Setting device

Abstract

This invention relates to a setting device. In a camera device, when the setting body is housed and the winding mechanism restricts the rotation of the setting body, pressing the setting body causes the knob of the reset mechanism to be pressed, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the moving body by the reset mechanism. Therefore, the setting body can be unfolded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for accommodating or unfolding a mounting body by moving the mounting body. Background Technology

[0002] In the vehicle-mounted camera device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-131097, a camera is mounted on a movable part, and a drive mechanism is activated, causing the movable part to move between a protruding position and a retracted position. Furthermore, in the drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism transmits the rotational output of the motor to the movable part.

[0003] Here, in this vehicle-mounted camera device, when the drive mechanism is not in operation, the drive mechanism is released from restricting the movement of movable parts in the transmission mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above facts, the present invention aims to provide a device that allows movement of the device as needed when the movement of the device is restricted by a limiting mechanism.

[0005] The first embodiment of the present invention includes: a mounting body disposed on a vehicle; a photographing device disposed on the mounting body for photographing the outer side of the mounting body; an actuation device that moves the mounting body to be accommodated or unfolded by performing an actuation, and is provided with a limiting mechanism that restricts the movement of the mounting body when no actuation is performed; and a release mechanism that releases the restriction mechanism from restricting the movement of the mounting body by operation.

[0006] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the mounting device is in the same way as the mounting device in the first embodiment of the present invention. When the mounting body is accommodated, the mounting body is housed inside the vehicle, and the mounting body is moved to the unfolded position by operating the release mechanism.

[0007] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the setting device of the present invention, when the above-mentioned actuating device is activated, the above-mentioned release mechanism stops the movement of the above-mentioned setting body.

[0008] In any of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the setting device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention maintains the position of the setting body when the release mechanism is operated.

[0009] In any of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the setting device of the fifth embodiment restores the release mechanism to a non-operational state by repeatedly operating the release mechanism.

[0010] The first embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting device that mounts a mounting body onto a vehicle, and a camera device on the mounting body captures images of the outer side of the mounting body. Furthermore, by activating an actuation device, the mounting body is moved and accommodated or unfolded. When the actuation device is not activated, a limiting mechanism of the actuation device restricts the movement of the mounting body.

[0011] Here, the movement restriction imposed on the device by the limiting mechanism is lifted by operating the release mechanism. Therefore, movement of the device can be permitted as needed.

[0012] In the installation device of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the installation body is accommodated, the installation body is housed inside the vehicle, and the release mechanism is operated to move the installation body to the unfolded position. Therefore, even when the installation body is housed inside the vehicle, the installation body can be easily moved to the unfolded position by operating the release mechanism.

[0013] In the installation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the actuation device is activated, the release mechanism stops the movement of the installation body. Therefore, the movement of the installation body can be stopped with a simple structure.

[0014] In the installation device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the release mechanism is operated, the release mechanism maintains the position of the installation body. Therefore, the position of the installation body can be easily maintained.

[0015] In the installation device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the release mechanism is restored to a non-operating state by repeatedly operating the release mechanism. Therefore, the release mechanism can be easily restored to a non-operating state. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1A This is a rear view showing the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0017] Figure 1B This is a side view showing the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0018] Figure 1C This is a cross-sectional view showing the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 1B (Sectional view along line 1C-1C).

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the retractor of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle and from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] Figure 3A This is a rear view showing the retractor and reset mechanism when the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention is unfolded, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 3B This is a rear view showing the retractor and reset mechanism when the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention is housed, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 4A This is a top view showing the retractor and reset mechanism of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0023] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing the retractor of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction. Figure 4A (Sectional view along line 4B-4B).

[0024] Figure 4C This is a cross-sectional view showing the reset mechanism of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 4A (4C-4C line sectional view).

[0025] Figure 5A This is an exploded perspective view showing the reset mechanism of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle and from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] Figure 5B This is a top view showing the guide rail and pin of the reset mechanism of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6A This is a rear view showing the installation of the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 6B This is a rear view showing the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention being deployed by the reset mechanism of the mounting body during viewing from the rear of the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 6C This is a rear view showing the camera device of the embodiment of the present invention as unfolded due to the rotation operation of the mounting body, as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1A The image shows a rear view of the camera device 10, an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of a vehicle. Furthermore, in... Figure 1B The image shows a side view of the camera device 10 viewed from the outside (right side of the vehicle) in the vehicle width direction. Figure 1C The image shows a cross-sectional view of the camera device 10 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 1B(Sectional view along line 1C-1C). Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow OUT indicates the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and arrow UP indicates the top.

