Image pickup device and image pickup system

Abstract

To provide a compact image pickup device that can be fitted in any desired position in a state of prevent fitting members from unwanted appearance in the picked-up image, and an image pickup system equipped with the device.SOLUTION: A drive recorder 1 is equipped with a camera 210 and a fitting bracket for fitting the camera 210 in a desired position. The fitting bracket has a ring part 201 to support the camera 210 and a fitting plate 202 so configured as to fit the fitting bracket in the desired position on one side substantially orthogonal to the shooting direction of the camera 210 and extending in a direction away from a lens 231 of the camera 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device and an imaging system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an imaging device capable of changing the shooting direction of a camera attached to an arbitrary attachment location by changing the orientation of the lens of the camera with respect to an attachment member, such as a security camera or a drive recorder. For example, in a drive recorder, a drive recorder main body having a cylindrical portion (hereinafter referred to as a "drive recorder main body") is attached to the front glass of a vehicle with the cylindrical portion horizontal, and the shooting direction can be changed by rotating it in the vertical direction with the horizontal direction as the rotation axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, the above-described drive recorder is generally attached to the front glass of a vehicle and used for shooting in front of the vehicle. However, it was considered whether it could be attached to the rear glass of the vehicle and used as a rear camera for shooting the rear of the vehicle.

[0005] However, for example, in the case of a one-box type vehicle in which the rear glass is erected almost vertically, after attaching the camera to the rear glass with the attachment member, when the camera faces the rear glass, a part of the attachment member attached to the rear glass may be reflected in the image captured by the camera. In particular, when a wide-angle lens is used, the attachment member is likely to be reflected, which may affect the reproduced video. Also, when attaching a camera to the rear glass, various problems have been found, such as it being desirable to make it as small as possible and inconspicuous.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a small imaging device that can be attached to a desired attachment location while preventing the reflection of the attachment member, and an imaging system including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) An imaging device including a camera and an attachment member for attaching the camera to a desired attachment location, wherein the attachment member includes support means for supporting the camera, and an attachment plate configured to be attachable to the desired attachment location on one side substantially orthogonal to the imaging direction of the camera and extending in a direction away from the lens of the camera.

[0008] According to this, when attaching the camera to the desired attachment location so that the desired attachment location and the lens are substantially facing each other, the lens and the attachment plate can be brought close to each other while increasing the attachment area of the attachment plate to the desired attachment location so that the attachment plate is not reflected in the image captured by the camera. That is, it is possible to reduce the size of the camera while preventing the reflection of the attachment member.

[0009] For example, if the mounting plate is made smaller to eliminate reflections, when attaching it to a desired mounting location with double-sided tape or the like, there is a risk that the mounting plate may be easily peeled off or become unstable. However, by extending the mounting plate in a direction away from the lens, it is possible to increase the mounting area of the mounting plate while suppressing the influence on reflections. That is, it is possible to make the mounting plate difficult to peel off from the desired mounting location and to stabilize it with respect to the desired mounting location.

[0010] The desired mounting location is preferably a desired location at a place where the camera can be mounted. For example, it may be a desired location on the rear glass of a vehicle or a desired location on the window glass of a building.

[0011] The support means is preferably configured to support the camera such that the orientation of the lens of the camera can be changed, and more preferably configured to support the camera rotatably. In particular, it is preferably configured to support the camera so that it can rotate 360 degrees. For example, when the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape, the support means is preferably ring-shaped.

[0012] Also, in the case where the support means is configured to support the camera rotatably, it is preferably configured to support the camera so that it rotates smoothly, and more preferably configured to support the camera so that it rotates stepwise. For example, it is preferably configured to support the camera so that it rotates 5 degrees at a time with respect to the rotation support member.

[0013] Also, in the case where the support means supports the camera rotatably, it is advisable to provide fixing means for fixing the support means at an arbitrary rotation position. As the fixing means, for example, it may be configured to rotate when a rotation torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value acts, and to hold the rotation position when a rotation torque less than the predetermined value acts. As the rotation torque equal to or greater than the predetermined value, for example, it may be the rotation torque caused by the user rotating the camera, and as the rotation torque less than the predetermined value, it may be the rotation torque acting due to vibrations of the mounting location (e.g., a vehicle). Further, it is even better to configure the support means to be clamped and fixed between the camera and the fixing means. In this case, as the fixing means, it is advisable to use a fixing member that is screwed into the camera to clamp the support means.

[0014] The mounting plate may be configured to extend from the support means in a direction away from the lens, and even better, to extend from an end of the support means. For example, the mounting plate may be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the support means.

[0015] The shape of the mounting plate is not particularly limited, but it is advisable to make it rectangular, and at least the length in the direction away from the lens should be longer than the length in the direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of separation. For example, it is advisable to make it a substantially rectangular shape with the direction away from the lens as the longitudinal direction.

[0016] As the direction away from the lens, it is advisable to use the radial direction with respect to the lens. In this case, it is advisable to make it substantially fan-shaped. Also, as the direction away from the lens, it may be configured to extend in one direction within the radial direction. In this case, it is advisable to make it substantially rectangular. For example, when the camera has a substantially cylindrical shape and the lens is arranged on the outer peripheral surface, it is advisable to use the direction along the central axis of the camera.

[0017] The length in the direction away from the lens of the mounting plate (e.g., the longitudinal length) may be such that, for example, when the camera is attached to an arbitrary attachment location with double-sided tape, the double-sided tape has an attachment area capable of exerting an adhesive force such that the camera does not peel off from the attachment location unnecessarily. In this case, the attachment surface of the mounting plate is preferably substantially flat, and by making it substantially flat, for example, it becomes easier to attach the mounting plate with double-sided tape to an arbitrary attachment location. For example, as the length in the direction away from the lens, it is preferable to adopt a configuration such that the end of the camera does not protrude as much as possible.

[0018] The camera preferably has a substantially cylindrical portion in part, and it is even better if the whole is substantially cylindrical. By making the whole camera substantially cylindrical, the change in the shape of the camera when the camera is rotated can be reduced. For example, even if it is rotated after being attached to an arbitrary attachment location, it can be used without a sense of discomfort. Also, by making the whole camera substantially cylindrical, for example, it becomes easier to grip the camera, and the camera can be easily rotated when changing the shooting direction. Furthermore, by making the whole camera substantially cylindrical, the appearance of the camera can be made to look cute.

[0019] Also, the camera preferably uses a wide-angle lens. For example, it is preferable to use a wide-angle lens with a diagonal angle of 150 to 170 degrees. For example, when attached to the front glass of a vehicle, it can shoot a range up to the extent where a pillow is reflected at a diagonal angle of 160 degrees, and can shoot the situation of vehicles traveling in the right and left lanes when stopped at an intersection. Also, for example, in a work vehicle such as a forklift, it can shoot including things on the road outside the work vehicle such as a forklift. Therefore, it can be confirmed from the recorded video that a work vehicle such as a forklift stepped on something, dropped a load, or there was a step, etc.

[0020] (2) The mounting plate is characterized by having notch portions at both ends on the lens side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of separation when located on the one side of the camera.

[0021] According to this, the lens and the mounting member can be made closer to each other than in the case where no notch is provided. For example, a mounting plate can be arranged closest to the lens. That is, further miniaturization of the camera unit becomes possible. In particular, even when a wide-angle lens is used, by notching both ends on the lens side, the lens and the mounting plate can be brought closer to each other without the mounting plate being reflected in the video captured by the camera.

[0022] The shape of the notch is preferably a shape and / or range based on the range of the video captured by the camera, and in particular, a shape and / or range that also takes into account the distortion of the shooting range of the camera caused by the configuration of the optical system or the like is preferable.

[0023] For example, the shape of the notch is preferably rectangular, and by notching it into a rectangular shape, the notch can be formed more easily and reliably.

[0024] (3) The mounting member is characterized by having band mounting means capable of attaching a fixing band for fixing the mounting member attached to the desired mounting location to the desired mounting location.

[0025] According to this, the mounting member attached to the desired mounting location can be fixed with a fixing band so as not to fall off from the desired mounting location. For example, even when the adhesive strength of the double-sided tape decreases when the mounting member is attached to the outside of the vehicle with double-sided tape, it is possible to prevent the mounting member from falling off from the desired mounting location.

[0026] As the fixing band, for example, it is preferably configured to be wound and fixed to a frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift, and it is even better to have a one-way mechanism that can be tightened only in one direction and does not loosen once tightened. The shape of the fixing band is preferably band-shaped. As the fixing band, for example, a binding band is preferable.

[0027] The band attachment means may be configured to be provided on the surface opposite to the attachment surface of the attachment plate, or may be configured to be provided on the support means.

