mounting structure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mounting structure (X) comprising a cover (5) arranged on the inboard side of a pillar (P) of a vehicle and having an inboard-facing opening (15), an illumination device (9) configured to illuminate the interior of the vehicle via the opening, and an imaging device (11) configured to capture images of the interior of the vehicle via the opening, wherein the illumination device and the imaging device are provided with respective working ends facing the interior of the vehicle, one of the working ends being located above and inboard of the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an installation structure, and more specifically, to an installation structure for an illumination device for illuminating the interior of a vehicle and an imaging device for imaging occupants in the vehicle cabin. Background Technology

[0002] In passenger vehicles, it is known to provide a light source that emits infrared light and an imaging unit that captures an image of the driver from an oblique front (see, for example, JP2019-156256A). The imaging unit disclosed in JP2019-156256A is mounted on the A-pillar of a vehicle that is obliquely positioned in front of the driver.

[0003] According to the prior art disclosed in JP2019-156256A, in order to capture an image of the driver's face, a light receiving unit (imaging device) and a light source (illumination device) are positioned laterally adjacent to each other on the A-pillar. However, due to the limited lateral width of the A-pillar, at least one of the light receiving unit and the light source inevitably protrudes from the A-pillar towards the windshield. This detracts from the appearance of the cockpit and may even restrict the driver's field of vision. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this problem in the prior art, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure for mounting an imaging device for imaging the interior of a vehicle and an illumination device for illuminating the interior of the vehicle, which substantially does not obstruct the driver's view.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an installation structure that allows an imaging device to monitor the driver's condition without obstructing the driver's view, thereby improving traffic safety and developing sustainable transportation systems.

[0006] To address this problem, one aspect of the present invention provides an installation structure X comprising: a cover 5 disposed inside a pillar P of a vehicle and having an inwardly facing opening 15; an illumination device 9 configured to illuminate the interior of the vehicle via the opening; and an imaging device 11 configured to capture an image of the interior of the vehicle via the opening, wherein the illumination device and the imaging device have respective working ends facing the interior of the vehicle, one of the working ends being located above and inside the other.

[0007] Therefore, the lighting and imaging devices can be arranged inside the column so that they are aligned substantially vertically along the length of the column, thereby preventing the lighting and imaging devices from protruding laterally from the column or into the driver's field of vision.

[0008] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the lighting device and the imaging device are located within the outer contour B of the cover.

[0009] Because the cover is located within the outer contour of the pillar, and the lighting and imaging devices are located within the outer contour of the cover, the driver's view is advantageously prevented from being obstructed.

[0010] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the cover includes: a first vertical wall 33 having an inwardly facing first vertical surface 45; and a second vertical wall 37 having an inwardly facing second vertical surface 55, the second vertical surface being located below and outside the first vertical surface, one of the lighting device and the imaging device being disposed on the first vertical wall and the other being disposed on the second vertical wall.

[0011] Since the lighting and imaging devices can be directly mounted on the first and second vertical walls, their aiming directions can be correctly aligned without requiring any complex structures.

[0012] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the cover further includes: a first horizontal wall 31 extending inward from the upper end of the first vertical wall; and a second horizontal wall 35 extending outward from the lower end of the first vertical wall to the upper end of the second vertical wall.

[0013] By providing these horizontal walls, stray light is prevented from entering the imaging device and from being emitted from the illumination device. Furthermore, the illumination device and imaging device are prevented from protruding from the outer contour of the column.

[0014] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the first horizontal wall defines a first lower surface 41 that slopes downward toward the first vertical wall, and the second horizontal wall defines a second lower surface 51 that slopes downward toward the second vertical wall.

[0015] This prevents stray light from entering the imaging device and from being emitted from the illumination device, without substantially reducing the field of illumination and image capture.

[0016] Preferably, in this mounting structure, at least one of the first horizontal wall and the second horizontal wall is contained within the outer contour of the column.

[0017] Therefore, the column has no protrusions, which ensures a good appearance for the column.

[0018] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the first horizontal wall defines a first upper surface 43 that slopes downward toward the first vertical wall, and the second horizontal wall defines a second upper surface 53 that slopes downward toward the second vertical wall.