[0031] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the camera device 10 of this embodiment is installed on a plate-shaped fender panel 14 (front fender panel) that is the object of installation on a vehicle 12 (car). A generally rectangular installation hole 14A is formed through the middle part of the rear end of the fender panel 14 in the vertical direction. The installation hole 14A extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the lower end is inclined towards the upward direction as it moves towards the front of the vehicle.

[0032] A retractor 16, serving as an actuation device, is provided on the inner side of the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3A as well as Figure 4A The retractor 16 is positioned inside the upper portion of the mounting hole 14A in the vehicle width direction. A U-shaped plate-like bracket 18 is provided on the retractor 16, fixed to the inner side of the fender panel 14, and open outwards in the vehicle width direction. An approximately cylindrical shaft 20, serving as a support member, is mounted between the front and rear sidewalls of the bracket 18. The shaft 20 is parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is designed to be non-rotatable.

[0033] An approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped actuator 22 is disposed within the bracket 18. An approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped box-like housing 24 is disposed around the outer periphery of the actuator 22. The housing 24 is constructed by assembling an upper housing 24A and a lower housing 24B. A shaft 20 passes through the housing 24 between the upper housing 24A and the lower housing 24B, and the housing 24 is supported by the shaft 20 to allow it to rotate (move).

[0034] An L-shaped abutment plate 26, serving as an abutment portion, is integrally provided on the rear side of the housing 24 (lower housing 24B). The abutment plate 26 protrudes towards the rear of the vehicle. The outer portion of the abutment plate 26 in the vehicle width direction is provided with a receiving limiter 26A, which serves as a stop portion and extends downward in the direction of the vehicle width. The inner end of the abutment plate 26 in the vehicle width direction is provided with a retaining protrusion 26B, which serves as a retaining portion and protrudes upward.

[0035] Inside the housing 24, a motor 28 serving as a drive device is fixed to the outer side of the shaft 20 in the vehicle width direction. The output shaft of the motor 28 extends and protrudes along the front side of the vehicle, and a worm gear 30 serving as the first gear constituting the transmission mechanism is fixed on the same shaft. The motor 28 is electrically connected to the control unit 32 (ECU) of the vehicle 12, and the retractor 16 is activated by the control unit 32, thereby driving the motor 28 to rotate the worm gear 30.

[0036] A helical gear 34 (worm wheel), serving as the second gear constituting the transmission mechanism, meshes with the lower side of the worm 30. The helical gear 34 is supported within the housing 24 to allow rotation and is arranged axially parallel to the vehicle width direction. The worm 30 restricts the rotation of the helical gear 34, and the rotation of the worm 30 causes the helical gear 34 to rotate. On the inner side of the helical gear 34 in the vehicle width direction, a worm shaft 36 (worm, reference) serving as the third gear constituting the transmission mechanism is coaxially arranged. Figure 4B The worm shaft 36 is supported within the housing 24 so that it can rotate and rotates integrally with the helical gear 34.

[0037] A limiting mechanism 38 is provided on shaft 20 (see reference). Figure 4B The limiting mechanism 38 is configured inside the housing 24.