[0028] Alternatively, it may be configured to be provided at the connecting portion between the attachment plate and the support means. When the band attachment means is provided at the connecting portion between the attachment plate and the support means, it is preferably provided so that the strength of the connecting portion does not decrease. For example, when providing an insertion hole through which a fixing band can be inserted at the connecting portion, the connecting portion may be enlarged so that the strength of the connecting portion increases, or the insertion hole may be sized so that the strength of the connecting portion does not decrease.

[0029] Also, the band attachment means is preferably configured such that the fixing band can be attached so that the fixing band fixes the attachment member with the attachment plate pressed against a desired attachment location, or such that the fixing band can be attached so that the fixing band fixes the attachment member with the desired attachment location and the attachment plate sandwiched together. For example, when an attachment plate is attached to the frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift, the band attachment means is preferably configured such that the attachment plate can be tightened and fixed together with the frame by a fixing band.

[0030] For example, the band attachment means is preferably a locking portion capable of locking the fixing band. In this case, with the fixing band locked to the locking portion, the attachment plate and the frame are preferably fixed together by the fixing band. Also, the band attachment means is preferably an insertion hole through which the fixing band can be inserted. In this case, with the fixing band inserted, the attachment plate and the frame are preferably fixed together by the fixing band.

[0031] For example, when the fixing band fixes the attachment plate together with the frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift, the insertion hole is preferably formed so that the fixing band can be inserted in a direction that can be wound in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the frame. By doing so, the attachment plate can be easily fixed to the frame, and the fixing band can be shortened.

[0032] (4) The mounting plate is connected to the supporting means so as to be symmetric in a direction orthogonal to the separating direction.

[0033] According to this, when the camera is mounted at a desired mounting location such that the desired mounting location and the lens are substantially facing each other, the lens and the desired mounting location can be brought close to each other. For example, when a camera is mounted on the rear glass of a vehicle, it is possible to prevent the camera reflected on the rear glass of the vehicle from being photographed. Further, for example, after being mounted at a desired mounting location, when the camera is rotated so that the lens faces the desired mounting location, the lens and the desired mounting location can be brought close to each other.

[0034] As a configuration in which the mounting plate is connected to the supporting means so as to be symmetric in a direction substantially orthogonal to the separating direction, for example, the central portion in the direction orthogonal to the separating direction may be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the supporting means in a state closer to the outer peripheral surface of the supporting means than other portions in the orthogonal direction. For example, when the mounting plate is substantially rectangular, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the center in the short side direction of the mounting plate is connected so as to be closest to the outer peripheral surface of the supporting means.

[0035] (5) The camera has a substantially cylindrical portion, the supporting means has a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the substantially cylindrical portion, and the mounting plate extends in a direction away from the lens substantially parallel to the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion.

[0036] According to this, when attached to a desired attachment location, the orientation of the camera can be easily changed by relatively rotating the camera with respect to the rotational support portion. For example, when the lens of the camera is provided at the tip in the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion (for example, when the imaging direction of the camera is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion), the camera can be rotated and adjusted so that the image when the video captured by the camera is displayed on the monitor becomes an image that can be normally viewed. Further, when the lens of the camera is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion (when the imaging direction of the camera is substantially parallel to a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction), the imaging direction of the camera with the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion as the rotation center can be easily changed.

[0037] The camera may have a shape with a substantially cylindrical portion in part, and it is even better if the whole is of a substantially cylindrical shape. By making the whole camera of a substantially cylindrical shape, the change in the shape of the camera when the camera is rotated can be reduced. For example, even if it is rotated after being attached to a desired attachment location, it can be used without a sense of incongruity. Further, by making the whole camera of a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, the camera becomes easier to grip, and the camera can be easily rotated when changing the imaging direction. Furthermore, by making the whole camera of a substantially cylindrical shape, the appearance of the camera can be made cute.

[0038] Also, the whole camera may be made of a substantially cylindrical shape and a part of the outer peripheral surface may be cut out to form a flat portion. In this case, it is advisable to arrange a monitor for displaying an image on the flat portion.

[0039] The lens of the camera is preferably arranged at the tip in the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion, and it is even better if it is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion.

[0040] When the lens is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the camera, the lens is preferably arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion so as not to protrude at least outside the mounting plate, and it is preferably arranged on the outer peripheral surface so that the image is not blurred by the outer peripheral surface. By making the lens protrude as little as possible from the outer peripheral surface, the camera can be miniaturized. Also, the camera can be made neater.

[0041] The camera preferably has a concave portion where the rotation support portion is disposed, and more preferably has a concave shape such that when the rotation support portion is attached, the outer peripheral surface of the rotation support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion are located on substantially the same plane. By configuring such that the outer peripheral surface of the rotation support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion are located on the same plane, the overall shape of the camera can be made neater.

[0042] Also, for example, when the camera housing is formed of two members, the screw portion for connecting the two members is preferably formed in the concave portion where the rotation support portion is disposed. By forming it in the concave portion, when the rotation support portion is disposed, the screw portion can be hidden.

[0043] (6) The camera is characterized in that it has a hole portion, and a connected portion capable of connecting a connection portion of a connection cable is provided in the hole portion.

[0044] According to this, the connected portion can be hidden. For example, it is possible to prevent the connected portion from being exposed to the outside.

[0045] The hole portion is preferably formed such that the connection portion of the connection cable to which a packing is attached can be inserted while making the packing adhere to the inner wall. By doing so, it is possible to waterproof the inside of the hole portion in a state where the connection portion of the connection cable is connected to the connected portion. Also, the connected portion is preferably an HDMI female connector capable of connecting an HDMI male connector when the connector of the connection portion of the connection cable is an HDMI male connector.

[0046] (7) The connected portion provided in the hole portion is characterized by including guiding means capable of guiding the connection portion of the connection cable.

[0047] According to this, even when the connected part is provided inside the hole part, the connection part of the connection cable and the connected part can be easily connected. In other words, even when the connected part inside the hole is not visible, the connection part of the connection cable and the connected part can be easily connected. For example, when the connection part of the connection cable has a substantially cylindrical shape with respect to the substantially cylindrical hole part, it can be easily connected to the connected part just by rotating the connection part to find the guiding part.

[0048] As the guiding means, for example, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which a protrusion is provided on the connection part of the connection cable and a groove part capable of guiding the protrusion toward the connected part is provided on the inner wall of the hole part. It is even better to adopt a configuration in which a groove part is provided on the connection part of the connection cable and a protrusion part capable of guiding the groove part toward the connected part is provided on the inner wall of the hole part.

[0049] By adopting a configuration in which a groove part is provided on the connection part of the connection cable, for example, it becomes easier to attach a packing such as an O-ring to the connection part of the connection cable.

[0050] Also, by adopting a configuration in which a protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the hole part, for example, when the connection part of the connection cable is attached to the hole part, if the connection direction of the connector part (for example, male connector) of the connection part of the connection cable and the connected part (for example, female connector) does not match, the tip of the mold part of the connection part can come into contact with the protrusion of the hole part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector part provided at the tip of the connection part from coming into unnecessary contact with the connected part and being damaged. In this case, it is preferable that the length of the protrusion is longer than the length of the connector part.

[0051] (8) The hole part is formed at an end part in the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical part, and the connected part is provided such that the connection part of the connection cable can be detachably attached in the axial direction.

[0052] According to this, the attachment and detachment of the connection part of the connection cable to the connected part can be facilitated. For example, when the camera is substantially cylindrical, hold the cylindrical part of the camera with one hand, hold the connection part of the connection cable with the other hand, and just pull in the direction opposite to the camera to pull out the connection part from the connected part.

[0053] Also, for example, when the camera is substantially cylindrical and the mounting plate extends in the axial direction, by connecting the connection part of the connection cable to the connected part, the mounting plate can be made less conspicuous.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, when the camera is substantially cylindrical and the mounting plate extends in the axial direction, since the connection part of the connection cable is axially attachable and detachable with respect to the connected part, when attaching and detaching the connection part of the connection cable, it is possible to make it difficult for the mounting plate to peel off from the attachment location.

[0055] The hole portion is preferably formed to have a size that allows the insertion of the connection part of the connection cable fitted with a packing such as an O-ring, and is preferably sized such that the packing is moderately crushed. By forming it in this way, the connection portion between the connected part inside the hole portion and the connection part of the connection cable can be waterproofed. In this case, it is preferable to provide an attachment portion (for example, an attachment groove) on the connection part of the connection cable to which a packing such as an O-ring can be attached. By providing the attachment portion, when inserting the connection part of the connection cable into the hole portion, it becomes difficult for the packing such as an O-ring to come off from the connection part of the connection cable.

[0056] (9) The hole portion is formed at the deepest part in the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical portion, and the connected part is characterized in that the connection part of the connection cable is provided so as to be axially attachable and detachable.

