Vehicle vision device

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted vision device is provided. In this vehicle-mounted camera device, a limiting sliding surface of the bracket restricts the radial movement of the rotating sliding surface of the housing. As the housing rotates, the rotating sliding surface slides relative to the limiting sliding surface. Furthermore, the end face of the controlling protrusion of the housing abuts against the end face of the controlling groove of the bracket, restricting the rotation of the housing. Here, the controlling groove and the controlling protrusion are located radially inside the rotating sliding surface. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the controlling groove and the controlling protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle vision device that rotates the vision mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the rearview mirror of the vehicle door described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-45120, the frame and the mirror rotate as a single unit. Furthermore, the radial movement of the outer circumferential surface of the axle shaft relative to the inner circumferential surface of the frame's inner cylinder is restricted; when the frame rotates, the inner circumferential surface of the frame's inner cylinder slides relative to the outer circumferential surface of the axle shaft. Additionally, a fitting structure is provided at the upper surface of the axle shaft base and the lower surface of the frame's base plate, which restricts the rotation of the frame.

[0003] Here, in the rearview mirror of the car door, the fitting structure is arranged on the outer side of the inner circumferential surface of the frame's inner cylinder. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle vision device capable of preventing foreign objects from entering the restriction mechanism.

[0005] The vehicle vision device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a vision mechanism that assists in the vision of vehicle occupants; a rotating body having a rotating sliding surface and rotating integrally with the vision mechanism; a limiting sliding surface disposed on the vehicle body side to limit the movement of the rotating sliding surface along the rotational radial direction, and the rotating body rotating causes the rotating sliding surface to slide; and a limiting mechanism disposed inside the rotational radial direction of the rotating sliding surface to limit the rotation of the rotating body.

[0006] For the vehicle vision device of the second aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle vision device of the first aspect of the present invention, when the restriction on the rotation of the rotating body formed by the restriction mechanism is released, the restriction on the movement of the rotating sliding surface along the rotational radial direction formed by the restriction sliding surface is maintained.

[0007] The vehicle vision device according to the third aspect of the present invention is based on the vehicle vision device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, and includes a limiting part, which is provided with the rotational sliding surface or the limiting sliding surface and constitutes the limiting mechanism.

[0008] For the vehicle vision device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle vision device of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a allowing mechanism is provided, which constitutes the limiting mechanism and allows the rotation of the rotating body.

[0009] For the vehicle vision device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle vision device of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, at least one of the above-mentioned rotating sliding surface and the above-mentioned limiting sliding surface is provided in the rotation direction of the rotating body as a whole.

[0010] For the vehicle vision device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle vision device of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, a connecting path is provided, wherein the connecting path connects to the rotating sliding surface from the outside of the rotating body, and the connecting direction to the rotating sliding surface is upward.

[0011] In the vehicle recognition device of the first aspect of the present invention, the recognition mechanism assists in the recognition of vehicle occupants. Furthermore, the rotating body rotates integrally with the recognition mechanism. Additionally, a limiting sliding surface on the vehicle body side restricts the radial movement of the rotating sliding surface of the rotating body; as the rotating body rotates, the rotating sliding surface slides relative to the limiting sliding surface. Furthermore, a limiting mechanism restricts the rotation of the rotating body.

[0012] Here, the limiting mechanism is located radially inside the rotating sliding surface. Therefore, the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface can prevent foreign objects from entering from the outside of the rotating body towards the side of the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface closer to the limiting mechanism, and can also prevent foreign objects from entering the limiting mechanism.

[0013] In the vehicle vision device of the second aspect of the present invention, when the restriction on the rotation of the rotating body implemented by the restriction mechanism is released, the restriction on the movement of the rotating sliding surface along the rotational radial direction implemented by the restriction sliding surface is maintained. Therefore, the rotating sliding surface and the restriction sliding surface can appropriately suppress the entry of foreign objects from the outside of the rotating body toward the side closer to the restriction mechanism than the rotating sliding surface and the restriction sliding surface.

[0014] In the vehicle vision device of the third aspect of the present invention, a rotating sliding surface or a limiting sliding surface is provided in the limiting part, and the limiting part constitutes a limiting mechanism. Therefore, the structure can be simplified.