[0038] A limiting gear 40 (worm gear) is provided in the limiting mechanism 38 as the limited component. The limiting gear 40 has a shaft 20 passing through it on the same axis, is supported by the shaft 20 and is rotatable, and its movement toward the front of the vehicle is limited. The limiting gear 40 meshes with the worm shaft 36 of the actuating body 22, and the worm shaft 36 is configured to rotate integrally with the limiting gear 40 about the shaft 20. A cylindrical insertion hole 40A is formed on the same axis on the radially outer side of the limiting gear 40, and the insertion hole 40A opens toward the rear of the vehicle. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) limiting protrusions 40B are integrally formed on the front side (bottom surface) of the insertion hole 40A, and the plurality of limiting protrusions 40B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 40A. The cross-section of the limiting protrusion 40B along the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 40A is trapezoidal, and the circumferential dimension of the limiting protrusion 40B in the insertion hole 40A decreases as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0039] A nearly cylindrical clutch plate 42, serving as a limiting component, is provided in the limiting mechanism 38. The clutch plate 42 is positioned on the vehicle rear side of the limiting gear 40. A shaft 20 is coaxially inserted and fitted into the clutch plate 42, and the clutch plate 42 is supported by the shaft 20 so that it cannot rotate but can move axially (in the vehicle width direction). A cylindrical insertion tube 42A is formed coaxially on the vehicle front portion of the clutch plate 42, and the insertion tube 42A is inserted into the insertion hole 40A of the limiting gear 40. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) limiting recesses 42B are formed through the peripheral wall of the insertion tube 42A, and the plurality of limiting recesses 42B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube 42A. The cross-section of the limiting recesses 42B along the circumferential direction of the insertion tube 42A is set to a trapezoidal shape, and the circumferential dimension of the limiting recesses 42B in the insertion tube 42A increases as they move towards the vehicle front. The limiting recess 42B opens to the front of the vehicle, and the limiting protrusion 40B with the insertion hole 40A is embedded in the limiting recess 42B.

[0040] A limiting spring 44 (compression coil spring) is provided on the rear side of the clutch plate 42 as a limiting force application component, and a shaft 20 is inserted coaxially inside the limiting spring 44. A generally rectangular plate-shaped cam plate 46 is provided on the rear side of the limiting spring 44 as a locking component, and the shaft 20 passes through the cam plate 46 coaxially, preventing axial movement (vehicle longitudinal direction). The limiting spring 44 is compressed axially (vehicle longitudinal direction) between the clutch plate 42 and the cam plate 46, applying force to the clutch plate 42 towards the front of the vehicle, thereby preventing the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 (insertion hole 40A) from being disengaged from the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42 (insertion cylinder 42A), and limiting the rotation of the limiting gear 40. Therefore, the integral rotation of the worm shaft 36 and the limiting gear 40 is restricted, and the rotation (movement) of the actuator 22 (including the housing 24, motor 28, worm 30, helical gear 34 and worm shaft 36) around the shaft 20 is restricted.

[0041] As described above, when the retractor 16 is actuated, causing the worm shaft 36 to rotate, the rotational force of the worm shaft 36 acts on the limiting gear 40, causing the worm shaft 36 to rotate (revolve) around the limiting gear 40, thereby causing the actuator 22 to rotate around the shaft 20. When a rotational load exceeding a specified load (a load greater than the rotational load of the actuator 22 caused by the actuation of the retractor 16) is applied to the actuator 22, the clutch plate 42 moves inward in the vehicle width direction, overcoming the force of the limiting spring 44, and the engagement of the limiting protrusion 40B with the limiting recess 42B is released, causing the limiting gear 40 to rotate, thereby causing the worm shaft 36 to rotate integrally with the limiting gear 40, and causing the actuator 22 to rotate around the shaft 20.

[0042] A reset mechanism 48, serving as a release mechanism, is provided within the bracket 18 (see reference). Figure 3A , Figure 4A as well as Figure 5A The reset mechanism 48 is located inside the abutment plate 26 of the actuating body 22 (housing 24) in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] A generally bottomed cylindrical knob housing 50, serving as a guide component, is provided on the outer periphery of the reset mechanism 48. The knob housing 50 is fixed to the inner sidewall of the bracket 18 in the vehicle width direction. The knob housing 50 is constructed by assembling an upper first housing 50A and a lower second housing 50B, and the knob housing 50 is open outward in the vehicle width direction. Recessed guide rails 52, serving as guide portions, are formed on the upper and lower parts of the inner peripheral surface of the knob housing 50 (see reference). Figure 4C as well as Figure 5B The upper guide rail 52 and the lower guide rail 52 are designed to be point-symmetrical about the central axis inside the knob housing 50.