[0057] According to this, since the connected part is provided at the end of the hole portion provided in the axial direction, for example, it is possible to make it difficult for the connection part of the connection cable (for example, HDMI male connector) to come off from the connected part (for example, HDMI female connector).

[0058] It is characterized by including the above-described imaging device, a recording device that records image data captured by the camera of the imaging device, and a connection cable that connects the camera and the recording device.

[0059] According to this, by configuring the camera and the recording device that records the video captured by the camera separately, the camera can be miniaturized.

[0060] The connection cable may be configured to be connected in a state fixed to the camera and the recording device (for example, a state where it cannot be pulled out from the camera and the recording device). By adopting a configuration where it cannot be pulled out, it is possible to prevent the connection cable from being unnecessarily pulled out from the camera or the recording device. As a configuration where it cannot be pulled out, it may be a configuration where it cannot be pulled out from the beginning, or a configuration where it cannot be pulled out once it is connected. Also, it may be a configuration where it becomes difficult to pull out once it is connected. The configuration where it becomes difficult to pull out is preferably a configuration for the imaging device and the connected part.

[0061] Also, it is preferably configured to be detachable from either the camera or the recording device, and it is even better to be configured to be detachable from the camera. By configuring it in this way, for example, it is possible to prevent the entire imaging system from being removed or replaced during maintenance or in case of a failure.

[0062] Further, the connection cable may be configured such that the electrical wiring is in the same state and the shape of the molded portion of the connection cable is different between the camera side and the recording device side. For example, the shape of the molded portion on the camera side may be made substantially cylindrical, and the shape of the molded portion on the recording device side may be made substantially rectangular parallelepiped. For example, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the connection destination of the connection cable is uniquely determined. By adopting a configuration in which the shapes of the molded portions are different, for example, the molded portion on the camera side that needs to be waterproofed for outdoor installation is made substantially cylindrical and enters the inside of the camera, and the molded portion on the recording device side that does not require waterproofing due to the installation location being waterproof is made substantially rectangular parallelepiped and does not enter the inside of the recording device, it is possible to prevent incorrect connection. Further, when it is made substantially cylindrical, it is preferable to make the connection direction immediately distinguishable. For example, a mark indicating the connection direction may be provided.

[0063] (11) The connection cable is detachably configured to the imaging device and the recording device.

[0064] According to this, since a connection cable of a required length can be selected to connect the imaging device and the recording device, it is possible to prevent the length of the connection cable from being insufficient or too long due to the relationship between the mounting location of the imaging device and the installation position of the recording device, etc. Also, for example, since the camera can be rotated with the connection cable not connected, the camera can be easily rotated. For example, when rotating the camera in a narrow place or the like, the connection cable does not get in the way.

[0065] For example, when transmitting large-capacity data such as video, it is possible to prevent the video from not being displayed by using a connector to increase the cable length. Also, it is possible to prevent the connection cable from getting in the way due to being too long.

[0066] Also, during maintenance or in case of failure, repairs, replacements, etc. can be performed individually on each of the imaging device, the recording device, and the connection cable.

[0067] The connector part of the connection part of the connection cable may be a non-circular connector. For example, it may be a connector part having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connector part of the connection part of the connection cable is preferably a standardized connector, and in particular, a connector standardized for a specific use is preferably used. For example, it is still better to use a USB or the connector part of an HDMI cable (hereinafter referred to as "HDMI connector"). By using a standardized HDMI connector, it can be made small and inexpensive, and the number of pins can be increased. In particular, when using pins different from the standard of the standardized connector, for example, in the case of the connector part of a USB cable, only 5 pins can be taken, but in the case of an HDMI connector, 5 or more pins (for example, 12 or more pins) can be taken. The number of pins may be, for example, 8 pins. In particular, it is preferably a connector capable of transmitting both power and video. The power may be supplied from the main body side, or conversely, the main body may be supplied with power from the camera.

[0068] (12) The camera has a hole portion, and a connected terminal capable of connecting a connection terminal provided at the tip of the connection portion of the connection cable is provided in the hole portion.

[0069] According to this, the connected terminal can be hidden. For example, it is possible to prevent the connected terminal from being exposed to the outside.

[0070] The hole portion may be formed, for example, so that the connection portion of the connection cable with a packing attached can be inserted while the packing is in close contact with the inner wall. By doing so, it is possible to waterproof the inside of the hole portion in a state where the connection terminal of the connection portion of the connection cable is connected to the connected terminal. Further, the connected terminal may be, for example, an HDMI female connector capable of connecting an HDMI male connector when the connection terminal of the connection portion of the connection cable is an HDMI male connector.

[0071] (13) The hole portion is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the connection portion of the connection cable is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that can be attached to the hole portion with a predetermined packing attached.

[0072] According to this, by making the hole part and the connection part of the connection cable into a substantially cylindrical shape, it is possible to improve the waterproof performance when a packing is interposed between the hole part and the connection part of the connection cable.

[0073] As the predetermined packing, for example, an O-ring may be used, and the connection part may be provided with a mounting groove capable of mounting the O-ring. In this case, the mounting part may be formed such that the part where the O-ring engages with the mounting part is larger than the part where the O-ring is exposed.

[0074] (14) It is characterized in that the connection terminal of the connection part is provided with a guiding means for guiding the connection terminal into the connected terminal provided in the hole.

[0075] According to this, even when the connected terminal is provided in the hole part, the connection terminal of the connection part of the connection cable and the connected terminal can be easily connected. In other words, even when the connected terminal in the hole is not visible, the connection terminal of the connection cable and the connected terminal can be easily connected. For example, when the connection part of the connection cable has a substantially cylindrical shape with respect to the substantially cylindrical hole part, it can be easily connected to the connected terminal only by rotating the connection part to find the guiding part.

[0076] As the guiding means, for example, a protruding part may be provided on the connection part of the connection cable, and a groove part capable of guiding the protruding part toward the connected terminal may be provided on the inner wall of the hole part. It is even better to provide a groove part on the connection part of the connection cable and a protruding part capable of guiding the groove part to the connected terminal on the inner wall of the hole part.

[0077] By adopting a configuration in which a groove part is provided on the connection part of the connection cable, for example, it becomes easier to mount a packing such as an O-ring on the connection part of the connection cable.

[0078] Also, by adopting a configuration in which a protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the hole portion, for example, when attaching the connection portion of the connection cable to the hole portion, if the connection direction between the connection terminal (for example, male connector) and the terminal to be connected (for example, female connector) of the connection portion of the connection cable does not match, the tip of the connection portion can come into contact with the protrusion of the hole portion. Thus, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from coming into unnecessary contact with the terminal to be connected and being damaged. In this case, for example, the length of the protrusion may be made longer than the length of the connection terminal.

[0079] (15) The guiding means is characterized by including a guiding protrusion provided in the hole portion and a guiding groove provided in the connection portion.

[0080] According to this, when attaching the connection portion of the connection cable to the hole portion, if the connection direction between the connection terminal (for example, male connector) and the terminal to be connected (for example, female connector) of the connection portion of the connection cable does not match, the tip of the connection portion can abut against the protrusion of the hole portion. Thus, it is possible to prevent the connection terminal from coming into unnecessary contact with the terminal to be connected and being damaged. The guiding protrusion is preferably formed to be longer than the length of the connection terminal in the connection direction.

[0081] (16) The connection portion is characterized by including a primary insertion portion where the connection terminal is disposed and the guiding groove is formed, and a secondary insertion portion located downstream in the insertion direction of the primary insertion portion and where the predetermined packing is attached.

[0082] According to this, before the predetermined packing is attached to the hole portion, the guiding protrusion provided in the hole portion and the guiding groove of the connection cable can be engaged. That is, the guiding protrusion and the guiding groove can be easily engaged. For example, by rotating the connection portion, the guiding protrusion can be easily found.

Effects of the Invention

[0083] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a small imaging device that can be attached to a desired attachment location while preventing the reflection of the attachment member, and an imaging system including the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0084]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0085] An embodiment of an imaging system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, as an example of the imaging system, a drive recorder 1 used by being attached to a passenger car, a work vehicle such as a forklift, etc. will be used for explanation. First, the schematic configuration of the drive recorder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0086] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a drive recorder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2(a) is a front view of the camera unit 20 shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a left side view, (e) is a right side view, and (f) is a rear view. FIG. 3(a) is a front view of the camera unit 20 with the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 2 rotated, (b) is a perspective view of (a) viewed from the base end side, and (c) is a perspective view of (a) viewed from the tip end side.

