Fitting assistance tool and image-capturing device unit

Abstract

To provide a fitting assistance tool to which an image-capturing device can be fitted in such a way as to be able to photograph a normally visually confirmable image at an unsuitable place where, when the image-capturing device is fitted by a fitting part, a photographed image tends to rotate around the normal line, and an image-capturing device unit equipped therewith.SOLUTION: The fitting assistance tool comprises: a ring member 301 formed in such a way as to be able to support at least the fitting part 204 of a drive recorder 200, with the fitting part 204 provided therebelow; a 1 / 4 inch bolt and a 1 / 4 inch nut for fitting the ring member 301 to a ceiling part that, when the drive recorder 200 is fitted by the fitting part 204, a photographed image tends to rotate 180° around the normal line of the photographed image; and a 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 with which it is possible to fix the fitting part 204 of the drive recorder 200 to the ring member 301 fitted to the ceiling part in such a way as to able to photograph a normally visually confirmable image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment aid for attaching an imaging device to an inappropriate location, and to an imaging device unit equipped with the attachment aid. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, imaging devices such as cameras and video recorders are provided with a mounting part that allows the imaging device to be attached to a tripod, etc. By mounting the imaging device to a tripod, etc. via the mounting part, the imaging device can be fixed to any location (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-14979 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, the mounting part of the imaging device is provided at the bottom of the imaging device so that when the imaging device is mounted on a tripod or the like, the recorded image is played back in the direction that it would normally be viewed, and is fixed from below while the imaging device is placed on the head of the tripod or the like. Therefore, for example, if you try to mount the imaging device on a ceiling to record an image from the ceiling, the mounting part will be located on top, and the image (taken image) when played back will be rotated 180 degrees around the normal line with respect to the image in the normally viewed state. Similarly, if you try to mount the imaging device on the side of a side wall or the like because there is no place to place a tripod or because of the positional relationship with the subject of shooting, the mounting part will be located to the side, and the taken image will be rotated 90 degrees around the normal line with respect to the image in the normally viewed state.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an attachment aid that can attach an imaging device to an inappropriate location where the captured image would rotate around the normal line when the imaging device is attached to the attachment part, so that an image can be captured in a state as it is normally viewed, and an imaging device unit equipped with the attachment aid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The imaging device is characterized by comprising: a support member formed to be able to support at least an attachment portion of an imaging device having an attachment portion provided at a lower portion; a member attachment means for attaching the support member to an inappropriate location where, when the imaging device is attached using the attachment portion, a captured image would rotate around the normal to the captured image; and an apparatus fixing means capable of fixing the attachment portion of the imaging device to the support member attached to the inappropriate location so that an image that is normally seen can be captured.

[0007] According to this, by attaching the imaging device to an inappropriate location via the attachment aid, even an imaging device with an attachment part provided at its bottom can capture an image in a direction normally seen from the inappropriate location. For example, an imaging device with an attachment part provided at its bottom can capture an image in a direction normally seen when hung from above, or when supported from the side.

[0008] For an imaging device with a mounting part provided at the bottom, the inappropriate location may be a location where the captured image would rotate around the normal to the captured image if the imaging device is directly mounted at the mounting part. More preferably, the inappropriate location may be a location where the captured image would rotate 90 degrees or more around the normal if the mounting part is directly mounted. For example, the inappropriate location may be a ceiling, a side wall, or a frame that constitutes these. Even if the imaging device is mounted on a ceiling, a side wall, or a frame that constitutes these, it is possible to prevent an image rotated 180 degrees or an image rotated 90 degrees from being captured.

[0009] The image that is normally viewed may be configured so that when a display device capable of displaying a captured image is installed in a normal state and the captured image is displayed on the display device, the captured image displayed on the display device is viewed as an image that is unlikely to cause a user to feel uncomfortable. The image that is unlikely to cause a user to feel uncomfortable may be an image that is not recognized as being rotated up and down, and in particular, an image that is recognized as having a horizontal tilt of a predetermined angle or less. The predetermined angle may be, for example, 90 degrees.

[0010] This is particularly effective when the captured image is displayed on a rectangular display screen. Also, this is most effective when the captured image is displayed on a wide screen with an aspect ratio of, for example, 4:3 or 16:9. For example, if the display device is a television monitor, it is preferable that the captured image displayed is not perceived as being unnatural when the monitor is normally installed on a television stand without being rotated.

[0011] The mounting part may be configured to be capable of capturing a horizontal image in a normally viewed direction when fixed to a horizontal mounting base from below. For example, the mounting part may be configured to be capable of capturing a horizontal image in a normally viewed direction simply by attaching the mounting part to a camera platform that has been adjusted to be horizontal.

[0012] The shape of the support member may be a C-shape, a U-shape, a Z-shape, or a circular ring shape. The circular ring shape may be, for example, an elliptical ring shape, but is more preferably a circle. It is more preferably to have a support part capable of supporting at least the mounting part. For example, if the mounting part is formed in a flat shape, the support part may be formed in a flat shape, and if the mounting part is formed in a curved shape, the support part may also be formed in a curved shape. In other words, it is more preferably to configure the support part and the mounting part so that they are in surface contact. For example, if the mounting part has a screw hole for fixing, the support part may be capable of supporting at least the screw hole. The support member may be configured from a plurality of members, for example, by connecting a plurality of members, but is more preferably configured as a single member.

