Mounting structure for a camera

Abstract

A mounting structure (1A) for a camera (10) includes a lens section (11), an image sensor section (13), and an intermediate shaft section (12) connecting the lens section (11) and the image sensor section (13). The camera (10) is inserted into a mounting hole (21) in a movable body, and a protrusion (15) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the camera (10) is embedded in a recess formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole. With this structure, not only can the angle of the optical axis of the camera (10) be adjusted, but the camera can also be assembled into the narrow space of the movable body in an inconspicuous manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mounting structure for a camera on a moving body. Background Technology

[0002] One type of camera structure, mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, is used to capture images of the front and / or rear of the vehicle. The camera body is housed within a housing, and a bracket that can be freely tilted to support the housing is fixed to the outer surface of the dashboard or the inner surface of the window glass (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this mounting structure, the angle of the camera's optical axis can be adjusted.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-226030. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem the invention aims to solve In riding vehicles such as two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the surface area of ​​the vehicle is relatively small. In these vehicles, it is difficult to ensure a suitable mounting location for the camera bracket. Furthermore, there is the issue of the bracket and housing protruding significantly from the vehicle's exterior, which detracts from the vehicle's aesthetic design.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a camera mounting structure that allows the camera to be assembled into the confined space of a moving body in an inconspicuous manner while adjusting the camera's optical axis angle.

[0006] Solution to the problem To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a camera mounting structure comprising a lens portion, an image sensor portion, and an intermediate shaft portion connecting the lens portion and the image sensor portion. The lens portion is disposed on the outer side of a movable body, and the image sensor portion is disposed on the inner side of the movable body. The camera is inserted into a mounting hole provided in the movable body. An outwardly protruding portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the camera; the protruding portion is embedded in a recess formed on the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole.

[0007] The effects of the invention The camera mounting structure of the present invention can, while adjusting the optical axis angle of the camera, also allow the camera to be installed in a conspicuous manner within the narrow space of the moving body, since the camera is housed within the mounting hole of the moving body. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view of the camera mounting structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the camera mounting structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the camera mounting structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 The mounting structure of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Sectional view IV-IV.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the camera mounting structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] In addition, in the description of each embodiment, the same symbols are used to mark the same constituent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0015] First Implementation Method In the first embodiment, the application of a camera mounting structure to a two-wheeled motorcycle will be described.

[0016] The mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 for filming the front of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2 is installed inside the front fairing 2a.

[0017] In the first embodiment, a camera 10 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the front surface of the front fairing 2a. The mounting structure 1A of the left and right cameras 10 is symmetrical. The two cameras 10 constitute a stereo camera.

[0018] In the first embodiment, two openings 2d and 2d are formed on the front fairing 2a. The two openings 2d and 2d are positioned above the headlights 2b and on the left and right sides of the front baffle 2c.

[0019] An opening edge component 2e is provided on the outer surface of the front fairing 2a. The opening edge component 2e is an annular component and is configured to surround the opening edge of the opening portion 2d.

[0020] A camera 10 is disposed inside the opening 2d. The camera 10 passes through the opening 2d from inside the front fairing 2a and is able to capture images of the area in front of the vehicle.

[0021] The mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment is as follows: Figure 2As shown, it includes a camera 10, a cylindrical component 14 embedded in the camera 10, and a bracket 20.

[0022] Camera 10, such as Figure 3 As shown, it includes a lens section 11, an image sensor section 13, and an intermediate shaft section 12 connecting the lens section 11 and the image sensor section 13.

[0023] The top end of the intermediate shaft portion 12 is cylindrical, and a lens portion 11 is embedded at the front end.

[0024] The base end of the intermediate shaft portion 12 is connected to the box-shaped housing 13a. The housing 13a houses the camera element portion 13.

[0025] The image sensor unit 13 is a component that converts light passing through the lens unit 11 into image data. The image sensor unit 13 is powered by a battery via a power cord. Furthermore, the image sensor unit 13 outputs image data to an image recording device or an image processing device via a data cable.

