Monitoring device

Abstract

To provide a monitoring device capable of preventing raindrops from adhering to a transparent window.SOLUTION: A monitoring device is provided, comprising a housing, an electromagnetic wave-transmissive window provided on a wall of the housing, a sensor provided in the housing to detect electromagnetic waves transmitting through the transmissive window, and a window frame protruding outward from the wall of the housing and having an upper edge located above the transmissive window and side edges located on the sides of the transmissive window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote monitoring system that includes a solar panel attached to the top of a support rod, a storage box with a window attached to the support rod below the solar panel, a camera housed in the storage box that takes pictures of the outside through the window, a transmitter that transmits the captured still images or videos, and a power supply device that stores power from the solar panel and supplies power to the camera and transmitter.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a portable communication device that includes a housing with a window, an image acquisition unit that is arranged inside the housing and captures an image of the outside of the housing through the window to acquire image data, an information transfer unit that wirelessly transmits the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit to a communication network, and a secondary battery that supplies power to the image acquisition unit and the information transfer unit. The document also discloses that the device further includes a solar panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3212029 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3225157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a risk that raindrops may adhere to the window in rainy weather, causing poor visibility.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device that can suppress the adhesion of raindrops to a window. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a monitoring device including a housing, a transmission window provided in a wall of the housing that transmits electromagnetic waves, a sensor housed in the housing that detects the electromagnetic waves that have transmitted through the transmission window, and a window frame that protrudes outside the wall of the housing and has an upper edge located above the transmission window and side edges located to the sides. This makes it possible to prevent raindrops from adhering to the transmission window.

[0008] In the above aspect, the sensor may be an image sensor, and the vehicle may further include a camera housed in the housing and having the image sensor, which can prevent raindrops from adhering to the transmission window and thereby prevent poor visibility of the camera.

[0009] In the above aspect, the window frame may be attached to the housing, and the transmission window may be attached to the window frame, which makes it possible to facilitate assembly of the monitoring device.

[0010] In the above aspect, the lower end of the side edge portion may be located lower than the lower end of the transmission window, thereby making it possible to prevent raindrops from reaching the transmission window from the side.

[0011] In the above aspect, the upper edge portion may have a protruding length greater than the protruding length of the side edge portion, thereby making it possible to prevent raindrops from reaching the transmission window from above.

[0012] In the above aspect, the upper edge portion may have a mountain shape that is inclined toward each side, thereby enabling raindrops on the upper edge portion to flow sideways.

[0013] In the above aspect, the protruding length of the central portion of the upper edge portion may be greater than the protruding length of the both side portions, thereby making it possible to ensure visibility while suppressing raindrops from reaching the transmission window from above.

[0014] In the above aspect, the camera may have a wide-angle lens, and the protruding length of the upper edge portion may be such that the upper edge portion does not enter the field of view of the camera. This makes it possible to prevent the upper edge portion from being captured in an image.

[0015] In the above aspect, the camera may have a wide-angle lens, and the protruding length of the side edge may be such that the side edge does not enter the field of view of the camera. This makes it possible to prevent the side edge from being captured in an image.

[0016] In the above aspect, the camera may have a wide-angle lens, and the protruding length of both sides of the upper edge may be shorter than the protruding length of the central part. In this way, since the field of view of the wide-angle lens is relatively wide in the diagonal direction, by shortening the protruding length of both sides of the upper edge located in the diagonal direction, it is possible to suppress the reflection of the wide-angle lens.

[0017] In the above aspect, the transmission window may face diagonally downward when the detection direction of the sensor is horizontal, thereby making it possible to make raindrops adhering to the transmission window fall off easily.

[0018] In the above aspect, the window frame may have a cylindrical portion located on the camera side of the transmission window, and the lens of the camera may be located inside the cylindrical portion. This makes it easier for light transmitted through the transmission window to be directly incident on the lens, and makes it possible to prevent light reflected inside the housing from being incident on the lens.

[0019] In the above aspect, the cylindrical portion may be inserted into the opening of the housing, thereby allowing the cylindrical portion to be brought closer to the camera.