[0015] In the vehicle vision device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mechanism allows the rotation of the rotating body and also allows the mechanism to constitute a limiting mechanism. Therefore, the structure can be simplified.

[0016] In the vehicle vision device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface is disposed throughout the rotation direction of the rotating body. Therefore, the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface can effectively prevent foreign objects from entering from the outside of the rotating body toward the side closer to the limiting mechanism than the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface.

[0017] In the vehicle vision device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the connecting path connects to the rotating sliding surface from the outside of the rotating body, and the connecting direction of the connecting path toward the rotating sliding surface is upward. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress foreign objects from entering from the outside of the rotating body toward the side of the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface closer to the limiting mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the interior of a vehicle camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 3B This is a top view showing the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] Figure 5A This is a top view showing the interior of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the support of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 6B This is a top view of the support of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7A This is a bottom view showing the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 7A (Sectional view along line 7B-7B).

[0029] Figure 8AThis is a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle and inside in the vehicle width direction. Figure 7A (Sectional view along line 8A-8A).

[0030] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 7A (Sectional view along line 8B-8B).

[0031] Figure 8C This is a cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Figure 7A (8C-8C line section view).

[0032] Figure 9 This is an unfolded diagram showing the control mechanism of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view, viewed from the rear of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction (left side of the vehicle), shows the vehicle camera device 10, which is an embodiment of the present invention for a vehicle vision device. Figure 2 The interior of the vehicle camera device 10 is shown in a top view. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow OUT indicates the outer side (left side of the vehicle) in the width direction, and arrow UP indicates the top.

[0034] The vehicle camera device 10 described in this embodiment is located in the middle of the vertical direction of a side door (particularly the front door) that serves as a vehicle door, at the front end of the vehicle, and is disposed on the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle camera device 10 includes a base 12 as a mounting body. The vehicle camera device 10 is mounted on the side door by fixing the inner end of the base 12 in the vehicle width direction to the side door. A generally rectangular plate 12A is provided on the base 12, and the base plate 12A protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. The base plate 12A is arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a circular mounting hole 12B is formed through the base plate 12A.

[0036] A folding mechanism 16 (contraction device, see reference) is supported on the upper side of the base plate 12A of the base 12. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B ).

[0037] The folding mechanism 16 is provided with a bracket 18 on the body side (support body) that constitutes the allowing mechanism (see reference). Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B A generally circular plate-shaped substrate 18A is provided at the lower end of the support 18, and the substrate 18A is arranged in a manner perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0038] At the center of the substrate 18A, a generally bottomed cylindrical fixing cylinder 18B is integrally formed as a fixing part, extending upward and opening downward toward the substrate 18A. Inside the fixing cylinder 18B, a fixing screw 20, serving as a fixing member, is screwed in from below (see reference). Figure 1 The leg 20A (threaded portion) of the fixing screw 20 passes through the fixing hole 12B of the base 12 (base plate 12A) from below. The base plate 12A is sandwiched between the base plate 18A and the head 20B of the fixing screw 20, thereby fixing (fastening) the bracket 18 to the base plate 12A, and the folding mechanism 16 is supported by the base plate 12A.

[0039] A cylindrical outer cylinder 18C, serving as an additional part, is integrally provided coaxially on the outer periphery of the substrate 18A. The outer cylinder 18C protrudes upward, and its protrusion dimension is smaller than that of the fixed cylinder 18B.

[0040] On the substrate 18A, and between the fixed cylinder 18B and the outer cylinder 18C, a generally cylindrical limiting cylinder 18D is integrally and coaxially disposed as a limiting part (support part) constituting the limiting mechanism. The limiting cylinder 18D protrudes upward. The protrusion dimension of the limiting cylinder 18D is smaller than the protrusion dimension of the fixed cylinder 18B and larger than the protrusion dimension of the outer cylinder 18C. The outer peripheral surface of the limiting cylinder 18D is formed as a cylindrical limiting sliding surface 18E, and the inner peripheral surface of the limiting cylinder 18D has irregularities. On the upper surface of the limiting cylinder 18D, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) regulating grooves 18F are formed as limiting parts (see reference). Figure 8C and Figure 9 Multiple control grooves 18F are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the limiting cylinder 18D. The control grooves 18F extend in the circumferential direction of the limiting cylinder 18D, and one end face and the other end face (both end faces in the extension direction) of the control grooves 18F are inclined upwards as they tend to be outwards in the extension direction of the control grooves 18F.