[0026] Cylindrical component 14 is a cylindrical component. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the cylindrical component 14 is externally embedded in the intermediate shaft portion 12 of the camera 10. The rear end of the cylindrical component 14 is fixed to the rear end of the intermediate shaft portion 12.

[0027] On the outer peripheral surface of the front part of the cylindrical component 14, such as Figure 3 As shown, a protrusion 15 is formed along the entire circumference, projecting radially outward toward the cylindrical member 14. The outer surface of the protrusion 15 is formed as a curved surface cut in a ring shape from a portion of a sphere (see [reference]). Figure 4 ).

[0028] The bracket 20 is a cylindrical component through which the mounting hole 21 passes. The front side of the bracket 20 is formed in a manner that follows the shape of the outer surface of the front fairing 2a. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall of the bracket 20 has a shape in which the axial length gradually increases as it extends from the outer side of the vehicle toward the center of the vehicle. Figure 4 As shown, the bracket 20 is mounted on the inner surface of the front fairing 2a. The mounting hole 21 is a circular cross-section hole that inserts the camera 10 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0029] On bracket 20, such as Figure 3 As shown, the slit 22, extending from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 21 to the outer circumferential surface of the bracket 20, is formed in a straight line extending from one end of the bracket 20 in the axial direction (i.e., the axial direction of the mounting hole 21) to the other end. Therefore, the axial section of the bracket 20 is formed in a C-shape. In this embodiment, the slit 22 is formed at the position where the axial length is minimum within the peripheral wall portion of the bracket 20.

[0030] Multiple fixing parts 24 are provided protruding on the outer peripheral surface of the bracket 20. Then, by inserting into... Figure 4 The bolts in the holes of the fixing part 24 shown are screwed into the threaded holes formed on the inner surface of the front fairing 2a so that the threads of the two are matched, which can fix the bracket 20 on the inner surface of the front fairing 2a.

[0031] With the bracket 20 fixed to the inner surface of the front fairing 2a, the front end of the mounting hole 21 is in communication with the opening 2d of the front fairing 2a.

[0032] At the rear of the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole 21, such as Figure 3 As shown, a concave recess 23 is formed throughout the entire circumference. The inner surface of the recess 23 has a curved surface that is annularly cut out from a portion of the spherical surface (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the camera 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 21. In this embodiment, the lens portion 11 of the camera 10 is disposed on the outside (front) of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2, and the image sensor portion 13 is disposed on the inside (rear) of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2. The intermediate shaft portion 12 and the cylindrical component 14 are inserted into the mounting hole 21.

[0034] The protrusion 15 of the cylindrical component 14 is embedded in the recess 23 of the mounting hole 21, and the outer surface of the protrusion 15 fits into the inner surface of the recess 23. As a result, the camera 10 can be freely tilted in all directions relative to the mounting hole 21.

[0035] In this way, the camera 10 is installed inside the front fairing 2a in a state where the angle of its optical axis relative to the central axis of the mounting hole 21 can be adjusted in all directions.

[0036] In the above-mentioned installation structure 1A, such as Figure 1 As shown, since the camera 10 is installed inside the front fairing 2a with an adjustable optical axis angle, the viewing angle of the camera 10 can be easily and precisely adjusted after the two-wheeled motorcycle 2 is assembled.

[0037] In the mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment, since the camera 10 is housed in the front fairing 2a, even a two-wheeled motorcycle 2 (riding vehicle) with a small outer surface area can have the camera 10 installed in a narrow space in an inconspicuous manner.

[0038] In other words, in the mounting structure 1A, the lens portion 11 of the camera 10 is positioned on the inner surface of the front fairing 2a, and the bracket 20 does not protrude significantly from the outer surface of the front fairing 2a (the design surface of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2).

[0039] In the mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the camera 10 is supported by a bracket 20 installed inside the front fairing 2a. This structure allows the camera 10 to be installed at a free tilt even with a relatively thin front fairing 2a.