[0044] A first inner passage 52A is provided on the inner side of the guide rail 52 in the vehicle width direction. The first inner passage 52A extends from the base end side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) toward the front end side (inner side in the vehicle width direction) and then extends inward in the vehicle width direction in a direction A (the circumferential side inside the knob housing 50) as it extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the first inner passage 52A is connected to the base end of the first outer passage 52B. The first outer passage 52B extends from the base end side (inner side in the vehicle width direction) toward the front end side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) and then extends inward in the vehicle width direction in another direction B (the other circumferential side inside the knob housing 50) as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] The front end of the first outer passage 52B is connected to the base end of the second inner passage 52C. The second inner passage 52C extends from the base end side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) toward the front end side (inner side in the vehicle width direction) and then inward in the vehicle width direction, extending in a direction A in the same direction. The front end of the second inner passage 52C is connected to the base end of the second outer passage 52D. The second outer passage 52D extends from the base end side (inner side in the vehicle width direction) toward the front end side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) and then inward in the same direction, extending in a direction A in the same direction. The front end of the second outer passage 52D is connected to the base end of the first inner passage 52A. The guide rail 52 is formed in a ring shape.

[0046] A generally bottomed cylindrical knob 54, serving as an operating component, is embedded within the knob housing 50. The knob 54 opens inward in the vehicle width direction. At the inner end of the knob 54 in the vehicle width direction, a cylindrical pin 54A (see reference) is integrally provided at both the upper and lower ends as a guide portion. Figure 4C as well as Figure 5B Pin 54A protrudes radially outward from knob 54. Pin 54A is inserted into the base end of the first inner passage 52A of guide rail 52. The movement of pin 54A outward in the vehicle width direction is restricted by the circumferential surface of the base end of the first inner passage 52A, and the movement of knob 54 outward in the vehicle width direction is also restricted.

[0047] A return spring 56 (compression coil spring) serving as an operating force-applying component is installed between the inner side wall (bottom wall) of the knob housing 50 in the vehicle width direction and the outer side wall (bottom wall) of the knob 54 in the vehicle width direction. The return spring 56 is compressed in the axial direction (vehicle width direction) to apply force to the knob 54 outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] When the knob 54 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction with a pressing load exceeding the specified load (a load greater than the specified load mentioned above), the force of the return spring 56 overcomes the force of the return spring 56, causing the pin 54A to move from the base end of the first inner passage 52A of the guide rail 52 towards the front end, thus moving the knob 54 inward in the vehicle width direction and rotating it in one direction A. Furthermore, when the pressing operation of the knob 54 in the vehicle width direction is released, the force of the return spring 56 causes the pin 54A to move from the front end of the first inner passage 52A of the guide rail 52 towards the front end of the first outer passage 52B, thus moving the knob 54 outward in the vehicle width direction and rotating it in another direction B. Therefore, the movement of the pin 54A is restricted by the front circumferential surface of the first outer passage 52B, while the movement of the knob 54 outward in the vehicle width direction is restricted.

[0049] Then, when the knob 54 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction with a pressing load exceeding the specified load, the force of the return spring 56 overcomes the force of the return spring 56, causing the pin 54A to move from the front end of the first outer passage 52B of the guide rail 52 to the front end of the second inner passage 52C, causing the knob 54 to move inward in the vehicle width direction and rotate in one direction A. Furthermore, when the pressing operation of the knob 54 in the vehicle width direction is released, the force of the return spring 56 causes the pin 54A to move from the front end of the second inner passage 52C of the guide rail 52 through the second outer passage 52D to the base end of the first inner passage 52A, causing the knob 54 to move outward in the vehicle width direction and rotate in one direction A. Therefore, the knob 54 returns to its initial position.

[0050] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, a mounting body 58 is supported on the actuating body 22 of the retractor 16, and the mounting body 58 can rotate integrally with the actuating body 22. When the mounting body 58 is unfolded, the mounting body 58 (the upper part of the cover 60 below) protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14. When the retractor 16 is actuated and the actuating body 22 is rotated to one side, the mounting body 58 is accommodated downward and inward in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 1C (The double-dotted line). Furthermore, when the retractor 16 is activated and the action body 22 is rotated to the other side, the mounting body 58 rotates upward and outward in the vehicle width direction to unfold (restore).