[0019] Therefore, when moisture is deposited on the outer surface of the mounting component, the moisture can be easily and spontaneously removed from the column.

[0020] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the lighting device is disposed on the first vertical wall, and the imaging device is disposed on the second vertical wall.

[0021] By positioning the imaging device further away from the driver than the lighting device, the field of view of the imaging device can be maximized. By positioning the lighting device closer to the driver than the imaging device, the illumination power of the lighting device can be maximized. Moreover, by positioning the imaging device below the lighting device, the length of the cable used for the imaging device that is pulled downwards inside the hollow interior of the column can be minimized, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference to the cable of the imaging device.

[0022] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the column includes column A.

[0023] Thus, the imaging and lighting devices are optimally positioned for imaging the driver's face.

[0024] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the cover is provided with a mounting portion 27, which is configured to mount a functional device (functional component 25) to the portion of the column located below the imaging device. Therefore, devices such as audio speakers can be easily mounted to the column without interfering with the imaging device and the lighting device.

[0025] Preferably, in this mounting structure, the column is bent or tilted such that the upper part of the column is further inward than the lower part. The advantages of the invention can be further enhanced if the column is bent or tilted, as is the case with column A.

[0026] Therefore, the present invention provides a mounting structure for mounting an imaging device for imaging the interior of a vehicle and an illumination device for illuminating the interior of the vehicle, which substantially does not obstruct the driver's view. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the A-pillar region of a vehicle equipped with a mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II in the diagram.

[0029] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows a modified embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An installation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0031] The mounting structure X according to this embodiment is applied to a four-wheeled vehicle S, and more specifically to an automobile. In this disclosure, the invention is applied to the A-pillar of the vehicle, but it can also be applied to any other pillar structure of the vehicle. In the following disclosure, direction is defined from the viewpoint of the vehicle driver. Terms such as "inner" and "outer" are used in a broad sense. More specifically, the term "inner" can refer not only to lateral inward movement of the vehicle, but also to inward movement in both the longitudinal and quarter-direction directions (tilt directions: directions other than the longitudinal and lateral directions). The same applies to the term "outer."

[0032] Reference Figure 1 The mounting structure X includes a cover 5, which is installed from inside the vehicle to a pillar body 3, which is composed of a hollow steel structure component of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the pillar body 3 separates the windshield 4A and the side windows 4B.

[0033] The cover 5 has an opening 15 that extends along the length of the A-pillar, and the pillar body 3 also has an opening that substantially overlaps with the opening of the cover 5.

[0034] The cover 5 extends rearward and upward at an angle along the inner surface of the pillar body 3. In this embodiment, the cover 5 is a molded product made of resin (e.g., ABS resin). The cover 5 has a plate shape with its lateral edges curved outward. The cover 5 is disposed inside the A-pillar P and forms part of the A-pillar P inside the vehicle.

[0035] The mounting structure also includes a retaining member 7 fitted into the opening 15 of the cover 5. Both the cover 5 and the retaining member 7 are made of a plastic sheet of substantially constant thickness and can be considered as decorative members forming part of the interior trim of the vehicle cabin. The central portion of the retaining member 7 is typically recessed into the hollow interior of the pillar body 3, as will be described below. The retaining member 7 may be a separate member from the cover 5 and attached from the outside (from one side of the pillar body 3) to the periphery of the opening of the cover 5. Alternatively, the retaining member 7 may be integrally formed with the cover 5 or attached from the inside of the cover 5. The retaining member 7 supports the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11, each having a working end facing the interior of the cabin, particularly facing the face of the vehicle driver. The term "working end" here may refer to the effective inner end of the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11.

[0036] The lighting device 9 is configured to emit electromagnetic energy, such as visible light and infrared light, from the emitting surface 19 (working end) to illuminate the interior of the vehicle through the opening 15. The area illuminated by the lighting device 9 may, for example, be the area around the driver's face. In this embodiment, the lighting device 9 emits infrared light from the emitting surface 19. In this embodiment, the lighting device 9 includes a light-emitting diode 9A (LED) that emits infrared light, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it serves as a device for emitting electromagnetic energy.

