Attachment member, goods, and system

Abstract

To provide a system which properly places goods at a position, for example, a side of a room mirror, where the goods do not interfere with a driver.SOLUTION: An attachment member 12 is used to attach a camera 11 to a room mirror 1 of a vehicle and includes: a first portion (a stay 13) attached to the back surface side of a room mirror; a second portion (a bracket 14) extending from the first portion in a longitudinal direction of the room mirror; and an attachment part 15 to which the camera provided at the second portion is attached. The attachment part uses a ball joint mechanism to enable the camera to be turned to, for example, a driver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, mounting members, articles, and systems.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding a driver monitoring system which is one of the articles mounted on a vehicle, in paragraph

[0046] of Patent Document 1, it is described that "the state monitoring device 1 is installed at the upper part of the steering column SC to which the steering wheel SH is connected, and is connected to other in-vehicle devices OM via a wire harness WH." And in

[0045] , it is described that "the state monitoring device 1 is... a so-called driver monitoring system."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A camera for photographing a driver constituting a driver monitoring system is installed on the steering column, and there is a problem that it may be difficult to view instruments, for example, or may interfere with the driver during driving. There is a problem that it is desired to appropriately arrange the article at a position where it does not interfere.

[0005] The object of the invention of the present application is not limited thereto, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights by means of divisional applications, amendments, etc. for a configuration aimed at obtaining the effects exerted by the components of the configuration disclosed in this specification, drawings, etc. For example, the problem of reading the part described as "can be" in this specification as "is a problem" is disclosed in this specification. The problems are described as independent ones, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights by means of divisional applications, amendments, etc. alone for the configuration for solving these problems. Even if the problems are implicitly grasped from the description of the specification, the applicant has the intention of making the scope of claims by amending or making a divisional application for a part of the configuration described in this specification. Also, the problems combining these independent problems are disclosed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] When the mounting member according to the present invention is used as a mounting member for mounting an article on, for example, a room mirror of a vehicle, it may be, for example, as follows. (1) A mounting member for mounting a predetermined article on at least a room mirror of a vehicle, comprising a first part mounted on the back side of the room mirror, a second part having a portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror from the first part, and a mounting part for mounting the predetermined article provided on the second part.

[0007] It can be attached so that an article is positioned on the side, back, etc. of the longitudinal end of the vehicle's rearview mirror. There is not enough installation space above the rearview mirror, and below the rearview mirror it will obstruct the view during driving, but such problems do not occur on the longitudinal end side of the rearview mirror. The first part may correspond to, for example, the stay or the like in the embodiment. The second part may correspond to, for example, the bracket, flexible arm, etc. in the embodiment. The attachment part may correspond to, for example, a ball joint mechanism or a locking projection provided on a flat plate for fitting the article. Attaching to the back side means that the first part is fixed to the rearview mirror such that at least a part of the first part is located on the back side of the rearview mirror. It is preferable to be fixed so that the first part and the back are in direct contact, but a tape, fixture or other member may be interposed between the first part and the back of the rearview mirror. The first part should be fixed at least to the back of the rearview mirror, but in addition to or instead of this, it may be fixed to at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rearview mirror.

[0008] (2) It is preferable to have means for directing the article in a direction different from the mirror surface of the rearview mirror. By doing so, for example, when an article is attached to the rearview mirror using an attachment member, the article can be arranged to face a surface different from the mirror surface of the rearview mirror. The means for directing in a different direction may be configured, for example, such that when the attachment member is attached to the rearview mirror, the article is directed in the different direction without user adjustment. Also, the means for directing in a different direction may be configured, for example, to be able to change the posture of the article, which is even better because it is easier for the user to set the article in a preferred posture. The direction of the article may be, for example, the direction in which it is arranged to perform its function or the direction in which the user can utilize the function of the article. Such a direction of the article is, for example, the direction of the lens in the case of a camera, the detection surface of the sensor in the case of a sensor, and the mirror surface in the case of an auxiliary mirror.

[0009] (3) It is preferable to have a posture changing mechanism for changing the posture of the article. By doing so, it is possible to change the posture of the article and the orientation of the article. The posture changing mechanism may be realized, for example, by a ball joint mechanism, a structure that bends or twists a predetermined part of sheet metal, and a flexible arm or the like.

[0010] (4) The first part preferably has a first connecting part and a second connecting part that connect to different surfaces of the rearview mirror. By connecting to different surfaces in this way, the connection strength between the mounting member and the rearview mirror increases. The first connecting part may be connected to the back surface, for example, and the second connecting part may be connected to the upper surface, for example. The connection means a physical connection, and it is preferable that the mounting member and the rearview mirror are in direct contact, but a double-sided tape or other member may be interposed between the mounting member and the rearview mirror.

[0011] (5) It is preferable to provide a changing mechanism for displacing the angle formed between the second part and the first part. By doing so, for example, the first part can be arranged in a direction along the back surface of the rearview mirror, and the second part can be positioned in a direction different from the back surface of the rearview mirror. For example, the second part can be positioned parallel to the mirror surface to improve the appearance. The formed angle may be an angle in any direction, but preferably includes at least one of, for example, the azimuth angle and the elevation angle. Alternatively, the formed angle may include one or both of the front-rear direction and the up-down direction in the vehicle. The changing mechanism may be realized, for example, by a configuration that rotates around an axis extending vertically attached to the back surface of the stay, a configuration that can bend the stay of sheet metal, and a flexible arm or the like.

[0012] (6) There should be a gap between the article and the rearview mirror as seen from the boarding area, and the second part should be visible through this gap. The vertical length of the second part should be configured such that the part between the rearview mirror and the article as seen from the boarding area is narrower than that on the first part side. By doing so, even if there is a gap between the article and the rearview mirror and the second part on the back side is visible as seen from the boarding area, the visible area can be reduced. The boarding area is the area where a person boarding the vehicle exists. For example, it may be a space area where a seat is installed. The space area where a seat is installed is preferably the space area where the driver sitting in the driver's seat exists, but it may also be the space area where a person sitting in the passenger seat or the rear seat exists. As seen from the boarding area, it means seeing from the position of the space area where the people sitting in these seats exist, but it is not limited to this. It may be the front side of the rearview mirror, the front side of the article, the front side of the second part, or the side visible to other vehicle occupants, etc.

[0013] (7) The first part and the second part are made of different members, and the second part should be configured to cover at least a part of the first part. By doing so, at least a part of the first part is hidden by the second part, making the first part less visible. In this way, it is good that the first part is hidden. In particular, when the first part is attached and fixed to the rearview mirror, part or all of the attached part can be hidden.

[0014] (8) The first part and the second part are made of different members, and the second part should be configured with at least a part that can be bent. By doing so, by bending the part that can be bent, at least one of the posture and position of the article attached to the second part can be changed. The part that can be bent may be configured, for example, as an arm combining a flexible arm or a link (also referred to as a bone, etc.) and a joint (also referred to as a joint, etc.).

[0015] (9) The first part has an upper pressing member and a lower pressing member that can respectively contact the upper and lower surfaces of the rearview mirror, and a base member for attaching these upper and lower pressing members. The upper pressing member and the lower pressing member are configured to be relatively movable closer and farther apart, and in the approaching state, the rearview mirror is sandwiched and held between the opposing surfaces of the upper pressing member and the lower pressing member. It is preferable to provide a front pressing member on at least one of the upper pressing member and the lower pressing member to sandwich and hold the front and rear of the rearview mirror between it and the base member. By doing so, since the upper and lower as well as the front and rear of the rearview mirror are sandwiched, the mounting member can be firmly attached to the rearview mirror, and it is difficult to come off even if, for example, vibrations during driving are applied or force is applied by accidentally touching it. In the embodiment, the front pressing member may correspond to, for example, a guide portion protruding downward at the tip of the upper pressing member.

[0016] (10) The first part and the second part are preferably integrally formed from the same sheet metal. By doing so, the configuration becomes simpler compared to the case where they are not integrally formed. The configuration of integrally forming from the same sheet metal can be, for example, such that the mounting portion to the rearview mirror is divided vertically and connected at the tip side, or for example, a narrow portion is provided in the second part, and the angle of the attached article, such as the elevation or depression angle of the camera, can be changed by twisting there, or for example, without providing a narrow portion in the second part, the mounting portion at the tip side is made a ball joint to change the orientation of the attached article, etc., and various configurations can be adopted.

[0017] (11) An attachment mechanism for attaching a predetermined article to the end side in the longitudinal direction of the rearview mirror of a vehicle preferably has a posture changing mechanism for changing the posture of the article. By doing so, the posture of the article can be changed, and it can be directed in a direction different from the mirror surface of the rearview mirror.

[0018] (12) An attachment member according to any one of (1) to (11), and an article attachable to the attachment member, wherein the attachment member may be configured such that at least a part of the article is located on the back side of the rearview mirror. In this way, when an article is arranged beside the rearview mirror, it may interfere with the sun visor and the sun visor may not be usable. However, when it is arranged on the inner side of the mirror, the sun visor can be used. At least a part of the article may be hidden from the driver's side. It may be hidden as the whole article, or may be a part of the article. It is particularly preferable to include adjustment means for adjusting the position so that the article does not exist at a position directly beside the rearview mirror. Further, as a configuration for positioning on the back side of the rearview mirror, a mechanism for changing the direction at least at two locations may be provided in at least one of the first part and the second part. For example, slits may be provided at two locations to make it easier to bend, or it may be a flexible arm. It is particularly preferable to include a mechanism for positioning the second part closer to the back side (for example, the front side of the vehicle) than the first part.