[0020] In the above aspect, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion may be a processed surface that has been processed to reduce light reflection, thereby making it possible to suppress light reflection inside the cylindrical portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress adhesion of raindrops to the transmission window. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a monitoring device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of a support tool. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a window frame portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a window frame portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing an example of a window frame portion. [Figure 18]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a window frame portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a window frame portion. [Figure 20] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a window frame, a photographing window, and a camera. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the field of view of a wide-angle lens. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0024] 1 to 7 are a perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, a rear view, a plan view, and a bottom view showing an example of a monitoring device 1. These figures show a first state of the monitoring device 1. The first state is the state before use, in which the solar panel 3 is laid horizontally. The first state is used, for example, during transportation.

[0025] 8 to 13 are a perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, a rear view, and a perspective view showing an example of the monitoring device 1. These figures show a second state of the monitoring device 1. The second state is the state during use, in which the solar panel 3 is erected at an angle. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the support 2.

[0026] 15 to 19 are a perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view showing an example of the window frame portion 5 provided in the camera / communication unit 4. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 16.

[0027] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the window frame portion 5, the photographing window 6, and the camera 7. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the field of view FV of the wide-angle lens of the camera 7. Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of the monitoring device 1.

[0028] In the figure, the X1 direction is the forward direction, and the X2 direction is the backward direction. The Y1 direction is the right direction, and the Y2 direction is the left direction. The Y1 or Y2 direction is also called the lateral direction. The Z1 direction is the upward direction, and the Z2 direction is the downward direction.

[0029] The monitoring device 1 is equipped with a solar panel 3 and a camera / communication unit 4, and is a camera system capable of transmitting still or video images wirelessly (i.e., without requiring an external power source or wired communication connection) for power and communication.

[0030] The camera and communication unit 4 is disposed below the solar panel 3. The camera and communication unit 4 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 41 made of synthetic resin, and the housing 41 houses the camera 7 (see FIGS. 20 and 22). The camera 7 is an example of an electronic device.

[0031] The camera 7 captures an image of the outside through a photographing window 6 provided in the wall of the housing 41. In other words, the camera 7 detects light from the outside that has passed through the photographing window 6. The photographing window 6 is also called a transmission window. A window frame 5 that surrounds the photographing window 6 is provided on the outside of the wall of the housing 41. Details of the window frame 5 will be described later.

[0032] In addition to the camera 7, the housing 41 of the camera / communication unit 4 also contains a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a communication device 13 (see FIG. 22). The battery 11 is charged with power generated by the solar panel 3 and supplies the charged power to the camera 7, the control unit 12, and the communication device 13.

[0033] Control unit 12 is a controller that controls camera 7. Camera 7 and control unit 12 may be a single unit. Control unit 12 transmits image data generated by camera 7 to the outside via wireless communication provided by communication device 13.

[0034] The control unit 12 includes a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, nonvolatile memory, an input / output interface, etc. The CPU executes information processing according to a program loaded from the ROM or nonvolatile memory to the RAM.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, 10 to 13, etc., the solar panel 3 and the camera / communication unit 4 are supported by a metal support 2. The support 2 has a main body 21. As shown in Figure 14, the main body 21 has a plate-shaped base 22 extending vertically and a plate-shaped cantilever beam 23 extending horizontally.

[0036] Cantilever section 23 extends forward from the upper end of base section 22, and main body section 21 is formed in an inverted L shape in side view. Solar panel 3 is supported on the upper side of cantilever section 23, and housing 41 of camera / communication unit 4 is supported on the lower side of cantilever section 23. Housing 41 is arranged so as to overlap with base section 22 in front view.

[0037] The support 2 has an attachment part 24 for attaching the monitoring device 1 to a structure such as a support pole PL. Specifically, the attachment part 24 is provided on the back surface of the base part 22. The monitoring device 1 is attached to the support pole PL by a belt 25 provided on the attachment part 24.

[0038] In this embodiment, an attachment portion 24 for attachment to a support PL is illustrated as an example, but the attachment object is not limited to the support PL and may be, for example, a structure such as a wall, ceiling, or anchor, and the attachment portion 24 may take on a shape according to the attachment object.