[0037] Imaging device 11 is configured to image the interior of the vehicle, particularly the face of the vehicle driver, through opening 15. Imaging device 11 captures images by receiving infrared light reflected from the vehicle driver's face via its light-receiving surface 21 (working end). In this embodiment, the images acquired by imaging device 11 are used, for example, to monitor the driver's state, such as the driver's level of alertness. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device 11 includes an infrared camera 11B, which has a camera lens 11A to acquire images via a light-receiving surface 21.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the opening 15 of the cover 5 may be provided with a plate-shaped cover member 23 that covers the retaining member 7, the lighting device 9, and the imaging device 11 from the inside. The cover member 23 is preferably used as an optical filter, which preferably transmits electromagnetic energy emitted from the lighting device 9. In this embodiment, the cover member 23 is configured as a filter that blocks visible light and transmits only infrared light (IR filter).

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, a mounting portion 27 is provided in the lower end of the cover 5 for mounting the functional component 25 thereon. Figure 1 As shown, the mounting portion 27 is located below the retaining member 7 (or opening 15), particularly below the imaging device 11, and slightly offset toward the windshield 4A. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 27 includes an opening penetrating the cover 5, and the functional member 25 includes a speaker. However, the functional member 25 is not limited to a speaker, but could be, for example, a monitor (digital mirror) displaying a side view and / or a rear view of the vehicle S.

[0040] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The structure of retaining component 7 and the positioning details of lighting device 9 and imaging device 11 are described below.

[0041] In this embodiment, the retaining member 7 is a molded product made of resin (e.g., ABS resin). Figure 2 As shown, the retaining member 7 includes, from top to bottom, a first horizontal wall 31, a first vertical wall 33, a second horizontal wall 35, and a second vertical wall 37.

[0042] The first horizontal wall 31 extends outward from the upper edge of the retaining member 7 or the portion adjacent to the upper edge of the opening 15, and slopes slightly downward in the outward direction. The outer end (outer end) of the first horizontal wall 31 coincides with (or is connected to) the upper edge of the first vertical wall 33. Therefore, in the longitudinal section view taken along the length of the column P ( Figure 2 In the first horizontal wall 31, the first horizontal wall 31 is located inside (rear part) of the first vertical wall 33.

[0043] Figure 2 The dashed line in the diagram represents the horizontal plane R. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first horizontal wall 31 defines a first upper surface 43 that slopes downward in the outward direction.

[0044] The first vertical wall 33 is located outside (front of) the first horizontal wall 31 and defines a first vertical surface 45 facing the vehicle cabin. The first vertical wall 33 is provided with a first mounting portion 47. In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 47 is formed as a through hole through the first vertical wall 33. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the first mounting portion 47 may also be a recess or surface configured to hold the lighting device 9.

[0045] The lower edge of the first vertical wall 33 coincides with (or is attached to) the inner edge of the second horizontal wall 35. The second horizontal wall 35 defines a second upper surface 53 that slopes slightly downward in the outward direction.

[0046] The outer edge of the second horizontal wall 35 coincides with (or is connected to) the upper edge of the second vertical wall 37. Therefore, the first horizontal wall 31, the first vertical wall 33, the second horizontal wall 35, and the second vertical wall 37 are arranged in this order in the outer direction, with the first horizontal wall 31 located at the innermost side and the second vertical wall 37 located at the outermost side. The second vertical wall 37 defines a second vertical surface 55 on its inner side facing the vehicle interior. The second vertical surface 55 is provided with a second mounting portion 57. In this embodiment, the second mounting portion 57 is formed as a through hole passing through the second vertical wall 37. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the second mounting portion 57 may be a recessed portion forwardly recessed in the second vertical surface 55 or the second vertical surface 55 itself.