[0051] A cover 60 is provided around the outer periphery of the actuator 22. The upper part of the cover 60 is designed as an approximately rectangular box shape, opening inward in the vehicle width direction and protruding outward in the vehicle width direction of the upper part of the cover 60. The actuator 22 of the retractor 16 is fixed inside the upper part of the cover 60, thereby enabling the mounting body 58 to rotate integrally with the actuator 22. A circular lower exposure hole 60A is formed through the middle of the upper part of the cover 60 in the vehicle front-rear direction, which opens the sun visor 50 inward and downward. A circular rear exposure hole 60B is formed through the rear side wall of the upper part of the sun visor 50, which opens the sun visor 50 inward and towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0052] The lower portion of the cover 60 is configured as a generally triangular plate, with its lower end tilting upwards towards the front of the vehicle. Except for the lower end, the outer surface of the lower portion of the cover 60 in the vehicle width direction is positioned on the same plane as the outer surface of the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction. An extension limiter 60C is formed at the lower end of the cover 60, and is positioned inside the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction. The extension limiter 60C abuts against the inner surface of the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction, thereby stopping the upward and outward rotation of the mounting body 58.

[0053] When the mounting body 58 is received, the receiving limiter 26A of the abutment plate 26 of the actuating body 22 (housing 24) abuts (face contact) with the outer side of the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48 in the vehicle width direction, and the downward and inner side of the mounting body 58 is stopped (see reference). Figure 3B as well as Figure 6A Furthermore, when housing the mounting body 58, the outer side of the upper wall of the cover 60 in the vehicle width direction is positioned on the same plane as the outer side of the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction, so that the entire mounting body 58 is housed inside the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction (inside the vehicle 12), and the mounting body 58 does not protrude outward from the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 6A ).

[0054] Inside the upper part of the cover 60, a lower camera 62, serving as a shooting device, is fixed at the middle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The lens 62A of the lower camera 62 protrudes downward through the lower exposure hole 60A of the cover 60. Inside the upper part of the cover 60, a rear camera 64, serving as a shooting device, is fixed at the rear side of the vehicle. The lens 64A of the rear camera 64 protrudes towards the rear of the vehicle through the rear exposure hole 60B of the cover 60.

[0055] The lower camera 62 and the rear camera 64 are electrically connected to the control device 32. Under the control of the control device 32, the lower camera 62 and the rear camera 64 capture images of the lower side of the lens 60 and the rear side of the vehicle, respectively, via the lens 62A and lens 64A. A monitor 66, serving as a display device, is electrically connected to the control device 32. Under the control of the control device 32, the monitor 66 displays the images captured by the lower camera 62 and the rear camera 64. The monitor 66 is installed inside the vehicle, allowing passengers to view the images displayed on the monitor 66, thus assisting with visual confirmation of the lower side and the rear side of the vehicle.

[0056] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0057] In the camera device 10 with the above structure, in the limiting mechanism 38 within the actuating body 22 of the retractor 16, the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 (insertion hole 40A) is restricted from engaging with the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42 (insertion cylinder 42A) by the force of the limiting spring 44, thereby limiting the rotation of the limiting gear 40. Therefore, within the actuating body 22, the integral rotation of the worm shaft 36 with the limiting gear 40 is limited, the rotation of the actuating body 22 (including the housing 24, motor 28, worm 30, helical gear 34, and worm shaft 36) is limited, and thus the rotation of the mounting body 58 is limited.

[0058] When the retractor 16 is activated by the control device 32, the drive motor 28 causes the worm 30, helical gear 34 and worm shaft 36 to rotate, thereby causing the worm shaft 36 to rotate around the limiting gear 40, which in turn causes the actuator 22 to rotate.

[0059] Furthermore, by unfolding the mounting body 58, the retractor 16 is activated, causing the actuator 22 to rotate to one side, while the mounting body 58 rotates downward and inward in the vehicle width direction to be accommodated. When the mounting body 58 is accommodated, the accommodating limiter 26A of the abutment plate 26 of the actuator 22 (housing 24) abuts against the outer side of the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48 in the vehicle width direction, stopping the downward and inward rotation of the mounting body 58. Additionally, when the mounting body 58 is accommodated, it is housed inward in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14 (inner side of the vehicle 12), and the lower camera 62 (including lens 62A) and the rear camera 64 (including lens 64A) of the mounting body 58 are housed inward in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14, thereby suppressing contamination, scratches, and malfunctions of the lower camera 62 and the rear camera 64.

