Mounting device for video cameras

Abstract

A camera mounting device has a support that supports a camera head unit having a light receiving portion and is mounted on a mounting target surface, and a light shield cover that has a surface that expands toward a direction away from the light receiving portion in front of the light receiving portion and is mounted on the support in a manner that the surface opposes the mounting target surface, and the light shield cover is detachable from the support along the mounting target surface in a state where the camera head unit is supported on the support.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mounting device for a camera having a camera mounted on a window glass of a vehicle, for example. BACKGROUND

[0002] A camera for a vehicle is mounted on a surface on the inside of a vehicle cabin among a pair of surfaces of a windshield glass as one example of a window glass. The camera is used to detect the presence or absence of other vehicles and obstacles located in front of the host vehicle.

[0003] A first example of the camera has a bracket fixed to the windshield glass, a first housing held by the bracket, a camera head unit held by the first housing, and a hood mounted to the first housing. The hood has a substantially triangular shape that expands toward a direction away from the camera head unit in front of a lens of the camera head unit (see Patent Literature 1, for example).

[0004] A second example of the camera has a fixed bracket fixed to the windshield glass, a camera head unit, and a camera head bracket that mounts the camera head unit to the fixed bracket. In a case where the camera head unit is fixed to the fixed bracket, a hood portion having a substantially triangular shape that expands toward a direction away from the camera head unit in front of a lens of the camera head unit is integrally formed with the fixed bracket. That is, in the second example of the camera, the hood portion equivalent to the hood of the first example of the camera is integrated with the fixed bracket (see Patent Literature 2, for example).

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-64425

[0008] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-12406 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] In the first example of the camera, since the lens is assembled to the end portion of the hood mounted to the first housing, the camera head unit needs to be detached from the first housing before the hood is detached from the camera when the hood is detached from the camera. In addition, in the second example of the camera, since the hood is integrated with the fixed bracket, the hood cannot be detached from the camera in a state where the camera is mounted to the windshield glass.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting device for a camera that can easily detach a hood.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] According to one form of the present disclosure, a camera mounting device has a bracket that supports a camera head unit having a light receiving portion, and is mounted to a mounting target surface; a light shield having a surface that expands in a direction away from the light receiving portion in front of the light receiving portion, and is mounted to the bracket in a manner that the surface opposes the mounting target surface; and the light shield is detachable from the bracket along the mounting target surface in a state where the camera head unit is supported by the bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle camera of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the vehicle camera shown in Figure 1 in an assembled state.

[0016] Figure 3 is a plan view of the vehicle camera shown in Figure 2 from a viewpoint opposite the back surface of the bracket main body.

[0017] Figure 4 is a sectional view along the IV-IV line of Figure 3 .

[0018] Figure 5 is a sectional view along the V-V line of Figure 3 .

[0019] Figure 6 is a sectional view along the VI-VI line of Figure 3 .

[0020] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the vehicle camera of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the vehicle camera shown in Figure 7 in an assembled state.

[0022] Figure 9 is a plan view of the vehicle camera shown in Figure 8 from a viewpoint opposite the back surface of the bracket main body.

[0023] Figure 10 is a sectional view along the X-X line of Figure 9 .

[0024] Figure 11 is a sectional view along the XI-XI line of Figure 9 .

[0025] Figure 12 is a sectional view along the XII-XII line of Figure 9

[0026] Figure 13 is a sectional view along the XIII-XIII line of Figure 9 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] [First Embodiment]

[0028] With reference to Figures 1 to 6 , a first embodiment of a mounting device for a camera will be described.

[0029] Figure 1 A vehicle camera 10 shown in the drawing is mounted on a mounting target surface, and receives light incident via the mounting target surface. The mounting target surface is a surface of a transparent member having a light-transmitting property of transmitting visible light, and is, for example, a surface of an inner side of a passenger compartment of a window glass of a vehicle. The vehicle camera 10 is mounted on a surface of an inner side of a passenger compartment among a pair of surfaces of a window glass. The window glass is, for example, a windshield, but can be a sunroof glass, a rear window glass, or the like. The vehicle camera 10 has a camera head unit 11 and a mounting device 12.

[0030] The camera head unit 11 has a camera head main body 11A and a lens 11B as one example of a light-receiving portion. The camera head main body 11A has, for example, an image pickup element, a recording element, a frame body in which these elements are built in, or the like. The lens 11B is exposed to the outside of the camera head main body 11A, and receives light incident via the mounting target surface.

[0031] The mounting device 12 is a device for mounting the camera head unit 11 to the mounting target surface. The mounting device 12 has a bracket 21 and a lens hood 22. The bracket 21 supports the camera head unit 11 having the lens 11B. The bracket 21 is mounted to the mounting target surface in a state of supporting the camera head unit 11. The lens hood 22 has a surface 22F which is expanded toward a direction away from the lens 11B in front of the lens 11B. The lens hood 22 is mounted to the bracket 21 in a manner that the surface 22F opposes the mounting target surface. The lens hood 22 is detachable from the bracket 21 along the mounting target surface in a state that the camera head unit 11 is supported on the bracket 21.

[0032] Since the lens hood 22 is detachable from the bracket 21 supporting the camera head unit 11 along the mounting target surface, the detachment of the lens hood 22 does not have to be accompanied by the detachment of the camera head unit 11 or the mounting device 12 as a whole. Therefore, the lens hood 22 can be easily detached.

[0033] ​​In addition, the lens hood 22 is capable of being attached to the bracket 21 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the lens hood 22 is detached, in a state in which the camera head unit 11 is attached to the bracket 21. Therefore, since the lens hood 22 is capable of being attached to the bracket 21 on which the camera head unit 11 is supported along the attachment target surface, the attachment of the lens hood 22 does not have to be accompanied by the detachment of the camera head unit 11 or the entire detachment of the attachment device 12. Therefore, the lens hood 22 can be easily attached.