[0019] (13) An attachment member according to any one of (1) to (11), and an article attachable to the attachment member, wherein the back surface of the case body of the article is provided with a first attachment portion for attaching to the attachment member, and at a position different from the first attachment portion of the case body, a second attachment portion for attaching to another attachment member for attaching to a portion different from the rearview mirror of the vehicle is provided. In this way, the article can be attached to the rearview mirror or attached to a location different from the rearview mirror. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion correspond to slide grooves. The position different from the first attachment portion may be, for example, a different surface.

[0020] (14) The first attachment portion has a slide groove extending in the left-right direction, the second attachment portion has a slide groove extending in the front-rear direction, and the connection strength between the first attachment portion and the first attachment part may be made weaker than the connection strength between the second attachment portion and the second attachment part. In this way, it can be firmly fixed on the second attachment portion side, and attachment and detachment can be easily performed on the first attachment portion side.

[0021] In the embodiment, the first attachment portion is preferably provided on the back surface for a room mirror, and the second attachment portion is preferably provided on the upper surface for a windshield, for example.

[0022] (15) The attachment portion is a ball joint, and the ball joint has a ball portion, a socket portion that receives the ball portion, and a nut attached to the outer periphery of the socket portion. When the nut is tightened, the fitting between the ball portion and the socket portion becomes stronger, and when the nut is loosened, the ball portion and the socket portion can be detached. The nut and the socket portion are preferably shared for attachment to different locations. In this way, the system can adopt an aspect of attaching an article to the room mirror according to, for example, the user's preference, the vehicle's situation, etc., and an aspect of attaching it to a location different from the room mirror, and it is not possible to attach one article to the room mirror and a location different from the room mirror at the same time. For such a thing, different aspects as described above can be taken with a small number of parts. The sharing of the ball receiver and the nut among the attachment portions means that, for example, the ball receiver and the nut can be attached to at least two or more different positions of the article.

[0023] (16) The article is a camera, and the portion different from the room mirror is preferably the windshield of the vehicle. In this way, the camera can be attached to either the room mirror or the windshield.

[0024] (17) Based on the image captured by the camera, the state of the vehicle occupant may be detected, and information corresponding to the occupant's state may be notified. A driver monitoring system (DMS) can be preferably applied. In this way, the state of the user can be detected, and information corresponding to the occupant's state can be notified. The notification may be performed by the camera or by other devices such as a radar detector (RD detector). The state of the occupant may be, for example, the sidelong glance, drowsiness, or other states of the driver during driving.

[0025] (18) The camera preferably has a function of imaging the face or eyes of the occupant from a position higher than the eyes of the occupant. By doing so, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the DMS caused by imaging with sunlight hitting the face or eyes of the occupant.

[0026] (19) An article attachable to the attachment member (hereinafter, "first attachment member") according to any one of (1) to (11), the article having an attachment portion connected to a second attachment member attached to different parts of the vehicle on different surfaces of the case body of the article, one of the different surfaces being the back surface, and the attachment portion provided on the back surface being configured to be attached to the first attachment member. By doing so, the article can be installed at different locations in the vehicle.

[0027] The inventions described in (1) to (19) above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, it may be configured to add at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) to all or a part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, it is preferable to make an invention in which at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) is added to the invention shown in (1). The applicant of the present application also has the intention to obtain patent rights, design rights, etc. by means of amendment, divisional application, change application to design registration application, etc. for those including these configurations.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] For example, an article can be appropriately arranged at a position that does not interfere with the driver, such as beside the rearview mirror.

[0029] In the case where the article is a camera that photographs a driver constituting a driver monitoring system, for example, if it is installed on the steering column, it may be difficult to view the instruments, for example, or may interfere with the driver during driving. Further, when the camera is disposed on the dashboard, the steering column, or above, there is a large difference in light illuminance between day and night, which may cause malfunction. On the other hand, for example, if the camera is disposed, for example, beside the rearview mirror or above the windshield, such a situation does not occur. Further, by using a predetermined mounting member, an article can be appropriately disposed, for example, beside the rearview mirror or above the windshield.

[0030] The effects of the invention of the present application are not limited to this, and the effects exerted by the components of the configuration disclosed in this specification and the drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights for the configuration exerting the effects by means of divisional application, amendment, etc. For example, the parts described as "can" in this specification are descriptions that clearly indicate the effects exerted, and even if there is no description of "can", there are parts that indicate the effects. Further, even without such a description, there are effects grasped by the configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Figure 11

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Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configurations, shapes, etc. of the described devices are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto, and various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] [Basic Configuration of an Embodiment of an Attachment Member for Attaching an Article to a Rearview Mirror] The attachment member according to the present invention is a member for attaching a predetermined article to a predetermined part. Hereinafter, as an example, an example of the case where the attachment member is used for attaching a camera to a rearview mirror will be described. FIGS. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of a system 10 attached to a rearview mirror 1 of a vehicle. The vehicle is a four-wheeled automobile in which a rearview mirror is installed in the passenger compartment. This system 10 includes a camera 11, which is a form of an article, and an attachment member 12 for attaching the camera 11 to the rearview mirror 1.

[0034] The interior mirror 1 includes an elongated housing 2 that is flat and extends horizontally with an open front, a mirror 3 attached to the open portion of the front of the housing 2, a support member 4 connected to the back side of the housing 2, etc. The other end side (not shown) of the support member 4 is attached to a predetermined position such as the windshield or ceiling of the vehicle, thereby suspending and supporting the interior mirror 1 at a predetermined position in front of the front side of the vehicle interior.

[0035] The attachment member 12 includes, for example, a stay 13 attached to the back surface of the housing 2 of the interior mirror 1, a bracket 14 having one end attached to the stay 13 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the interior mirror 1 from the attachment position of the stay 13, and an attachment portion 15 of the camera 11 disposed at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 14. The bracket 14 may, for example, extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the interior mirror 1. Also, the bracket 14 may be in contact with at least a part of the back surface 2a of the housing 2 of the interior mirror 1.

[0036] By doing so, the camera 11 is attached in a state of being positioned beside the interior mirror 1 of the vehicle, that is, near the outside of one end in the longitudinal direction. One end where the camera 11 is disposed is made the right side when viewed from the vehicle's passenger area side. In a vehicle with a right-hand drive, the camera 11 is disposed on the driver's side, shortening the distance from the camera 11 to the driver. As a result, the proportion of the driver in the imaging area of the camera 11 increases, enabling the driver to be imaged precisely and beautifully. Also, since the camera 11 is attached beside the interior mirror 1, it is possible to shorten the front-rear distance between the camera 11 and the driver's vehicle regardless of the vehicle type, increasing the proportion of the driver in the above-described imaging area and synergistically exerting the effect of enabling the driver to be imaged precisely and beautifully. For example, when the camera 11 is attached to the windshield as described later, in a vehicle of a type where the windshield, such as a truck, is disposed at an angle close to 90 degrees or in a large vehicle, the front-rear distance between the driver and the camera 11 becomes long. In contrast, when disposed beside the interior mirror on the driver's side as in the present embodiment, it approaches the driver's side compared to the case of attaching to the windshield.

[0037] Also, when attaching the camera 11 to the room mirror 1, it is preferably arranged horizontally, rather than on the upper or lower side of the room mirror 1 as in the above-described embodiment. For example, there are vehicle models where there is not enough installation space to arrange the camera on the upper side, and when arranged on the lower side, it is conspicuous that it protrudes downward from the room mirror 1 and may obstruct the driver's view during driving. On the other hand, when the camera 11 is arranged horizontally with respect to the room mirror 1, the room mirror 1 is slender in the left-right direction, so that the arranged camera 11 is not conspicuous and fits in naturally without obstructing the driver's view.

[0038] [One form of the attachment member] The attachment member of the present embodiment is a form in which a first part attached to the back surface of the room mirror and a second part extending in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror from the first part are respectively constituted by separate members of a stay 13 and a bracket 14, and they are connected to form. The stay 13 is mainly composed of a metal plate, and has a first connection part 21 connected to the back surface 2a of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1, a second connection part 22 connected to the upper surface 2b of the housing 2, and a narrow connecting part 23 connecting the first connection part 21 and the second connection part 22. The first connection part 21, the second connection part 22, and the connecting part 23 are made of a single metal plate, and are formed into a desired shape by bending an appropriate position of the metal plate. The first connection part 21 and the second connection part 22 are connection surfaces on the same surface side of a single metal plate that are connected to the room mirror 1. In this embodiment, the first connection part 21 and the second connection part 22 are respectively attached and fixed to predetermined parts of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1 using an adhesive member such as double-sided tape. The attachment and fixation is an example of connection.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the first connection part 21 has a substantially rectangular outer shape and a relatively large area, and the second connection part 22 has an elongated rectangular shape and a relatively small area compared to the first connection part 21. The middle part of the connecting part 23 is curved so that the directions of both ends, that is, the angle formed by the connection surface of the first connection part 21 and the connection surface of the second connection part 22 is set to be approximately 90 degrees.