[0039] 3 to 5, 10 to 13, etc., the support 2 has a panel adjustment mechanism 8 that adjusts the attitude of the solar panel 3. The panel adjustment mechanism 8 adjusts the angle of the solar panel 3, for example, between a first angle at which the solar panel 3 lies horizontally and a second angle at which the solar panel 3 stands obliquely facing forward and upward.

[0040] The solar panel 3 has a pair of left and right support rails 31 extending in the front-to-rear direction, a pair of front and rear support rails 32 fixed on the front and rear ends of the support rails 31 and extending in the left-to-right direction, and a panel body 33 fixed on the support rails 32.

[0041] The panel adjustment mechanism 8 is provided at the front end of the cantilever beam portion 23 and has a pivotal support portion 82 that supports the solar panel 3 so that it can swing vertically. The pivotal support portion 82 rotatably supports the front portion of the solar panel 3, thereby allowing the rear portion of the solar panel 3 to swing vertically.

[0042] Specifically, a pair of brackets 81 are provided at the front end of the cantilever beam portion 23, and a pair of pivotal support portions 82 with their axial direction extending in the left-right direction are provided on the brackets 81. The pivotal support portions 82 are attached to the front portions of the support rails 31 of the solar panel 3.

[0043] The panel adjustment mechanism 8 also has a rail portion 86 that is provided at the rear end of the cantilever portion 23 and that positions the height of the rear end of the solar panel 3. The rail portion 86 is an example of an adjustment portion. The rail portion 86 is slidable, for example, between a first position where the solar panel 3 is laid horizontally at a first angle, and a second position where the solar panel 3 is erected at an angle facing forward and upward at a second angle.

[0044] The rail portion 86 is connected to the solar panel 3 and is provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction relative to the main body portion 21 of the support tool 2. The upper end portion of the rail portion 86 is rotatably attached to the rear end portion of the support rail 31 of the solar panel 3 by a pivot support portion 84.

[0045] A guide groove 86a for guiding the slide is formed in the rail portion 86, and a stator 87 provided on the side surface of the base portion 22 is inserted into the guide groove 86a. The stator 87 may be provided on the side surface of the rear end portion of the cantilever portion 23.

[0046] The stator 87 is attached to the side surface of the base portion 22 with screws, and the rail portion 86 is fixed by pressing the rail portion 86 against the side surface of the base portion 22.

[0047] The first position of the rail portion 86 is the lowest position of the rail portion 86, i.e., the position where the stator 87 abuts against the upper end of the guide groove 86a (see Figures 3 and 4). When the rail portion 86 is in the first position, the solar panel 3 is in a first state where it is laid horizontally. This minimizes the external dimensions of the monitoring device 1, making it suitable for transportation.

[0048] Furthermore, when the rail portion 86 is in the first position, the rail portion 86 is positioned so as to overlap the base portion 22 in a side view. In particular, the entire rail portion 86 is included in the side surface of the base portion 22 in a side view. This allows the rail portion 86 to be positioned integrally with the base portion 22, which is suitable for transportation.

[0049] The second position of the rail portion 86 is the uppermost position of the rail portion 86, i.e., the position where the stator 87 abuts against the lower end of the guide groove 86a (see FIGS. 10 and 11). When the rail portion 86 is in the second position, the solar panel 3 is in a second state in which it stands obliquely facing forward and upward.

[0050] The rail portion 86 may be fixed at any position between the first position and the second position, which allows the solar panel 3 to be adjusted to a desired angle. The solar panel 3 is used at an angle that provides high power generation efficiency.

[0051] The adjustment portion is not limited to the rail portion 86, but may be, for example, a support member in which individual holes corresponding to the first position and the second position are formed.

[0052] 3 to 4, 7, 10 to 11, 13, etc., the support 2 further has a housing adjustment mechanism 9 that adjusts the attitude of the housing 41 of the camera / communication unit 4. The housing adjustment mechanism 9 has a yaw rotation mechanism 91 and a pitch rotation mechanism 95, and is capable of adjusting the orientation of the housing 41, i.e., the imaging direction of the camera 7, in the yaw direction and pitch direction.