[0060] Then, by actuating the retractor 16, the actuator 22 rotates to the other side, and the mounting body 58 rotates upward and outward in the vehicle width direction to be unfolded (restored). When the mounting body 58 is unfolded, the unfolding limiter 60C of the mounting body 58 (cover 60) abuts against the inner side of the fender panel 14 in the vehicle width direction, and the rotation of the mounting body 58 upward and outward in the vehicle width direction is stopped.

[0061] However, when the mounting body 58 is accommodated, assuming that the retractor 16 cannot operate due to a malfunction of the retractor 16 or freezing between the mounting body 58 and the fender panel 14, the mounting body 58 is pressed down on the lower side and inward in the vehicle width direction by the maximum pressing load exceeding the combined load of the specified load and the prescribed load. Therefore, in the limiting mechanism 38, the force of the limiting spring 44 is overcome, the engagement of the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 into the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42 is released, causing the limiting gear 40 to rotate, thereby causing the actuating body 22 to rotate to one side, and the mounting body 58 to rotate from the accommodating position to the lower side and inward in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 6A (The double-dotted line of the action body 22). Furthermore, by means of the receiving limiter 26A of the abutment plate 26 of the action body 22, the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction, thereby overcoming the force of the reset spring 56 in the reset mechanism 48, the pin 54A of the knob 54 moves from the base end of the first inner passage 52A of the guide rail 52 of the knob housing 50 to the front end, and the knob 54 moves inward in the vehicle width direction from the initial position.

[0062] Furthermore, the pressing operation on the downward side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the setting body 58 is released, and the pressing operation on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the knob 54 is released. Thus, in the reset mechanism 48, overcoming the force of the reset spring 56, the pin 54A moves from the front end of the first inner passage 52A of the guide rail 52 to the front end of the first outer passage 52B, and the knob 54 moves from its initial position to the outer side in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 6B Therefore, in the limiting mechanism 38, overcoming the force of the limiting spring 44, the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 rotates through the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42, causing the actuating body 22 to rotate to the other side, and the mounting body 58 to rotate upward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the receiving position. As a result, the mounting body 58 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14.

[0063] Furthermore, by rotating (e.g., stretching) the protruding portion of the mounting body 58 from the fender panel 14 outward in the vehicle width direction towards the upward side, the limiting mechanism 38 overcomes the force of the limiting spring 44, limiting the rotation of the gear 40, causing the actuating body 22 to rotate to the other side, and the mounting body 58 to rotate upward and outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the mounting body 58 is unfolded (restored) (see reference). Figure 6C Additionally, when the actuator 22 rotates to the other side and the mounting body 58 rotates upward and outward in the vehicle width direction, the reset mechanism 48 utilizes the force of the reset spring 56 to cause the knob 54 to slide relative to the abutment plate 26 of the actuator 22. The pin 54A moves in the first outer passage 52B of the guide rail 52, and the knob 54 moves in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 6B Furthermore, when the mounting body 58 is unfolded, the pin 54A moves towards the front end of the first outer passage 52B using the force of the return spring 56, and the outer side of the knob 54 in the width direction abuts (face contact) with the retaining protrusion 26B of the abutment plate 26, thereby holding the mounting body 58 in the unfolded position (see reference). Figure 6C ).

[0064] Then, when the maximum pressing load exceeding the combined load of the specified load and the prescribed load is applied to the mounting body 58 downwards and inwards in the vehicle width direction, in the limiting mechanism 38, the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 overcomes the force of the limiting spring 44, and the limiting gear 40 rotates through the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42, thereby causing the actuating body 22 to rotate to one side, and the mounting body 58 to rotate downwards and inwards in the vehicle width direction from the receiving position (see reference). Figure 6A (The double-dotted line of the action body 22). Furthermore, by pressing the knob 54 inward in the vehicle width direction through the abutment plate 26 of the action body 22, the force of the return spring 56 is overcome in the reset mechanism 48, and the pin 54A moves from the front end of the first outer passage 52B of the guide rail 52 to the front end of the second inner passage 52C, and the knob 54 moves inward in the vehicle width direction from the initial position.