[0040] By bending so that the formed angle becomes approximately 90 degrees, when the connection surface of the first connection portion 21 faces the back surface 2a of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1, the connection surface of the second connection portion 22 faces the upper surface 2b of the housing 2. Therefore, by adhering and connecting to the back surface 2a and the upper surface 2b, which are examples of different surfaces of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1, the connection strength of the stay 13 to the room mirror 1 increases and it also becomes stronger against bending moments. For example, like in this embodiment, the self-weight of the camera 11 connected via the bracket 14 and the arrangement position of the camera 11 are at a position horizontally separated from the attachment position of the first connection portion 21 attached to the housing. In addition to the weight of the main body, due to the rotational moment, for example, the bracket 14 is inclined and the stay 13 is biased in the direction of peeling off. In this way, even when a force is applied in the vertical direction or in the direction of rotation within the connection surface to the connection portion between the first connection portion 21 and the back surface 2a of the housing 2, since the second connection portion 22 integrated with the first connection portion 22 is adhesively integrated with the upper surface 2b of the housing 2, the second connection portion 22 resists the force acting in the vertical direction and the rotational direction applied to the connection portion between the first connection portion 21 and the back surface 2a of the housing 2, and suppresses the peeling off of the first connection portion 21. In this embodiment, in a configuration where the attachment position of the attachment member 12 to the room mirror 1, that is, the position where the stay 13 is located, and the position of the camera 11, which is the main body held by the attachment member 12, are separated, the camera is appropriately held.

[0041] Also, like in the modified example described later, the first connection portion connected to the room mirror may be, for example, configured to sandwich and hold the room mirror from above and below. However, according to this embodiment, compared to the one that sandwiches from above and below, the protruding / exposed portions / areas on the upper and lower sides of the housing 2 can be made smaller, making it inconspicuous and a visually preferable form.

[0042] The first connecting portion 21 forms narrow slit-shaped holes 21a arranged in a lattice pattern, and makes it easier to partially bend the first connecting portion 21 along the holes 21a. The holes 21a extending in the vertical or horizontal direction overlap at the intersection of the lattice pattern, forming cross-shaped holes 21a. Further, the holes 21a extending in the horizontal direction are made longer and are configured to open to the periphery of the first connecting portion 21 directly or via the holes 21a extending in the vertical direction. Thereby, the first connecting portion 21 is divided into a plurality of small pieces 21b, and can be bent at an angle different from others in units of the small pieces 21b. Therefore, the first connecting portion 21 can be processed into a shape along the curved back surface 2a of the housing 2, increasing the contact area with the housing 2 on the connection surface and enhancing the adhesion strength.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the vertical direction in the first connecting portion 21 refers to, for example, a direction connected to the second connecting portion 22 or a direction parallel to the extending direction of the connecting portion 23. For example, when the first connecting portion 21 is attached to the back surface 2a of the housing 2 of the rearview mirror 1, it is preferably set to a direction along the vertical direction of the rearview mirror 1. Further, the horizontal direction in the first connecting portion 21 in the present embodiment refers to, for example, a direction along the left-right direction of the rearview mirror 1 when the first connecting portion 21 is attached to the back surface 2a of the housing 2 of the rearview mirror 1.

[0044] The second connecting portion 22 forms narrow slit-shaped holes 22a in a lattice pattern, and makes it easier to partially bend the first connecting portion 21 along the holes 21a. Since the second connecting portion 22 is adhered to the upper surface 2b of the narrow housing 2 of the rearview mirror 1, and in combination with being made narrow in accordance with the upper surface 2b of the housing 2, each hole 22a is made short. By doing so, a bending pattern based on the holes 22a on the center line extending in the longitudinal direction and a bending pattern based on the holes 22a extending in the short hand direction orthogonal to the center line can be obtained according to the shape of the upper surface 2b of the housing 2. In particular, in the case of the bending pattern based on the holes 22a extending in the latter short hand direction, for example, even if the upper surface 2b of the housing 2 is curved so as to go down towards the end, the contact area can be increased.

[0045] The housing 2 of the room mirror 1 generally has a greater curvature on the back surface 2a than on the upper surface 2b, and is often three-dimensionally curved. Also, the upper surface 2b may have a short depth in the front-rear direction, and the area in a section of the same length in the longitudinal direction is larger on the back surface 2a. Therefore, as in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 21 is cut and bent in units of small pieces 21b so as to be adaptable to a curved surface or the like. On the other hand, the upper surface 2b of the housing 2 is often curved in the left-right direction but not so much in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the second connecting portion 22 is characterized by not providing a large cut and increasing the overall rigidity and strength.

[0046] Since the connecting portion 23 is narrow, its presence is less noticeable and it does not interfere with the field of view, which is good. Also, making it narrow facilitates bending, for example, it becomes easier to bend according to the surface shape continuous from the back surface 2a to the upper surface 2b of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1.

[0047] Also, the connecting portion 23 is, for example, an elongated strip extending from the first connecting portion 21 to the second connecting portion 22, and the lengths of both left and right side edges thereof may be made different. By making the lengths different in this way, for example, when the angle formed by the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 21 and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion 22 is made approximately 90 degrees as described above, and for example, when the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 21 is positioned in a vertical plane and the connecting surface of the second connecting portion 22 is positioned in a horizontal plane, in a plan view state as seen from above the room mirror 1 as shown in FIG. 3 or the like, the long side of the second connecting portion 22 and the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 21, that is, the upper end edge, are in a non-parallel state. As a result, for example, when the depth of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1 gradually becomes shorter from the center in the longitudinal direction toward the end side, and the back surface 2a is inclined in the plan view, but the curvature of the surface of the back surface 2a itself is small and it is a flat surface, it is possible to increase the contact area with respect to the back surface 2a of the housing 2 without greatly bending the connecting surface of the first connecting portion 21.

[0048] On the back side opposite to the connection surface of the first connection part 21, a connection part 30 with the bracket 14 is provided. This connection part 30 connects one end side in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 14 so as to be rotatable forward and backward within a predetermined angular range, and is configured to be able to displace the angle formed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle between the first connection part 21 and the bracket 14. By doing so, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the depth of the housing 2 of the rearview mirror 1 gradually becomes shorter as it goes from the center in the longitudinal direction to the end side, and the first connection part 21 of the stay 13 is adhered to the back surface 2a of the housing 2 having a structure that is inclined in the plan view, and in a state where the first connection part 21 is arranged in a direction along the back surface 2a, the bracket 14 can be positioned in a direction different from the back surface 2a of the rearview mirror 1. Thereby, for example, while widening the adhesion area of the first connection part 21 with respect to the housing 2 and maintaining a desired adhesion strength and connection strength, the bracket 14 can be positioned parallel to the surface of the mirror 3 to improve the appearance.

[0049] The connecting portion 30 has a first protruding piece 24 and a second protruding piece 25 that are formed by bending the back side at a position at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction from a predetermined portion of the first connecting portion 21 made of a metal plate, and a support shaft 28 that is mounted so as to penetrate through through holes provided in the first protruding piece 24 and the second protruding piece 25, respectively. The second protruding piece 25 is located on the side of the second connecting portion 22 and the connecting portion 23. The support shaft 28 is preferably composed of, for example, a bolt with a hexagonal hole. In this embodiment, the bolt is inserted from the side of the first protruding piece 24, the head portion 28a of the bolt is located on the outer surface side of the first protruding piece 24, and the threaded portion of the bolt is set to be located on the side of the second protruding piece 25. A fixing member 26 is mounted on the inner surface of the second protruding piece 25, that is, the surface facing the first protruding piece 24. The fixing member 26 has a predetermined thickness, is provided with a female thread at a position corresponding to the through hole of the second protruding piece 25, and is configured to mesh with the male thread of the bolt constituting the support shaft 28. Further, on the surface of the fixing member 26 that does not contact the second protruding piece 25, there is a disk-shaped convex portion 26a, and on the surface of the convex portion 26a facing the first protruding piece 24, there is a first locking portion 26b in which unevenness is alternately formed in the circumferential direction. As described above, the support shaft 28 made of a bolt is inserted from the side of the first protruding piece 24, the tip side thereof is inserted into the through hole of the second protruding piece 25, and the male thread of the bolt is fitted into the female thread provided in the fixing member 26. And since the first protruding piece 24 and the second protruding piece 25 are formed by bending a metal plate, they have flexibility. Therefore, for example, when the bolt is tightened in a state where the male thread and the female thread are fitted, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first protruding piece 24 and the second protruding piece 25 is reduced, and when the bolt is loosened, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first protruding piece 24 and the second protruding piece 25 is widened.

[0050] The bracket 14 is formed of synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the bracket 14 includes a bracket body 31 having a flat and elongated substantially rectangular shape. A large number of small recesses are formed in a matrix at predetermined positions on the front and rear surfaces of the bracket body 31 to reduce the wall thickness, and ribs are formed between adjacent recesses to ensure strength. Further, in this embodiment, the other surface on the opposite side of the region where the recesses and ribs are formed on one of the front and rear surfaces is formed as a flat surface.

[0051] On the front side of the bracket body 31, a connecting portion 32 is provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction for rotatably connecting to the connecting portion 30 of the stay 13, and a mounting portion 15 for attaching the camera 11 is arranged at the other end side.

[0052] The connecting portion 32 is formed of a cylindrical body with openings at the top and bottom, and the inner diameter of its through-hole 32a is made slightly larger than the outer diameter of the support shaft 28. The axial length of the connecting portion 32 is made approximately equal to or slightly shorter than the distance between the opposing surfaces of the first protruding piece 24 and the fixing member 26. Thereby, in a state where the support shaft 28 is removed, the cylindrical connecting portion 32 is housed and arranged in the space formed between the first protruding piece 24 and the fixing member 26. And in that state, the bolt constituting the support shaft 28 is inserted so as to penetrate through the through-holes provided in the first protruding piece 24, the fixing member 26, and the second protruding piece 25, and by fastening the male thread of the bolt and the female thread of the fixing member 26, the connecting portion 32 is prevented from detaching from the support shaft 28, the bracket 14 is connected to the stay 13, and the bracket 14 is configured to rotate forward and backward within a predetermined angle range with the support shaft 28 as the rotation center.