[0053] The yaw rotation mechanism 91 rotates the pitch rotation mechanism 95 and the housing 41 in the yaw direction relative to the cantilever beam portion 23. The yaw rotation mechanism 91 includes an upper plate portion and a pair of side plate portions hanging downward from both left and right ends of the upper plate portion, and is formed in the shape of a square bracket that opens downward when viewed from the front.

[0054] The upper plate portion of the yaw rotation mechanism 91 is rotatably supported on the underside of the middle portion of the cantilever beam portion 23 by a pivot support portion 93 whose axial direction is the up-down direction (see FIG. 7). In addition, the upper plate portion of the yaw rotation mechanism 91 has a guide groove 91a formed in a semicircular arc shape around the pivot support portion 93 to guide the rotation (see FIG. 7).

[0055] A stator 92 provided on the underside of the cantilever section 23 is inserted into the inside of the guide groove 91a. The stator 92 is attached to the underside of the cantilever section 23 with screws, and the yaw rotation mechanism 91 is fixed in place by pressing the upper plate of the yaw rotation mechanism 91 against the underside of the cantilever section 23.

[0056] The pitch rotation mechanism 95 rotates the housing 41 in the pitch direction relative to the yaw rotation mechanism 91. The pitch rotation mechanism 95 includes a pair of side plate portions connected to the rear surface of the housing 41.

[0057] The side plate portion of the pitch rotation mechanism 95 is rotatably supported on the side plate portion of the yaw rotation mechanism 91 by a pivot support portion 97 whose axial direction is the left-right direction. In addition, the side plate portion of the pitch rotation mechanism 95 has a guide groove 95a formed in a quarter arc shape centered on the pivot support portion 97 to guide the rotation.

[0058] A stator 96 provided on the side plate of the yaw rotation mechanism 91 is inserted into the guide groove 95a. The stator 96 is attached to the side plate of the yaw rotation mechanism 91 with screws, and by pressing the side plate of the pitch rotation mechanism 95 against the side plate of the yaw rotation mechanism 91, the pitch rotation mechanism 95 is fixed in place.

[0059] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to independently adjust the attitude of the solar panel 3 and the attitude of the camera and communication unit 4. In other words, it is possible to orient the imaging direction of the camera and communication unit 4 in a desired direction while keeping the solar panel 3 facing in a direction that provides high power generation efficiency.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the installation of both the solar panel 3 and the camera / communication unit 4 can be completed simply by attaching the mounting portion 24 of the support 2 to a structure such as a support post PL, thereby simplifying the installation work and reducing installation costs.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the monitoring device 1 is constructed as an integrated unit by supporting the solar panel 3 and the camera / communication unit 4 on the support 2, and furthermore, the solar panel 3 can be laid horizontally to reduce the external dimensions, thereby improving transportability.

[0062] The window frame portion 5 provided in the housing 41 of the camera communication unit 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 20, the window frame 5 is provided separately from the housing 41 and attached to the housing 41. The window frame 5 is made of a synthetic resin material. However, the window frame 5 may be integral with the housing 41, or may be made of metal, ceramic, or the like.

[0064] The photographic window 6 is attached to the window frame portion 5. The photographic window 6 is disposed so as to cover the opening 5a formed in the window frame portion 5. However, the photographic window 6 is not limited to this, and may be attached directly to the housing 41.

[0065] The camera 7 has an image sensor 71 and a lens 72. The lens 72 is a wide-angle lens that has a viewing angle of, for example, 60 degrees or more, and preferably 90 degrees or more.

[0066] 15 to 19, the window frame 5 has an upper edge 51 located above the photographic window 6, a pair of side edge portions 52 located on both sides of the photographic window 6, and a lower edge portion 53 located below the photographic window 6. The lower edge portion 53 may be omitted.