[0034] Hereinafter, each member provided in the vehicle camera 10 will be described with reference to Figure 1 A more detailed description will be given.

[0035] The camera head unit 11 has a camera head body 11A having a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape extending along the left-right direction of the vehicle camera 10. The camera head unit 11 has a first right locking portion 11R1, a second right locking portion 11R2, a first left locking portion 11L1, and a second left locking portion 11L2. The pair of right locking portions 11R1, 11R2 has a columnar shape protruding from the right side surface of the camera head body 11A along the left-right direction. The pair of left locking portions 11L1, 11L2 has a columnar shape protruding from the left side surface of the camera head body 11A along the left-right direction. The pair of first locking portions 11R1, 11L1 extends along the same central axis. The pair of second locking portions 11R2, 11L2 extends along the same central axis at a position different from the pair of first locking portions 11R1, 11L1. The pair of second locking portions 11R2, 11L2 is located forward of the pair of first locking portions 11R1, 11L1.

[0036] The bracket 21 is attached to the attachment target surface by an attachment member such as an adhesive member or a fastening member. The bracket 21 is a resin molded product formed of synthetic resin. The bracket 21 has a right locking leg portion 21LR and a left locking leg portion 21LL. The pair of locking leg portions 21LR, 21LL is arranged on the bracket 21 with a space in the left-right direction. Each of the locking leg portions 21LR, 21LL has a shape extending along the front-rear direction.

[0037] The right locking leg portion 21LR has a first right locking groove LR1 and a second right locking groove LR2. The left locking leg portion 21LL has a first left locking groove LL1 and a second left locking groove LL2. The pair of first locking grooves LR1, LL1 is located on the same axis extending along the left-right direction. The pair of second locking grooves LR2, LL2 is located on the same axis extending along the left-right direction. The pair of second locking grooves LR2, LL2 is located forward of the pair of first locking grooves LR1, LL1.

[0038] During the assembly of the vehicle camera 10, the first right locking portion 11R1 is inserted into the first right locking groove LR1, and the first left locking portion 11L1 is inserted into the first left locking groove LL1. Furthermore, the second right locking portion 11R2 is inserted into the second right locking groove LR2, and the second left locking portion 11L2 is inserted into the second left locking groove LL2. Thus, the bracket 21 supports the camera unit 11.

[0039] The bracket 21 has a right locking hole 21HR that extends through the right locking foot portion 21LR. The right locking hole 21HR is located in the middle in the front-rear direction of the right locking foot portion 21LR. The right locking hole 21HR is located above the first right locking groove LR1 and the second right locking groove LR2 of the right locking foot portion 21LR.

[0040] The bracket 21 also has a left locking tab 21PL and a left guide strip 21BL. The left locking tab 21PL is located on the rear side of one of a pair of sides extending in the left-right direction on the bracket 21. The left locking tab 21PL and the left guide strip 21BL are located above the first left locking groove LL1 and the second locking groove LL2 of the left locking foot 21LL. The left guide strip 21BL is located below the left locking tab 21PL. The left locking tab 21PL has a rectangular shape extending in the front-back direction and protrudes into the opening defined by the bracket 21. The left guide strip 21BL, like the left locking tab 21PL, is located on the rear side of one of a pair of sides extending in the left-right direction on the bracket 21. The left guide strip 21BL extends from the left end of this side in the left-right direction.

[0041] Additionally, bracket 21 has a right foot locking hole (not shown) and a left foot locking hole (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0042] Like the bracket 21 described above, the lens hood 22 is a resin molded product made of synthetic resin. The lens hood 22 has a hood body 22A. The hood body 22A has a generally trapezoidal shape and a surface 22F. Surface 22F is the surface of the lens hood 22 facing the mounting surface when the vehicle camera 10 is mounted on the mounting surface. The side of the hood body 22A opposite to surface 22F is the back surface 22R.

[0043] The lens hood 22 has a right wall portion 22WR and a left wall portion 22WL. The right wall portion 22WR has a substantially L-letter shape along a right oblique edge and a part of an upper bottom in the hood main body 22A. The left wall portion 22WL has a substantially L-letter shape along a left oblique edge and a part of the upper bottom in the hood main body 22A. When the lens hood 22 is supported on the holder 21, the lens 1 IB of the camera head unit 11 is positioned between the pair of wall portions 22WR, 22WL. Therefore, the hood main body 22A has a shape that expands in a direction away from the lens 1 IB in a front direction of the lens 1 IB.

[0044] The lens hood 22 has a right locking protrusion 22PR, a left locking protrusion 22PL, a right locking leg portion 22LR, and a left locking leg portion 22LL.

[0045] The right locking protrusion 22PR is provided on the hood main body 22A in a manner that has a shape extending in a direction of detaching the lens hood 22. The right locking protrusion 22PR causes the hood main body 22A to be engaged and fixed to the holder 21 by engagement with the holder 21. The right locking protrusion 22PR is an example of a first locking portion.

[0046] The right locking protrusion 22PR is connected to a right end of a rear side of the hood main body 22A. The right locking protrusion 22PR has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction. When the lens hood 22 mounted on the holder 21 is detached from the holder 21, the lens hood 22 is pulled out from the holder 21 along the mounting target surface and in the left-right direction. At this time, since the right locking protrusion 22PR extends in the direction of detaching the lens hood 22, the lens hood 22 can be detached from the holder 21 by sliding the lens hood 22 along the mounting target surface.