[0053] On the upper surface of the connecting portion 32, similar to the first locking portion 26b provided on the fixing member 26, a second locking portion 32b with unevenness formed alternately in the circumferential direction is provided around the through-hole 32a. These first locking portion 26b and second locking portion 32b have matching uneven shapes, and rotation is suppressed when the concave and convex portions of each other are fitted. And when the bolt constituting the support shaft 28 is loosened, there is no or weak fitting between the first locking portion 26b and the second locking portion 32b in a state where the distance between the first protruding piece 24 and the fixing member 26 is long, allowing the rotation of the bracket body 31, and when the bolt is tightened and the distance between the first protruding piece 24 and the fixing member 26 is short, the first locking portion 26b and the second locking portion 32b are fitted and the rotation is suppressed. Thereby, the bracket body 31 can be fixed at a desired angular position, for example, parallel to the mirror surface of the room mirror 1.

[0054] The bracket main body 31 has its short side facing the vertical direction and its long side facing the horizontal direction when mounted. The length of the bracket main body 31 in the short side direction is configured such that one end side, which is the connection side with the mounting side to the room mirror 1 and the stay 13, is wide, and the other end side, which is the mounting side of the camera 11, is narrow. The length of the wide side in the short side direction for mounting on the room mirror 1 is made equal to or longer than the vertical length of the first connection portion 21 of the stay 13. And in the state where the bracket 14 is connected to the stay 13, the bracket 14 is set to overlap the first connection portion 21 of the stay 13 and cover it as viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0055] By doing so, when looking at the back surface of the room mirror 1 or the mounting member 12 through the windshield from outside the vehicle, the first connection portion 21 of the stay attached using the double-sided tape is not visible or most of it is hidden, which is preferable as it looks good. The fact that the first connection portion 21 of the stay 13 is attached can be hidden or made less noticeable. Also, in the region of the bracket main body 31 facing the first connection portion 21, the rear surface side is formed as a flat surface. By doing so, when looking at the room mirror 1 and the mounting member 12 from the front outer side of the vehicle, covering the first connection portion 21 of the stay 13 becomes like a flat plate material, for example, and it blends into the back surface 2a of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1 without a sense of incongruity, which is good.

[0056] The mounting portion 15 for mounting the camera 11 provided on the other end side of the bracket main body 31 uses a ball joint mechanism in this embodiment. By using the ball joint mechanism, the orientation of the camera 11, the angular field and the viewing angle orientation of the imaging area of the camera 11 can be directed in an arbitrary direction. The orientation of the camera 11 may be, for example, the orientation of the lens 40 provided in the camera 11. As will be described later, since the lens 40 is arranged on the front surface 41a of the case main body 41 of the camera 11 and the orientation of the front surface 41a and the orientation of the lens 40 are made equal, the orientation of the camera 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the front surface 41a of the case main body 41.

[0057] When the camera 11, which is an article, is attached to the rearview mirror 1 using this attachment member 12, the camera 11 can be arranged so that its orientation is different from the direction orthogonal to the front side of the mirror surface, which is the surface that the mirror 3 of the rearview mirror 1 faces. By doing so, it is possible to photograph in a direction different from the orientation of the mirror 3 effectively and with high precision.

[0058] When the mirror surface of the rearview mirror 1 is set to face, for example, directly behind the vehicle, the orientation of the camera 11 can be made to face a direction different from directly behind. The photographing area and the orientation of the viewing angle of the camera 11 can be made to face a direction different from directly behind. The different direction may be, for example, inclined in the horizontal direction based on the space and floor surface inside the vehicle, inclined in the vertical direction, or a combination thereof. In particular, it is preferably inclined obliquely downward and obliquely in the horizontal direction, and directed in a direction that includes the driver's seat and the driver in the photographing area. By doing so, the rearview mirror 1 can photograph the driver beautifully in a state where, for example, the rear of the vehicle such as directly behind is reflected.

[0059] As described above, the bracket main body 31 is configured to be rotatable forward and backward within a predetermined angle range with the support shaft 28 as the rotation center, and it is preferable that the bracket main body 31 is arranged parallel to the mirror 3 of the room mirror 1. By doing so, the reference plane of the camera 11 that changes its posture and orientation by the ball joint mechanism can be parallel to the mirror 3. That is, for example, if the bracket main body 31 and the case main body of the camera 11 are made parallel, the front surface 41a of the case main body 41 of the camera 11 and the orientation of the camera 11 can be changed based on the posture of arranging the mirrors in parallel. For example, it is possible to easily direct the orientation of the camera 11 from the above reference position toward the driver side. On the other hand, for example, if the bracket main body 31 cannot rotate as in this embodiment and is configured to be arranged parallel to the inclination angle of the back surface of the room mirror 1, the mounting surface of the camera will also be parallel to the inclination angle. In the reference posture where the camera is arranged parallel to the mounting surface, the camera will face the center side of the vehicle on the side opposite to the driver. Therefore, in order to photograph the driver, it is necessary to change the posture at a larger angle from the reference posture, which is not preferable. There is also a possibility of causing a situation that cannot be handled within the variable angle range of, for example, a ball joint. And the larger the inclination of the back surface of the room mirror is, the more prominent the above problem becomes. However, if the bracket main body 31 is configured to be rotatable as in this embodiment, such a problem will not occur.

[0060] In this embodiment, the relative positions of the attachment portion 15 of the ball joint mechanism and the bracket 14 and the member connected thereto are displaceable at two locations of the support shaft 28. As a result, the movable range in the direction of the viewing angle of the camera 11 becomes wider. And by rotating the bracket main body 31 around the support shaft 28, the position of the camera 11 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted, or the bracket main body 31 can be made parallel to the mirror surface of the windshield and / or the room mirror.

[0061] Since the attachment part 15 uses a posture changing mechanism that changes the posture of an article like a ball joint mechanism, in order to secure a space for changing the posture of the case body 41 of the camera 11 which is an article, for example, as shown in the front view of FIG. 2, when viewed from the front side of the room mirror 1 which is an example of a riding area, a gap is formed between the room mirror 1 and the camera 11. Due to changing the direction of the camera 11 etc., it is advisable to secure a gap of, for example, 5 mm or more. And it is configured such that the bracket 14 on the back side can be seen through the gap. In the present embodiment, the length of the bracket body 31 in the lateral direction is configured to be narrower at the other end side which is the attachment side of the camera 11, and the region formed to be narrower is configured to include the above-mentioned gap portion. By doing so, for example, when viewed from the front side of the room mirror 1, the area of the bracket body 31 that can be visually recognized through the gap can be reduced, and the presence of the bracket 14 can be eliminated or made smaller, which is good.

[0062] The rear surface of the bracket body 31 is positioned on substantially the same plane except for the part of the small recess described above, and the thickness in the front-rear direction is configured to be thinner at the other end side where the camera 11 is attached. And the attachment part 15 is provided in this thinner part. Thereby, a predetermined space is formed between the surface of the bracket body 31 facing the camera 11 and the back surface 41b of the case body 41 of the camera 11. For example, a finger can be inserted into the space, and an operation on the attachment part 15 can be easily performed.

[0063] On the other end side of the bracket body 31, a ball stud 33 that constitutes the ball joint mechanism of the mounting portion 15 is integrally formed. Further, the socket portion 34 that constitutes the ball joint mechanism is formed of a separate member. This socket portion 34 is integrally formed with, for example, a plate-shaped base member 35 for mounting on the camera 11 as shown in FIG. 8 and the like. The socket portion 34 has cut portions 34a that extend from the tip side toward the base member 35 side at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction, and the small piece portions between adjacent cut portions 34a are flexible. Further, an external thread portion 34b is provided on the outer periphery of the socket portion 34, and a nut 36 that fits onto the external thread portion 34b is attached to the outer periphery of the socket portion 34. Thus, before tightening the nut 36 with the ball portion of the ball stud 33 mounted in the socket portion 34, the socket portion 34 can rotate in a desired direction along the circumferential surface of the ball portion and displace the posture and position of the base member 35, and when the nut 36 is loosened, its angular position is fixed.

[0064] The base member 35 includes guide rail portions 35a that protrude outward on a set of opposite sides. Two cut portions are provided in parallel from one of the set of opposite sides where the guide rail portions 35a are not formed toward the other, and the portion between the two cut portions becomes a flexible claw piece portion 35b. The claw piece portion 35b is connected on the other side, and is configured in a cantilever support state where the tip portion 35c side is free, and a locking convex portion 35d is provided on the bottom surface side thereof.

[0065] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by loosening the nut 36 or removing it from the socket portion 34 as necessary, the socket portion 34 is detached from the ball portion of the ball stud 33, and the socket portion 34 and the ball stud 33 can be separated.