[0087] FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 200 viewed from the base end side, (b) is a perspective view viewed from the tip end side, (c) is a front view of (a), and (d) is a bottom view. FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the camera 210 viewed from the base end side, and (b) is a perspective view viewed from the tip end side. FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the camera 210. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the fixing member 250 viewed from the base end side, and (b) is a perspective view viewed from the tip end side.

[0088] FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the first connection portion 400 of the connection cable 40, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a rear view, (f) is a left side view, and (g) is a right side view. FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the recording device 30, and (b) is a perspective view of the sensor unit 5.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive recorder 1 includes a camera unit 20 that can be mounted at a desired mounting location in a vehicle, a recording device 30 that records an image captured by the camera unit 20, and a connection cable 40 that can connect the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30.

[0090] Note that the desired attachment location is a desired location at a place where the camera unit 20 can be attached. In a drive recorder, for example, it includes a desired location within a range of 20% from the upper end of the front glass of a vehicle, a desired location on the rear glass, and a desired location on the frame of a work vehicle such as a forklift. In the following, the desired attachment location shall simply be referred to as the attachment location.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera unit 20 includes a mounting bracket (hereinafter simply referred to as the "bracket") 200 that can be attached to the attachment location, a camera 210 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and rotatably supported by the bracket 200 about the central axis A, and a fixing member 250 that fixes the camera 210 to the bracket 200 at an arbitrary rotational position.

[0092] That is, the camera unit 20 changes the shooting direction of the camera 210 at the attachment location by relatively rotating the camera 210 with respect to the bracket 200 attached to the attachment location, and can shoot a desired shooting target from the attachment location by fixing the camera 210 to the bracket 200 with the fixing member 250.

[0093] Further, in the present embodiment, the camera 210 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 33 mm and a length in the direction of the central axis A of about 50 mm. For example, even when attached to the rear glass of a vehicle or the frame of a forklift, it has a size and shape that are relatively inconspicuous. For example, the camera 210 according to the present embodiment has a neat shape without a liquid crystal monitor, operation buttons, an SD slot, etc., and is configured without a fixing hole for attaching a tripod.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and (b), the bracket 200 is formed in a substantially annular shape and includes a ring portion 201 that rotatably supports the camera 210 about the central axis A, a mounting plate 202 that can be attached to the attachment location, and a connecting portion 203 that connects the ring portion 201 and the mounting plate 202.

[0095] The ring part 201 is formed in a substantially annular shape. In this embodiment, it is formed in a belt-like substantially annular shape with a length (width) in the direction of the central axis A of about 10 mm and a length (thickness) in the direction toward the central axis A of about 2 mm.

[0096] The ring part 201 can be attached to the proximal end side (hereinafter simply referred to as the "proximal end side") in the direction of the central axis A of the camera 210, and when the camera 210 is attached, the camera 210 can rotate relative to the ring part 201. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 201b (hereinafter referred to as the "inner diameter") is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of a mounting recess 214 (see, for example, FIG. 5(a)) of the camera 210 described later. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the ring part 201 is formed to be about 29 mm.

[0097] Further, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 201a of the ring part 201 (hereinafter referred to as the "outer diameter") is formed to be substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (for example, the same diameter or slightly smaller or larger) so that when the camera 210 is attached, the outer peripheral surface 201a of the ring part 201 and the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 are located on substantially the same plane. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the ring part 201 is formed to be about 33 mm, which is the same diameter as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (see, for example, FIG. 3(a)).

[0098] Among the side surfaces 201c and 201d orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 201a and the inner peripheral surface 201b of the ring part 201, when the camera 210 is attached to the ring part 201, an engaging portion 204 is provided on the side surface 201c that contacts the camera 210. The engaging portion 204 is composed of a plurality of serrated recesses 204a and protrusions 204b formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, nothing is provided on the side surface 201d opposite to the side surface 201c, and it has a substantially planar shape that can abut against the fixing member 250.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 4(c), the mounting plate 202 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and when the camera 210 is attached to the ring portion 201, the longitudinal direction is along the central axis A and extends in a direction away from the lens 231 of the camera 210. It is connected to the ring portion 201 via the connecting portion 203 (see FIGS. 3(a) to (c) for example). In the present embodiment, the mounting plate 202 is slightly tapered in the direction away from the lens of the camera 210, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate 202 is formed to be approximately 39 mm, and the maximum length in the short direction is formed to be approximately 28 mm.

[0100] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d), the mounting plate 202 extends along the central axis A with the side surface 201c of the ring portion 201 as the base end, and notches 205a and 205b are provided on both sides in the short direction at the base end portion of the mounting plate 202. The shape and range of the notches 205a and 205b are set based on the range of the video image captured by the camera 210, and in particular, are set taking into account the distortion of the imaging range of the camera 210 caused by the configuration of the optical system and the like. In the present embodiment, the shape and range of the notches 205a and 205b are formed in a substantially rectangular shape taking these into account, and the mounting plate 202 is prevented from being reflected even when the camera 210 is rotated relative to the bracket 200. Further, the notch 205a and the notch 205b are formed to be symmetric with respect to the central axis A. Note that the end portion of the mounting plate 202 formed by cutting out in a substantially rectangular shape is formed in an R shape so as to have no corners.

[0101] On the portion of the mounting plate 202 excluding the cutout portions 205a and 205b, an attachment surface 202a is provided to which a double-sided tape for attaching to the attachment location can be attached. That is, the bracket 200 is configured to be attached to the attachment location by attaching the mounting plate 202 to the attachment location with a double-sided tape. The attachment surface 202a is formed in a rectangular shape to which a commercially available double-sided tape or the like can be attached. Further, the attachment surface 202a protrudes slightly in the thickness direction of the mounting plate 202 from the mounting plate 202, so that the attachment location of the double-sided tape on the mounting plate 202 can be easily recognized.

[0102] Note that the attachment surface 202a only needs to have an attachment area in which the double-sided tape can exhibit an adhesive force such that the bracket 200 attached to the attachment location with the camera 210 supported is not easily peeled off from the attachment location. In the present embodiment, in order to increase the attachment area of the attachment surface 202a, the mounting plate protrudes approximately 10 mm from the base end portion of the camera 210 in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis A and away from the lens 231. Depending on the adhesive force of the double-sided tape, this protruding length can also be shortened. By extending the mounting plate 202 in a direction away from the lens 231, the attachment area of the mounting plate 202 can be increased with the base end portion of the mounting plate 202 being as close as possible to the lens 231.

[0103] Also, the mounting plate 202 is connected to the ring portion 201 via the connecting portion 203 so as to be symmetric in the short side direction. In other words, when the attachment surface 202a is viewed from the front, the center in the short side direction of the mounting plate 202 is connected to the ring portion 201 via the connecting portion 203 so as to be located on the central axis A. More specifically, when the attachment surface 202a is viewed from the side, the center in the short side direction of the mounting plate 202 is closest to the ring portion 201, and both sides thereof are symmetric, and it is connected to the ring portion 201 via the connecting portion 203 (see, for example, FIGS. 2(e) and (f)).

[0104] The connecting part 203 is interposed between the ring part 201 and the mounting plate 202, and the connecting part 203 is provided with an insertion hole 203a through which a bundling band (not shown) can be inserted. The insertion hole 203a penetrates the connecting part 203 substantially parallel to the circumferential direction of the ring part 201, and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so that a band-shaped bundling band can be inserted. For example, when the bracket 200 is attached to the frame of a forklift, the insertion hole 203a is used when the mounting plate 202 and the frame are collectively wound with a bundling band so as to press the mounting plate 202 against the frame, thereby fixing the mounting plate 202 to the frame. That is, the insertion hole 203a serves as an insurance for enabling the use of a bundling band to prevent the bracket 200 from falling.

[0105] By providing the insertion hole 203a, for example, even when the bracket 200 is exposed to wind, rain, etc. and the mounting plate 202 is peeled off from the mounting location of the vehicle when the camera unit 20 is mounted outside the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the camera unit 20 from falling from the mounting location.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the camera 210 includes a camera housing 211 and a camera module 229 built in the camera housing 211.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and (b), the camera housing 211 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of about 33 mm and a length in the central axis direction of about 50 mm. By forming the camera housing 211 in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, it becomes easier to rotate the camera 210 with respect to the bracket 200, the appearance is also neater, and it becomes small and cute. Also, for example, even when the camera 210 is rotated, the change in the outer shape is small (for example, it is basically a substantially cylindrical shape when viewed from anywhere), so it is difficult to give the user a sense of discomfort.

[0108] On the tip side in the direction of the central axis A of the camera housing 2111 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "tip side"), a lens arrangement portion 212 where the lens 231 of the camera module 229 is arranged is provided. The lens arrangement portion 212 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211 such that the lens 231 faces in a direction orthogonal to the central axis A and does not protrude beyond the mounting surface 202a of the mounting plate 202 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis A (see, for example, FIGS. 2(b) and (c)). Further, the lens arrangement portion 212 is provided at a substantially central portion in the direction of the central axis A on the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211.