[0047] The left locking protrusion 22PL is an example of a second locking portion. The left locking protrusion 22PL is connected to a left end of a rear side of the hood main body 22A. The left locking protrusion 22PL has a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction and protruding from the hood main body 22A in the front-rear direction. The left locking protrusion 22PL causes the hood main body 22A to be engaged and fixed to the holder 21 by engagement with the holder 21.

[0048] The left locking protrusion 22PL extends in a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the right locking protrusion 22PR. When the lens hood 22 is mounted on the holder 21, as when it is removed, the lens hood 22 is inserted into the holder 21 along the mounting target surface and in the left-right direction. However, the direction in which the lens hood 22 slides when being mounted is in the opposite direction to the direction in which the lens hood 22 slides when being removed. That is, the direction in which the lens hood 22 slides when being mounted is the direction from the left locking leg portion 21LL of the holder 21 toward the right locking leg portion 21LR. In contrast, the direction in which the lens hood 22 slides when being removed is the direction from the right locking leg portion 21LR of the holder 21 toward the left locking leg portion 21LL.

[0049] When the lens hood 22 is mounted on the holder 21, since the lens hood 22 slides in the direction from the right locking leg portion 21LR toward the left locking leg portion 21LL, the left locking protrusion 22PL is located behind the right locking protrusion 22PR in the direction in which the lens hood 22 is mounted. By mounting the lens hood 22 along the mounting target surface, it is possible to mount the lens hood 22 on the holder 21 using both the right locking protrusion 22PR and the left locking protrusion 22PL. Therefore, compared to the case in which the lens hood 22 is mounted on the holder 21 using one locking portion, it is possible to more stably mount the lens hood 22 on the holder 21.

[0050] The right locking leg portion 22LR is connected to the back surface 22R of the hood main body 22A. The right locking leg portion 22LR protrudes in the up-down direction from the left end of the front of the hood main body 22A. The right locking leg portion 22LR has a substantially L-shaped cross section along a surface defined by the left-right direction and the up-down direction, and the cross section having the L shape is connected in the front-rear direction.

[0051] The left locking leg portion 22LL is connected to the back surface 22R of the hood main body 22A. The left locking leg portion 22LL protrudes in the up-down direction from the left end of the front of the hood main body 22A. The left locking leg portion 22LL has a substantially L-shaped cross section along a surface defined by the left-right direction and the up-down direction, and the cross section having the L shape is connected in the front-rear direction.

[0052] When the vehicle camera 10 is assembled, the right locking leg portion 22LR is fitted into the right leg locking hole described above (see FIG. 6), and the left locking leg portion 22LL is fitted into the left leg locking hole described above. As a result, the lens hood 22 is supported by the holder 21. Figure 4

[0053] ​The mounting device 12 includes a heating section 23. The heating section 23 has a generally trapezoidal shape. In the left-right direction, the width of the heating section 23 is approximately equal to the width of the light shield body 22A. In the front-back direction, the width of the heating section 23 is approximately equal to the width of the light shield body 22A. The area to be heated by the heating section 23 has a shape and size that are approximately the same as the outer shape of the heating section 23.

[0054] The heating element 23 may be, for example, a planar heating element. The heating element 23 may have a planar good conductor, an energized portion, and a pair of insulating films. The energized portion is formed by a heating wire and is connected to a supply portion (not shown). The energized portion is sandwiched between the pair of insulating films. The planar good conductor is adhered to one of the insulating films. The supply portion is electrically connected to the heating element 23 and supplies current to the heating element 23. The heating element 23 is adhered to the back surface 22R of the light shield body 22A using an adhesive or bonding agent.

[0055] Figure 2 This shows the state of the vehicle camera 10 after it has been assembled.

[0056] During assembly Figure 2 When using the vehicle camera 10 shown, firstly, the camera unit 11 is mounted on the pair of locking feet 21LR and 21LL of the bracket 21. Next, by sliding the lens hood 22 in the left-right direction, the right locking protrusion 22PR of the lens hood 22 is inserted into the right locking hole 21HR of the bracket 21, while the left locking protrusion 22PL slides along the left guide strip 21BL of the bracket 21. At this time, the right locking foot 22LR of the lens hood 22 is inserted into the right locking hole of the bracket 21 (see reference). Figure 4 Furthermore, the left locking foot 22LL of the lens hood 22 is inserted into the left locking hole of the bracket 21 (see reference). Figure 4 Therefore, the lens hood 22 can be mounted on the bracket 21.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, in the vehicle camera 10 of this embodiment, the distance G between the camera body 11A supporting the lens 11B and the lens hood 22 in the front-rear direction is greater than the amount by which the lens 11B protrudes from the camera body 11A. Therefore, when the camera unit 11 is mounted on the bracket 21, the sliding of the camera unit 11 and the lens hood 22 does not interfere with each other. That is, the sliding of the lens hood 22 is not hindered by the camera unit 11. Therefore, the lens hood 22 can be used to mount the bracket 21 on which the camera unit 11 is mounted.

[0058] In addition, the camera head unit 11 can be attached to the bracket 21 first, and then the bracket 21 supporting the camera head unit 11 is attached to the attachment target surface, and then the lens hood 22 is attached to the bracket 21. Alternatively, the camera head unit 11 and the lens hood 22 can be sequentially attached to the bracket 21, and then the bracket 21 is attached to the attachment target surface. In either case, the lens hood 22 can be attached to the bracket 21 in a state where the camera head unit 11 is attached to the bracket 21.