[0041] The bracket 18 supports a generally rectangular box-shaped housing 26, which serves as a rotating body constituting the permissive mechanism. The housing 26 is constructed by assembling a lower shell 26A and an upper cover 26B in the vertical direction.

[0042] On the lower wall of the inner portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction, a generally cylindrical sliding cylinder 26C is formed as a limiting part (supported part) constituting a limiting mechanism (see reference). Figure 8A and Figure 8B For the sliding cylinder 26C, the axial direction is vertical, and it protrudes vertically to both sides of the lower wall of the housing 26. The sliding cylinder 26C opens downwards into the housing 26. Inside the sliding cylinder 26C, a fixed cylinder 18B and a limiting cylinder 18D with a bracket 18 are inserted from the bottom. The inner circumferential surface of the sliding cylinder 26C is formed into a cylindrical rotating sliding surface 26D. The limiting cylinder 18D (limiting sliding surface 18E) is fitted into the rotating sliding surface 26D. Thus, the sliding cylinder 26C and the housing 26 are supported by the limiting cylinder 18D to be able to rotate.

[0043] The upper end of the sliding cylinder 26C protrudes radially inward along its entire circumference, and the upper end of the sliding cylinder 26C abuts against the upper surface of the limiting cylinder 18D. On the lower surface of the upper end of the sliding cylinder 26C, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) restraining protrusions 26E are formed as the restrained portion (see reference). Figure 8C and Figure 9 Multiple control protrusions 26E are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the sliding cylinder 26C. The control protrusions 26E extend in the circumferential direction of the sliding cylinder 26C, and one end face and the other end face (both end faces in the extending direction) of the control protrusions 26E are inclined downwards in the direction that tends to be inwards in the extending direction of the control protrusions 26E. The dimension in the extending direction of the control protrusions 26E is smaller than the dimension in the extending direction of the control groove 18F of the limiting cylinder 18D, and it is inserted into the control groove 18F, with one end face of the control protrusions 26E abutting (fitting) with one end face of the control groove 18F.

[0044] A rectangular insertion slot 26F is formed on the lower surface of the inner part of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 7A , Figure 8A and Figure 8B The insertion slot 26F is annular when viewed from below and is coaxially arranged with the sliding cylinder 26C. The outer cylinder 18C of the support 18 is inserted into the insertion slot 26F, and the inner surface of the insertion slot 26F is separated from the outer cylinder 18C. A connecting path 22 is formed from the outer side of the housing 26 to the rotating sliding surface 26D. For the connecting path 22, the lower end between the radially outer side of the insertion slot 26F and the outer cylinder 18C is set as the inlet and opens to the downward side, and passes through the inner surface of the insertion slot 26F and the outer cylinder 18C, and between the sliding cylinder 26C and the base plate 18A of the support 18.

[0045] A motor 28, serving as a drive mechanism, is fixed inside the outer portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction. The output shaft 28A of the motor 28 extends inward in the vehicle width direction. A first-stage gear 30 (worm gear) is coaxially supported on the output shaft 28A, and the first-stage gear 30 rotates integrally with the output shaft 28A.

[0046] Within the middle portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction, a double gear 32, serving as the first gear, is supported. The axial direction of the double gear 32 is vertical. On the upper part of the double gear 32, a first helical gear 32A (worm gear) is coaxially arranged, meshing with the first-stage gear 30. On the lower part of the double gear 32, a second helical gear 32B is coaxially arranged, rotating integrally with the first helical gear 32A.

[0047] Within the middle portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction, a drive gear 34, serving as the second gear, is supported. The axis of the drive gear 34 is approximately in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. A third helical gear 34A is coaxially mounted on the front side of the drive gear 34, meshing with the second helical gear 32B. On the rear side of the drive gear 34, a worm gear 34B is coaxially mounted, rotating integrally with the third helical gear 34A.