[0067] The upper edge 51, the side edge 52, and the lower edge 53 are parts that protrude forward from the imaging window 6 and are connected to each other to form a rectangular frame in a front view. The upper edge 51, the side edge 52, and the lower edge 53 surround the imaging window 6 to prevent raindrops from adhering thereto.

[0068] The upper edge 51 covers the entire upper part of the imaging window 6. That is, the left-to-right width of the upper edge 51 is wider than the left-to-right width of the imaging window 6, the left edge of the upper edge 51 is located to the left of the left edge of the imaging window 6, and the right edge of the upper edge 51 is located to the right of the right edge of the imaging window 6.

[0069] The side edge portions 52 cover the entire sides of the imaging window 6. That is, the vertical length of the side edge portions 52 is longer than the vertical length of the imaging window 6, the upper end of the side edge portions 52 is located above the upper end of the imaging window 6, and the lower end of the side edge portions 52 is located below the lower end of the imaging window 6.

[0070] The protruding length of the upper edge 51 is greater than the protruding length of the side edge 52. The protruding length is the length in the front-to-rear direction of the portion that protrudes forward beyond the imaging window 6. An oblique side portion 523 is provided at the upper portion of the side edge 52, extending in the front-upper direction and connected to the side portion 514 of the upper edge 51.

[0071] The upper edge 51 has a mountain shape that slopes to the left and right. That is, the upper surface of the upper edge 51 is sloped so that both side portions 514 are lower than the center portion 512 of the upper edge 51. This makes it easier for raindrops on the upper edge 51 to flow to the left and right and fall beside the side extension portions 52 rather than forward.

[0072] The protruding length of the central portion 512 of the upper edge portion 51 is greater than the protruding length of both side portions 514 (see FIG. 18). In other words, the protruding length of both side portions 514 of the upper edge portion 51 is less than the protruding length of the central portion 512.

[0073] The protruding lengths of the upper edge 51, the side edge 52, and the lower edge 53 are set to lengths that do not fall within the field of view FV of the camera 7 (see FIG. 21). Because the distance between the upper edge 51 and the imaging window 6 is greater than the distance between the side edge 52 and the imaging window 6, the protruding length of the upper edge 51 can be greater than the protruding length of the side edge 52.

[0074] The protruding length of the side edge 52 is also set to a size that does not enter the field of view FV of the camera 7. That is, in addition to not entering the field of view FV of the camera 7, the protruding length of the side edge 52 is ensured so as to reduce the adhesion of raindrops as much as possible.

[0075] In addition, the oblique side portion 523 provided at the upper part of the side edge portion 52 and extending in the front-upward direction is also set to an inclination that does not enter the field of view FV of the camera 7. As shown in Fig. 17, the oblique side portion 523 extends along the field of view FV of the camera 7, but does not enter the field of view FV of the camera 7.

[0076] The lens 72 of the camera 7 is a wide-angle lens, and the field of view FV of a wide-angle lens generally tends to expand in the diagonal direction, as shown in Fig. 21. For this reason, it is preferable to make the protruding length of both side portions 514 of the upper edge portion 51 shorter than the protruding length of the central portion 512.

[0077] This makes it possible to maximize the protruding length of upper edge 51 without it being included in the field of view FV of the wide-angle lens. That is, while ensuring the protruding length of center portion 512, the protruding length of both side portions 514 can be made shorter than that, so that they do not enter the field of view FV of the wide-angle lens.

[0078] 15 to 16, 19 and 20, a window accommodating recess 56 for accommodating the imaging window 6 is formed in the window frame portion 5. The window accommodating recess 56 has an annular bottom surface that surrounds the opening 5a and faces forward.

[0079] The bottom surface of the window accommodating recess 56 is slightly inclined so as to face diagonally downward when the imaging direction of the camera 7 is horizontal. Therefore, the imaging window 6 accommodated in the window accommodating recess 56 also faces diagonally downward when the imaging direction of the camera 7 is horizontal.

[0080] This makes it difficult for raindrops to adhere to the imaging window 6, and even if raindrops do adhere to the imaging window 6, they can easily roll off. That is, a component force of gravity is generated in the normal direction of the imaging window 6, which weakens the surface tension of the adhering raindrops, making it easier for the raindrops to roll off.

