Device

Abstract

To provide a device capable of individually adjusting attitudes of a solar panel and a housing while achieving facilitation of installation.SOLUTION: A device includes: a solar panel; an electronic instrument to which electrical power generated by the solar panel is supplied; a housing for storing the electronic instrument; and a support tool which supports the solar panel and the housing and which has attachment parts used for attachment to a structure, a panel adjustment mechanism for adjusting an attitude of the solar panel, and a housing adjustment mechanism for adjusting an attitude of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices such as monitoring devices. [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 technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the installation work is complicated because the solar panel and the box body must be attached separately to the support rods.

[0006] Furthermore, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, the solar panel and the housing are integrally provided, but their positions cannot be adjusted separately. Furthermore, if the solar panel and the housing are integrally provided, the device becomes large.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its main purpose is to provide a device that can be easily installed while allowing the attitude of the solar panel and the housing to be adjusted individually. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus including a solar panel, an electronic device to which power generated by the solar panel is supplied, a housing for accommodating the electronic device, and a support for the solar panel and the housing, the support having a mounting portion for mounting to a structure, a panel adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the solar panel, and a housing adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the housing. This facilitates installation while allowing the attitudes of the solar panel and the housing to be adjusted independently.

[0009] In the above aspect, a wall of the housing may be provided with a transmission window through which electromagnetic waves pass, and the electronic device may include a sensor that detects the electromagnetic waves. This makes it possible to adjust the detection direction of the sensor housed in the housing.

[0010] In the above aspect, the sensor may be an image sensor, and the electronic device may be a camera having the image sensor. This makes it possible to adjust the imaging direction of the camera housed in the housing.

[0011] In the above aspect, the support may have a cantilever beam portion extending horizontally, the solar panel being supported on an upper side of the cantilever beam portion, and the housing being supported on a lower side of the cantilever beam portion. This makes it possible to support both the solar panel and the housing by the cantilever beam portion.

[0012] In the above aspect, the panel adjustment mechanism may include a pivotal support provided at the tip end of the cantilever beam for supporting the solar panel so that it can swing vertically, and an adjustment unit provided at the base end of the cantilever beam, connected to the solar panel, and capable of adjusting the solar panel between a first angle and a second angle. This makes it possible to adjust the angle of the solar panel.

[0013] In the above aspect, the first angle may be an angle at which the solar panel lies horizontally, and the second angle may be an angle at which the solar panel stands at an angle. This makes it possible to switch between a state in which the solar panel lies horizontally to make the device compact, and a state in which the solar panel stands at an angle to use the device.

[0014] In the above aspect, the adjustment unit may have a rail portion that is slidable between a first position where the solar panel is at the first angle and a second position where the solar panel is at the second angle. This makes it possible to adjust the angle of the solar panel by sliding the rail portion.

[0015] In the above aspect, the support may have a base portion extending vertically and provided with the mounting portion, and the rail portion may overlap the base portion when viewed in the axial direction of the pivot support portion when in the first position. This makes it possible to align the base portion and the rail portion integrally.

[0016] In the above aspect, the housing adjustment mechanism may include a yaw rotation mechanism that rotates the housing in a yaw direction relative to the cantilever beam, and a pitch rotation mechanism that rotates the housing in a pitch direction relative to the yaw rotation mechanism, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the orientation of the housing.

[0017] In the above aspect, the support may have a base portion extending vertically and provided with the mounting portion, and the housing may overlap the base portion when viewed in the extension direction of the cantilever beam portion. This makes it possible to make the device compact.

[0018] In the above aspect, the device may further include a battery housed in the housing, charged with power generated by the solar panel, and supplied to the electronic device, thereby enabling a stable supply of power to the electronic device.

[0019] In the above aspect, the electronic device may further include a communication device housed in the housing and configured to provide wireless communication to the electronic device, thereby enabling data generated by the electronic device to be transmitted to an external device or data received from an external device to be acquired by the electronic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve easy installation and to adjust the attitudes of the solar panel and the housing individually. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [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. 2 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

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The window frame portion 5 provided in the housing 41 of the camera communication unit 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Representative embodiments of the present invention will be listed below.

[0093] (1) Solar panels and an electronic device supplied with power generated by the solar panel; a housing that houses the electronic device; a support for supporting the solar panel and the housing, the support having a mounting portion for mounting to a structure, a panel adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the solar panel, and a housing adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the housing; An apparatus comprising:

[0094] (2) a transmission window that transmits electromagnetic waves is provided in a wall of the housing; The electronic device has a sensor that detects the electromagnetic waves. (1) The device described in (1).