[0048] An approximately annular plate-shaped end gear 36 (worm gear) is disposed within the inner portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction, serving as a permitted component of the permitted mechanism. The end gear 36 meshes with a worm 34B. Inside the end gear 36, a fixed cylinder 18B and a limiting cylinder 18D of a bracket 18 are inserted from below. The end gear 36 is supported from below by a sliding cylinder 26C of the housing 26 and is rotatable due to the support of the sliding cylinder 26C.

[0049] On the upper surface of the end gear 36, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) generally rectangular plate-shaped allowable protrusions 36A are integrally provided as allowable portions, and the allowable protrusions 36A protrude upward. The allowable protrusions 36A extend circumferentially along the end gear 36, and the plurality of allowable protrusions 36A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the end gear 36. Furthermore, the end faces of the allowable protrusions 36A on both sides in the extending direction are inclined inward toward the extending direction of the allowable protrusions 36A as they tend to rise.

[0050] Inside the end gear 36, a generally bottomed cylindrical clutch 38 (see reference) is coaxially disposed as a permitting member constituting the permitting mechanism. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The clutch 38 has an opening to the upper side. A cylindrical fitting cylinder 38A is integrally formed on the lower wall (bottom wall) of the clutch 38, protruding upwards. The fitting cylinder 38A has an opening to the lower side, and a fixing cylinder 18B of the bracket 18 is fitted inside the fitting cylinder 38A from the lower side.

[0051] A plurality of (four in this embodiment) generally rectangular blocking holes 38B are formed through the peripheral wall of the clutch 38, serving as blocking parts. The plurality of blocking holes 38B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the clutch 38. The peripheral wall of the clutch 38 is inserted into the limiting cylinder 18D of the bracket 18 from the lower side. The peripheral wall of the clutch 38 (including the blocking holes 38B) fits into the concave and convex surfaces of the inner circumferential surface of the limiting cylinder 18D in the circumferential direction of the clutch 38. The clutch 38 cannot rotate in the circumferential direction, but can move in the vertical direction (axial direction).

[0052] At the upper end of the clutch 38, an annular allowance frame 38C is integrally formed coaxially. The allowance frame 38C protrudes radially outward from the clutch 38 and is formed with a generally rectangular cross-section. On the lower surface of the allowance frame 38C, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) rectangular allowance holes 38D are formed as allowance portions, and the allowance holes 38D are open to the downward side. The allowance holes 38D extend circumferentially from the allowance frame 38C, and the plurality of allowance holes 38D are arranged at equal intervals circumferentially from the allowance frame 38C. The end faces of the allowance holes 38D on both sides in the extending direction are inclined inward towards the extending direction of the allowance hole 38D as they tend to rise. The allowance protrusion 36A of the end gear 36 is inserted into the allowance hole 38D and is fitted into the allowance hole 38D circumferentially from the end gear 36.

[0053] Inside the clutch 38, a spring 40 (coil spring) is coaxially arranged as a force-applying member constituting the allowance mechanism. The spring 40 is coaxially inserted into the fixing sleeve 18B of the bracket 18 and the engagement sleeve 38A of the clutch 38, and its lower end abuts (locks) against the lower wall of the clutch 38. The upper end of the fixing sleeve 18B is coaxially inserted into a generally annular cam plate 42, which serves as a locking member. The upward movement of the cam plate 42 is locked by the upper end of the fixing sleeve 18B. The upper end of the spring 40 abuts (locks) against the cam plate 42 from below, and the spring 40 is compressed in the vertical (axial) direction. The spring 40 exerts a downward force on the lower wall of the clutch 38, thereby preventing the disengagement of the allowance protrusion 36A of the end gear 36 from the allowance hole 38D of the clutch 38 (allowance frame 38C), thus restricting the rotation of the end gear 36 (see reference). Figure 7B ).

[0054] The box 26 is fixed inside the generally rectangular box-shaped light shield 44, which serves as the cover, and the light shield 44 covers the outer periphery of the box 26.