[0013] The member mounting means may be any means capable of mounting the support member in an inappropriate location, and preferably such means may be capable of mounting the support member in an inappropriate location firmly so as to be less susceptible to the effects of vibration, inertial force, etc. By mounting the support member firmly, the mounting state of the support member can be maintained even in the event of vibration, sudden inertial force, etc. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the member mounting portion is of the same type and of the same specifications as the device fixing means.

[0014] The device fixing means may be any means capable of fixing the mounting part to the support member. For example, if the mounting part is provided with a male screw, a screw hole may be used. If a screw hole of a predetermined size (for example, a 1 / 4 inch screw hole) is formed in the mounting part, a screw that can be screwed into the screw hole (in the above example, a 1 / 4 inch screw) may be used. Furthermore, if a restriction hole for restricting the rotation of the imaging device is provided in the mounting part, a protrusion that can be inserted into the restriction hole may be provided. By fixing the mounting part to the support member with the protrusion inserted into the restriction hole, for example, even if the fixation by the device fixing means becomes loose, the imaging device will not rotate unnecessarily.

[0015] (2) The support member is characterized in that the imaging device is formed in an internal shape that allows it to rotate around the normal line.

[0016] According to this, by rotating the imaging device inside the support member attached to the inappropriate location, it is possible to easily adjust the captured image so that it is a horizontal image in the direction normally viewed. For example, even if the support member is attached to an inappropriate location that is erected vertically or in an inappropriate location that is tilted, the captured image can be easily adjusted to be a horizontal image in the direction normally viewed by rotating the imaging device.

[0017] The inside of the support member may be a portion surrounded by the support member. For example, the support member may be configured to surround at least a portion of the imaging device. The inner surface of the support member may be configured to face the outer surface of the imaging device. The distance between the opposing inner surface of the support member and the outer surface of the imaging device may not be uniform, but is preferably as uniform as possible.

[0018] In particular, the support member may be configured so that the user can insert the imaging device inside the support member. For example, when the support member is configured in a C-shape or U-shape, the width of the cutout on the side surface in the surrounding direction (for example, the circumferential direction) of the support member may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the imaging device. In this way, the imaging device can be easily inserted from the side cutout portion of the support member (for example, a space portion in the circumferential direction of the C-shape or U-shape). Also, the width of the cutout on the side surface in the surrounding direction (for example, the circumferential direction) of the support member may be configured to be smaller than the diameter of the imaging device, so that the support member is elastically deformed and the imaging device can be inserted from the side cutout portion of the support member.

[0019] Furthermore, when the imaging device is inserted in a direction perpendicular to a direction surrounding the insertion direction (e.g., a circumferential direction) (e.g., when inserting the imaging device from the side that looks like the C of a C-shape), it is preferable to configure the support member so that the user can insert the imaging device in that insertion direction.

[0020] The imaging device may be inserted by elastically deforming the support member, or more preferably, the imaging device may be inserted without elastic deformation. In the case where the imaging device is inserted without elastic deformation, it is more preferable that the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the support member is similar to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the imaging device.

[0021] The shape of the support member in which the imaging device can rotate may be a C-shape or a U-shape, or even better, a ring shape. The size of the support member may be such that a rectangular box-shaped or cylindrical imaging device can rotate inside. In other words, the support member may be formed so that the shortest distance from the rotation axis of the imaging device to the inner surface of the support member is longer than the maximum distance from the rotation axis of the imaging device to the outer edge.

[0022] (3) The support member is characterized in that its end portion is formed in a shape that is not exposed to the outside.

[0023] According to this, since the ends of the support member are not exposed to the outside, even if the user unnecessarily touches the support member, injury to the user can be prevented.

[0024] The outside may be, for example, a direction outside the direction of the surrounding when the support member is configured to surround at least a part of the imaging device. As a shape in which the end is not exposed to the outside, for example, a shape in which the end is formed in a C-shape or U-shape and is recessed inside may be used. It is even more preferable to make the support member an endless ring. Also, the end may be chamfered or the like to make the end curved.

[0025] (4) The support member is formed in a ring shape having an inner surface with a radius at least equal to the distance from the central axis of the imaging device to the outer edge of the mounting portion, the mounting portion being approximately planar and formed from the approximately cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the imaging device in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the imaging device.

[0026] With this, a substantially cylindrical imaging device having a substantially planar mounting portion can be supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis.

[0027] The ring shape is preferably a C-shape that covers at least a semicircle or more of the outer circumferential surface of the imaging device. It is even more preferable to have an annular shape that covers the entire outer circumferential surface of the imaging device. The annular shape may include an ellipse, but is particularly preferable to have a configuration that includes a perfect circle.

[0028] In addition, the support member may be configured to extend from the tip of the imaging device toward the imaging direction of the imaging device, and have a hood portion capable of restricting the entry of unnecessary light into the extending portion. In this case, it is preferable to configure the support member so that the captured image is not vignetted by the hood portion. As a configuration in which the captured image is not vignetted by the hood portion, for example, it is preferable to extend from the tip of the imaging device toward the imaging direction of the imaging device, but to an extent that does not reach the range of the angle of view of the imaging device. By providing the hood portion, it is possible to prevent unnecessary light from entering the imaging device. It is even more preferable to make it possible to attach a lens filter or the like that protects the lens of the imaging device to the hood portion. For example, it is preferable to provide a threaded portion for attaching a filter that fits with the thread of the filter so that a lens filter or the like that protects the lens of the imaging device can be attached to the hood portion.