[0047] The lighting device 9 is housed in the first mounting portion 47 and fixed to the first vertical wall 33, such that the light-emitting surface 19 faces the interior (rear) of the vehicle. The imaging device 11 is housed in the second mounting portion 57 and fixed to the second vertical wall 37, such that the light-receiving surface 21 faces the interior (rear) of the vehicle. Furthermore, by positioning the imaging device 11 and the lighting device 9 in the first mounting portion 47 and the second mounting portion 57 respectively, the imaging device 11 and the lighting device 9 can be arranged vertically in a simple configuration, one above the other.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the light-emitting surface 19 is located at the rear end of the lighting device 9 or forms the inner end of the lighting device 9. The light-receiving surface 21 is located at the rear end of the imaging device 11 and forms the inner end of the imaging device 11. The light-receiving surface 21 is located below and in front of the light-emitting surface 19. In the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column P, both the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 are located in front of the imaginary line A (profile) connecting the upper end and the lower end of the opening 15. The imaginary line A is a line representing the outer profile B of the cover 5 (or column A) formed by the upper and lower sides of the opening 15 of the push-out cover 5. The imaginary line A is a curve that extends along the outer surface of the cover 5 located above the upper end and below the lower end of the opening 15, following the overall curvature of the column P (see...). Figure 2 (The dashed line in the image). Alternatively, the imaginary line A can be a straight line connecting the upper and lower ends of opening 15 (see...). Figure 2 (Double-dotted line in the image). The lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 are both located inside the outer contour B of the cover 5 (outside the vehicle). Being located outside the outer contour B of the cover 5 means on the opposite side of the imaginary line A, away from the interior of the vehicle.

[0049] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The diagram shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view and illustrates the mounting structure according to a modified embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 In, with Figure 2 The corresponding components shown are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of these components are not repeated to avoid redundancy. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the horizontal distance L1 between the inner end of the lighting device 9 and the outer contour B (imaginary line A) of the cover 5 is greater than the horizontal distance L2 between the inner end of the imaging device 11 and the outer contour B (imaginary line A) of the cover 5. More specifically, the minimum value of the horizontal distance L1 (at the lower end of the light-emitting surface 19) is greater than the minimum value of the horizontal distance L2.

[0050] about Figure 2 and Figure 3 In both embodiments shown, the first lower surface 41 and the second lower surface 51 are located in front of (outside of) the imaginary line A in the longitudinal section view of column P. As a result, the first horizontal wall 31 and the second horizontal wall 35 are located in front of (outside of) the imaginary line A in the longitudinal section view of column P.

[0051] about Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the two embodiments shown, the light-emitting surface 19 located at the inner end of the lighting device 9 is situated in front of (outer from) the imaginary line A, below the first horizontal wall 31, and inside the first vertical wall 33. More specifically, the light-emitting surface 19 is located in the first opening region Y defined by the first lower surface 41, the first vertical surface 45, and the imaginary line A.

[0052] about Figure 2 and 3 In the two embodiments shown, the light-receiving surface 21 located at the inner end of the imaging device 11 is situated in front of (outer from) the imaginary line A, below the second horizontal wall 35, and inside the second vertical wall 37. More specifically, the light-receiving surface 21 is located in the second opening region Z defined by the second lower surface 51, the second vertical surface 55, and the imaginary line A.

[0053] A cable (hereinafter referred to as lighting device cable 61) is connected to the front end of the lighting device 9. Lighting device cable 61 is a cable used to supply power to the lighting device 9. For example, lighting device cable 61 has two conductors in an insulating sheath, corresponding to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, used to make the light-emitting diode 9A emit light. Lighting device cable 61 extends forward from the front end of the lighting device 9, and then extends forward and downward along the front surface of the retaining member 7 and the front surface of the cover 5.

[0054] A cable (hereinafter referred to as imaging device cable 63) is connected to the front end of the imaging device 11. Imaging device cable 63 is used to power the imaging device 11 and to transmit images acquired by the imaging device 11. In this embodiment, imaging device cable 63 is formed as a coaxial cable comprising multiple (four in this embodiment) wires, each wire having an insulating sheath. These individual wires are collectively surrounded by a metal mesh. Imaging device cable 63 extends downward and forward from the front end of the imaging device 11 along the front surface of the retaining member 7 and the front surface of the cover 5.

[0055] The column body 3 is typically formed by welding two stamped metal plates together and has a hollow interior. In this case, the lighting device cable 61 and the imaging device cable 63 can pass through the interior of the column body 3.