[0055] The sunshade 44 is assembled from an upper sunshade 44A and a lower sunshade 44B in the vertical direction. A base plate 18A of a bracket 18 passes through the inner portion of the lower wall of the sunshade 44 (lower sunshade 44B) in the vehicle width direction. A circular rear hole 44C is formed through the outer end of the rear side wall of the sunshade 44 (upper sunshade 44A) in the vehicle width direction, and a circular lower hole 44D is formed through the middle portion of the lower wall of the sunshade 44 (lower sunshade 44B) in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] At the outer end of the sun visor 44 in the vehicle width direction, a rear camera 46 serving as a recognition mechanism is fixed. The lens 46A of the rear camera 46 protrudes from the rear hole 44C of the sun visor 44 outwards and faces the rear of the vehicle. At the middle part of the sun visor 44 in the vehicle width direction, a lower camera 48 serving as a recognition mechanism is fixed. The lens (not shown) of the lower camera 48 protrudes from the lower hole 44D of the sun visor 44 outwards and faces downwards.

[0057] The rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48 are electrically connected to the vehicle's control unit 50. The rear camera 46, under the control of the control unit 50, captures images of the rear side of the sun visor 44 through the rear aperture 44C and lens 46A. The lower camera 48, under the control of the control unit 50, captures images of the lower side of the sun visor 44 through the lower aperture 44D and lens. A monitor 52, serving as a display mechanism, is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The monitor 52 displays the images captured by the rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48 under the control of the control unit 50. The monitor 52 is located inside the vehicle interior, allowing vehicle occupants (especially the driver) to visually observe the images displayed on the monitor 52. The images captured by the rear camera 46 assist the occupants in recognizing the rear side of the vehicle, and the images captured by the lower camera 48 assist the occupants in recognizing the lower side. Furthermore, a motor 28 for the folding mechanism 16 (see reference 16) is electrically connected to the control unit 50. Figure 4 ).

[0058] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0059] In the vehicle camera device 10 with the above structure, in the folding mechanism 16, when the motor 28 is driven by the control device 50, the output shaft 28A, the first stage gear 30, the double gear 32 (the first helical gear 32A and the second helical gear 32B) and the drive gear 34 (the third helical gear 34A and the worm gear 34B) rotate, and the driving force of the motor 28 is applied to the end gear 36, thereby driving the gear 34 to rotate around the end gear 36, and the housing 26 and the drive gear 34 rotate together around the limiting cylinder 18D of the bracket 18.

[0060] Therefore, the sunshade 44 (including the rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48) rotates integrally with the housing 26 towards the rear of the vehicle and inward in the vehicle width direction, causing the sunshade 44 to fold. When the sunshade 44 is folded, the other end face of the control protrusion 26E of the housing 26 (sliding cylinder 26C) abuts (fits) with the other end face of the control groove 18F of the bracket 18 (limiting cylinder 18D), thereby limiting the rotation of the housing 26 and stopping the sunshade 44 in the folded position (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0061] Furthermore, the sunshade 44, integral with the housing 26, rotates outward in the vehicle width direction and towards the front of the vehicle, causing the sunshade 44 to stand up (reset). When the sunshade 44 is standing up, one end face of the control protrusion 26E of the housing 26 (sliding cylinder 26C) abuts (fits) with one end face of the control groove 18F of the bracket 18 (limiting cylinder 18D), thereby limiting the rotation of the housing 26 and stopping the sunshade 44 in the standing position (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0062] Furthermore, when a load exceeding a specified load is applied to the sunshade 44 in the upright position towards the front of the vehicle, at the folding mechanism 16, against the force of the spring 40, the clutch 38 moves upward and the allowable protrusion 36A of the end gear 36 disengages from the allowable hole 38D of the clutch 38 (allowable frame 38C). Simultaneously, the housing 26 moves upward and the regulating protrusion 26E of the housing 26 moves from the regulating groove 18F of the bracket 18 to the upper surface of the limiting cylinder 18D (releasing the rotational restriction on the housing 26 achieved by the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E), allowing the rotation of the end gear 36. Therefore, the housing 26 and the end gear 36 are allowed to rotate together around the limiting cylinder 18D, allowing the sunshade 44 (including the rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48) integrated with the housing 26 to rotate towards the front of the vehicle.

[0063] However, the sliding surface 26D of the sliding cylinder 26C of the housing 26 is fitted into the limiting sliding surface 18E of the limiting cylinder 18D of the bracket 18. The limiting sliding surface 18E restricts the movement of the sliding surface 26D along the rotational radial direction. The housing 26 rotates, and the sliding surface 26D slides relative to the limiting sliding surface 18E.