[0081] The surface of the imaging window 6 may be coated with, for example, a water-repellent or hydrophilic coating, which makes it easier for raindrops to flow off.

[0082] Furthermore, the surface of the imaging window 6 is not limited to being flat, but may be curved, for example, so that the downward slope gradually increases toward the bottom, which makes it even easier for raindrops to flow down.

[0083] 15 to 20, the window frame 5 has a tubular portion 55 in which an opening 5a is formed. The tubular portion 55 is located on the camera 7 side of the imaging window 6. The tubular portion 55 extends rearward from the inner edge of the window accommodating recess 56, and protrudes rearward beyond the other rear surface of the window frame 5.

[0084] The window frame portion 5 is fixed to the wall of the housing 41 with screws or the like, with the cylindrical portion 55 inserted into the opening of the housing 41. By making the cylindrical portion 55 have a shape that protrudes rearward and inserting it into the opening of the housing 41, the cylindrical portion 55 can be brought closer to the camera 7.

[0085] The camera 7 is fixed inside the housing 41 with the lens 72 positioned inside the cylindrical portion 55. The lens 72 is also positioned inside the opening of the housing 41. This brings the lens 72 close to the imaging window 6.

[0086] An inner peripheral surface 557 of the cylindrical portion 55 is a processed surface that has been processed to reduce light reflection. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 557 is a surface that is painted black and has an uneven shape (textured), so that light reflection inside the cylindrical portion 55 is suppressed.

[0087] According to the embodiment described above, the shape of the window frame 5 and the orientation of the imaging window 6 can prevent raindrops from adhering to the imaging window 6, thereby maintaining a good field of view for the camera 7. In addition to raindrops, it is also possible to prevent the adhesion of flying particles such as snow, hail, garbage, yellow sand, and pollen.

[0088] Furthermore, since adhesion of raindrops to the imaging window 6 can be suppressed, there is no need to install the monitoring device 1 at a higher position than necessary and point the imaging window 6 downward, and it is possible to install the camera 7 so that the imaging direction is closer to horizontal.

[0089] In addition, light other than the light that passes through the photographing window 6 and enters the lens 72 is received by the inner surface 557 of the cylindrical portion 55, which has been processed to reduce light reflection, making it possible to suppress reflection in the image.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example of a monitoring device equipped with a camera was given, but this is not limiting, and the monitoring device may be equipped with an optical sensor that detects light rays such as visible light or infrared light that have passed through a transparent window, or may be equipped with an antenna that detects radio waves that have passed through a transparent window. This also makes it possible to realize a monitoring device that can be easily installed, can adjust the attitudes of the solar panel and the housing separately, and can prevent raindrops from adhering to the transparent window.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a monitoring device, and may be applied to a device that includes an output device such as a speaker that emits sound waves or ultrasonic waves on the housing, etc. This also makes it possible to realize a device that is easy to install and allows the attitudes of the solar panel and housing to be adjusted separately.

[0093] Representative embodiments of the present invention will be listed below.

[0094] (1) The housing and a transmission window provided in a wall of the housing and transmitting electromagnetic waves; a sensor housed in the housing and detecting the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the transmission window; a window frame portion provided to protrude outward from the wall portion of the housing, the window frame portion having an upper edge portion positioned above the transmission window and a side edge portion positioned to the side of the transmission window; A monitoring device comprising:

[0095] (2) the sensor is an image sensor, a camera housed in the housing and having the image sensor; (1) A monitoring device according to the present invention.

[0096] (3) the window frame is attached to the housing, and the transmission window is attached to the window frame; A monitoring device according to (1) or (2).

[0097] (4) a lower end of the side edge portion is located below a lower end of the transmission window; A monitoring device according to any one of (1) to (3).

[0098] (5) The protruding length of the upper edge portion is greater than the protruding length of the side edge portion. A monitoring device according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0099] (6) The upper edge has a chevron shape that slopes toward each side. A monitoring device according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0100] (7) The protruding length of the central portion of the upper edge portion is greater than the protruding length of both side portions. A monitoring device according to any one of (1) to (6).