[0059] On the other hand, the lens hood 22 can be detached from the bracket 21 attached to the attachment target surface. As described above, since the camera head unit 11 does not interfere with the sliding of the lens hood 22, the lens hood 22 can be detached from the bracket 21 in a state where the camera head unit 11 is attached to the bracket 21. Since the surface 22F of the lens hood 22 faces the attachment target surface in a state where the vehicle camera 10 is attached to the attachment target surface, the lens hood 22 can be detached along the attachment target surface by sliding the lens hood 22 in the left-right direction. The lens hood 22 detached from the bracket 21, for example, for maintenance or the like, can be attached again to the bracket 21 attached to the attachment target surface.

[0060] As described above, the locking grooves LR1, LR2, LL1, LL2 for supporting the camera head unit 11 are positioned below the right locking hole 21HR, the left locking piece 21PL, and the left guide bar 21BL for supporting the lens hood 22 in the bracket 21. Therefore, in a state where the camera head unit 11 and the lens hood 22 are attached to the bracket 21, the bracket 21 supports a part of the camera head unit 11 on a side opposite to the attachment target surface with respect to the lens hood 22. Since the lens hood 22 is detached along the attachment target surface as described above, the lens hood 22 can be detached from the bracket 21 even if a part of the camera head unit 11 is positioned on a side opposite to the attachment target surface with respect to the lens hood 22.

[0061] Figure 3 A planar configuration of the vehicle camera 10 is shown from a viewpoint opposite to the back surface 22R of the lens hood 22. In the following description with reference to Figures 3 to 6 , the left-right direction is reversed for convenience of illustration, compared to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . In the following description with reference to Figures 3 to 6 , the illustration of the camera head unit 11 is omitted for convenience of illustration. Figure 4 A cross-sectional configuration along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 3 is shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional configuration along the line V-V shown in Figure 3The cross-sectional configuration of the V-V line shown. Figure 6 The cross-sectional configuration of the V-V line shown. Figure 3 The cross-sectional configuration of the V-V line shown.

[0062] As Figure 3 As Figures 4 to 6 , the right locking protrusion 22PR, the left locking protrusion 22PL, the right locking foot 22LR, and the left locking foot 22LL of the lens hood 22 are supported by the bracket 21. Thereby, the lens hood 22 is supported by the bracket 21. Hereinafter, the configuration in which the right locking protrusion 22PR, the left locking protrusion 22PL, the right locking foot 22LR, and the left locking foot 22LL are supported by the bracket 21 will be described in more detail.

[0063] Figure 4 The configuration in which the right locking foot 22LR and the left locking foot 22LL of the lens hood 22 are supported by the bracket 21 is shown.

[0064] As Figure 4 As

[0065] The left locking foot 22LL is inserted into the left foot locking hole HLL in a state in which the left locking foot 22LL is slidable in the left-right direction with respect to the left foot locking hole HLL. Therefore, the left locking foot 22LL can be detached from the left foot locking hole HLL by sliding the lens hood 22 in the left-right direction.

[0066] On the other hand, after the right locking foot 22LR is inserted into the right foot locking hole HLR, the sliding of the right locking foot 22LR in the left-right direction is restricted by the bracket 21. However, the restriction of the sliding by the bracket 21 can be released by pushing up the portion of the right locking foot 22LR that passes through the right foot locking hole HLR from the lower side toward the upper side. The right locking foot 22LR can be detached from the right foot locking hole HLR by sliding the lens hood 22 in the left-right direction while maintaining the state of the pushing up.

[0067] Figure 5 The configuration in which the right locking protrusion 22PR of the lens hood 22 is supported by the bracket 21 is shown.

[0068] As Figure 5As shown, with the lens hood 22 mounted on the bracket 21, the right locking protrusion 22PR is inserted into the right locking hole 21HR. Thus, the bracket 21 restricts the sliding of the right locking protrusion 22PR in the left-right direction. However, the restriction on sliding by the bracket 21 can be released by pushing the portion of the right locking protrusion 22PR that passes through the right locking hole 21HR upwards from below. By maintaining the upward pushing of the portion of the right locking protrusion 22PR that passes through the right locking hole 21HR while sliding the lens hood 22 in the left-right direction, the right locking protrusion 22PR can be removed from the right locking hole 21HR.

[0069] In addition, in order to remove the lens hood 22 from the bracket 21, the restrictions on the sliding of the right locking foot 22LR and the restrictions on the sliding of the right locking protrusion 22PR need to be released simultaneously.

[0070] Figure 6 The structure shown is such that the left locking protrusion 22PL of the lens hood 22 is supported by the bracket 21.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, with the lens hood 22 mounted on the bracket 21, the left locking protrusion 22PL is clamped in the vertical direction by the left locking piece 21PL and the left guide strip 21BL. Since the left locking protrusion 22PL is clamped by the left locking piece 21PL and the left guide strip 21BL in a state that allows it to slide in the horizontal direction, the left locking protrusion 22PL can be moved to the left side of the left locking piece 21PL simply by sliding the lens hood 22 in the horizontal direction.

[0072] As explained above, the following effects can be obtained according to the first embodiment of the camera mounting device.

[0073] (1) Since the lens hood 22 can be removed from the bracket 21 supporting the camera unit 11 along the mounting surface, the removal of the lens hood 22 does not require the removal of the camera unit 11 or the entire mounting device 12. Therefore, the lens hood 22 can be easily removed.

[0074] (2) Since the lens hood 22 can be mounted onto the bracket 21 supporting the camera unit 11 along the mounting surface, the installation of the lens hood 22 does not require the disassembly of the camera unit 11 or the entire installation device 12. Therefore, the lens hood 22 can be easily installed.

[0075] (3) Since the right locking protrusion 22PR extends along the direction of removing the lens hood 22, the lens hood 22 can be removed from the bracket 21 by sliding the lens hood 22 along the mounting surface.