[0029] In addition, it is preferable to provide a rear end extension portion that extends the support member in the direction opposite to the imaging direction of the imaging device to protect the rear end of the imaging device. By providing the rear end extension portion, when an SD card or the like is configured to be mountable at the rear end of the imaging device, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the SD card or the like being easily removed. In this case, when a power cable or the like is connected to the rear end, it is preferable to provide a notch or the like to avoid the connection position of the power cable.

[0030] (5) The support member is characterized by having a flat surface portion capable of surface contact with the mounting portion.

[0031] According to this, by bringing the mounting portion of the imaging device into surface contact with the flat portion of the support member, it is possible to prevent the imaging device from unnecessarily rotating around the normal to the captured image.

[0032] (6) The mounting portion has a screw hole into which a screw of a predetermined size can be screwed, the planar portion of the support member has a through hole into which a screw of the predetermined size can pass, and the device fixing means has a screw that can fix the imaging device to the support member by screwing into the screw hole via the through hole.

[0033] According to this, the imaging device in surface contact with the support member can be fixed with a screw, thereby firmly fixing the imaging device to the support member. The screw hole of the mounting portion should be a screw hole for mounting to a general camera tripod. Also, the device fixing means should be a screw equivalent to a screw for mounting to a general camera tripod. In this way, the imaging device can be easily removed from this mounting aid and attached to a general camera tripod for use, or removed from the tripod and attached to this mounting aid for use. The screw hole of the mounting portion should be a 1 / 4 inch screw hole, and the device fixing means should be a 1 / 4 inch screw. In this case, the through hole should be formed so that the threaded portion of the 1 / 4 inch screw can pass through and the head portion can be engaged with it.

[0034] (7) The through hole is formed in an elongated hole shape extending around a central axis of the imaging device fixed to the support member.

[0035] According to this, the imaging device can be fixed to the support member in a rotated state inside the support member. If a gap occurs between the rotated imaging device and the support member, it is preferable to provide an elastic member between the imaging device and the support member.

[0036] (8) The support member and the device fixing means are connected to each other.

[0037] According to this, since the device fixing means is connected to the support member, the device fixing means is prevented from being lost. For example, a connecting member that rotatably connects to the support member may be provided. For example, when the imaging device is fixed to the support member with a 1 / 4 inch screw, by providing a connecting member that rotatably connects the 1 / 4 inch screw to the support member, the 1 / 4 inch screw can be prevented from being lost.

[0038] (9) An imaging device unit comprising: an installation aid; and an imaging device that can be fixed to the installation aid.

[0039] According to this, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can be attached to an inappropriate location. The support member of the attachment aid and the imaging device may be provided with a rotation angle display unit capable of displaying the relative rotation angle of the imaging device with respect to the attachment aid. The rotation angle display unit may be a memory provided on the support member and the imaging device. Effect of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an attachment aid that can attach an imaging device to an inappropriate location where the captured image would rotate around the normal line when the imaging device is attached to the attachment part, and an imaging device unit equipped with the attachment aid, so that an image can be captured as it is normally seen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an image pickup device unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a drive recorder according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing a drive recorder according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a mounting aid according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing a state in which an attachment aid is attached to the drive recorder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a drive recorder according to a first embodiment is attached to a ceiling part. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a mounting aid according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a drive recorder according to a second embodiment is attached to an inclined frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] An image capture device unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a drive recorder having a substantially cylindrical shape with a mounting portion provided at the bottom will be described using an image capture device unit having a mounting aid that can be attached to the ceiling of a forklift.

[0043] First Embodiment An imaging device unit 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6. First, a schematic configuration of the imaging device unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view that shows the imaging device unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 200 according to the first embodiment as seen from the front, (b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 200 according to the first embodiment as seen from the rear, and (c) is a bottom view. FIG. 3(a) is a front view of the drive recorder 200 according to the first embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 200 according to the first embodiment as seen from the rear with the cap 202 removed. FIG. 4(a) is a front view of the mounting aid 300 according to the first embodiment, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a bottom view.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device unit 100 includes a drive recorder 200 capable of capturing images of the area in front of a forklift 400 while it is moving, and an attachment aid 300 for attaching the drive recorder 200 to a ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400 (see FIGS. 6(a) and (b) described below).

[0045] 2(a) and (b), the drive recorder 200 includes a main body 201 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a cap 202 disposed on the rear end side of the central axis Z of the main body 201. In this embodiment, the drive recorder 200 is formed to have a diameter of about 40 mm and an axial length of about 95 mm.

[0046] The main body 201 incorporates electronic components (not shown) such as an image sensor for photographing and recording the front of the forklift, and is capable of photographing the front of the forklift through a lens (not shown) disposed on the tip side on the central axis Z. That is, the direction toward the tip of the central axis Z of the main body 201 is the imaging direction Z1, and the electronic components such as the image sensor are disposed such that the imaging direction Z1 is the normal direction of the photographed image. In the present embodiment, a wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of 160° (120° left and right, 86.6° up and down) is used for the main body 201. A lens cover 203 is attached further forward of the lens in the imaging direction Z1. The lens cover 203 protects the lens and prevents rain or the like from entering the inside of the main body 201. The lens cover 203 is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the main body 201, and in the present embodiment, it is formed with a radius R1 (see Fig. 3(a)).

[0047] In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 201 located in the direction below the image (hereinafter referred to as the "photographed image") recorded by the electronic components such as the image sensor, a mounting portion 204 protruding in a direction orthogonal to the central axis Z from the outer peripheral surface is provided. The mounting portion 204 is provided at substantially the central portion in the axial direction of the main body 201 and has a flat portion 204a orthogonal to the imaging surface having the central axis Z as the normal. As shown in Fig. 2(c), the flat portion 204a is provided with a 1 / 4-inch screw hole 205 into which a 1 / 4-inch screw can be screwed, and a regulation hole 206 for regulating rotation centered on the direction orthogonal to the central axis Z of the drive recorder 200. The 1 / 4-inch screw hole 205 is of the size of an international standard (ISO 1222) and is formed to be able to screw a screw with a diameter of about 6 mm and a length of about 4.5 mm.