[0065] Furthermore, the pressing operation on the downward side and the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the setting body 58 is released, and the pressing operation on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the knob 54 is released. Thus, in the reset mechanism 48, through the force of the reset spring 56, the pin 54A moves from the front end of the second inner passage 52C of the guide rail 52 via the second outer passage 52D to the base end of the first inner passage 52A, and the knob 54 moves (restores) to the outer side in the vehicle width direction back to its initial position (refer to...). Figure 6A (The solid line). Therefore, the actuating body 22 rotates to the other side, and the mounting body 58 rotates upward and outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby positioning the mounting body 58 in the receiving position. In addition, when the mounting body 58 is positioned in the receiving position, in the limiting mechanism 38, by the force of the limiting spring 44, the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 is embedded into the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42, limiting the rotation of the limiting gear 40, thereby limiting the rotation of the actuating body 22 and the rotation of the mounting body 58.

[0066] Here, as described above, when the set body 58 is accommodated by the operation of the retractor 16 (while the limiting mechanism 38 limits the rotation of the set body 58 by limiting the rotation of the action body 22), the set body 58 is pressed downwards and inwards in the vehicle width direction, and the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48 is pressed inwards in the vehicle width direction. Then, the pressing operation of the set body 58 downwards and inwards in the vehicle width direction is released, and the pressing operation of the knob 54 inwards in the vehicle width direction is released. As a result, in the reset mechanism 48, the knob 54 moves from its initial position outwards in the vehicle width direction by the force of the reset spring 56. In the limiting mechanism 38, the limiting protrusion 40B of the limiting gear 40 passes through the limiting recess 42B of the clutch plate 42, overcoming the force of the limiting spring 44. Therefore, when the rotation restriction of the actuator 22 by the limiting mechanism 38 is released by the reset mechanism 48, and the set body 58 is accommodated by the operation of the retractor 16, it is assumed that even if the retractor 16 cannot operate, the actuator 22 can be rotated to the other side to unfold the set body 58.

[0067] Furthermore, when the retractor 16 is used to accommodate the mounting body 58, after pressing the mounting body 58 downwards and inwards in the vehicle width direction, and then pressing the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48 inwards in the vehicle width direction, the reset mechanism 48 rotates the mounting body 58 upwards and outwards in the vehicle width direction from the accommodating position, causing the mounting body 58 to protrude outwards in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14. Therefore, even if the mounting body 58 does not protrude outwards in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14 when the retractor 16 is used to accommodate the mounting body 58, the reset mechanism 48 can easily unfold the mounting body 58 by causing it to protrude outwards in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14.

[0068] Furthermore, when the retractor 16 is used to accommodate the mounting body 58, the accommodating limiter 26A of the abutment plate 26 of the actuating body 22 abuts against the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48, and the knob 54 stops the mounting body 58 in the accommodating position. Therefore, the mounting body 58 can be stopped in the accommodating position by the reset mechanism 48 (knob 54) without the need for additional components other than the reset mechanism 48, and the mounting body 58 can be stopped in the accommodating position with a simple structure. Moreover, when the retractor 16 is used to accommodate the mounting body 58, by pressing the operating mounting body 58 downward and inward in the vehicle width direction, the operating knob 54 can be easily pressed inward in the vehicle width direction via the actuating body 22 (accommodating limiter 26A).

[0069] Furthermore, when the mounting body 58 is rotated to unfold, the outer side of the knob 54 in the vehicle width direction of the reset mechanism 48 abuts against the retaining protrusion 26B of the abutment plate 26 of the actuator 22 by the force of the reset spring 56, and the mounting body 58 is held in the unfolded position. Therefore, when the mounting body 58 is rotated to unfold, even if the rotation restriction of the actuator 22 by the restriction mechanism 38 is released, the mounting body 58 can still be held in the unfolded position, and the lower camera 62 and the rear camera 64 can respectively capture images of the lower side of the mounting body 58 and the rear side of the vehicle.

[0070] Furthermore, when the retractor 16 is used to accommodate the mounting body 58, the knob 54 of the reset mechanism 48 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction by pressing the mounting body 58 downwards and inward in the vehicle width direction. After the mounting body 58 is unfolded by the reset mechanism 48, the knob 54 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction again by pressing the mounting body 58 downwards and inward in the vehicle width direction, and the knob 54 is returned to its initial position by the reset mechanism 48. Therefore, the reset mechanism 48 (knob 54) can be easily returned to its initial state (non-operating state).