[0056] The advantages and features of the above-mentioned installation structure X will be discussed below.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 are arranged along the length of the pillar body 3. Therefore, compared to the case where the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 are arranged side-by-side in the horizontal direction, this arrangement prevents the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 from protruding laterally from the pillar body 3, particularly towards the windshield 4A. Thus, the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 can be accommodated within the outer contour of the pillar body 3 without obstructing the driver's view. Therefore, the mounting structure X according to the invention improves traffic safety and contributes to the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0058] The imaging device 11 and the lighting device 9 are housed within the outer contour of the pillar body 3, particularly within the portion defined by the imaginary line A. As a result, neither the imaging device 11 nor the lighting device 9 obstructs the driver's view, nor does it impair the appearance of the pillar P.

[0059] Since the retaining member 7 is provided with a first vertical wall 33 and a second vertical wall 37, the imaging device 11 and the illumination device 9 can be fixed to the retaining member 7 in a suitable aiming direction without any difficulty or special provisions.

[0060] Furthermore, due to the bending and / or tilting of the column body 3 and the stepped configuration of the first vertical wall 33 and the second vertical wall 37, the lighting device 9 is positioned closer to the driver's face than the imaging device 11 (or the imaging device 11 is positioned further away from the driver's face), which maximizes the field of view of the imaging device 11 and the illumination capability of the lighting device 9.

[0061] The first horizontal wall 31 has a first lower surface 41 that slopes downward toward the outside of the vehicle, and the second horizontal wall 35 has a second lower surface 51 that slopes downward toward the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the first lower surface 41 and the second lower surface 51 slope upward toward the inside of the vehicle. Consequently, the illumination of the lighting device 9 is unlikely to be blocked, and the imaging device 11 is unlikely to be affected by external stray light.

[0062] The first horizontal wall 31 has a first upper surface 43 that slopes downward toward the outside of the vehicle, and the second horizontal wall 35 has a second upper surface 53 that slopes downward toward the outside of the vehicle, such that even if moisture is deposited on the surface of the first horizontal wall 31 (first upper surface 43), the moisture is allowed to flow along the first upper surface 43 and fall off. Similarly, even if moisture is deposited on the upper surface of the second horizontal wall 35 (second upper surface 53), the moisture is allowed to flow along the second upper surface 53 and fall off. By arranging the first upper surface 43 and the second upper surface 53 in this way, moisture or any other liquid can be prevented from accumulating on the upper sides of the first horizontal wall 31 and the second horizontal wall 35, thereby advantageously allowing drainage from the interior of the column P.

[0063] Imaging device 11 is positioned below illumination device 9, and imaging device cable 63 extends downward and forward (outward) from imaging device 11. Therefore, compared to the case where imaging device 11 is positioned above illumination device 9, the length of imaging device cable 63 can be reduced. Since imaging device cable 63 is a coaxial cable or another multi-wire cable that is larger than the cable used for illumination device cable 61, material and labor costs can be reduced. Furthermore, since imaging device cable 63 is more susceptible to external noise, it is advantageous to minimize the length of imaging device cable 63 compared to the length of illumination device cable 61.

[0064] The mounting portion 27 for mounting the functional component 25 is provided in front of or on the outside of the cover 5, the lighting device 9, and the imaging device 11, so that the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 can be positioned closer to the vehicle occupants, and the performance of the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 is not impaired by the presence of the functional component 25. In addition, the functional component 25, the lighting device 9, and the imaging device 11 are vertically aligned along the length of the pillar P, which can eliminate or reduce the protrusion from the pillar P, thereby not reducing the driver's field of vision and enhancing the appearance.

[0065] The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the illumination device 9 is mounted on the first mounting portion 47, and the imaging device 11 is mounted on the second mounting portion 57, such that the imaging device 11 is located below and in front of the illumination device 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement, but can be arranged such that the illumination device 9 is mounted on the second mounting portion 57 and fixed to the second vertical surface 55, and the imaging device 11 is mounted on the first mounting portion 47 and fixed to the second vertical surface 55. In this case, the illumination device 9 is located below and in front of (outer side) the imaging device 11.

[0067] In the above embodiment, when viewed in a longitudinal cross-sectional view of column P, both the light-emitting surface 19 and the light-receiving surface 21 are located in front of (outer from) the imaginary line A; however, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. When viewed in a longitudinal cross-sectional view of column P, it is sufficient if at least one of the light-emitting surface 19 and the light-receiving surface 21 is located in front of (outer from) the imaginary line A.