[0066] [Camera] The camera 11 includes a substantially rectangular case body 41, and a lens 40 is arranged on the front surface 41a of the case body 41 so as to be exposed, and is configured such that the optical axis of the lens 40 is orthogonal to the front surface 41a. Thereby, the direction directly facing the front surface 41a becomes the center of the angle of view of the camera 11. Further, inside the case body 41, devices for realizing camera functions such as an optical system and electronic components for shooting are incorporated. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the camera 11 constitutes a part of the function of a driver monitoring system (DMS). The DMS is a system that detects the state of a driver or the like who is a vehicle occupant based on an image captured by the camera 11 and notifies information according to the state of the driver or the like. In the present embodiment, the function of such a DMS is also mounted in the case body 41. For example, it includes a control unit that detects the state of a driver or the like based on an image captured by the camera 11, and a speaker or the like as a device that notifies information according to the detected state of the driver or the like. In this embodiment, the DMS is realized as a single device of the camera 11. The speaker is arranged on the back side of the hole 41c provided in the back surface 41b of the case body 41, and warning sounds for the DMS and the like are output to the outside through the hole 41c.

[0067] The camera 11 includes a first attachment site 42 for attaching the attachment portion 15 of the attachment member 12 attached to the rearview mirror to the rear surface 41b of the case body 41. This first attachment site 42 includes a slide groove 42a that extends in the lateral direction and has one end opening at the side edge. A base member 35 is inserted into the slide groove 42a. The pair of inner surfaces of the slide groove 42a has guide groove portions 42b that match the guide rail portions 35a of the base member 35, and the base member 35 moves in the slide groove 42a with the guide rail portions 35a and the guide groove portions 42b matched.

[0068] Furthermore, the slide groove 42a extends from one side edge of the case body 41 to the vicinity of the center, and a first locking recess 42c is provided on the bottom surface in the vicinity of the center. This first locking recess 42c corresponds to a locking projection 35d provided on the claw piece portion 35b of the base member 35. Further, on the bottom surface of the slide groove 42a, a shallow-bottomed concave groove 42d is formed from the opening-side edge toward the first locking recess 42c, and a partition wall 42e is formed between the concave groove 42d and the first locking recess 42c.

[0069] On the other hand, the claw piece portion 35b of the base member 35 is cantilever-supported and is elastically deformable about the supported connection portion. Therefore, the base member 35 is inserted from the opening portion of the slide groove 42a and moved toward the center along the concave groove 42d of the slide groove 42a. Then, when it is further pushed in with the first locking recess 42c in contact with the partition wall 42e, the claw piece portion 35b elastically deforms while the first locking recess 42c gets over the partition wall 42e, and the locking projection 35d corresponds to the first locking recess 42c. And by the fitting of the locking projection 35d and the first locking recess 42c, the lateral movement of the base member 35 along the slide groove 42a is suppressed.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, the angle of the first locking recess 42c is adjusted to weaken the meshing force with the locking projection 35d. As a result, it is usually fixed in the meshed state, but when a certain amount of force is applied, the fitting of the locking projection 35d and the first locking recess 42c comes off, and the base member 35 gets over the partition wall 42e and moves to the concave groove 42d side. Thereafter, the claw piece portion 35b becomes movable along the concave groove 41d, and the base member 35 can be removed from the slide groove 42a, and the camera 11 can be detached from the mounting portion 15.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case body 41 includes a second mounting portion 44 that is mounted on another second mounting member 50 for mounting on a portion different from the vehicle room mirror 1 at a portion different from the back surface 41b. By doing so, the camera 11 can be attached to the room mirror 1 or attached to a place different from the room mirror 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, the different part is, for example, the upper surface 41e of the case body 41, and the different part may be, for example, the front glass. Further, this second mounting part 44 is provided with a slide groove 44a that extends in the front-rear direction and has one end opening on the rear edge side. The base member 35 is inserted into the slide groove 44a. The pair of inner surfaces of the slide groove 44a have guide groove parts 44b that match the guide rail parts 35a of the base member 35, and the base member 35 moves in the slide groove 44a with the guide rail parts 35a and the guide groove parts 44b matched.

[0073] Furthermore, the slide groove 44a has a second locking concave part 44c on the bottom surface on the front opening side. This second locking concave part 44c matches the locking convex part 35d provided on the claw piece part 35b of the base member 35. That is, the claw piece part 35b is cantilever-supported and can be elastically deformed around the supported connection part. Therefore, when the base member 35 is inserted from the opening part of the slide groove 44a, the tip part 35c side of the claw piece part 35b is in a state of being lifted from the inner surface of the back of the slide groove 44a. Then, when the base member 35 is advanced to the back, the locking convex part 35d matches the second locking concave part 44c, and the claw piece part 35b is displaced along the inner surface of the back of the slide groove 44a by the elastic force. Thereby, the lateral movement of the base member 35 along the slide groove 44a is suppressed by the fitting of the locking convex part 35d and the second locking concave part 44c.

[0074] Also, in this embodiment, the angle of the second locking concave part 44c is adjusted to increase the meshing force with the locking convex part 35d. Thereby, different from the case where the base member 35 is mounted on the first mounting part 42, even if a force is applied in the slide direction along the slide groove 44a, it does not come off and the meshing between the second locking concave part 44c and the locking convex part 35d is not released. And to release the meshing between the second locking concave part 44c and the locking convex part 35d, it is done by lifting the tip part 35c of the claw piece part 35b upward. By doing so, when attached to the front glass, it can be firmly fixed.

[0075] The vehicle mainly moves up and down, and also has a front - rear direction, but the left - right direction movement is less. Also, since the slide groove for the windshield is formed to extend in the front - rear direction on the upper surface, even if it is long, it is shorter than the thickness of the main body. So, if it moves a little, it will come off and fall. Therefore, in this embodiment, the coupling force between the second locking recess 44c and the locking projection 35d is strengthened so that it will not be released even when urged in the slide direction. On the other hand, during normal driving, a large force is rarely applied in the left - right direction, and for the rear - view mirror where the force in the coming - off direction hardly occurs, a weak coupling is sufficient. Also, the slide groove 42a for the windshield is formed to extend laterally on the rear surface 41b of the camera 11. So, compared with the slide groove 44a for the windshield, it can be made longer, and even if it moves a little, it will not come off. Therefore, the rear - view mirror side does not need to be so strong, and since it is difficult to lift the tip 35c of the claw piece 35b by hand, considering the ease of removal, a similar coupling structure is adopted while having a different removal method. That is, the fitting strength is changed according to the removal direction and the mating part to change the removal method.

[0076] [Mounting member for windshield attachment] The second mounting member 50 for attaching the camera 11 to the windshield or the like uses a ball - joint mechanism similar to that for the rear - view mirror. That is, it has a flat - plate - shaped base portion 51 having an attachment surface to be attached to the windshield, a pair of ball studs 52 standing up from the base portion 51, a socket portion 34 for mounting the ball portion of the ball stud 52, a nut 36 detachably attached around the socket portion 34, and a base member 35 formed in a pair with the socket portion 34. The base portion 51 is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the support column of the ball stud 52. Then, an adhesive member such as double - sided adhesive tape is attached to the base portion 51, and it is attached and fixed to the windshield or the like through the adhesive member.

[0077] The nut and socket parts are shared with those attached to the room mirror. That is, this system can adopt a mode of attaching an article to the room mirror according to, for example, the user's preference, the vehicle's condition, etc., and a mode of attaching it to a location different from the room mirror, and one article cannot be attached to the room mirror and a location different from the room mirror at the same time. Because of such a structure, different modes as described above can be achieved with a small number of parts.

[0078] [Embodiment regarding the mounting position of camera 11] In the above-described embodiments, etc., the case where the camera 11 is fixed to the room mirror 1 or the windshield using a predetermined fixing member has been described. When attaching to the windshield, it may be arranged above, such as near the ceiling, in the same manner as the room mirror 1. Regardless of the specific mounting structure, the camera may be configured to image the face or eyes of the driver or other passengers from a position higher than the eyes of the driver or other passengers.

[0079] For example, when measuring the illuminance during a sunny day and at night at each location inside the vehicle, the difference in illuminance is large on the dashboard, and the difference in illuminance is large on the steering column next. On the other hand, the difference in illuminance between day and night is small in the space above the vehicle interior, that is, beside the room mirror 1 and in the upper region of the windshield, and particularly, the difference in illuminance is the smallest beside the room mirror located a little deeper inside the vehicle. If the difference in illuminance is large, for example, the accuracy in the DMS for monitoring the state of the driver or the like based on the image captured by the camera may decrease. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is preferably arranged in a place where sunlight is less likely to hit, such as above the room mirror 1 or the windshield. Also, arranging it beside the room mirror 1 or above the windshield does not obstruct the driver's view during driving and results in a neat appearance.

[0080] [Form of clamping and fixing to the mirror + Member having flexibility on the arm] FIG. 10 shows another form of the mounting structure. In this form, the first part connected to the room mirror 1 has a structure of clamping and fixing the housing 2 of the room mirror 1, and the second part is configured with a flexible member.

[0081] The first part includes an upper pressing member 55 and a lower pressing member 56 that can respectively contact the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 2, and a flat support member 57 for attaching the upper pressing member 55 and the lower pressing member 56. The upper pressing member 55 and the lower pressing member 56 are configured to be relatively movable closer and farther away from each other, and in the approaching state, the housing 2 of the room mirror 1 is sandwiched and held between the opposing surfaces of the upper pressing member 55 and the lower pressing member 56. As an example of the configuration for implementing such a function, in this embodiment, one end side of the upper surface of the lower pressing member 56 is opposed to the lower surface of the erected support member 57. At the central portion in the width direction of the lower pressing member 56, a first fixing screw 60 is inserted from the lower surface side, and the threaded portion at the tip of the first fixing screw 60 is inserted into a screw hole provided in the support member 57. Thereby, by rotating the first fixing screw 60 forward and backward, the lower pressing member 56 moves up and down, and its position is determined in a state where the rotation of the first fixing screw 60 is stopped. Further, guide pins 59 are erected and arranged on both the left and right sides in the width direction of the upper surface of the lower pressing member 56, and the guide pins 59 are inserted into guide holes provided in the support member 57. Thereby, the up and down movement associated with the operation of the above-described first fixing screw 60 is stably guided. Along with the up and down movement of the lower pressing member 56, the distance between the lower pressing member 56 and the upper pressing member 55 changes, and the housing 2 of the room mirror 1 is held so as not to be detached between the opposing surfaces.