[0064] Here, the control groove 18F of the bracket 18 and the control protrusion 26E of the housing 26 are located radially inside the rotating sliding surface 26D. Therefore, by using the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C (limiting the sliding surface 18E and the rotating sliding surface 26D), foreign objects (such as water and dust) can be prevented from entering from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side closer to the control groove 18F and the control protrusion 26E than the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E, and foreign objects can be prevented from entering the control groove 18F and the control protrusion 26E.

[0065] Furthermore, the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E are disposed around the entire circumference of the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C. The rotating sliding surface 26D is fitted onto the limiting sliding surface 18E around the entire circumference of the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C (the limiting sliding surface 18E restricts the movement of the rotating sliding surface 26D along the rotational radial direction). Therefore, the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C can effectively prevent foreign objects from entering from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side of the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E that is closer to the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E.

[0066] Furthermore, when the sunshade 44 in the allowed upright position rotates towards the front of the vehicle, the regulating protrusion 26E of the housing 26 moves from the regulating groove 18F of the bracket 18 to the upper surface of the limiting cylinder 18D. The housing 26 moves upward, maintaining the engagement between the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E (maintaining the radial movement restriction of the rotating sliding surface 26D achieved by the limiting sliding surface 18E). Therefore, the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C can effectively prevent foreign objects from entering from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side closer to the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E than the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E.

[0067] Furthermore, when the sunshade 44, which is in the upright position, rotates towards the front of the vehicle, causing the housing 26 to move upward, the engagement between the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E is maintained throughout the entire circumference of the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C (maintaining the restriction on the rotational radial movement of the rotating sliding surface 26D achieved by the limiting sliding surface 18E). Therefore, the limiting cylinder 18D and the sliding cylinder 26C can more effectively suppress the entry of foreign objects from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side of the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E closest to the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E.

[0068] Furthermore, the outer cylinder 18C of the bracket 18 is inserted into the insertion slot 26F of the housing 26. The connecting passage 22 connects from the outside of the housing 26 through the inner surface of the insertion slot 26F to the rotating sliding surface 26D. The connecting passage 22 between the radially outer side of the insertion slot 26F and the outer cylinder 18C communicates upwards towards the rotating sliding surface 26D. Therefore, the insertion slot 26F and the outer cylinder 18C can prevent foreign objects (especially water) from entering from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side of the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E near the regulating slot 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E.

[0069] Furthermore, on the entire circumference of the outer cylinder 18C and the insertion groove 26F, the outer cylinder 18C is inserted into the insertion groove 26F, and the communication direction of the connecting path 22 between the radially outer side of the insertion groove 26F and the outer cylinder 18C is upward towards the rotating sliding surface 26D. Therefore, the insertion groove 26F and the outer cylinder 18C can further suppress the entry of foreign objects from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side of the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E near the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E.

[0070] Furthermore, the inlet of the connecting passage 22 (the lower end between the radially outer side of the insertion groove 26F and the outer cylinder 18C) is open to the lower side. Therefore, the insertion groove 26F and the outer cylinder 18C can effectively prevent foreign objects from entering from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side of the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E near the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E.

[0071] Furthermore, when the sunshade 44, in its upright position, rotates towards the front of the vehicle and the housing 26 moves upward, the outer cylinder 18C remains inserted into the insertion slot 26F. Therefore, the insertion slot 26F and the outer cylinder 18C effectively prevent foreign objects from entering from the outside of the housing 26 towards the side of the rotating sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E near the control slot 18F and the control protrusion 26E.

[0072] Furthermore, when the sunshade 44, in its upright position, rotates towards the front of the vehicle and the housing 26 moves upward, the insertion of the outer cylinder 18C into the insertion slot 26F is maintained throughout the entire circumference of the outer cylinder 18C and the insertion slot 26F. Therefore, the insertion slot 26F and the outer cylinder 18C can more effectively suppress the entry of foreign objects from the outside of the housing 26 onto the side of the control groove 18F and control protrusion 26E relative to the rotation sliding surface 26D and the limiting sliding surface 18E.