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reset mechanism 48 (knob 54) is operated indirectly via the setting body 58 and the actuating body 22. However, the reset mechanism 48 can also be operated directly.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reset mechanism 48 is mechanically operated by the force of the reset spring 56 through the operation of the reset mechanism 48 (knob 54). However, the reset mechanism 48 can also be electrically operated by the operation of the reset mechanism 48.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the mounting body 58 is accommodated, the mounting body 58 does not protrude outward in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14. However, when the mounting body 58 is accommodated, the mounting body 58 may also protrude outward in the vehicle width direction of the fender panel 14.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by setting the rotation axis (shaft 20) of the mounting body 58 on the upper side of the mounting body 58, the mounting body 58 is accommodated by rotating downward and inward in the vehicle width direction, and is unfolded by rotating upward and outward in the vehicle width direction. However, it is also possible to set the rotation axis of the mounting body 58 on the lower side of the mounting body 58, accommodate the mounting body 58 by rotating upward and inward in the vehicle width direction, and unfold it by rotating downward and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the mounting body 58 is rotated. However, the mounting body 58 can also slide.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two shooting devices (lower camera 62 and rear camera 64) are provided in the mounting body 58. However, one or more shooting devices may also be provided in the mounting body 58.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, a light illumination device such as a turn signal may be installed in the mounting body 58, or a detection device such as a radar may be installed in the mounting body 58.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera device 10 is installed on the fender panel 14 of the vehicle 12. However, the camera device 10 may also be installed on a part other than the fender panel 14 of the vehicle 12.

[0079] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-34191, filed on February 28, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 10…Camera device (setting device), 12…Vehicle, 16…Retractor (action device), 38…Limiting mechanism, 48…Reset mechanism (release mechanism), 58…Setting body, 62…Lower camera (shooting device), 64…Rear camera (shooting device).

Claims

1. A mounting device comprising: The mounting body is installed on the vehicle; A camera device is mounted on the aforementioned fixture and photographs the outer side of the aforementioned fixture. An actuating device that moves the aforementioned fixture to be accommodated or deployed by performing an actuation, and is provided with a limiting mechanism that restricts the movement of the fixture when not performing an actuation; and The release mechanism, when the aforementioned fixture is accommodated, releases the restriction mechanism's restriction on the movement of the fixture in the unfolding direction by operating in the accommodating direction. A generally bottomed cylindrical knob housing, serving as a guide member, is provided on the outer periphery of the aforementioned release mechanism. Concave guide rails, serving as guide portions, are formed on the upper and lower parts of the inner circumferential surface of the knob housing. A generally bottomed cylindrical knob, serving as an operating member, is embedded inside the knob housing. A return spring, serving as an operating force application member, is mounted between the inner sidewall of the knob housing in the vehicle width direction and the outer sidewall of the knob in the vehicle width direction.

2. The setting device according to claim 1, wherein, When the aforementioned fixture is accommodated, it is stored inside the vehicle, and the aforementioned release mechanism is operated to move the fixture toward the unfolded position.

3. The setting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the aforementioned actuation device is activated, the aforementioned release mechanism stops the movement of the aforementioned installation body.

4. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the above-mentioned release mechanism is operated, the release mechanism maintains the position of the above-mentioned fixture.

5. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, By repeatedly operating the aforementioned release mechanism, the release mechanism is restored to a non-operational state.

6. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The operating load of the aforementioned release mechanism is greater than the movement restriction load of the aforementioned restriction mechanism on the aforementioned installation body.

7. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, When the release mechanism is operated, the load that the release mechanism applies to moving the fixture is greater than the load that the limiting mechanism applies to limiting the movement of the fixture.

8. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The release mechanism is operated via at least one of the aforementioned mounting body and the aforementioned actuating device.

9. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The aforementioned limiting mechanism restricts the movement of the aforementioned fixture by applying force.

10. The mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, When the above-mentioned release mechanism is operated, the release mechanism moves the above-mentioned fixture body by applying force.

Images