[0109] Note that the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211 is a portion that is exposed without being hidden by the bracket 200 and the fixing member 250 when the bracket 200 and the fixing member 250 are attached. In this embodiment, the length of this portion in the direction of the central axis A is about 30 mm. Also, the length of the portion hidden by the bracket 200 and the fixing member 250 in the direction of the central axis A is about 20 mm.

[0110] An opening 213 for exposing the lens 231 is formed in the lens arrangement portion 212. As shown in FIG. 6, the lens 231 of the camera module 229 built in the camera housing 211 is exposed from the opening 213 via the packing 232. Note that the opening 213 in this embodiment is formed in a circular shape with a diameter of about 13 mm. By interposing the packing 232 between the opening 213 and the lens 231 (camera module 229), it is possible to prevent unnecessary water from entering through the opening 213.

[0111] On the tip side of the lens arrangement portion 212 of the camera housing 211, that is, at the tip portion of the camera housing 211 (the tip portion of the camera 210), nothing is provided and it has a substantially flat shape to which, for example, a double-sided tape or the like can be attached.

[0112] On the proximal end side of the lens arrangement portion 212 of the camera housing 211, a mounting recess 214 capable of mounting the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 is provided. When the camera 210 is mounted on the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200, the mounting recess 214 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface 211a such that the outer peripheral surface 201a of the ring portion 201 and the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211 are located on the same plane. That is, the mounting recess 214 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the outer peripheral surface 211a by the thickness of the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 (about 2 mm in this embodiment). Further, the outer diameter of the mounting recess 214 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 so that the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 can rotate on the mounting recess 214.

[0113] At the boundary between the outer peripheral surface 211a and the mounting recess 214, a contact surface 215 capable of contacting the side surface 201c of the ring portion 201 (see, for example, FIG. 4(b)) when the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 is mounted in the mounting recess 214 is erected in a direction orthogonal to the central axis A. On the contact surface 215, an engaging portion 216 capable of engaging with the engaging portion 204 of the ring portion 201 is formed in a part in the circumferential direction (in this embodiment, a semi-circular region). The engaging portion 216 is composed of a plurality of adjacent concave portions 216a and convex portions 216b, and restricts the relative rotation between the camera 210 and the bracket 200 by engaging with any of the plurality of concave portions 204a and convex portions 204b of the engaging portion 204 of the ring portion 201.

[0114] Note that the engaging portion 216 and the engaging portion 204 are formed to restrict rotation in 5-degree increments. By configuring to restrict rotation in 5-degree increments, when the camera unit 20 is attached to the vehicle, the orientation of the camera 210 can be adjusted to a desired orientation.

[0115] On the proximal end side of the mounting recess 214 of the camera housing 211, there is provided a screw portion 217 into which a fixing member 250 can be screwed toward the distal end side. The screw portion 217 is formed in a concave shape with respect to the mounting recess 214, and at the boundary between the mounting recess 214 and the screw portion 217, a regulating surface 218 for regulating the screwing amount of the fixing member 250 in the axial direction is erected in a direction orthogonal to the central axis A.

[0116] Here, the length of the mounting recess 214 in the direction of the central axis A is formed to be slightly shorter than the length of the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 in the direction of the central axis A when the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 is mounted in the mounting recess 214. Therefore, when the ring portion 201 of the bracket 200 is mounted in the mounting recess 214, the above-described regulating surface 218 will be located inside the side surface 201d of the ring portion 201. As a result, after the ring portion 201 is mounted in the mounting recess 214, when the fixing member 250 is screwed into the screw portion 217, the fixing member 250 is not regulated by the regulating surface 218, and the ring portion 201 is sandwiched between the fixing member 250 and the contact surface 215, enabling the ring portion 201 to be fixed. At this time, the engaging portion 204 of the ring portion 201 and the engaging portion 216 of the contact surface 215 are engaged with each other, restricting the rotation of the ring portion 201 on the mounting recess 214.

[0117] On the other hand, when the screwing amount of the fixing member 250 is reduced, the engagement between the engaging portion 204 of the ring portion 201 and the engaging portion 216 of the contact surface 215 can be released. For example, the ring portion 201 can be rotated in 5-degree increments on the mounting recess 214.

[0118] At the proximal end side of the screw portion 217 of the camera housing 211 (the proximal end portion of the camera housing 211), an insertion portion 219 into which the distal end portion of a first connection portion 400 (see, for example, FIG. 8(a)) of the connection cable 40 described later can be inserted is provided. The insertion portion 219 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that penetrates the central portion of the screw portion 217 in the direction of the central axis A with the central axis A as the center, and is connected to the inner wall of the screw portion 217 by a plurality of ribs 219a (see, for example, FIG. 5(a)). In the present embodiment, the insertion portion 219 is connected to the inner wall of the screw portion 217 by eight radially provided ribs 219a. By connecting the screw portion 217 and the insertion portion 219 with the plurality of ribs 219a, the insertion portion 219 can be reinforced without unnecessarily increasing the resin amount.

[0119] Further, the insertion portion 219 is formed to have a size such that the distal end portion of the first connection portion 400 to which the O-ring 407 (see, for example, FIG. 8(a)) is attached can be inserted while crushing the O-ring 407. For example, the first connection portion 400 with an O-ring 407 having a thickness of 1.5 mm attached is formed to have a size such that it can be inserted while crushing the O-ring by 0.2 to 0.3 mm. By inserting the first connection portion 400 into the insertion portion 219 while crushing the O-ring 407, the inside of the insertion portion 219 is sealed by the first connection portion 400, and the inside of the insertion portion 219 can be made waterproof.

[0120] The deepest part of the insertion portion 219 is located around the mounting recess 214 in the direction of the central axis A. That is, the insertion portion 219 has a depth up to the position of the mounting recess 214, and the tip of the first connection portion 400 can be inserted up to around the mounting recess 214. Also, at the deepest part of the insertion portion 219, there is provided a connector arrangement portion 219b where an HDMI female connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "female connector") 230 capable of connecting an HDMI male connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "male connector") 401 (see, for example, FIG. 8(a)) of the first connection portion 400 can be arranged (see, for example, FIG. 2(f)). The connector arrangement portion 219b is constituted by an opening substantially the same shape as the female connector 220, and the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400 inserted into the insertion portion 219 is connected to the female connector 220 exposed from the opening. At this time, since the inside of the insertion portion 219 is waterproofed by the O-ring 407, water does not enter the connection portion between the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 from the insertion portion 219.

[0121] Further, on the inner wall of the insertion portion 219, there is provided a guide projection 221 for guiding the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400 toward the female connector 230. The guide projection 221 is formed substantially parallel to the central axis A from the deepest part of the insertion portion 219, and by engaging with a guide groove 408 (see, for example, FIG. 8(a)) of the first connection portion 400 described later, the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400 is guided toward the female connector 230 in a state where the orientation of the male connector 401 and the orientation of the female connector 230 are made to coincide (for example, a state where the outer shape and pin arrangement etc. coincide). When the first connection portion 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 219, the male connector 401 is guided by the guide projection 221 and the guide groove 408 to the female connector 230, so that even when the female connector 230 is arranged at the deepest part of the insertion portion 219, the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 can be easily connected. For example, even if the female connector 230 inside the insertion portion 219 is not visible, the male connector 401 can be easily connected to the female connector 230.

[0122] Further, the guide protrusion 221 is provided above the long side of the substantially rectangular female connector 230. Therefore, the guide groove 408 is also provided above the long side of the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400, and the guide groove 408 is formed in a relatively thick portion of the first connection portion 400.

[0123] Note that the guide protrusion 221 is formed to be at least longer than the length of the male connector 401 of the first connection portion 400 in the connection direction, and is configured such that when the tip of the first connection portion 400 is inserted into the insertion portion 219, the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 do not come into direct contact. Further, the guide protrusion 221 is formed to be at least shorter than the length up to the O-ring 407 (to be described later) of the first connection portion 400. By making it as short as possible compared to the distance up to the O-ring 407, the O-ring 407 can be inserted deeper by the insertion portion 219. For example, the first connection portion 400 inserted into the insertion portion 219 can be made difficult to come out of the insertion portion 219.

[0124] Also, at the entrance of the insertion portion 219, which is the end portion on the extension line of the guide protrusion 221 in the insertion portion 219, a mark 222 indicating the position of the guide protrusion 221 is provided, enabling the user to predict the position of the guide protrusion 221 inside the insertion portion 219 to some extent. Further, the guide protrusion 221 is arranged on the extension line in the radial direction with one of the plurality of ribs 219a.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 6, the camera housing 211 includes a first housing 211b and a second housing 211c that can be fitted to the first housing 211b. That is, the camera housing 211 can be divided into the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c. By dividing the camera housing 211 into the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c, the camera module 229 can be taken out or housed inside.