[0073] Furthermore, a limiting sliding surface 18E is provided on the limiting cylinder 18D of the bracket 18, and a regulating groove 18F is provided on the limiting cylinder 18D. Also, a rotating sliding surface 26D is provided on the sliding cylinder 26C of the housing 26, and a regulating protrusion 26E is provided on the sliding cylinder 26C. Therefore, the structure of the folding mechanism 16 can be simplified by providing a simple structure for the regulating groove 18F and the regulating protrusion 26E.

[0074] Furthermore, the control groove 18F of the bracket 18 and the control protrusion 26E of the housing 26 restrict the rotation of the sunshade 44 (housing 26) in the folding and standing directions, while allowing the sunshade 44 (housing 26) in the standing position to rotate towards the front of the vehicle. Therefore, by sharing both the structure that restricts the rotation of the sunshade 44 and the structure that allows the rotation of the sunshade 44, the structure of the folding mechanism 16 can be simplified.

[0075] In this embodiment, a limiting sliding surface 18E is provided around the entire circumference of the limiting cylinder 18D, and a rotating sliding surface 26D is provided around the entire circumference of the sliding cylinder 26C. However, it is also possible that the limiting sliding surface 18E is provided in a partial circumferential direction of the limiting cylinder 18D, or that the rotating sliding surface 26D is provided in a partial circumferential direction of the sliding cylinder 26C.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an outer cylinder 18C is provided around the entire circumference of the support 18, and an insertion groove 26F is provided throughout the rotational direction of the housing 26. However, it is also possible that the outer cylinder 18C is provided only partially around the circumference of the support 18, or that the insertion groove 26F is provided only partially in the rotational direction of the housing 26.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recognition mechanism employs cameras (rear camera 46 and lower camera 48). However, the recognition mechanism may also employ mirrors.

[0078] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-191764, filed on November 9, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0080] 10...Vehicle camera device (vehicle vision device); 18...Bracket (body side, allowing mechanism); 18D...Limiting cylinder (limiting mechanism, limiting part); 18E...Limiting sliding surface; 22...Connecting path; 26...Box (rotating body; allowing mechanism); 26C...Sliding cylinder (limiting mechanism; limiting part); 26D...Rotating sliding surface; 36...End gear (allowing mechanism); 38...Clutch (allowing mechanism); 40...Spring (allowing mechanism); 46...Rear camera (vision mechanism); 48...Lower camera (vision mechanism).

Claims

1. A vehicle vision device, characterized in that, have: A visual recognition mechanism that assists in the visual recognition of vehicle occupants; A rotating body having a rotating sliding surface and rotating integrally with the vision mechanism; A limiting sliding surface, which is disposed on the vehicle body side, restricts the movement of the rotating sliding surface along the rotational radial direction, and the rotating body rotates to cause the rotating sliding surface to slide; as well as A limiting mechanism is disposed on the inner side of the rotational radial direction of the rotating sliding surface to limit the rotation of the rotating body.

2. The vehicle vision device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the restriction on the rotation of the rotating body achieved by the restriction mechanism is released, the restriction on the movement of the rotating sliding surface along the rotational radial direction achieved by the restriction sliding surface is maintained.

3. The vehicle vision device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes a limiting part, which is provided with the rotating sliding surface or the limiting sliding surface, and constitutes the limiting mechanism.

4. The vehicle vision device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It has a allowing mechanism that constitutes the limiting mechanism and allows the rotating body to rotate.

5. The vehicle vision device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one of the rotating sliding surface and the limiting sliding surface is disposed along the rotation direction of the rotating body.

6. The vehicle vision device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The rotating body is provided with a connecting path that connects to the rotating sliding surface from the outside of the rotating body, and the connecting direction to the rotating sliding surface is upward.

7. The vehicle vision device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connection direction is changed from the outside of the rotating body to the rotating sliding surface through the connecting path.

8. The vehicle vision device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The connecting path is open to the lower side.

9. The vehicle vision device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, When the restriction on the rotation of the rotating body achieved by the limiting mechanism is released, the connection from the outside of the rotating body to the rotating sliding surface achieved by the connecting path is maintained.

10. The vehicle vision device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, When the restriction on the rotation of the rotating body achieved by the restriction mechanism is released, the restriction on the movement of the rotating sliding surface along the rotational radial direction is maintained throughout the rotational direction of the rotating body by the restriction sliding surface.

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