[0048] Here, the distance from the central axis Z of the main body 201 to the outer edge of the flat portion 204a is formed as a distance R2 as shown in Fig. 3(a), and is larger than the radius R1 of the main body 201 (R1 < R2). That is, the place farthest from the central axis Z of the main body 201 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis Z is the outer edge of the flat portion 204a, and the distance is R2 (maximum outer diameter).

[0049] A microphone 207 is provided on the outer peripheral surface behind the mounting portion 204, and the microphone 207 collects surrounding sounds. A power cable 208 is connected to the outer peripheral surface further behind the microphone 207, and the power cable 208 is connected to a power source via a fuse cable (not shown). In this embodiment, the power cable 208 is connected to a battery of the forklift via the fuse cable. A strap hole 209 is provided circumferentially above the connection position of the power cable 208, and a commercially available strap or the like is attached to the strap hole 209 to connect the drive recorder 200 to the forklift, thereby preventing the drive recorder 200 from falling off the forklift.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3(b), an SD slot section 210 into which an SD card 211 can be inserted is provided at the rear end of the main body section 201, so that recorded shooting data can be recorded on the SD card 211 inserted in the SD slot section 210.

[0051] The cap 202 is removably attached to the rear end of the main body 201, and when removed, the slot 210 is exposed, allowing the SD card 211 to be removed. Normally, the cap 202 is attached to the main body 201 by screwing it (see FIG. 3(b)), thereby closing the SD slot 210 and preventing the SD card 211 from being easily removed. In addition, a packing (not shown) is interposed between the cap 202 and the main body 201, and is configured to prevent water and the like from entering the SD slot 210 and the like.

[0052] Furthermore, at the rear end of the main body 201 (above the SD slot 210, see FIG. 3(b)), there are provided a power lamp 202a that lights up when the power is on and a recording lamp 202b that lights up when recording, and the cap 202 is formed to be able to transmit the illumination of the power lamp 202a and the recording lamp 202b. In this embodiment, the cap 202 is formed from a translucent resin, so that it is able to transmit the illumination of the power lamp 202a and the recording lamp 202b. Making the cap 202 translucent allows the user to easily tell whether the power is on or off and whether recording is occurring, just by looking at the cap 202 (see FIG. 2(b)).

[0053] Here, the drive recorder 200 according to this embodiment is adapted to automatically start recording in conjunction with starting the engine of the forklift by the user, and automatically stop recording in conjunction with stopping the engine. The drive recorder 200 is also designed to be waterproof and dustproof (designed to be waterproof and dustproof equivalent to "IP55") according to the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard, so that malfunctions due to rain, dust, etc. are unlikely to occur even when driving in a sudden rain or in a place with poor road conditions. Furthermore, the drive recorder 200 is equipped with a wide dynamic range (hereinafter referred to as "WDR"), which can simultaneously capture multiple images with different brightness and create clear images with a wide range. For example, it is possible to record images that are easy to judge the situation with less white blowout and black crush in backlighting or near the entrance and exit of a tunnel.

[0054] Other functions of the drive recorder 200 are similar to those of a typical drive recorder, and therefore will not be described here.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to (c), the mounting auxiliary tool 300 includes a ring member 301 for fixing the drive recorder 200, a 1 / 4-inch bolt 302a and a 1 / 4-inch nut 302b for attaching the ring member 301 to an inappropriate location (in this embodiment, the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400), and a 1 / 4-inch fixing bolt 303 for fixing the ring member 301 to the drive recorder 200.

[0056] Here, the inappropriate location refers to a location where, if the drive recorder 200 is directly attached using the attachment portion 204, the captured image will rotate around the normal line of the captured image, particularly a location where the captured image rotates by 90 degrees or more. In this embodiment, it refers to the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400 where the captured image rotates by 180 degrees, a frame extending in the vertical direction where the captured image rotates by 90 degrees, a frame inclined at 45 degrees where the captured image rotates by 135 degrees, and the like.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the ring member 301 includes a curved surface portion 301a whose inner peripheral surface is formed in a curved shape, a first flat surface portion 301b for supporting the flat surface portion 204a of the drive recorder 200, and a second flat surface portion 301c connected to the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400, and is formed in an annular shape through which the drive recorder 200 can be inserted and within which the drive recorder 200 can rotate. Specifically, the ring member 301 is formed such that the minimum length (the length to the first flat surface portion 301b and the second flat surface portion 301c) R3 from the center of the space (the origin on the XYZ axis shown in FIG. 4, hereinafter referred to as the "center of gravity") of the ring member 301 through which the drive recorder 200 can be inserted to the inner peripheral surface is longer than the maximum outer diameter R2 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis Z of the drive recorder 200 (R2 < R3). By making the minimum length R3 from the center of gravity of the ring member 301 longer than the maximum outer diameter R2 from the central axis Z of the drive recorder 200, the drive recorder 200 can rotate around the central axis Z within it.