[0095] (3) the sensor is an image sensor, the electronic device is a camera having the image sensor, (2) The device described in (2).

[0096] (4) the support has a cantilever portion extending horizontally, The solar panel is supported on an upper side of the cantilever beam portion, The housing is supported on the underside of the cantilever beam portion. An apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3).

[0097] (5) The panel adjustment mechanism includes: a pivot support portion provided at a tip end of the cantilever portion and supporting the solar panel so that the solar panel can swing in a vertical direction; an adjustment unit provided at a base end of the cantilever beam unit, connected to the solar panel, and capable of adjusting the solar panel between a first angle and a second angle; having (4) The device described in (4).

[0098] (6) The first angle is an angle at which the solar panel lies horizontally, The second angle is an angle at which the solar panel is tilted. (5) The device described in (5).

[0099] (7) The adjustment unit has a rail portion that is slidable between a first position that sets the solar panel at the first angle and a second position that sets the solar panel at the second angle. The device according to (5) or (6).

[0100] (8) the support has a base portion extending in a vertical direction and provided with the mounting portion, When the rail portion is in the first position, the rail portion overlaps the base portion when viewed in the axial direction of the pivot support portion. (7) The device described in (7).

[0101] (9) The housing adjustment mechanism includes: a yaw rotation mechanism that rotates the housing in a yaw direction relative to the cantilever beam portion; a pitch rotation mechanism that rotates the housing in a pitch direction relative to the yaw rotation mechanism; having An apparatus according to any one of (4) to (8).

[0102] (10) the support has a base portion extending in a vertical direction and provided with the mounting portion, The housing overlaps with the base portion when viewed in the extension direction of the cantilever beam portion. An apparatus according to any one of (4) to (9).

[0103] (11) The solar panel further includes a battery housed in the housing, which is charged with power generated by the solar panel and supplies the charged power to the electronic device. An apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10).

[0104] (12) The electronic device further includes a communication device housed in the housing and configured to provide wireless communication to the electronic device. An apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11). [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 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. Solar panels and an electronic device supplied with power generated by the solar panel; a housing that houses the electronic device; a support for supporting the solar panel and the housing, the support having a mounting portion for mounting to a structure, a panel adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the solar panel, and a housing adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of the housing; An apparatus comprising:

2. a transmission window that transmits electromagnetic waves is provided in a wall of the housing; The electronic device has a sensor that detects the electromagnetic waves.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the sensor is an image sensor, the electronic device is a camera having the image sensor, 3. The apparatus of claim 2.

4. the support has a cantilever portion extending horizontally, The solar panel is supported on an upper side of the cantilever beam portion, The housing is supported on the underside of the cantilever beam portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

5. The panel adjustment mechanism includes: a pivot support portion provided at a tip end of the cantilever portion and supporting the solar panel so that the solar panel can swing in a vertical direction; an adjustment unit provided at a base end of the cantilever beam unit, connected to the solar panel, and capable of adjusting the solar panel between a first angle and a second angle; having 5. The apparatus of claim 4.

6. The first angle is an angle at which the solar panel lies horizontally, The second angle is an angle at which the solar panel is tilted.

6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. The adjustment unit has a rail portion that is slidable between a first position that sets the solar panel at the first angle and a second position that sets the solar panel at the second angle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5.

8. the support has a base portion extending in a vertical direction and provided with the mounting portion, When the rail portion is in the first position, the rail portion overlaps the base portion when viewed in the axial direction of the pivot support portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 7.

9. The housing adjustment mechanism includes: a yaw rotation mechanism that rotates the housing in a yaw direction relative to the cantilever beam portion; a pitch rotation mechanism that rotates the housing in a pitch direction relative to the yaw rotation mechanism; having 5. The apparatus of claim 4.

10. the support has a base portion extending in a vertical direction and provided with the mounting portion, The housing overlaps with the base portion when viewed in the extension direction of the cantilever beam portion.

5. The apparatus of claim 4.

11. The solar panel further includes a battery housed in the housing, which is charged with power generated by the solar panel and supplies the charged power to the electronic device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

12. The electronic device further includes a communication device housed in the housing and configured to provide wireless communication to the electronic device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

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