around the upper frame 111 , the mounting recess 214 of the camera 210 is mounted on the ring portion 201 . When the mounting recess 214 is mounted on the ring portion 201, the camera 210 is rotated so that the lens 231 of the camera 210 faces the driver. When the lens 231 of the camera 210 is directed toward the driver from behind the upper frame 111, the camera 210 can simultaneously photograph the driver and the load placed on the claws 113 of the forklift 110. Once the rotational position (imaging direction) of the camera 210 is determined, the fixing member 250 is screwed into the camera 210 to fix the camera 210 to the bracket 200 .

After fixing the camera 210 to the bracket 200 , the recording device 30 is stored under the seat 112 . By storing under the sheet 112, the recording device 30 is prevented from getting wet by rain. Next, the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30 are connected with a connection cable 40 having a cord length corresponding to the distance between the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30 . Specifically, the first connection portion 400 of the connection cable 40 is connected to the camera unit 20 and the second connection portion 410 is connected to the recording device 30 . Since the connection of the first connection portion 400 to the camera unit 20 is the same as described above, the description thereof will be omitted here.

As described above, when the first connection portion 400 is connected to the camera 210, the O-ring 407 is crushed and inserted into the insertion portion 219, so that the inside of the insertion portion 219 is sealed. is prevented. Therefore, even in a place exposed to wind and rain, such as the upper frame 111 of the forklift 110, the camera 210 is prevented from being damaged due to water, dust, etc. entering the inside of the camera 210.例文帳に追加In camera 210, packing 232 is arranged also in lens arrangement portion 212, and packing 223 is also arranged between first housing 211b and second housing 211c. You can't even enter. That is, the camera 210 becomes completely waterproof by connecting the first connection portion 400 .

In addition, by using the connection cable 40 having a cord length corresponding to the distance between the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30, it is possible to prevent the cord from being unnecessarily long and becoming a hindrance, or the cord length from becoming insufficient. prevented. In particular, in the case of a work vehicle such as a forklift, it is possible to prevent an accident or the like caused by an unnecessarily long cord getting caught on something.

After connecting the first connection section 400 to the camera 210 , the second connection section 410 is connected to the connection section 300 of the recording device 30 . After connecting the second connection portion 410 to the recording device 30 , next, the sensor unit 50 is attached around the seat 112 of the forklift 110 . The sensor unit 50 is preferably installed near the center of rotation when the front wheels of the forklift 110 are stopped and the rear wheels are steered. In this embodiment, it is attached to the lower portion of the sheet 112 . By attaching it to the lower part of the seat 112, the recording of the rotation of the forklift 110 and the feeling of the driver by the rotation of the forklift 110 can be made closer. Once the sensor unit is attached, the attachment is completed by connecting the power source to the recording device 30 .

Next, referring to FIG. 12, a description will be given of a playback screen when an image taken by the camera unit 20 attached to the forklift 110 is played back on a personal computer or the like. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a photographed image displayed on a liquid crystal monitor using a PC viewer.

In order to view the video captured by the camera unit 20 and recorded on the SD card of the recording device 30 on a personal computer, it is necessary to download dedicated software to the personal computer. By downloading dedicated software to a personal computer or the like, the photographed images recorded on the SD card can be viewed on the personal computer. Hereinafter, a screen on a personal computer displayed by dedicated software will be referred to as a PC viewer.

As shown in FIG. 12, the PC viewer consists of four screens. First, a file list screen 60 on which a file list is displayed is arranged on the upper right. The file list screen 60 displays a list of files recorded on the SD card. The file list also displays the shooting date and time.

Below the file list screen 60, an attachment target display screen 61 is arranged on which attachment targets to which the camera 210 is attached are displayed. For example, in FIG. 12, since the camera 210 is attached to the forklift 110, a picture of the forklift is displayed. Further, for example, when the camera 210 is mounted on a standard-sized car, a picture of a standard-sized car is displayed, and when it is mounted on a motorcycle, a picture of a motorcycle is displayed. Furthermore, for example, when the camera is installed on the factory line, a picture of the factory line is displayed. In addition, as shown in the installation object display screen 61, the three-dimensional direction and the rotation direction are indicated by X, Y, Z, and W in this picture.

On the left side of the file list screen 60, that is, on the upper left of the PC viewer, there is an image screen 62 on which the image of the file selected on the file list screen 60 is displayed. For example, in the case where images taken by using a plurality of cameras are recorded, the image screen 62 can display the images taken by each camera at the same time. For example, when shooting with four cameras, four screens can be displayed at the same time. In addition, it is possible to display any one of the four screens larger than the other three, or to display only the screen of the desired camera.