[0058] Further, the axial length of the ring member 301 (the length in the direction in which the drive recorder 200 is inserted) is formed to be shorter than the axial length of the main body portion 201 of the drive recorder 200 and longer than the axial length of the flat surface portion 204a of the main body portion 201. In the present embodiment, in a state where the drive recorder 200 is fixed to the ring member 301, the tip side in the axial direction of the ring member 301 does not extend from the tip of the drive recorder, and the rear end side in the axial direction does not extend above the microphone 207 (see FIG. 6(a) described later).

[0059] The curved surface portion 301a is a portion located on both sides in the horizontal direction X when the ring member 301 is attached to the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400, and is formed in a curved surface shape with a distance (radius) from the center of gravity to the inner peripheral surface being R4. The distance R4 from the center of gravity is longer than the distance to the first flat surface portion 301b and the second flat surface portion 301c, which is the minimum length R3 from the center of gravity (R3 < R4), and does not prevent the rotation of the drive recorder 200 inserted into the ring member 301. Further, by forming the portion located in the horizontal direction when attached to the ceiling portion 401 in a curved surface shape, unnecessary protrusions are eliminated, and the ring member 301 can be miniaturized.

[0060] The first flat surface portion 301b is a portion located below in the vertical direction Y when the ring member 301 is attached to the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400, and the inner peripheral surface is formed in a flat shape so as to be in surface contact with the flat surface portion 204a of the drive recorder 200. Further, the length of the first flat surface portion 301b in the horizontal direction X orthogonal to the axial direction is formed to be longer than the length in the plane direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the flat surface portion 204a of the drive recorder 200 (see FIG. 6(b)), and the entire surface of the flat surface portion 204a of the drive recorder 200 can be in surface contact. By bringing the flat surface portion 204a of the drive recorder 200 into surface contact with the first flat surface portion 301b, when fixing the drive recorder 200, it is possible to prevent the drive recorder 200 from rotating unnecessarily. Further, the drive recorder 200 can be stabilized on the first flat surface portion 301b.

[0061] Further, the first flat portion 301b is formed with a through hole 301d through which a threaded portion of a ¼ inch screw can pass. In this embodiment, the through hole 301d is formed in the approximate center of the first flat portion 301b. The first flat portion 301b may be provided with a protrusion that can be engaged with the regulating hole 206. In this case, it is preferable that (maximum outer diameter R2+height of the protrusion)<minimum length R3 from the center of gravity. By engaging the protrusion with the regulating hole 206, unnecessary rotation of the drive recorder 200 around the horizontal direction X is prevented. In this embodiment, the length of the first flat portion 301b in the horizontal direction X is made slightly longer than the length of the flat portion 204a in the planar direction perpendicular to the axial direction, thereby preventing unnecessary rotation of the drive recorder 200 around the horizontal direction X.

[0062] The second flat portion 301c is a portion located above in the vertical direction Y when the ring member 301 is attached to the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400, and has a flat upper surface to which the ¼ inch nut 302b can be joined. The second flat portion 301c is also formed with a through hole 301e that communicates with the ¼ inch nut 302b and through which the threaded portion of the ¼ inch bolt 302a can be inserted, and the through hole 301e is formed in approximately the center of the second flat portion 301c.

[0063] The 1 / 4 inch nut 302b is joined to the upper surface of the second flat portion 301c so as to communicate with the through hole 301e. The 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a is formed so as to be able to be screwed into the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b through the through hole 402 provided in the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400. In this manner, the ring member 301 is fixed to the ceiling portion 401 by screwing the 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a into the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b joined to the second flat portion so as to sandwich the ceiling portion 401. At this time, the 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a is screwed into the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b to provide a strong attachment, and the attached state of the ring member 301 is maintained even when, for example, vibration or a sudden inertial force occurs.

[0064] The 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is formed so as to be able to screw into a 1 / 4 inch screw hole 205 provided in the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200. Specifically, the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is configured to include a threaded portion having a diameter of about 6 mm and a length of about 4.5 mm, and a hexagonal head portion. The 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt is firmly attached to the first flat portion 301b of the drive recorder 200 by screwing the threaded portion into the 1 / 4 inch screw hole 205 with the hexagonal head portion.

[0065] Next, a method for mounting the imaging device unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the imaging device unit 100 is mounted in a through hole 402 formed in advance in a ceiling part 401 of a forklift 400. Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the drive recorder 200 is fixed to the mounting aid 300, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the mounting aid 300 to which the drive recorder 200 is fixed is mounted to the ceiling part 401. Fig. 6(a) is a side view showing a state in which the drive recorder 200 according to the first embodiment is mounted on the ceiling part 401, and (b) is a front view.

[0066] First, the initialized SD card 211 is attached to the SD slot section 210 of the drive recorder 200. Next, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the mounting aid 300 is attached from the front of the drive recorder 200. Specifically, the drive recorder 200 is inserted into the ring member 301 of the mounting aid 300. At this time, the minimum length R3 from the center of gravity of the ring member 301 to the inner peripheral surface is formed to be longer than the maximum outer diameter R2 from the center axis Z of the drive recorder 200 in the direction perpendicular to the center axis Z. Therefore, the drive recorder 200 can be easily inserted into the ring member 301 and can also be rotated around the center axis Z. In addition, when the drive recorder 200 is inserted from the front, the power cable 308 provided on the rear end side engages with the ring member 301, thereby preventing the drive recorder 200 from unnecessarily falling out of the ring member 301.

[0067] Next, when the ring member 301 is inserted into the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200, the drive recorder 200 is rotated about the central axis Z to place the flat surface portion 204a of the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200 on the first flat surface portion 301b of the ring member 301. As a result, the flat surface portion 204a of the mounting portion 204 comes into surface contact with the first flat surface portion 301b of the ring member 301, and the first flat surface portion 301b can support the drive recorder 200. Furthermore, the surface contact prevents unnecessary rotation of the drive recorder 200 during mounting.