[0126] In the first housing 211b, a screw portion 217 and an insertion portion 219 are integrally formed and arranged. The portions other than the screw portion 217 and the insertion portion 219 (such as the mounting recess 214 and the outer peripheral surface 211a) are substantially equally divided between the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c. Therefore, the camera housing 211 is configured such that a packing 223 formed along the cross section of the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c is disposed between the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c to prevent water or the like from entering between the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c.

[0127] Further, the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c are configured to be fixed while crushing the packing 223 by screwing them together after fitting the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c. In the present embodiment, four screws 224 are configured to fix the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c, and the screwing portions for fixing the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c are formed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface 211a and at two locations on the mounting recess 214, respectively. Specifically, screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, 225d for passing the screws 224 are formed in the outer peripheral surface 211a and the mounting recess 214 of the second housing 211c, and screw grooves 226a, 226b, 226c, 226d corresponding to the screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, 225d are formed inside the first housing 211c.

[0128] Note that the screws 224 are inserted into the screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, 225d with seal washers interposed therebetween, and are configured to prevent the intrusion of water or the like from the screw holes 225a, 225b, 225c, 225d. Further, by forming the screw holes 225c, 225d in the mounting recesses 214c, 214d, when the camera 210 is mounted on the bracket 200, the screw holes 225c, 225d and the screws 224 in the screw holes 225c, 225d can be hidden.

[0129] The camera module 229 is arranged such that the female connector 230 is positioned on the central axis A, and is fixed to the first housing 211b such that the female connector 230 is positioned on the central axis A. In the present embodiment, the female connector 230 is arranged by a combination of substrates such that it is positioned on the central axis A, and by screwing the screws 227 into screw holes 228a and 228b formed on the inner surface of the first housing 211b, the female connector 230 is fixed to the first housing 211b such that it is positioned on the central axis A. As a result, the female connector 230 comes to be positioned at the connector arrangement portion 219b formed on the central axis A.

[0130] Also, a wide-angle lens is used for the lens 231 of the camera module 229. In the present embodiment, a wide-angle lens with a diagonal angle of 150 to 170 degrees is used. By using such a wide-angle lens, for example, when attached to the front windshield of a vehicle, it is possible to photograph a range up to the extent that a pillow is reflected at a diagonal angle of 160 degrees, and it is possible to photograph vehicles traveling in the right and left lanes. Further, for example, when attached to a work vehicle such as a forklift, it is possible to photograph including things on the road outside the work vehicle such as a forklift. Therefore, it is possible to confirm from the recorded video that a work vehicle such as a forklift has stepped on something, dropped a load, or there was a step, etc. It is also possible to confirm the presence or absence of finger-pointing inspection by the driver etc. performed before boarding.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the fixing member 250 is formed in a cap shape that can be attached to the base end portion of the camera 210. A thread groove 251 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 250a so that it can be screwed into the screw portion 217 from the base end side of the camera 210. Further, when the fixing member 250 is screwed into the screw portion 217, the outer diameter of the fixing member 250 is formed to be substantially the same diameter (for example, the same diameter, slightly smaller, or slightly larger) as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210 (the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211) so that the outer peripheral surface (the outer peripheral surface 211a of the camera housing 211) of the camera 210 and the outer peripheral surface 250b of the fixing member 250 are located on substantially the same plane. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the fixing member 250 is formed to be approximately 33 mm, which is the same as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the camera 210.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the side surface 250c orthogonal to the inner peripheral surface 250a and the outer peripheral surface 250b of the fixing member 250 is formed in a substantially flat shape that can contact the side surface 201d of the ring portion 201. An opening 252 for exposing the insertion portion 219 is formed at a substantially central portion of the surface 250d on the side opposite to the side surface 250c. Further, the surface 250d is formed so as to be located in substantially the same plane as the entrance of the insertion portion 219, and the insertion portion 219 is formed at the base end portion of the camera.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 1, the connection cable 40 includes a first connection portion 400 that can be connected to the camera unit 20, a second connection portion 410 that can be connected to the recording device 30, and a cord portion 420 that connects the first connection portion 400 and the second connection portion 410.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) to (g), the first connection portion 400 includes an HDMI male connector 401 and a resin-molded mold portion 402. The male connector 401 is composed of rectangular HDMI terminals, and eight pins are arranged in parallel inside. The wiring connected to the pins is housed in the mold portion 402 in a state of being wound with aluminum foil. In addition, the pins arranged in parallel inside the male connector 401 are arranged so as not to break while reducing the number of pins, different from the pin arrangement of existing HDMI cables.

[0135] Also, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the male connector 401 is provided with engaged portions 401a and 401b that can be engaged with an engaging portion provided on an HDMI female connector (female connector 230 in this embodiment), similar to an existing HDMI male connector.

[0136] In addition, by using HDMI terminals, the first connection portion 400 can be made small and inexpensive, and more pins can be arranged. For example, in the case of USB terminals, only 5 pins can be taken, but by using HDMI terminals, more than 5 pins can be arranged. Also, for example, by reducing the number of pins compared to using an existing HDMI cable with 12 pins arranged, the thickness of the cord portion 430 can also be made thinner.

[0137] Among these pins, there is also a pin for power supply. The connection cable 40 can supply power, for example, from the device connected to the first connection portion 400 to the device connected to the second connection portion 410, and from the device connected to the second connection portion 410 to the device connected to the first connection portion 400. That is, the connection cable 40 can supply power bidirectionally. For example, when the second connection portion 410 is connected to a drive recorder receiving power supply from a cigarette socket of a vehicle and the first connection portion 400 is connected to the camera unit 20, the camera unit 20 can receive power supply from the cigarette socket of the vehicle via the drive recorder.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 8(a), the mold part 402 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and includes, in order from the tip side, a primary insertion part 403, a secondary insertion part 404, a handle part 405, and a bellows part 406. The primary insertion part 403 is formed so as to be insertable into the insertion part 219 without the guide protrusion 221 provided on the insertion part 219 engaging with the guide groove 408, and it is the part that is first inserted into the insertion part 219. A guide groove 408 is formed in the primary insertion part 403. When the guide protrusion 221 of the insertion part 219 engages with the guide groove 408 of the primary insertion part 403 (the guide protrusion 221 enters the guide groove 408), the mold part 402 can be further inserted into the insertion part 219.

[0139] The secondary insertion part 404 can be inserted when the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408 engage with each other, and it is the part that will all enter the insertion part 219 when the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected. A mounting groove 404a for mounting the O-ring 407 is provided in the secondary insertion part 404. In this embodiment, a mounting groove 404a is formed so that an O-ring with a thickness of 1.5 mm can be mounted so as to protrude 0.5 mm. That is, the mounting groove 404a is a groove with a depth of 1.0 mm.

[0140] The handle part 405 is the part that is not inserted into the insertion part 219 even when the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected, and it is the part that the user grasps when inserting the primary insertion part 403 and the secondary insertion part 404 into the insertion part 219. The bellows part 406 is provided at the base end of the first connection part 400 and is provided to enable the first connection part 400 and the cord part 420 to move flexibly.

[0141] The correspondence of the first connection part 400 with the connection target (in this embodiment, the insertion part 219) is uniquely specified.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 1, the second connection portion 410 includes an HDMI male connector (hereinafter simply referred to as "male connector") 411 and a resin-molded mold portion 412. Since the male connector 411 has the same configuration as the male connector 401, the description thereof will be omitted. The mold portion 412 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is substantially similar to the HDMI terminal so that the insertion direction of the male connector can be easily understood, similar to the connection portion of a general HDMI cable. Further, the mold portion 412 is not inserted into a connection portion (for example, see FIG. 9(a)) 400 of the recording device 30 described later. That is, unlike the first connection portion 400, the second connection portion 410 is configured such that only the male connector 411 is inserted into the connection portion 400.

[0143] There are a plurality of connection cables 40 having different lengths of the cord portion 420. For example, depending on the distance between the location where the camera unit 20 is disposed and the location where the recording device 30 is disposed, one having a cord portion 420 of the required length can be appropriately selected.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 9(a), the recording device 30 is formed in a rectangular box shape and includes a plurality of connection portions 300 (four in this embodiment) to which the second connection portion 410 can be connected, an SD card slot portion 301 into which an SD card is inserted, and a microphone portion 302 for recording sound.