[0068] In the above embodiment, both the first lower surface 41 and the second lower surface 51 are located in front of (outer from) the imaginary line A in the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column P; however, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is sufficient if at least one of the first lower surface 41 and the second lower surface 51 is located in front of (outer from) the imaginary line A in the cross-sectional view of the column.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the inner end of the lighting device 9 is located below the first horizontal wall 31 and inside the first vertical wall 33, and the inner end of the imaging device 11 is located below the second horizontal wall 35 and inside the second vertical wall 37. However, within the scope of the present invention, only one of the inner ends of the lighting device 9 and the imaging device 11 is positioned in this manner.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, both the first horizontal wall 31 and the second horizontal wall 35 are configured to be located within the outer contour B of the cover 5, but it is also possible that only one of the first horizontal wall 31 and the second horizontal wall 35 is located within the outer contour B of the cover 5.

[0071] In addition, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end of the illumination device 9 is located above and inside the inner end of the imaging device 11, and the horizontal distance L1 between the inner end of the illumination device 9 and the outer contour B of the cover 5 is longer than the horizontal distance L2 between the inner end of the imaging device 11 and the outer contour B of the cover 5. However, the inner end of the imaging device 11 may also be located above and inside the inner end of the illumination device 9, and the horizontal distance between the inner end of the imaging device 11 and the outer contour B of the cover 5 is longer than the horizontal distance between the inner end of the illumination device 9 and the outer contour B of the cover 5. In other words, within the scope of the invention, one of the inner ends of the imaging device 11 and the illumination device 9 is located above and inside the vehicle, and the horizontal distance from the outer contour B of the cover 5 to either the imaging device 11 or the illumination device (whichever is above the other) is greater than the horizontal distance from the outer contour B to the other of the imaging device 11 and the illumination device.

[0072] In the aforementioned embodiment, the imaging device 11 and the lighting device 9 are mounted on the A-pillar, but the imaging device 11 and the lighting device 9 can also be mounted on the B-pillar, C-pillar, etc. The retaining member 7 can be formed as an integral part of the separating member or the cover 5.

[0073] Furthermore, not all components shown in the above embodiments are essential to the broad concept of the present invention, and they may be appropriately selected, omitted, and substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention. The contents of any references cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An installation structure, the installation structure comprising: A cover, which is disposed on the inside of the pillar of the vehicle and has an opening facing inward; A retaining member, the retaining member being fitted into the opening of the cover; A lighting device, supported by the retaining member and configured to illuminate the interior of the vehicle via the opening; as well as An imaging device, supported by the retaining member and configured to capture images of the interior of the vehicle via the opening. The lighting device and the imaging device each have a working end facing the interior of the vehicle, with one working end located above and inside the other. The retaining member includes: a first vertical wall having an inwardly facing first vertical surface; a second vertical wall having an inwardly facing second vertical surface located below and outside the first vertical surface; a first horizontal wall extending inwardly from the upper end of the first vertical wall; and a second horizontal wall extending outwardly from the lower end of the first vertical wall to the upper end of the second vertical wall. One of the lighting device and the imaging device is disposed on the first vertical wall, and the other is disposed on the second vertical wall.

2. The installation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting device and the imaging device are located within the outer contour of the cover.

3. The installation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The first horizontal wall defines a first lower surface that slopes downward toward the first vertical wall, and the second horizontal wall defines a second lower surface that slopes downward toward the second vertical wall.

4. The installation structure according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first horizontal wall and the second horizontal wall is contained within the outer contour of the column.

5. The installation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The first horizontal wall defines a first upper surface that slopes downward toward the first vertical wall, and the second horizontal wall defines a second upper surface that slopes downward toward the second vertical wall.

6. The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The lighting device is mounted on the first vertical wall, and the imaging device is mounted on the second vertical wall.

7. The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The column includes column A.

8. The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The cover is provided with a mounting portion, which is configured to mount a functional device to the portion of the column located below the imaging device.

9. The mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The column is bent or tilted such that the upper part of the column is further inward than the lower part of the column.

Images