[0068] In this state, the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is screwed into the 1 / 4 inch screw hole 205 provided in the flat portion 204a from below the first flat portion 301b (from outside the ring member 301) via the through hole 301d. As a result, the ring member 301 is sandwiched between the drive recorder 200 and the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303, and the drive recorder 200 is fixed to the ring member 301. At this time, since the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 has a hexagonal head, the drive recorder 200 can be firmly fixed to the ring member 301. In addition, since the ring member 301 is fixed in front of the microphone 207, it does not affect the collection of sound by the microphone 207 after installation.

[0069] After the ring member 301 is fixed to the drive recorder 200, the ring member 301 is then fixed to the ceiling part 401 of the forklift 400 with the lens cover 203 facing forward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the second flat part 301c of the ring member 301 to which the drive recorder 200 is fixed is brought close to the ceiling part 401, and as shown in FIG. 6(a), the 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a passing through the through hole 402 formed in the ceiling part 401 is screwed into the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b joined to the second flat part 301c. At this time, the ring member 301 is fixed to the ceiling part 401 while the lens cover 203 faces forward and the orientation is adjusted around the vertical direction Y. As a result, with the drive recorder 200 suspended from the ceiling part 401, an image can be captured in the same orientation as that normally viewed. Note that an image in a normally viewed state refers to an image that is oriented in the same vertical direction as when the user views the image from the ceiling 401, for example.

[0070] Once ring member 301 is fixed to ceiling portion 401, a commercially available strap is used to connect drive recorder 200 to forklift 400 via strap hole 209 to prevent drive recorder 200 from falling. This operation is optional. Once drive recorder 200 and forklift 400 are connected, power cable 308 is connected to a battery (not shown) of forklift 400, completing the installation of drive recorder 200.

[0071] As described above, according to the mounting aid 300 of the first embodiment, the drive recorder 200 having the mounting portion 204 at its lower portion can be mounted in a suspended state from the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400 so as to be able to capture images as they are normally seen.

[0072] <Second embodiment> Next, an imaging device unit 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The imaging device unit 100A according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the mounting aid. Therefore, here, the difference from the first embodiment, that is, the mounting aid, will be mainly described, and the other configurations will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and will not be described. Also, in this embodiment, an inclined frame 410 provided on the ceiling part 401 of a forklift 400 will be used as an inappropriate part.

[0073] First, a schematic configuration of the imaging device unit 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) is a front view of the mounting aid 300 according to the first embodiment, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a bottom view.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device unit 100A includes a drive recorder 200, an attachment aid 300A for attaching the drive recorder 200 to an inclined frame 410 of a ceiling portion 401 of a forklift 400, and a buffer member 310 disposed between the drive recorder 200 and the attachment aid 300.

[0075] As shown in Figures 7(a) to (c), the mounting aid 300A includes a ring member 304 for fixing the drive recorder 200, a 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a and a 1 / 4 inch nut 302b for attaching the ring member 304 to an inappropriate location (in this embodiment, the inclined frame 410 of the forklift 400), and a 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 for fixing the ring member 304 to the drive recorder 200.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the ring member 304 includes a curved surface portion 304a whose inner peripheral surface is formed in a curved surface shape, and a second flat surface portion 301c connected to the inclined frame 410 of the forklift 400. The ring member 304 is formed in an annular shape through which the drive recorder 200 can be inserted and within which the drive recorder 200 can rotate. Specifically, the ring member 304 is formed such that the minimum length (the length to the second flat surface portion 301c) R3 from the center of gravity of the ring member 304 to the inner peripheral surface is longer than the maximum outer diameter R2 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis Z from the central axis Z of the drive recorder 200 (R2 < R3). By making the minimum length R3 from the center of gravity of the ring member 304 longer than the maximum outer diameter R2 from the central axis Z of the drive recorder 200, the drive recorder 200 can rotate about the central axis Z within the ring member 304.

[0077] Further, the axial length (the length in the direction in which the drive recorder 200 is inserted) of the ring member 304 is shorter than the length of the main body portion 201 of the drive recorder 200 and longer than the axial length of the flat surface portion 204a of the main body portion 201. In the present embodiment, with the drive recorder 200 fixed to the ring member 304, the tip side in the axial direction of the ring member 304 does not extend from the tip of the drive recorder, and the rear end side in the axial direction does not extend above the microphone 207.

[0078] The curved surface portion 304a is formed in a curved surface shape with a distance (radius) of R4 from the center of gravity to the inner peripheral surface. The distance R4 from the center of gravity is longer than the distance to the second flat surface portion 301b, which is the minimum length R3 from the center of gravity (R3 < R4), so as not to interfere with the rotation of the drive recorder 200 inserted into the ring member 301. Further, a long hole 304b extending in the circumferential direction centered on the center of gravity and through which the bolt portion of the 1 / 4-inch fixing bolt 303 can pass is formed in the curved surface portion 304a. The drive recorder 200 can be fixed by the 1 / 4-inch fixing bolt 303 at any position in the circumferential direction within the range where the long hole 304b is formed. Also, similar to the first embodiment, by forming the curved surface portion in a curved surface shape, unnecessary protrusions are eliminated, and the ring member can be miniaturized.