Also, on the video screen, by performing predetermined processing (for example, right-clicking while the cursor is placed on the video screen 62), it is possible to flip vertically, horizontally, rotate XX degrees, and the like. . By performing this operation, even if the photographed image is tilted or reversed due to the direction of the camera, the image can be returned to a state in which the image can be normally viewed. Note that once this operation is performed, the state in which the rotation function is reflected is maintained even when another file on the file list is played back.

Below the image screen 62, an operation state screen 63 of an object to be photographed (the forklift 110 in FIG. 12) detected by the acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor is arranged. The operation state screen 63 displays the operation of the forklift 110 using numerical values and graphs. The user can check the operation of the forklift 110 by looking at the numerical values and the graph.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely enumerations of the most suitable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

For example, in the present embodiment, a drive recorder was used as an example of an imaging system, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the imaging system may be a security camera or the like. It can be used for a camera, a waterproof camera, etc. that requires a mounting method in which the mounting plate is positioned in the photographing direction of the camera.

Further, in the present embodiment, a camera that does not have a liquid crystal monitor capable of displaying images has been described, but the camera may be configured to have a liquid crystal monitor, for example. Similarly, in the present embodiment, a camera that does not have a card slot into which a recording medium such as an SD card can be inserted has been used, but the camera may have an SD card slot into which an SD card can be inserted, for example. It may be a configuration having.

Further, in the present embodiment, the camera without a tripod mounting hole has been described, but the camera may have a tripod mounting hole, for example.

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the connecting portion 203 having the insertion hole 203a penetrating in the circumferential direction of the ring portion is used, but the connecting portion extends in the direction of the central axis A perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the ring portion. A configuration having a through-hole may be used, or a configuration having two through-holes, a through-hole penetrating in the circumferential direction and a through-hole penetrating in the central axis direction, may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, the substantially cylindrical camera 210 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The camera may have, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, or may be a camera partially having a substantially cylindrical portion. Further, in the present embodiment, the camera 210 having the lens 231 arranged in the direction orthogonal to the central axis A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The camera may, for example, have a substantially cylindrical shape with the lens 231 arranged in the central axis direction, or may have a rectangular shape with the lens 231 arranged in the central axis direction.

Also, in the present embodiment, a connection cable different from the HDMI cable is used, but for example, an HDMI cable having a substantially cylindrical molded portion may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the fixing member is screwed into the base end portion of the camera to regulate the relative rotation of the camera with respect to the bracket. The connecting portion 400 may be configured to be difficult to come off from the camera 210 .

Modifications, constituent elements of the content of each embodiment, elements described in Means for Solving the Problems, and elements to which ideas are applied may be arbitrarily combined to form embodiments.

1 Drive recorder (an example of an imaging system)
20 camera unit (an example of an imaging device)
30 recording device 40 connection cable 50 sensor unit 100 vehicle 110 forklift 200 mounting bracket (an example of a mounting member)
201 ring part (an example of a rotation support part)
202 mounting plate 203 connecting portion 210 camera 219 insertion portion 221 guide protrusion 230 HDMI female connector 250 fixing member 400 first connection portion 410 second connection portion 420 coder portion 401 HDMI male connector 402 mold portion 403 primary insertion portion 404 secondary insertion portion 405 Handle 406 Bellows 407 O-ring 408 Guide groove

Claims (2)

a housing;
an attachment member for attaching the housing to a predetermined attachment location;
with
The housing is
Having a part provided with a camera and a cylindrical part located on one side of the lens of the camera,
The mounting member is
a ring-shaped support means rotatably mounted on the tubular portion;
a mounting plate directly or indirectly connected to said support means;
The mounting plate has a mounting surface to be mounted on the mounting location,
the mounting surface has a portion whose dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylinder is smaller than the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the portion on which the camera is provided;
When the lens of the camera is viewed from the front with the normal direction of the mounting surface facing the front direction of the lens of the camera , the ring-shaped supports are formed on both sides of the mounting surface in the direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface. An imaging device wherein the orientation of the mounting member relative to the housing is adjustable such that the means is visible. A mounting member for mounting a housing having a portion provided with a camera and a cylindrical portion located on one side of the lens of the camera to a predetermined mounting location,
a ring-shaped support means rotatably mounted on the tubular portion;
a mounting plate directly or indirectly connected to said support means;
has
The mounting plate has a mounting surface to be mounted on the mounting location,
the mounting surface has a portion whose dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylinder is smaller than the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the portion on which the camera is provided;
When the lens of the camera is viewed from the front with the normal direction of the mounting surface facing the front direction of the lens of the camera , the ring-shaped supports are formed on both sides of the mounting surface in the direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface. A mounting member that is adjustable in orientation with respect to the housing so that the means is visible.

Images