[0076] (4) The lens hood 22 can be mounted to the holder 21 by both the right locking protrusion 22PR and the left locking protrusion 22PL. Therefore, compared to a case where the lens hood 22 is mounted to the holder 21 by one locking portion, the lens hood 22 can be more stably mounted to the holder 21.

[0077] (5) Since the lens hood 22 is detached along the mounting target surface, even if a part of the camera head unit 11 is located on a side opposite to the mounting target surface with respect to the lens hood 22, the lens hood 22 can be detached from the holder 21.

[0078] [Second Embodiment]

[0079] Reference Figures 7 to 13 A second embodiment of the mounting device for a camera will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the direction in which the lens hood slides with respect to the holder is different. Therefore, the following description will particularly focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0080] Figure 7 The vehicle camera 30 illustrated in FIG. 10 is mounted on a mounting target surface, like the vehicle camera 10 of the first embodiment, and receives light incident via the mounting target surface. The mounting target surface is a transparent member having a light-transmitting property of transmitting visible light, and is, for example, a window glass for a vehicle. The vehicle camera 10 is mounted on a surface on the inside of a passenger compartment among a pair of surfaces of the window glass. The window glass is, for example, a windshield, but can also be a sunroof glass, a rear window glass, or the like. The vehicle camera 30 has a camera head unit 31 and a mounting device 32.

[0081] The camera head unit 31 has a camera head main body 31A and a lens 31B that is one example of a light-receiving portion. The camera head main body 31A has, for example, an image pickup element, a recording element, a frame that houses these elements, or the like. The lens 31B is exposed to the outside of the camera head main body 31A and receives light incident via the mounting target surface.

[0082] The mounting device 32 is a device for mounting the camera head unit 31 to the mounting target surface. The mounting device 32 has a holder 41 and a lens hood 42. The holder 41 supports the camera head unit 31 having the lens 31B. The holder 41 is mounted on the mounting target surface in a state of supporting the camera head unit 31. The lens hood 42 has a surface 42F that expands toward a direction away from the lens 31B in front of the lens 31B. The lens hood 42 is mounted on the holder 41 in a manner that the surface 42F opposes the mounting target surface. The lens hood 42 can be detached from the holder 41 along the mounting target surface in a state of the camera head unit 31 being supported on the holder 41.

[0083] Since the lens hood 42 can be detached from the bracket 41 supporting the camera head unit 31 along the attachment target surface, the detachment of the lens hood 42 does not have to be accompanied by the detachment of the camera head unit 31 or the entire mounting device 32. Therefore, the lens hood 42 can be easily detached.

[0084] In addition, the lens hood 42 can be attached to the bracket 41 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the lens hood 42 is detached, in a state in which the camera head unit 31 is attached to the bracket 41. Therefore, the lens hood 42 can be attached to the bracket 41 supporting the camera head unit 31 along the attachment target surface, and thus the attachment of the lens hood 42 does not have to be accompanied by the detachment of the camera head unit 31 or the entire mounting device 32. Therefore, the lens hood 42 can be easily attached.

[0085] Hereinafter, each member provided in the vehicle camera 30 will be described with reference to Figure 7 A more detailed description will be given.

[0086] The camera head unit 31 has a camera head body 31A having a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape extending along the left-right direction of the vehicle camera 30. The camera head unit 31 has a first right locking portion 31R1, a second right locking portion 31R2, a first left locking portion not shown, and a second left locking portion not shown. The pair of right locking portions 31R1, 31R2 have a columnar shape protruding from the right side surface of the camera head body 31A along the left-right direction. The pair of left locking portions have a columnar shape protruding from the left side surface of the camera head body 31A along the left-right direction. The pair of first locking portions extend along the same center axis. The pair of second locking portions extend along the same center axis at positions different from those of the pair of first locking portions. The pair of second locking portions are located forward of the pair of first locking portions.

[0087] The bracket 41 is attached to the attachment target surface by an attachment member such as an adhesive member or a fastening member. The bracket 41 is a resin molded product formed of synthetic resin. The bracket 41 is provided with a bracket body 41A having a substantially rectangular plate shape. The bracket body 41A has a surface 41F and a back surface 41R on the side opposite to the surface 41F. The surface 41F of the bracket body 41A is arranged along the attachment target surface in a case in which the vehicle camera 30 is attached to the attachment target surface. The bracket body 41A has a substantially V-shaped notch 41C at the front edge extending along the left-right direction.

[0088] The bracket 41 has a right locking leg 41LR and a left locking leg 41LL. Each of the locking legs 41LR, 41LL is connected to the back surface 41R of the bracket main body 41A. Each of the locking legs 41LR, 41LL has a shape extending in the front-rear direction, and a part of each of the locking legs 41LR, 41LL is exposed from the cutout 41C.

[0089] The right locking leg 41LR has a first right locking groove and a second right locking groove, which are not shown. The left locking leg 41LL has a first left locking groove LL1 and a second left locking groove LL2. The pair of first locking grooves is located on the same axis extending in the left-right direction. The pair of second locking grooves is located on the same axis extending in the left-right direction. The pair of second locking grooves is located forward of the pair of first locking grooves.

[0090] When the vehicle camera 30 is assembled, the first right locking portion 31R1 is fitted into the first right locking groove, and the first left locking portion is fitted into the first left locking groove LL1. In addition, the second right locking portion 31R2 is fitted into the second right locking groove, and the second left locking portion is fitted into the second left locking groove LL2. Thus, the bracket 41 supports the camera head unit 31.