[0040] In the mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment, since the curved surface of the outer surface of the protrusion 15 of the camera 10 fits into the curved surface of the inner surface of the recess 23 of the mounting hole 21 of the bracket 20, the camera 10 can be smoothly tilted relative to the bracket 20.

[0041] In the mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, a slit 22 is formed at one end of the annular bracket 20 extending to the other end. In this structure, when the protrusion 15 of the camera 10 is pushed into the mounting hole 21 of the bracket 20, the diameter of the mounting hole 21 is enlarged due to the opening of the slit 22, thereby facilitating the mounting of the camera 10 onto the bracket 20.

[0042] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and appropriate changes can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0043] In the mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, although mounting holes 21 are formed on the bracket 20 mounted on the inner surface of the front fairing 2a, mounting holes 21 can also be formed on the front fairing 2a itself or on the body of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2.

[0044] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, although mounting structures 1A, 1A are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the front fairing 2a of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2, the number and configuration of mounting structures provided on the moving body are not limited thereto. For example, the mounting structure of the present invention can also be used to mount a rear-facing camera on the rear fairing of the two-wheeled motorcycle 2.

[0045] In the first embodiment, although the mounting structure 1A for a two-wheeled motorcycle 2 has been described, the mounting structure of the present invention is applicable to vehicles other than those described thereto. For example, it can also be applied to various mobile vehicles such as three-wheeled motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and four-wheeled cars.

[0046] Second Implementation Method Next, the camera mounting structure of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 5 The mounting structure 1B of the second embodiment shown is similar to the mounting structure 1A of the first embodiment (see [reference]). Figure 4 Their structural components are roughly the same.

[0047] In the mounting structure 1B of the second embodiment, a protrusion 15 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft portion 12 of the camera 10. That is, in the second embodiment, the camera 10 is directly mounted in the mounting hole 21.

[0048] This structure reduces the number of parts in the mounting structure 1B, thereby simplifying the assembly of the camera 10 on the vehicle.

[0049] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment described above. Similar to the first embodiment, appropriate changes can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0050] Figure Labels 1A Mounting Structure (First Embodiment) 1B Mounting Structure (Second Embodiment) 2. Two-wheeled motorcycle 2a. Front fairing 2b. Headlight 2c Front baffle 2d Opening 2e Opening edge component 10 Camera 11 Lens 12 Intermediate Shaft 13 Camera element section 13a Housing 14. Cylindrical component 15. Protrusion 20 Bracket 21 Mounting hole 22 Slit 23 Recessed portion 24 Fixing portion.

Claims

1. A camera mounting structure, characterized in that, It includes a lens section, an image sensor section, and an intermediate shaft section connecting the lens section and the image sensor section; The lens portion is disposed on the outside of the movable body, and the imaging element portion is disposed inside the movable body; The intermediate shaft is inserted into the mounting hole provided in the movable body; A cylindrical component is embedded in the middle shaft portion; The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component has an outwardly protruding portion; The protrusion is embedded in a recess formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole.

2. A camera mounting structure, characterized in that, It includes a lens section, an image sensor section, and an intermediate shaft section connecting the lens section and the image sensor section; The lens portion is disposed on the outside of the movable body, and the imaging element portion is disposed on the inside of the movable body; The intermediate shaft is inserted into the mounting hole provided in the movable body; An outwardly protruding portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft portion; The protrusion is embedded in a recess formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole.

3. The camera mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protrusion is formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft portion, and the outer surface of the protrusion is part of a sphere; The recessed portion is formed in a ring shape covering the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the mounting hole, and the inner surface of the recessed portion is part of a sphere. The outer surface of the protrusion fits into the inner surface of the recess.

4. The camera mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting hole is formed on the bracket that is mounted on the movable body.

5. The camera mounting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bracket is a ring-shaped component formed by the through-holes in the mounting bracket; A slit extending from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting hole to the outer circumferential surface of the bracket is formed, extending from one end of the bracket to the other.

6. The camera mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting hole is formed on the movable body.

7. The camera mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mobile body is a rideable vehicle.

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