[0079] The buffer member 310 is made of an elastic member and formed into a plate shape, and is sandwiched between the drive recorder 200 and the ring member 304 to reduce the transmission of vibration to the drive recorder 200. In addition, the buffer member 310 prevents the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 screwed into the 1 / 4 inch screw hole 205 from loosening. The buffer member may be made of synthetic rubber, sponge, or any other material that is elastically deformable. In this embodiment, the buffer member is made of synthetic rubber.

[0080] In addition, the buffer member 310 has an elongated hole formed therein, the elongated hole having approximately the same shape as the elongated hole 304b formed in the curved portion 304a of the ring member 304, so that even when the buffer member 310 is installed, the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 can move along the elongated hole 304b.

[0081] Next, a method for attaching the imaging device unit 100A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the imaging device unit 100A will be attached to a through hole 411 formed in advance in an inclined frame 410 of a ceiling part 401 of a forklift 400. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the drive recorder 200 according to the second embodiment is attached to the inclined frame 410.

[0082] First, the initialized SD card 211 is inserted into the SD slot 210 of the drive recorder 200. In addition, the buffer member 310 is placed on the curved surface portion 304a of the ring member 304.

[0083] Next, the mounting aid 300A is attached from the front of the drive recorder 200. Specifically, the drive recorder 200 is inserted into the ring member 304 so that the buffer member 310 is sandwiched between the drive recorder 200 and the curved surface portion 304a.

[0084] Next, the ring member 304 is inserted into the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200, and then a 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is screwed into the 1 / 4 inch screw hole 205 provided in the flat portion 204a of the mounting portion 204 from the outside of the ring member 304 through the long hole 304b, thereby temporarily fixing the drive recorder 200 to the ring member 304.

[0085] After the ring member 304 is provisionally fixed to the drive recorder 200, the ring member 304 is then fixed to the inclined frame 410 of the ceiling portion 401 of the forklift 400 with the lens cover 203 facing forward. Specifically, first, the second flat portion 301c of the ring member 304 to which the drive recorder 200 is fixed is brought close to the inclined frame 410 so as to be approximately parallel to the frame, and the ¼ inch bolt 302a passing through the through hole 402 formed in the ceiling portion 401 is screwed into the ¼ inch nut 302b joined to the second flat portion 301c.

[0086] After the ring member 304 is fixed to the inclined frame 410, the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is loosened so that the temporarily fixed drive recorder 200 becomes rotatable. Once the drive recorder 200 becomes rotatable, the drive recorder 200 is rotated so that the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200 is positioned below in the vertical direction Y, as shown in FIG. 8. Once the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200 is positioned below in the vertical direction Y, the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is tightened to fix the drive recorder 200 to the ring member 304. This allows the drive recorder 200 to capture an image in a direction similar to that of a normal visually recognized state while hanging from the ceiling portion 401.

[0087] Once the ring member 304 is fixed to the inclined frame 410, a commercially available strap is used to connect the drive recorder 200 to the forklift 400 through the strap hole 209 to prevent the drive recorder 200 from falling. This operation is optional. Once the drive recorder 200 and the forklift 400 are connected, the power cable 308 is connected to the battery (not shown) of the forklift 400, completing the installation of the drive recorder 200.

[0088] As described above, according to the mounting aid 300A of the second embodiment, even when the drive recorder 200 having the mounting portion 204 at the bottom is mounted on the inclined frame 410 of the ceiling portion 401, the drive recorder 200 can be fixed in a rotated position so that the mounting portion 204 is located below in the vertical direction Y, and an image as normally seen can be captured.

[0089] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned two embodiments (hereinafter, referred to as "the present embodiments"). Furthermore, the effects described in the present embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiments.

[0090] For example, in the present embodiment, a drive recorder is used as an example of an imaging device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The imaging device may be, for example, a substantially cylindrical camera or video recorder with a mounting portion at the bottom, used for home security, leisure, sports, etc.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, the 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt 303 is used as the device fixing means, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The device fixing means may be any means capable of fixing the drive recorder 200 to the ring members 301 and 304. For example, when a male screw is provided on the mounting portion, a screw hole may be used. When a screw hole of a predetermined size (for example, a 1 / 4 inch screw hole or the like) is formed on the mounting portion, a screw (1 / 4 inch screw) capable of being screwed into the screw hole may be used. Furthermore, when a restricting hole for restricting the rotation of the imaging device is provided on the mounting portion, a protrusion that can be inserted into the restricting hole may be provided. By fixing the mounting portion to the support member with the protrusion inserted into the restricting hole, for example, even if the fixation by the device fixing means becomes loose, the imaging device will not rotate unnecessarily.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, the 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a and the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b are used as the part attachment means, but the present invention is not limited to this. The part attachment means may be capable of attaching the ring members 301, 304 to inappropriate locations, and it is preferable that the ring members 301, 304 be attached firmly to inappropriate locations so as to be less susceptible to the effects of vibration, inertial force, and the like. By attaching the ring members 301, 304 firmly, the attached state of the ring members 301, 304 is maintained even when vibration, sudden inertial force, and the like occurs. It is also preferable that the part attachment portion is of the same type and of the same specifications as the device fixing means.

[0093] Also, for example, in this embodiment, the annular ring members 301 and 304 are used as the support members, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The support member may have at least a support portion that supports the drive recorder 200 and a connection portion that connects to the inappropriate location. For example, a C-shaped, U-shaped, Z-shaped, or L-shaped member may be used. Furthermore, it is preferable that the support member is shaped so that the rectangular box-shaped or cylindrical imaging device can rotate around the normal line of the captured image inside. By making it rotatable inside, it becomes possible to adjust the horizontality when it is attached to an inappropriate location. For example, when the support member is formed in a C-shape, U-shape, or annular shape, it is preferable to form the support member so that the shortest distance from the rotation axis of the imaging device to the inner surface of the support member is longer than the maximum distance from the rotation axis of the imaging device to the outer edge.