[0101] (8) the camera has a wide-angle lens; The protruding length of the upper edge portion is such that the upper edge portion does not enter the field of view of the camera. (2) A monitoring device according to the present invention.

[0102] (9) the camera has a wide-angle lens; The protruding length of the side edge is such that the side edge does not enter the field of view of the camera. A monitoring device according to (2) or (8).

[0103] (10) the camera has a wide-angle lens; The protruding length of both sides of the upper edge portion is smaller than the protruding length of the central portion. A monitoring device according to (2), (8) or (9).

[0104] (11) the transmission window faces obliquely downward when the detection direction of the sensor is horizontal; A monitoring device according to any one of (1) to (10).

[0105] (12) the window frame portion has a cylindrical portion located on the camera side with respect to the transmission window, The camera lens is located inside the cylindrical portion. A monitoring device according to (2), (8), (9) or (10).

[0106] (13) The cylindrical portion is inserted into the opening of the housing. (12) A monitoring device according to (12).

[0107] (14) The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is a processed surface that has been processed to reduce light reflection. The monitoring device according to (12) or (13). [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 monitoring device, 2 support, 21 main body, 22 base, 23 cantilever beam, 24 mounting portion, 3 solar panel, 31, 32 support rail, 33 panel main body, 4 camera communication unit, 41 housing, 48 terminal, 49 antenna, 5 window frame portion, 5a opening, 51 upper edge portion, 512 central portion, 514 side portion, 52 side edge portion, 523 oblique side portion, 53 lower edge portion, 55 cylindrical portion, 56 window accommodating recess, 6 photographing window, 7 camera, 71 image sensor, 72 lens, 8 panel adjustment mechanism, 81 bracket, 82 pivot support portion, 84 pivot support portion, 86 rail portion, 86a guide groove, 87 stator, 9 housing adjustment mechanism, 91 yaw rotation mechanism, 91a guide groove, 92 stator, 93 Axial support part, 95 pitch turning mechanism, 95a guide groove, 96 stator, 97 axis support part, 11 battery, 12 control part, 13 communication equipment

Claims

1. The housing and a transmission window provided in a wall of the housing and transmitting electromagnetic waves; a sensor housed in the housing and detecting the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the transmission window; a window frame portion provided to protrude outward from the wall portion of the housing, the window frame portion having an upper edge portion positioned above the transmission window and a side edge portion positioned to the side of the transmission window; A monitoring device comprising:

2. the sensor is an image sensor, a camera housed in the housing and having the image sensor; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

3. the window frame is attached to the housing, and the transmission window is attached to the window frame; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

4. a lower end of the side edge portion is located below a lower end of the transmission window; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

5. The protruding length of the upper edge portion is greater than the protruding length of the side edge portion. The monitoring device of claim 1 .

6. The upper edge has a chevron shape that slopes toward each side. The monitoring device of claim 1 .

7. The protruding length of the central portion of the upper edge portion is greater than the protruding length of both side portions. The monitoring device of claim 1 .

8. the camera has a wide-angle lens; The protruding length of the upper edge portion is such that the upper edge portion does not enter the field of view of the camera. The monitoring device according to claim 2 .

9. the camera has a wide-angle lens; The protruding length of the side edge is such that the side edge does not enter the field of view of the camera. The monitoring device according to claim 2 .

10. the camera has a wide-angle lens; The protruding length of both sides of the upper edge portion is smaller than the protruding length of the central portion. The monitoring device according to claim 2 .

11. the transmission window faces obliquely downward when the detection direction of the sensor is horizontal; The monitoring device of claim 1 .

12. the window frame portion has a cylindrical portion located on the camera side with respect to the transmission window, The camera lens is located inside the cylindrical portion. The monitoring device according to claim 2 .

13. The cylindrical portion is inserted into the opening of the housing.

13. The monitoring device of claim 12.

14. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion is a processed surface that has been processed to reduce light reflection.

13. The monitoring device of claim 12.

Images