[0082] Further, the upper pressing member 55 has a guide portion 58 that is flat and whose tip hangs downward, and the end face on the side opposite to the guide portion 58 is arranged to face the upper end of the front surface of the support member 57. And at the center in the width direction of the region where the upper pressing member 55 of the support member 57 faces, a second fixing screw 61 is inserted from the rear surface side, and the threaded portion at the tip of the second fixing screw 61 is inserted into a screw hole provided in the upper pressing member 55. Thus, by rotating the second fixing screw 61 forward and backward, the upper pressing member 55 moves forward and backward, and its position is determined in a state where the rotation of the second fixing screw 61 is stopped. Further, guide pins 62 are arranged on both the left and right sides in the width direction of the front surface of the support member 57, and the guide pins 62 are inserted into guide holes provided in the upper pressing member 55. Thereby, the forward and backward movement of the upper pressing member 55 accompanying the operation of the second fixing screw 61 described above is stably guided. And with the up and down movement of this upper pressing member 55, the distance between the guide portion 58 of the upper pressing member 55 and the front surface of the support member 57 changes, and the front and rear of the housing 2 of the room mirror 1 are sandwiched between the opposing surfaces and held so as not to come off.

[0083] In this way, in order to sandwich the upper and lower and front and rear of the room mirror 1, the mounting member can be firmly attached to the room mirror, and for example, even if vibration during driving is applied or force is applied by accidentally touching it, etc., it will not come off. It can be attached regardless of the shape of the room mirror Also, in this embodiment, a second portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror 1 from the first portion is formed by a rod-shaped arm member 65. The arm member 65 is bent near both ends so as to face the same direction. A connecting portion 66 provided at one end of the arm member 65 is connected to the rear surface of the support member 57. Further, a mounting portion 15 for mounting a camera, which is an article, is provided at the other end of the arm member 65. At the tip of this mounting portion 15, a member having the same structure as the base member 35 connected to the socket portion 34 of the ball joint mechanism of the above-described embodiment is mounted. Thereby, by inserting this base member 35 into the slide groove 42a provided on the rear surface of the camera 11, the camera can be arranged beside the room mirror 1.

[0084] In this embodiment, at least a part of the arm member 65 is formed of a member that can be bent, for example, a flexible arm. As a result, the flexible arm portion can be bent in any direction, the posture and orientation of the camera 11 attached to the attachment portion 15 can be changed, and since the flexible arm can be bent in any direction, the position of the camera 11 in the three-dimensional space can also be changed. The flexible arm is an arm having flexibility, but for example, an arm combining links (which may also be referred to as bones or the like) and joints (which may also be referred to as joints or the like) may be employed. When configured using a flexible arm, it can be bent in any direction at any location, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement position and the posture and orientation of the camera 11 is increased, which is more preferable.

[0085] Also, in this embodiment, similar to the above-described embodiments, a camera as an article is attached beside the rearview mirror 1 and can be disposed at the same height as or above the driver's line of sight. Furthermore, since a flexible arm is used, the camera can be disposed at a position preferred by the driver.

[0086] Also, the flexible arm may be the entire arm member 65. For example, a portion that is bent sharply, such as a curved portion, may be a fixed member without flexibility. For example, the straight portion shown in the figure may be a flexible arm. Bending at a large angle or curvature is not very preferable, and it is better to use a fixed member to obtain an accurate bending angle.

[0087] On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the other end of the arm member 65 on the side where the camera is attached is bent at 90 degrees to face forward, and the attachment portion 15 of the camera is provided. However, for example, the attachment portion 15 may be provided at the tip of the arm member 65 that remains in a straight shape. That is, for example, due to a flexible arm or the like, even if the camera 11 faces directly sideways when the camera is initially attached to the attachment portion 15 in a straight state, the camera 11 can be directed in an appropriate direction by appropriately bending the flexible arm or the like.

[0088] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the upper holding member 55 and the lower holding member 56 are positioned using fixing screws and sandwich and fix the room mirror 1. However, either one or both of them may be configured to sandwich using an elastic restoring force such as a spring. However, using fixing screws allows for a more secure fixation, so it is preferable.

[0089] Also, in this embodiment, the structure is such that the first part sandwiches and fixes the housing 2 of the room mirror 1, and the second part is configured to include a flexible member, for example, a flexible arm. However, it is not necessary to implement both configurations simultaneously, and either one may be combined with the above-described embodiment or the embodiments shown below.

[0090] [Embodiment using a metal plate] In the various embodiments described above, the first part and the second part are configured as separate members. However, for example, they may be integrally formed from the same sheet metal. Configuring them in this way allows for a simple implementation of the configuration, so it is preferable.

[0091] *First Embodiment FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment integrally formed from the same sheet metal. In this first embodiment, the first part 71 to be attached to the room mirror is configured such that a first plate portion 71a and a second plate portion 71b, which are divided vertically, are connected at one end side. The first plate portion 71a has cut line portions 71c formed from above and below at appropriate positions in the longitudinal direction, and the portion of the cut line portion 71c is made easy to bend. In this embodiment, the first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b, which are divided vertically, are connected at one location at one end and arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction, so they can be bent at different angles on the upper and lower sides. Therefore, for example, when the curved surface shape on the back of the room mirror is different at the attachment sites on the upper and lower sides, they can be appropriately bent and attached along the curved surface, and the connection strength can be increased.

[0092] On the other end side of the second plate portion 71b, a second portion 72 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rearview mirror from the first portion 71 is provided. The second portion 72 is provided with a mounting portion 73 for fixing the camera 11 on its tip side. This mounting portion 73 has a structure in which, for example, a cut is appropriately made in the sheet metal portion of the second portion 72 to provide an insertion portion, and the insertion portion is inserted and fixed into a groove formed on the back surface of the case body of the camera 11. By doing so, the first portion 71, the second portion 72, and the mounting portion 73 can be formed from a single sheet metal with a simple structure.

[0093] Also, on the side opposite to the side where the mounting portion 73 of the relatively wide plate portion of the second plate portion 71b is provided, a narrow constricted portion 74 is provided by making cuts from above and below. And in a state where the camera 11 is attached to the mounting portion 73, the case body of the camera 11 is set so as not to overlap with the constricted portion 74. Thereby, for example, by bending the portion of the constricted portion 74 in the front-rear direction, even if the second plate portion 71b is curved along the back surface of the rearview mirror 1 or inclined at a predetermined angle, the surface of the second portion 72 can be oriented in a direction different from the surface of the second plate portion 71b, and thus the camera 11 can be oriented, for example, in the direction of the driver. Also, if the vertical length of the constricted portion 74 is shortened, for example, by twisting around the constricted portion 74, the surface of the second portion 72 and thus the orientation of the camera 11 can be inclined obliquely downward. And by appropriately combining such front-rear bending and vertical twisting, the imaging area of the camera 11 can be set at a desired location while adopting a simple configuration. The first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b can have different bending angles and be bent in different directions, and the camera can be oriented in a direction different from the mounting surface to the rearview mirror 1.

[0094] In the case of a single flat plate, the direction of the camera will be along the angle on the back of the rearview mirror and face inward. For example, as described above, by bending the constricted portion 74 back and forth, the direction of the camera 11 can be set to a desired direction. In this case, if the inclination angle of the back of the rearview mirror 1 is steep, if only the constricted portion 74 is used to adjust the direction of the camera, the constricted portion 74 will be bent significantly, which is not preferable. In such a case, it is possible to bend a part or all of the second plate portion 71b in an appropriate direction without attaching it to the rearview mirror 1, thereby reducing the bending angle at the constricted portion 74.

[0095] Further, in this embodiment, since the first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b are divided vertically, for example, the lower first plate portion 71a can be bent along the shape of the back of the rearview mirror 1 and adhered as a whole, and the upper second plate portion 71b can take a flat and straight form without being bent, for example. In this case, a part or all of the second plate portion 71b does not contribute to fixation and is, for example, parallel to the surface of the mirror. By doing so, a part or all of the second plate portion 71b will function in the same way as the second part. Therefore, for example, the upper second plate portion 71b can be independently adjusted in angle, and moreover, the lower first plate portion 71a can be firmly adhered and fixed along the back of the rearview mirror, so that both strong fixation and freely directing the camera in any direction can be achieved. In this embodiment, it is mounted at the same height as the line of sight, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and the like. Also, the installation can be easily performed, the number of parts is small, the initial investment can be suppressed, and the cost is reduced. Moreover, it does not depend on the thickness or height of the rearview mirror.

[0096] Also, as described above, the direction of the camera 11 is adjusted by bending the constricted portion 74 or the second plate portion 71b. However, when the angle adjustment range is insufficient, it is advisable to combine it with a ball joint mechanism or the like.