[0145] The connection part 300 is provided with a female connector 303 to which the male connector 411 of the second connection part 410 can be connected, and the tip of the female connector 303 is exposed. That is, only the male connector 411 is connected to the connection part 300. In other words, it is configured without waterproof treatment. The SD card slot part 301 is provided to record the images taken by the camera 210 on the mounted SD card. In the present embodiment, the camera 210 itself does not have a recording medium and is configured to record on the recording device 30. Thereby, the camera 210 can be miniaturized. The microphone part 302 is housed inside the recording device 30, and it is possible to record the voice of the operator, the movement during the operation of the work vehicle, the sound of the load processed by the work vehicle, etc.

[0146] In addition, a sensor unit 5 is connected to the recording device 30, and an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor are built in the sensor unit 5. A triangular mark 50 for defining the traveling direction and a horizontal line 51 for defining the horizontal direction are drawn on the sensor unit 5, and it is to be attached in a state where the triangular mark (traveling direction) and the horizontal line (horizontal direction) coincide with the vehicle to be actually mounted. By providing the gyro sensor, for example, in a vehicle that is steered by the rear wheels, such as a forklift, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the vehicle (for example, in the case of a forklift, the movement when performing a rotation operation by steering the rear wheels).

[0147] Next, the usage method of the drive recorder 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. In the following, the above-described drive recorder 1 will be described using the case of being attached to the rear glass 101 of a one-box type vehicle 100 and the case of being attached to a forklift 110 which is an example of a work vehicle and used.

[0148] First, the case of using it by attaching it to the rear glass 101 of a one-box type vehicle 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Here, in advance, a camera unit 20 is connected to a drive recorder attached to the front glass of the vehicle 100 via a connection cable 40, and the case where the camera unit 20 is used as a second camera for photographing the rear of the vehicle will be used for explanation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where the camera unit 20 according to the present embodiment is attached to the rear glass 101 of the vehicle 100.

[0149] When attaching the camera unit 20 to the rear glass 101, first, determine the attachment position of the camera unit 20 on the rear glass 101. Here, when attaching to the rear glass 101, it must be attached to a place avoiding the heating wire 102 disposed on the rear glass 101. That is, a place other than the place where the heating wire 102 is disposed becomes the desired place. In the present embodiment, it is attached to the upper right end of the rear glass 101.

[0150] After the attachment position is determined, next, prepare a connection cable 40 having a length corresponding to the distance between the attachment position and the drive recorder attached to the front glass. Note that it is preferable to select and prepare in advance a connection cable having a length corresponding to the distance. By using a connection cable having a length corresponding to the required distance, for example, the length of the cable will not be insufficient or the cable will not be too long and get in the way. In particular, by extending the cable with a connector, problems such as the image not being displayed will not occur. This is possible because the camera unit 20 and the connection cable 40 are configured separately.

[0151] When the connection cable 40 is prepared, next, the release sheet of the double-sided tape attached to the attachment surface 202a of the attachment plate 202 of the bracket 200 is peeled off, and the attachment plate 202 is attached to the rear glass 101 so that the central axis A of the ring portion 201 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. By attaching in this way, when the camera 210 is supported by the ring portion 201, the camera 210 can capture a wide-angle image in the left-right direction of the vehicle. For example, it is possible to photograph the situation of vehicles traveling in the right and left lanes.

[0152] When the attachment plate 202 is attached to the rear glass 101, next, the mounting recess 214 of the camera 210 is mounted on the ring portion 201. When the mounting recess 214 is mounted on the ring portion 201, the camera 210 is rotated so that the lens 231 of the camera 210 faces outside the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the camera 210 is rotated so that the rear glass 101 and the lens 231 face each other. At this time, for example, even if the camera 210 is rotated 360 degrees, the lens 231 does not contact the attachment plate 202. Also, even when the camera 210 faces the rear glass 101, the lens 231 is not hidden by the attachment plate 202 and the photographing is not impossible. Also, since the connection cable 40 is not connected, the camera 210 can be easily rotated. When the camera 210 is rotated, next, the fixing member 250 is screwed into the camera 210 to fix the camera 210 to the bracket 200.

[0153] When the camera 210 is fixed to the bracket 200, next, the first connection part 400 of the connection cable 40 is connected to the camera 210. Specifically, first, grasp the handle part 405 of the first connection part 400 and insert the primary insertion part 403 into the insertion part 219 of the camera 210. When the primary insertion part 403 is inserted into the insertion part 219, if the guide protrusion 221 provided on the inner wall of the insertion part 219 and the guide groove 408 of the primary insertion part 403 are not engaged, the tip of the primary insertion part 403 abuts against the guide protrusion 221, and the primary insertion part 403 cannot be inserted further. That is, when the connection direction of the male connector 401 and the connection direction of the female connector 230 do not match, the primary insertion part 403 cannot be inserted more than necessary. Also, at this time, since the length of the male connector 401 in the insertion direction provided at the tip of the primary insertion part 403 is shorter than the length of the guide protrusion 221 in the insertion direction, the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 do not come into unnecessary contact and are not damaged.

[0154] Next, while the user keeps the primary insertion part 403 inserted into the insertion part 219, the user rotates the handle part 405 to engage the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408. At this time, since the handle part 405 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, the user can easily rotate the first connection part 400. Also, since the first connection part 400 includes the camber part 406, the burden on the cord part 420 due to rotation is also reduced. Also, at this time, it is advisable for the user to support the camera 210 with the other hand. Since the camera 210 is also formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, it can be easily supported. Furthermore, since the insertion part 219 is provided at the base end part of the camera 210 and the mounting plate 202 of the bracket 200 extends in a direction away from the base end part substantially parallel to the central axis A, even when a force acts in a direction away from the rear glass 101 from the base end part side when rotating the first connection part 400, the mounting plate 202 is not easily peeled off from the rear glass 101.

[0155] When the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408 are engaged due to the rotation of the first connection part 400, the secondary insertion part 404 becomes insertable into the insertion part 219. At this time, first, the part up to the part where the O-ring 407 of the secondary insertion part 404 is mounted is inserted. When the secondary insertion part 404 is further pushed in from there, the secondary insertion part 404 is inserted into the insertion part 219 while the O-ring 407 is crushed. By inserting into the insertion part 219 while the O-ring 407 is crushed, the inside of the insertion part 219 is sealed, preventing the intrusion of water or the like. At this time, since the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 408 are engaged, the connection direction of the male connector 401 and the connection direction of the female connector 230 match. Therefore, when the guide groove 408 is guided by the guide protrusion 221, the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected.

[0156] When the male connector 401 and the female connector 230 are connected, next, the second connection part 410 is connected to the drive recorder. When the second connection part 410 is connected to the drive recorder, power is supplied from the drive recorder to the camera 210 via the connection cable 40, and the image captured by the camera 210 can be confirmed on the liquid crystal monitor of the drive recorder. When the video of the camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor, the user adjusts the shooting direction of the camera 210 while looking at the liquid crystal monitor. At this time, since the notch parts 205a and 205b are provided at both ends on the lens side of the mounting plate 202 of the bracket 200, even when the camera 210 faces the rear glass 101 or the camera 210 is rotated, the mounting plate 202 does not appear on the liquid crystal monitor.

[0157] Also, since the camera 210 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, it is not very conspicuous even when attached to the rear glass 101. Further, even when the mounting plate 202 extends in a direction away from the lens 231, due to the configuration in which the first connection part 400 is connected to the base end part of the camera 210, the mounting plate 202 is not conspicuous.

[0158] Next, the case where the drive recorder 1 is attached to the forklift 110 and used will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment is attached to the forklift 110.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 11, when attaching the drive recorder 1 to the forklift 110, the camera unit 20 is attached behind the upper frame 111 of the forklift 110 so that the working state by the forklift 110 and the driver driving the forklift 110 can be simultaneously imaged by the camera unit 20.

[0160] Specifically, first, the release sheet of the double-sided tape attached to the attachment surface 202a of the attachment plate 202 of the bracket 200 is peeled off, and the attachment plate 202 is attached to the lower surface 111a behind the upper frame 111 so that the central axis A of the ring portion 201 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. By attaching in this way, when the camera 210 is supported by the ring portion 201, the camera 210 can capture a wide-angle image in the left-right direction of the forklift.

[0161] After the attachment plate 202 is attached to the lower surface 111a of the upper frame 111, next, a binding band (not shown) is inserted through the insertion hole 203a and wound around the upper frame 111 to fix the attachment plate 202 so as to be pressed against the upper frame 111. Thereby, for example, even when the adhesion of the double-sided tape on the attachment surface 202a decreases due to the bracket 200 being exposed to wind and rain, the bracket 200 is prevented from falling off the upper frame 111.