[0091] The bracket main body 41A has a first right main groove AR1 and a first left main groove AL1. The first right main groove AR1 is located on the right side of the center of the cutout 41C. The first right main groove AR1 is recessed in the surface 41F and opens toward the cutout 41C. A hole extending through the bracket 41 in the front-rear direction is formed in a side surface that divides the first right main groove AR1. The first left main groove AL1 is located on the left side of the center of the cutout 41C. The first left main groove AL1 is recessed in the surface 41F and opens toward the cutout 41C. A hole extending through the bracket 41 in the front-rear direction is formed in a side surface that divides the first left main groove AL1.

[0092] The bracket main body 41A has a second right main groove AR2 and a second left main groove AL2. The second right main groove AR2 and the second left main groove AL2 are located in side surfaces of the bracket main body 41A. The side surfaces are surfaces connecting the surface 41F and the back surface 41R. The second right main groove AR2 opens downward at the right end of the cutout 41C. A hole extending through the bracket 41 in the front-rear direction is formed in a side surface that divides the second left main groove AL2. The second left main groove AL2 opens sideways at the left end of the cutout 41C.

[0093] The first right main groove AR1, the second right main groove AR2, the first left main groove AL1, and the second left main groove AL2 are grooves for fixing the lens hood 42 to the bracket 41. The first right main groove AR1, the second right main groove AR2, the first left main groove AL1, and the second left main groove AL2 are located above the right locking leg 41LR and the left locking leg 41LL.

[0094] The lens hood 42 is a resin molded product formed of synthetic resin, like the holder 41 described above. The lens hood 42 has a hood main body 42A. The hood main body 42A has a substantially trapezoidal shape, and is provided with a surface 42F. The surface 42F is a surface of the lens hood 42 that faces the mounting target surface in a state in which the vehicle camera 30 is mounted to the mounting target surface.

[0095] The lens hood 42 is provided with a right wall portion 42WR and a left wall portion 42WL. The right wall portion 42WR has a substantially L-letter shape along a right slant edge and a portion of an upper base of the hood main body 42A. The left wall portion 42WL has a substantially L-letter shape along a left slant edge and a portion of the upper base of the hood main body 42A. When the lens hood 42 is supported on the holder 41, the lens 31B of the camera head unit 31 is positioned between the pair of wall portions 42WR, 42WL. Therefore, the hood main body 42A has a shape that expands toward a direction away from the lens 31B in front of the lens 31B.

[0096] The lens hood 42 has a first right locking protrusion 42R1, a second right locking protrusion 42R2, a first left locking protrusion 42L1, and a second left locking protrusion 42L2. Each of the locking protrusions 42R1, 42R2, 42L1, 42L2 is an example of a locking portion. That is, each of the locking protrusions 42R1, 42R2, 42L1, 42L2 locks and fixes the hood main body 42A to the holder 41 by engaging with the holder 41. The first right locking protrusion 42R1 is connected to a middle of the right slant edge of the hood main body 42A. The first right locking protrusion 42R1 has a rectangular shape extending along a front-rear direction. The first left locking protrusion 42L1 is connected to a middle of the left slant edge of the hood main body 42A. The first left locking protrusion 42L1 has a rectangular shape extending along the front-rear direction. The second right locking protrusion 42R2 is connected to a right end of the hood main body 42A. The second right locking protrusion 42R2 has a substantially rectangular shape extending along the front-rear direction. The second left locking protrusion 42L2 is connected to a left end of the hood main body 42A. The second left locking protrusion 42L2 has a substantially rectangular shape extending along the front-rear direction.

[0097] When the lens hood 42 mounted on the holder 41 is detached from the holder 41, the lens hood 42 is pulled out along the mounting target surface and along the front-rear direction. In this way, each of the locking protrusions 42R1, 42R2, 42L1, 42L2 extends along a direction in which the lens hood 42 is detached, and thus the lens hood 42 can be detached from the holder 41 by sliding the lens hood 42 along the mounting target surface.

[0098] The mounting device 42 has a heating portion 43. The heating portion 43 has a substantially trapezoidal shape. In the left-right direction, the heating portion 43 has a width substantially equal to the width of the lens hood main body 42A. In the front-rear direction, the heating portion 43 has a width substantially equal to the width of the lens hood main body 42A. The object region heated by the heating portion 43 has substantially the same shape and size as the outer shape of the heating portion 43.

[0099] The heating portion 43 can be, for example, a planar heating element. The heating portion 43 has, for example, a planar good conductor, an electrically conductive portion, and a pair of insulating films. The electrically conductive portion is formed of a single heating wire and is connected to a supply portion not shown. The electrically conductive portion is sandwiched by the pair of insulating films. The planar good conductor is attached to one of the insulating films. The supply portion is electrically connected to the heating portion 43 and supplies electric current to the heating portion 43. The heating portion 43 is attached to the back surface of the lens hood main body 42A on the side opposite to the surface 42F by an adhesive or an adhesive agent.

[0100] Figure 8 The state in which the vehicle camera 30 is assembled is shown.

[0101] In assembling Figure 8 In the vehicle camera 30 shown, first, the camera head unit 31 is mounted to the pair of locking leg portions 41LR, 41LL of the bracket 41. Next, the pair of first locking protrusions 42R1, 42L1 is inserted into the first main body grooves AR1, AL1 corresponding to the first locking protrusions 42R1, 42L1 by sliding the lens hood 42 in the front-rear direction. At the same time, the pair of second locking protrusions 42R2, 42L2 is inserted into the second main body grooves AR2, AL2 corresponding to the second locking protrusions 42R2, 42L2. Thus, the lens hood 42 can be mounted to the bracket 41.