[0097] *Second Embodiment Figure 12 shows a second form configured by integrally forming from the same sheet metal. In this form, the shape of the first part 75 for attaching and fixing to the rearview mirror 1 is arranged with cuts in various directions compared to the first form. In this form, the cuts are arranged radially, so that, for example, even if the rear surface of the rearview mirror 1 is spherical, it can be firmly attached, and the adhesive strength is increased.

[0098] Also, the second part 76 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rearview mirror 1 has a first element 76a connected to the first part 75 and a second element 76b that is continuous with the first element 76a and receives the rear surface of the camera 11. The connecting part 76c between the first element 76a and the second element 76b is made narrow by making cuts from above and below. As a result, the angle of elevation of the attached camera can be changed and adjusted by twisting at the part of this narrow connecting part 76c.

[0099] On the tip side of the second element 76b, a mounting part 78 for fixing the camera 11 is provided. This mounting part 78 has a structure in which, for example, appropriate cuts are made in the sheet metal part of the second element 76b to provide a plug-in part, and the plug-in part is inserted and fixed into a groove formed on the back surface of the case body of the camera 11.

[0100] In this form, preferably, the arrangement position of the connecting part 76c is characterized by being closer to the camera 11 side. When the camera 11 is attached, it is preferable that this narrow connecting part 76c is arranged near the side surface of the camera 11. By doing so, for example, even if the first part 75 is attached closer to the center of the rearview mirror, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the connecting part 76c from being hidden on the back side of the rearview mirror 1, and the angle of the camera 11 can be adjusted.

[0101] *Third Form Figure 13 shows a third form configured by integrally forming from the same sheet metal. In this form, similar to the second form, the shape of the first part 75 for attaching and fixing to the rearview mirror 1 is arranged with radial cuts so that, for example, even if the rear surface of the rearview mirror 1 is spherical, it can be firmly attached.

[0102] In this configuration, the second portion 77 extending in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror 1 has a first element 77a connected to the first portion 75 and a second element 77b connected to the first element 77a. The connecting portion 77c between the first element 77a and the second element 77b is characterized by not being narrow as in the second configuration. Thereby, a certain degree of strength is ensured at the connecting portion 77c so that it is not twisted at the connecting portion 77c. However, a hole 77d is formed vertically at the middle point of the connecting portion 77c so that it can be bent in the front-rear direction. Thereby, for example, when the first portion 75 is inclined with respect to the mirror surface along the back surface of the room mirror 1, the second element 77b can be arranged parallel to the mirror surface by bending at a predetermined angle at the connecting portion 77c.

[0103] In this configuration, an attachment portion 15 for attaching a camera is mounted on the second element 77b of the second portion 77. This attachment portion 15 is composed of a ball joint mechanism for adjusting the angle of the elevation angle of the camera. That is, the ball joint mechanism includes a ball stud 33, a socket portion 34, and a nut 36, similar to the various embodiments described above. A base member 35 is integrally formed on the socket portion 34 and is attached to the camera 11 via the base member 35. In this configuration, the base portion 33a of the ball stud 33 is adhesively fixed to the second element 77b using an adhesive member 79 such as double-sided tape.

[0104] *Fourth Embodiment FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment configured by integrally forming from the same sheet metal. In this embodiment, the shape of the first portion 75 for attaching and fixing to the room mirror 1 is configured such that radial cuts are arranged, so that even if the back surface is spherical, for example, it can be firmly attached to the room mirror 1.

[0105] And the second part 77 extending in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror 1 has a first element 77a connected to the first part 75 and a second element 77b connected to the first element 77a. The connecting part 77c between the first element 77a and the second element 77b is characterized by not being narrow as opposed to the second form. Thereby, a certain degree of strength is ensured at the connecting part 77c so that it is not twisted at the connecting part 77c. However, a hole 77d is formed vertically at the middle point of the connecting part 77c so that it can be bent in the front-rear direction. Thereby, for example, when the first part 75 is inclined with respect to the mirror surface along the back surface of the room mirror 1, the second element 77b can be arranged parallel to the mirror surface by bending at a predetermined angle at the connecting part 77c.

[0106] In this form, an attachment part 15 for attaching a camera is mounted on the second element 77b of the second part 77. This attachment part 15 is composed of a ball joint mechanism for adjusting the angle of the elevation angle of the camera. That is, the ball joint mechanism includes a ball stud 33, a socket part 34, and a nut 36, similar to the various embodiments described above. A base member 35 is integrally formed on the socket part 34, and is attached to the camera 11 via the base member 35. And in this form, the ball stud 33 is fixed using claw fitting. That is, for example, claw parts 77e are integrally formed on the outer peripheral edge of the second element 77b. And the base part 33a of the ball stud 33 has a shallow bottom box shape for housing the second element 77b, and has a hole 33b for inserting the claw part 77e in the side wall of the base part 33a. Thereby, while arranging the second element 77b in the base part 33a, the ball stud 33 is connected to the second element 77b by fitting the claw part 77e into the hole 33b. And in this form, two claw parts 77e are formed at each of the upper side and the lower side of the second element 77b for firm fixing.

[0107] *Fifth Form FIG. 15 shows a fifth form configured by integrally forming from the same sheet metal. In this form, similar to the third form and the like, the shape of the first part 75 for attaching and fixing to the rearview mirror 1 is configured such that cuts are arranged radially, so that even if the rear surface of the rearview mirror 1 is spherical, it can be firmly attached.

[0108] And the second part 77 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rearview mirror 1 has a first element 77a connected to the first part 75 and a second element 77b connected to the first element 77a. The connecting part 77c between the first element 77a and the second element 77b is characterized in that it is not made narrow unlike the second form. Thereby, a certain degree of strength is ensured at the connecting part 77c so that it is not twisted at the connecting part 77c. However, a hole 77d is formed vertically at the middle point of the connecting part 77c so that it can be bent in the front-rear direction. Thereby, for example, when the first part 75 is inclined with respect to the mirror surface along the rear surface of the rearview mirror 1, by bending at a predetermined angle at the connecting part 77c, the second element 77b can be arranged parallel to the mirror surface, for example.

[0109] In this form, a mounting part 15 for mounting a camera is attached to the second element 77b of the second part 77. Specifically, the second element 77b is formed in an annular shape, a ball stud 33 is arranged on the front side of the second element 77b, and a male screw part 33c provided on the base part 33a of the ball stud 33 is inserted into the second element 77b and protruded to the rear side. Then, the male screw part 33c is fastened with a nut part 80 arranged on the rear side of the second element 77b. Thereby, since the second element 77b is clamped and fixed by the ball stud 33 and the nut part 80, it can be fixed more firmly.

[0110] *Sixth Form FIG. 16 shows a sixth form configured by integrally forming from the same sheet metal. In this form, similar to the fifth form and the like, the shape of the first part 75 for attaching and fixing to the rearview mirror 1 is configured such that cuts are arranged radially, so that even if the rear surface of the rearview mirror 1 is spherical, it can be firmly attached.

[0111] And, the second part 77 extending in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror 1 has a first element 77a connected to the first part 75 and a second element 77b continuous with the first element 77a. The connection part 77c between the first element 77a and the second element 77b is characterized by not being narrow unlike the second form. Thereby, a certain degree of strength is ensured at the connection part 77c, and it is prevented from being twisted at the connection part 77c. However, a hole 77d is formed vertically at the middle point of the connection part 77c so that it can be bent in the front-rear direction. Thereby, for example, when the first part 75 is inclined with respect to the mirror surface along the back surface of the room mirror 1, by bending at a predetermined angle at the connection part 77c, for example, the second element 77b can be arranged parallel to the mirror surface.

[0112] In this form, an attachment part 15 for attaching a camera is mounted on the second element 77b of the second part 77. Specifically, the second element 77b is formed in an annular shape. And, a rubber-like socket part 83 into which a ball part 85 constituting a ball joint is inserted is arranged on the rear side of the second element 77b, and the socket part 83 is inserted into the annular part of the second element 77b and protrudes forward. In this state, a nut part 82 arranged on the rear side of the second element 77b and a holder part 84 arranged on the front side of the second element 77b sandwich the socket part 83 and the second element 77b, and the female thread of the nut part 82 and the male thread of the socket part 83 are fitted together and fixed. The ball part 85 is mounted in the rubber-like socket part 83 and stops by the frictional force generated on the contact surface. And since the angle changes when a force is applied, the angle adjustment can be easily performed.

[0113] [Form arranged on the back side of the room mirror] The mounting member may be provided with adjustment means for adjusting the position so that the camera 11 is located at a position directly beside the rearview mirror 1. FIG. 17 shows this embodiment. The mounting member 100 shown in FIG. 17 includes a first part 101 and a second part 102. The first part 101 is a part connected to the back surface of the rearview mirror 1. The second part 102 includes a portion extending in a direction away from the back surface of the rearview mirror 1. The second part 102 includes a first portion 1021 and a second portion 1022. The first portion 1021 is connected to the first part 101 and extends substantially perpendicular to the back surface of the rearview mirror 1. The second portion 1022 is connected to the first portion 1021 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the rearview mirror 1. The second part 102 is bent such that the second portion 1022 extends in a direction having a component in the longitudinal direction of the rearview mirror 1 and away from the back surface 2a of the rearview mirror 1. A part of the second portion 1022 closer to the first portion 1021 is located on the back surface side of the rearview mirror 1. The camera 11 is attached to the second part 102 of the mounting member 100, more specifically, the second portion 1022. At least a part of the camera 11 is located on the back surface side of the rearview mirror 1 and is configured to be hidden when viewed from the driver 90 sitting in the driver's seat. When the camera 11 is arranged beside the rearview mirror 1 as in the above-described embodiments, it may interfere with the sun visor 91 and cause a situation where the sun visor cannot be used. On the other hand, when the camera 11 is arranged on the back side of the rearview mirror 1 as in this embodiment, it is preferable because the camera 11 does not exist within the movable range of the sun visor 91 and the sun visor 91 can be used.