[0162] When the end band is wrapped around the upper frame 111, next, the mounting recess 214 of the camera 210 is mounted on the ring portion 201. When the mounting recess 214 is mounted on the ring portion 201, the camera 210 is rotated so that the lens 231 of the camera 210 faces the driver. When the lens 231 of the camera 210 is directed toward the driver from the rear of the upper frame 111, the driver and the load placed on the claw 113 of the forklift 110 can be simultaneously photographed by the camera 210. When the rotation position (photographing direction) of the camera 210 is determined, next, the fixing member 250 is screwed into the camera 210 to fix the camera 210 to the bracket 200.

[0163] When the camera 210 is fixed to the bracket 200, next, the recording device 30 is stored under the sheet 112. By storing it under the sheet 112, the recording device 30 will not get wet in the rain. Next, the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30 are connected by a connection cable 40 having a cable length corresponding to the distance between the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30. Specifically, the first connection portion 400 of the connection cable 40 is connected to the camera unit 20, and the second connection portion 410 is connected to the recording device 30. Since the connection of the first connection portion 400 to the camera unit 20 is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0164] As described above, when the first connection portion 400 is connected to the camera 210, the O-ring 407 is inserted into the insertion portion 219 while being crushed, so that the inside of the insertion portion 219 is sealed, preventing the intrusion of rain, dust, etc. Therefore, even in a place exposed to wind and rain such as the upper frame 111 of the forklift 110, water, dust, etc. are prevented from entering the inside of the camera 210 and the camera 210 from being damaged. Note that the camera 210 also has a packing 232 arranged in the lens arrangement portion 212 and a packing 223 arranged between the first housing 211b and the second housing 211c, so that rain, dust, etc. do not enter from here. That is, the camera 210 becomes completely waterproof by connecting the first connection portion 400.

[0165] Also, by using a connection cable 40 having a cable length corresponding to the distance between the camera unit 20 and the recording device 30, it is possible to prevent the cable from becoming unnecessarily long and obstructive, or the cable length from being insufficient. In particular, in the case of a work vehicle such as a forklift, it is possible to prevent an accident from occurring due to an unnecessarily long cable getting caught on something.

[0166] When the first connection part 400 is connected to the camera 210, next, the second connection part 410 is connected to the connection part 300 of the recording device 30. When the second connection part 410 is connected to the recording device 30, next, the sensor unit 50 is attached to the vicinity of the seat 112 side of the forklift 110. The sensor unit 50 may be attached near the location that becomes the center of rotation when the rear wheels are steered with the front wheels of the forklift 110 stopped. In the present embodiment, it is attached to the lower side of the seat 112. By attaching it to the lower side of the seat 112, it is possible to make the recording of the rotation operation of the forklift 110 and the driver's feeling due to the rotation of the forklift 110 similar. When the sensor unit is attached, the installation is completed by connecting the power supply to the recording device 30.

[0167] Next, the playback screen when the captured image captured by the camera unit 20 attached to the forklift 110 is played back on a personal computer or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a captured image projected onto a liquid crystal monitor using a PC viewer.

[0168] In order to view the video captured by the camera unit 20 and recorded on the SD card of the recording device 30 on a personal computer, it is necessary to download dedicated software to the personal computer. By downloading dedicated software to a personal computer or the like, it is possible to view the captured image recorded on the SD card on the personal computer. Hereinafter, the screen on the personal computer displayed by the dedicated software is referred to as a PC viewer.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 12, the PC viewer is composed of four screens. First, in the upper right, there is a file list screen 60 where a file list is displayed. In the file list screen 60, a list of files recorded on the SD card is displayed. The file list also shows the shooting date and time, etc.

[0170] Below the file list screen 60, there is an attachment target display screen 61 where the attachment target with the camera 210 attached is displayed. For example, in FIG. 12, since the camera 210 is attached to the forklift 110, a picture of the forklift is displayed. Also, for example, when the camera 210 is attached to a passenger car, a picture of the passenger car is displayed, and when it is attached to a motorcycle, a picture of the motorcycle is displayed. Further, for example, when the camera is attached to a factory line, a picture of the factory line is displayed. Also, as shown in the attachment target display screen 61, the three-dimensional direction and the rotation direction are displayed as X, Y, Z, W in this picture.

[0171] On the left side of the file list screen 60, that is, in the upper left of the PC viewer, there is a video screen 62 where the video of the file selected on the file list screen 60 is shown. The video screen 62 can, for example, simultaneously show the videos taken by each camera when videos taken using a plurality of cameras are recorded. For example, when shooting with four cameras, four screens can be shown simultaneously. Also, any one of the four screens can be shown larger than the other three, or only the screen of the camera to be shown can be shown.

[0172] Also, on the video screen, by performing a predetermined process (for example, right-clicking or the like with the cursor placed on the video screen 62), vertical inversion, horizontal inversion, rotation by ○○ degrees, etc. can be performed. By performing this operation, even if the image captured depending on the orientation of the camera is tilted or inverted, the video can be restored to a normally visible state. Note that once this operation is performed, the rotated state is maintained even when other files on the file list are played back.

[0173] Below the video screen 62, an operation state screen 63 of the imaging target (forklift 110 in FIG. 12) detected by the acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor is arranged. On the operation state screen 63, the operation of the forklift 110 is displayed by numerical values and a graph. The user can check the operation of the forklift 110 by looking at these numerical values and the graph.

[0174] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Also, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely an enumeration 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 embodiments of the present invention.

[0175] For example, in the present embodiment, as an example of the imaging system, a drive recorder has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging system may be a security camera or the like. It can be used for cameras that require a method of attaching the mounting plate in the shooting direction of the camera, waterproof cameras, etc.

[0176] In addition, in this embodiment, a camera without a liquid crystal monitor capable of displaying video has been described. However, the camera may have a configuration having a liquid crystal monitor, for example. Similarly, in this embodiment, a camera without a card slot portion capable of mounting a recording medium such as an SD card has been described. However, the camera may have a configuration having an SD card slot portion capable of mounting an SD card, for example.

[0177] In addition, in this embodiment, a camera without a mounting hole for a tripod has been described. However, the camera may have a configuration having a mounting hole for a tripod, for example.

[0178] Also, for example, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 203 having the insertion hole 203a penetrating in the circumferential direction of the ring portion has been described. However, the connecting portion may have a configuration having a through hole in the direction of the central axis A orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the ring portion, or may have a configuration having two through holes, a through hole penetrating in the circumferential direction and a through hole penetrating in the central axis direction.

[0179] In addition, in this embodiment, the substantially cylindrical camera 210 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The camera may be, for example, substantially rectangular parallelepiped, or may be a camera having a substantially cylindrical portion in part. Also, in this embodiment, the camera 210 in which the lens 231 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the central axis A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The camera may be, for example, substantially cylindrical with the lens 231 arranged in the central axis direction, or may be rectangular with the lens 231 arranged in the central axis direction.

[0180] In addition, in this embodiment, a connection cable different from the HDMI cable has been described. However, for example, a molded portion of the HDMI cable having a substantially cylindrical shape may be used.

[0181] In addition, in the present embodiment, the fixing member restricts relative rotation with respect to the camera bracket by being screwed into the base end portion of the camera. However, for example, it may be configured such that the first connection portion 400 is difficult to come off from the camera 210 by being screwed into the base end portion of the camera.

[0182] For the modified examples, the constituent elements of the content of each embodiment, and the elements and ideas applied to the means for solving the problems, they may be arbitrarily combined to form an embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0183] 1 Drive recorder (an example of an imaging system) 20 Camera unit (an example of an imaging device) 30 Recording device 40 Connection cable 50 Sensor unit 100 Vehicle 110 Forklift 200 Mounting bracket (an example of a mounting member) 201 Ring portion (an example of a rotation support portion) 202 Mounting plate 203 Connecting portion 210 Camera 219 Insertion portion 221 Guide protrusion 230 HDMI female connector 250 Fixing member 400 First connection portion 410 Second connection portion 420 Cord portion 401 HDMI male connector 402 Mold portion 403 Primary insertion portion 404 Secondary insertion portion 405 Holding portion 406 Bellows portion 407 O-ring 408 Guide groove

Claims

1. A housing having a camera; An attachment member for attaching the housing to a predetermined attachment location; Equipped with The mounting member is A support means for supporting the housing; a mounting plate connected directly or indirectly to the support means; the mounting plate has a mounting surface that is attached to the mounting location; When viewed from the normal direction of the mounting surface, the mounting plate is tapered in a direction away from the support means along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

1. An imaging device comprising:

2. The mounting plate has a longitudinal direction in a longitudinal direction of the housing and a lateral direction in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing, When the camera lens is viewed from the front with the normal direction of the mounting surface facing the front direction of the camera lens, the end of the mounting plate on the side farther from the camera lens in the longitudinal direction is in a position not overlapping with the housing.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. The mounting surface is formed on the mounting plate so as to protrude in a normal direction of the mounting surface.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second lenses are arranged in a first direction.

Images