[0102] In the vehicle camera 30 of the present embodiment, the lens hood 42 is detached from the bracket 41 in the front-rear direction. That is, the lens hood 42 is detached from the bracket 41 by sliding the lens hood 42 in the front-rear direction toward the front of the lens 31B. Therefore, in the state in which the camera head unit 31 is mounted to the bracket 41, the camera head unit 31 does not interfere with the sliding of the lens hood 42. That is, the sliding of the lens hood 42 is not hindered by the camera head unit 31. Thus, the lens hood 42 can be mounted to the bracket 41 on which the camera head unit 31 is mounted.

[0103] In addition, at the time of first mounting the lens hood 42 to the bracket 41, as with the vehicle camera 10 of the first embodiment, the camera head unit 31 can be mounted to the bracket 41, and then, after the bracket 41 supporting the camera head unit 31 is mounted to the mounting target surface, the lens hood 42 is mounted to the bracket 41. Alternatively, the camera head unit 31 and the lens hood 42 can be sequentially mounted to the bracket 41, and then, the bracket 41 can be mounted to the mounting target surface. In either case, the lens hood 42 can be mounted to the bracket 41 in a state where the camera head unit 31 is mounted to the bracket 41.

[0104] On the other hand, the lens hood 42 can be detached from the bracket 41 mounted to the mounting target surface. As described above, since the camera head unit 31 does not interfere with the sliding of the lens hood 42, the lens hood 42 can be detached from the bracket 41 in a state where the camera head unit 31 is mounted to the bracket 41. In a state where the vehicle camera 30 is mounted to the mounting target surface, since the surface 42F of the lens hood 42 opposes the mounting target surface, the lens hood 42 can be detached along the mounting target surface by sliding the lens hood 42 in the front-rear direction. The lens hood 42 detached from the bracket 41, for example, for maintenance or the like, can be mounted again to the bracket 41 mounted to the mounting target surface.

[0105] As described above, on the bracket 41, the pair of locking legs 41LR, 41LL having the locking grooves for supporting the camera head unit 31 are positioned lower than the respective body grooves AR1, AR2, AL1, AL2 for supporting the lens hood 42. Therefore, in a state where the camera head unit 31 and the lens hood 42 are mounted to the bracket 41, the bracket 41 supports a part of the camera head unit 31 on a side opposite the mounting target surface with respect to the lens hood 42. Since the lens hood 42 is detached along the mounting target surface as described above, the lens hood 42 can be detached from the bracket 41 even if a part of the camera head unit 31 is positioned on a side opposite the mounting target surface with respect to the lens hood 42.

[0106] Figure 9 A planar configuration of the vehicle camera 30 is shown from a viewpoint opposite the back surface 41R of the bracket 41. In addition, in the following description of Figures 9 to 13 , the front-rear direction is reversed for convenience of illustration, as compared with Figure 7 and Figure 8 . In addition, in Figures 9 to 13 , the illustration of the camera head unit 31 is omitted for convenience of illustration. Figure 10 A cross-sectional configuration along the line X-X shown in Figure 9 is shown. Figure 11 A cross-sectional configuration along the line Y-Y shown inFigure 9 the cross-sectional configuration of the line XIII-XIII shown. Figure 12 the cross-sectional configuration of the line XIII-XIII shown. Figure 9 the cross-sectional configuration of the line XIII-XIII shown. Figure 13 the cross-sectional configuration of the line XIII-XIII shown. Figure 9 the cross-sectional configuration of the line XIII-XIII shown.

[0107] As shown in Figure 9 In the vehicle camera 30, the locking protrusions 42R1, 42R2, 42L1, 42L2 of the lens hood 42 are supported by the bracket 41. Thus, the lens hood 42 is supported by the bracket 41. Hereinafter, the configuration in which each of the locking protrusions 42R1, 42R2, 42L1, 42L2 is supported by the bracket 41 will be described in detail. Figures 10 to 13

[0108] Figure 10 The configuration in which the first left locking protrusion 42L1 of the lens hood 42 is supported by the bracket 41 is shown.

[0109] As shown in Figure 10 In the state in which the lens hood 42 is mounted on the bracket 41, the first left locking protrusion 42L1 is fitted into the hole of the first left main groove AL1. After the first left locking protrusion 42L1 is fitted into the hole of the first left main groove AL1, the sliding of the first left locking protrusion 42L1 in the front-rear direction is restricted by the bracket 41. However, the restriction of the sliding by the bracket 41 can be released by pushing up the portion of the first left locking protrusion 42L1 that passes through the first left main groove AL1 from the lower side toward the upper side. By pushing up the portion of the first left locking protrusion 42L1 that passes through the first left main groove AL1, the lens hood 42 can be slid in the front-rear direction while maintaining the pushed-up state, and thus the first left locking protrusion 42L1 can be detached from the first left main groove AL1.

[0110] Figure 11 The configuration in which the first right locking protrusion 42R1 of the lens hood 42 is supported by the bracket 41 is shown.

[0111] As shown in Figure 11 ​As shown, with the lens hood 42 mounted on the bracket 41, the first right locking protrusion 42R1 is inserted into the hole in the first right main body groove AR1. After the first right locking protrusion 42R1 is inserted into the hole in the first right main body groove AR1, the sliding of the first right locking protrusion 42R1 in the front-back direction is restricted by the bracket 41. However, the restriction of sliding by the bracket 41 can be released by pushing the portion of the first right locking protrusion 42R1 that passes through the first right main body groove AR1 upward from below. By pushing the portion of the first right locking protrusion 42R1 that passes through the first right main body groove AR1 upward, and maintaining this pushing state while sliding the lens hood 42 in the front-back direction, the first right locking protrusion 42R1 can be removed from the first right main body groove AR1.

[0112] In addition, in order to remove the lens hood 42 from the bracket 41, both the restriction on the sliding of the first right locking protrusion 42R1 and the restriction on the sliding of the first left locking protrusion 42L1 need to be released simultaneously.