[0114] The above second part 102 is configured such that at least the driver's 90 eyes or face are included in the imaging range of the camera 11. The camera 11 images the driver 90 through a lateral space further than one end of the rearview mirror 1 on the driver's seat side. It is preferable that the rearview mirror 1 is not reflected in the imaging range, but a part of the rearview mirror 1 may be reflected. The part of the camera 11 hidden from the driver 90 side may be the whole camera 11, but it is better to be a part of the camera 11.

[0115] Thus, in order to position the camera 11 on the back side of the rearview mirror 1, it is advisable to provide a mechanism for changing the direction at two locations on at least one of the mounting members. The mechanism may be, for example, a mechanism that makes it easier to bend by making slits at two locations. For example, it is preferable that the second part 1022 is bendable so that the angle formed by the second part 1022 and the first part 821 can change. Also, the mechanism for changing the direction may be a flexible arm. It is particularly preferable to provide a mechanism for making the second part closer to the back side (for example, the front side of the vehicle) than the first part.

[0116] Also, by hiding a part in this way, it becomes difficult for the camera 11 to enter the driver's field of view, and the area that enters the field of view becomes small, which is preferable. The boundary line of the viewing angle of the camera 11 should be oriented so that it does not enter the edge of the rearview mirror 1 or at least the rearview mirror 1 is not reflected in the area used for detection.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 17(b), the lens 40 of the camera 11 is preferably eccentric from the center of the case body 41 to the right driver's side. In this example, the lens 40 is disposed at a position closer to the end opposite to the end connecting the first part 1021 of the second part 1022. By doing so, a larger area of the case body 41 of the camera 11 can be arranged and hidden on the back side of the rearview mirror 1. Since it is desirable that the camera 11 is difficult for the driver to visually perceive, its presence can be hidden or made less conspicuous.

[0118] [Function of detecting and recording a trigger when the rearview mirror is seen] For example, in a system in which a camera is attached beside the rearview mirror, it is advisable to determine whether the rearview mirror has been seen based on an image captured by the camera 11, for example, and when it is detected that the rearview mirror has been seen, to have a function of recording an event such as a forward video and a driver video using this as a trigger.

[0119] For example, there may be a case where a dispute occurs in court over seeing a room mirror. In such a case, it is advisable to be able to easily identify the point in time when the room mirror was seen. When the room mirror is seen, various records may be made triggered by the fact of seeing it. The determination of whether the room mirror has been seen may be made based on, for example, "directing the line of sight", "directing the line of sight + face", etc.

[0120] In this embodiment, since the camera is arranged beside the room mirror, for example, by detecting that the face orientation or the direction of the line of sight is directly facing the camera, it is possible to detect that the room mirror has been seen. For example, when the camera is installed on the dashboard or the like, it is necessary to set the position of the room mirror and it becomes complicated and inaccurate to determine in which direction the driver is facing to determine that the room mirror has been seen. However, this problem does not occur in this embodiment, which is advisable.

[0121] Also, simply record the date and time when it is detected that the room mirror has been seen in a way that can be specified. When playing back the video with the playback software, it may be possible to search for that date and time, or display a notice that such detection has occurred at the timing when the video of that date and time is being played back.

[0122] [Mounting position setting function] In this embodiment, it is advisable to have a function of setting the mounting position of the camera and changing the warning range according to the set mounting position. For example, provide a setting function for where the mounting position can be, such as whether it is on the room mirror, above the front windshield, on the steering column, on the dashboard, etc. And it is advisable to have a function of changing the warning range for side glances or the like according to the set position.

[0123] Commercially available DMS software etc. set its threshold values etc. on the premise of being installed on the steering column etc. slightly below the front of the driver. Then, for example, when it is in the upper left position of the driver like a room mirror, there is a problem that the threshold values are too low for the downward and rightward directions and warnings are frequently issued, while the threshold values are too high for the upward and leftward directions and it is difficult to issue a warning in a situation where a warning should be issued. However, this can be solved.

[0124] For example, a switch is provided that can select between a room mirror attachment and a steering column attachment. Such a switch may be soft-set or hard-set. When the room mirror attachment is selected, the thresholds for the right and downward directions are changed to be higher, and the thresholds for the left and upward directions are changed to be lower, compared to when the steering column attachment is selected.

[0125] When placed in front of the driver, such as on the dashboard or the steering column, the thresholds for the angle of facing right / facing left are made the same. However, when attached to, for example, a room mirror or a pillar, since the driver is photographed obliquely, the thresholds for determining when the face orientation is rotated may be changed between the left and right. Furthermore, the setting of this threshold is performed in conjunction with the setting by the attachment position setting function.

[0126] [Function to make the criteria for detecting sidelong glances stricter at night than during the day] For night, it is advisable to make the criteria for detecting sidelong glances stricter than during the day. At night, the surrounding scenery is dark and difficult to see, and one often drives while looking at the taillights of the vehicle in front, so the movement of the head and line of sight is smaller compared to during the day. Also, the illumination range of the infrared LED is limited. Thus, since one doesn't look sideways much at night, for example, it is advisable to sound an alarm even for a slight tilt. By doing so, sidelong glances and the like can be accurately determined both at night and during the day.

[0127] For example, if the sidelong glance warning during the day is given when the head turns beyond a range of 10 degrees to the left or right, then, for example, at night it may be given when the head turns beyond a range of 8 degrees to the left or right. The day / night switch may be changed, for example, according to the ambient brightness or according to the time. It may be simple based on the ON / OFF of the headlights. Also, it may be changed continuously or stepwise.

[0128] [Function for interlocking with other devices] For example, when a camera has the function of DMS, it may cooperate with other devices. The cooperation with other devices, for example, the notification may be made by the camera 11, or may be made by the cooperating devices such as a radar detector or a car navigation system. In this embodiment, since the state of the user can be detected and information corresponding to the state of the occupant can be notified, it is okay. In particular, if a device equipped with a display unit such as a radar detector or a car navigation system is used to perform the notification, notification using vision can be performed, and moreover, since those devices are installed at positions where the driver can check the display unit during driving, it is okay because the notification content can be easily confirmed.

[0129] [Modification example of an article] In the various embodiments described above, an example in which the article is a camera has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there are sensors for detecting people, and auxiliary mirrors for looking in the direction where the powder and the room mirror become one, etc. Also, it is desirable to apply it to an article that is provided near the room mirror and is desired to face a different direction from the room mirror.

[0130] As described above, various aspects of the present invention have been described using embodiments and modification examples, etc. It should be noted that these embodiments and explanations are not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention, but are provided to assist in the understanding of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations and limitations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification within its scope. Among the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought is specified in the claims attached to the application, but even a configuration that is not currently specified in the claims may potentially be claimed in the future with the configurations disclosed in this specification. For the sake of caution, it is stated that the applicant of this application intends to obtain rights for such parts and combinations by means of amendments, divisional applications, change applications for design registration applications, etc.

[0131] Also, through a change application to a design application, it has the intention of obtaining rights for the overall design or partial design. Although the drawings depict the entire apparatus in solid lines, the drawings include not only the overall design but also partial designs that claim parts of the apparatus. For example, not only can some members of the apparatus be partial designs, but the drawings also include partial designs that encompass parts of the apparatus regardless of their relationship to the members. As parts of the apparatus, they can be either some members of the apparatus or parts of those members. Regarding the overall design as well as partial designs obtained by making any part of the solid-line portion in the drawings into a dashed-line portion, it has the intention of obtaining rights.

[0132] The invention of the present application is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Also, any constituent element of each embodiment or modification example may be arbitrarily combined with any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention or a constituent element obtained by embodying any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention. Regarding the inventions of these configurations, it also has the intention of obtaining rights in the amendment or divisional application of the present application.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0133] 1: Room mirror 2: Housing 3: Mirror 10: System 11: Camera 12: Mounting member 13: Stay 14: Bracket 15: Mounting portion 21: First connection portion 22: Second connection portion 31: Bracket body 40: Lens 41: Case body

Claims

1. A first portion for attaching and fixing to the vehicle side; a second portion connected to the first portion and formed in a ring shape, A ball stud, which is a member to be attached to a predetermined article, is disposed in front of the second part, and a male screw portion provided on a base portion of the ball stud is inserted into a ring of the second part and protrudes to the rear. The male screw portion is fastened with a nut portion disposed on the rear side of the second part, thereby clamping and fixing the second part between the ball stud and the nut portion. A mounting member comprising:

2. A first portion for attaching and fixing to the vehicle side; a second portion connected to the first portion and formed in a ring shape, A socket portion into which a ball portion constituting a ball joint for a member to be attached to a predetermined article is inserted is disposed on the rear side of the second portion, and the socket portion is inserted into the annular portion of the second portion to project forward, and in this state, the nut portion and the socket portion are fastened together while sandwiching the socket portion and the second portion between a nut portion disposed on the rear side of the second portion and a holder portion disposed on the front side of the second portion. A mounting member comprising:

3. The first portion has a shape in which notches are arranged radially. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

4. A hole is formed between the first portion and the second portion, and the hole is configured to be bent in the front-rear direction. The mounting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images