[0094] Furthermore, it is preferable that the support member has a shape in which the end is not exposed to the outside. In this way, for example, it is possible to prevent injury when the user touches the support member. As a shape in which the end is not exposed to the outside, for example, a shape in which the end is formed in a C-shape or U-shape and is recessed inside is preferable. It is even more preferable that the support member is an endless ring. It is also preferable that the end is chamfered to make it curved.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the ring members 301 and 304 are formed to be capable of supporting the mounting portion 204 of the drive recorder 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ring members may be extended from the tip of the drive recorder 200 toward the imaging direction Z1 of the drive recorder 200, and a hood portion may be provided to prevent unnecessary light from entering the inside of the drive recorder 200. In this case, it is preferable that the hood portion does not vignet the image. A lens filter may be attached to the hood portion.

[0096] Also, for example, a rear end extension part may be provided by extending the ring member in the direction opposite to the imaging direction Z1 of the drive recorder 200 to prevent the SD card 211 from being unnecessarily removed from the SD slot part 210 provided at the rear end part of the drive recorder 200. In this case, the part may be formed into a notch to avoid interference with the microphone 207 and the power cable 208.

[0097] In the second embodiment, the drive recorder 200 is rotated inside the ring member 304 and fixed horizontally, but for example, a rotation amount display unit that displays the rotation angle of the drive recorder may be provided on the drive recorder 200 and the ring member 304. For example, when multiple imaging device units are mounted on multiple forklifts of the same model, the rotation positions of the drive recorders can be easily aligned by simply adjusting the rotation amounts displayed on the rotation amount display unit.

[0098] In this embodiment, the drive recorder 200 is prevented from unnecessarily falling off the ring member 301 by the power cable 308 provided on the rear end side engaging with the ring member 301 when inserted from the front, but the fall-off prevention structure is not limited to this and may be realized by other structures. For example, a protrusion may be provided on the outer periphery closer to the center in the axial direction than the power cable, and the protrusion may be configured to come into contact with the ring member 301 to prevent the drive recorder 200 from falling off. In this way, the possibility of damaging the power cord can be reduced.

[0099] In this embodiment, the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b is disposed on the outside of the second flat portion 301c, but it may be disposed on the inside of the second flat portion 301c (the side where the drive recorder 200 is inserted). With this configuration, the second flat portion 301c can be brought into surface contact with the ceiling portion 401 or the inclined frame 410 of the forklift 400, and the ring members 301, 304 can be firmly attached. In this case, it is preferable to set (maximum outer diameter R2 + height of the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b) < minimum length R3 from the center of gravity.

[0100] Also, instead of providing the 1 / 4 inch nut 302b, the through hole 301e of the second flat portion 301c may be threaded to allow the threaded portion of the 1 / 4 inch bolt 302a to be screwed thereinto. With this configuration, the second flat portion 301c can be brought into surface contact with the ceiling portion 401 or the inclined frame 410 of the forklift 400, and the ring members 301, 304 can be firmly attached. Also, the number of parts can be reduced. In this case, it is preferable that the maximum outer diameter R2 is smaller than the minimum length R3 from the center of gravity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100 Imaging device unit Drive recorder (an example of an imaging device) 200 Drive recorder (an example of an imaging device) 204 Mounting part 300 Installation aids 301 Ring member (an example of a support member) 302a 1 / 4 inch bolt (an example of a means of attaching a component) 302b 1 / 4 inch nut (an example of a part attachment method) 303 1 / 4 inch fixing bolt (an example of a device fixing means) 401 Ceiling (an example of an unsuitable area)

Claims

1. A support member for an imaging device, comprising: The support member for the imaging device extends from a tip of the imaging device in an imaging direction of the imaging device, and the extending portion has a hood portion capable of restricting the entry of unnecessary light.

2. 2. The support member for the imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support member extends from the tip of the imaging device in the imaging direction of the imaging device, but does not extend beyond the range of the angle of view of the imaging device, so that a captured image is not vignetted by the hood portion. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

3. 3. The support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a lens filter for protecting a lens of the imaging device can be attached to the hood portion. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

4. 4. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, The support member is extended in a direction opposite to the imaging direction of the imaging device, and a rear end extension is provided to protect the rear end of the imaging device. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

5. 5. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, A notch is provided to avoid the connection position of the power cable of the imaging device. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

6. 6. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, The shape of the support member is C-shaped or annular. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

7. 7. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, The support member is formed in a shape that allows the imaging device to rotate therein. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

8. 8. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, The support member is formed in a ring shape having an inner peripheral surface with a radius equal to or greater than the distance from the central axis of the imaging device to the outer edge of the mounting portion of the imaging device. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

9. 9. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, The imaging device includes a support member formed to be capable of supporting at least an attachment portion of an imaging device provided with the attachment portion, a member attachment means for attaching the support member to an inappropriate location where a captured image would rotate around a normal line of the captured image if the imaging device is attached using the attachment portion, and an apparatus fixing means capable of fixing the attachment portion of the imaging device to the support member attached to the inappropriate location so that an image that is normally viewed can be captured. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

10. 10. A support member for an imaging device according to claim 1, The power cable of the imaging device is engaged to prevent the imaging device from being unnecessarily pulled out. A support member for an imaging device comprising:

Images