[0113] Figure 12 The second right locking protrusion 42R2 of the lens hood 42 is shown to be supported by the bracket 41.

[0114] like Figure 12 As shown, the second right locking protrusion 42R2 is inserted into the bracket body 41A in a state where it can slide in the front-back direction relative to the hole in the second right main body groove AR2. Therefore, the second right locking protrusion 42R2 can be removed from the second right main body groove AR2 simply by sliding the lens hood 42 in the front-back direction.

[0115] Figure 13 The second left locking protrusion 42L2 of the lens hood 42 is shown to be supported by the bracket 41.

[0116] like Figure 13 As shown, with the lens hood 42 mounted on the bracket 41, the second left locking protrusion 42L2 is inserted into the second left main body groove AL2 in a state that allows it to slide relative to the second left main body groove AL2 in the front-back direction. Therefore, the second left locking protrusion 42L2 can be removed from the second left main body groove AL2 simply by sliding the lens hood 42 in the front-back direction.

[0117] As explained above, according to the second embodiment of the camera mounting device, the effects described in (1) to (3) and (5) above can be obtained.

[0118] [Example of Change]

[0119] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be modified as follows.

[0120] [Heating section]

[0121] The heating sections 23, 43 can also be located on the surfaces 22F, 42F of the lens hoods 22, 42. In this case, the mounting devices 12, 32 preferably have reflection suppressing pieces that cover the surfaces of the heating sections 23, 43 and have a lower reflectance of visible light than the heating sections 23, 43. Thus, the lens hoods 22, 42 are not located between the heating sections 23, 43 and the mounting target surface, and accordingly the mounting target surface is easily heated.

[0122] [Support]

[0123] The supports 21, 41 can also not support a portion of the camera head units 11, 31 on the side opposite the mounting target surface with respect to the lens hoods 22, 42. That is, the supports 21, 41 can support only the camera head units 11, 31 behind the lens hoods 22, 42. Even in this case, the vehicle camera 10 of the first embodiment can achieve the effects described in (1) to (4) above, and the vehicle camera 30 of the second embodiment can achieve the effects described in (1) to (3) above.

[0124] [Lens hood]

[0125] The lens hood 22 of the vehicle camera 10 of the first embodiment has a locking portion extending in the left-right direction, and can also not have a locking portion extending in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. Even in this case, the vehicle camera 10 of the first embodiment can achieve the effects described in (1) to (3) and (5) above.

[0126] The lens hoods 22, 42 can also be configured to be mountable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the lens hoods 22, 42 are detached from the supports 21, 41. Even in this case, as long as the lens hoods 22, 42 can be detached from the supports 21, 41 in the direction in which they are mounted, the vehicle camera 10 of the first embodiment can achieve the effect described in (1) above.

[0127] • The lens hood 22, 42 can also be configured to be detached from the holder 21, 41 by rotation about an axis of rotation located inside the lens hood 22, 42. In this case, the lens hood 22, 42 can be configured to be movable along the mounting target surface at least after the lens hood 22, 42 has just been detached from the holder 21, 41. Alternatively, the lens hood 22, 42 can also be configured to be detached from the holder 21, 41 by rotation about an axis of rotation located outside the lens hood 22, 42. In this case, the lens hood 22, 42 can be configured to be movable along the mounting target surface at least after the lens hood 22, 42 has just been detached from the holder 21, 41.

[0128] In addition, in the case where the lens hood 22, 42 is configured to be detached from the holder 21, 41 by rotation about an axis of rotation located inside the lens hood 22, 42, the lens hood 22, 42 can also be configured to be attached to the holder 21, 41 by rotation about the same axis of rotation as that at the time of detachment. In addition, in the case where the lens hood 22, 42 is configured to be detached from the holder 21, 41 by rotation about an axis of rotation located outside the lens hood 22, 42, the lens hood 22, 42 can also be configured to be attached to the holder 21, 41 by rotation about the same axis of rotation as that at the time of detachment.

Claims

1. A mounting device for a camera, comprising: A bracket that supports a camera unit with a light receiving section and is mounted on the surface of the mounting object; A light shield having a surface that extends in front of the light receiving part in a direction away from the light receiving part, and is mounted on the bracket such that the surface faces the surface of the object to be mounted; With the camera unit supported on the bracket, the light shield can be detached from the bracket along the mounting surface. The light shield has the following features: A light shield body having the aforementioned surface and having a shape that extends in front of the light receiving portion in a direction away from the light receiving portion; A locking portion protrudes from the sunshade body in a shape that extends along the surface, and engages with the bracket to secure the sunshade body to the bracket.

2. The mounting device for a camera according to claim 1, wherein, With the camera unit supported on the bracket, the light shield can be installed onto the bracket in a direction opposite to the direction in which the light shield is removed from the bracket.

3. The mounting device for a camera according to claim 1, wherein, The locking portion is provided protrudingly on the body of the sunshade in a shape that extends along the direction of disassembly of the sunshade.

4. The mounting device for a camera according to claim 2, wherein, The locking portion is provided protrudingly on the body of the sunshade in a shape that extends along the direction of disassembly of the sunshade.

5. The mounting device for a camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The bracket supports a portion of the camera unit on the side opposite to the mounting surface, relative to the sunshade.

6. The mounting device for a camera according to claim 1, wherein, The locking part is the first locking part. The first locking portion is provided on the body of the light shield in such a way that it has a shape that extends along the direction in which the light shield is mounted; It has a second locking portion that extends in a direction intersecting with the first locking portion and is located rearward relative to the first locking portion in the direction of mounting the sunshade. The sunshade body is locked and fixed to the bracket by engaging with the bracket.

Images