In-vehicle bracket unit

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle bracket unit that can detect whether or not a change in the position of an in-vehicle device has occurred.SOLUTION: An in-vehicle bracket unit is adapted to mount an in-vehicle device 30, which acquires information about the surroundings of a vehicle, in a vehicle, and includes: a bracket 20 that holds the in-vehicle device 30 and is fixed to the vehicle; and a detection unit 10 that detects removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the vehicle, on at least one of the in-vehicle device 30 and the bracket 20. The in-vehicle bracket unit further includes a display unit that changes the display content when removal is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle bracket unit for attaching in-vehicle equipment to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In-vehicle devices such as radar and in-vehicle cameras acquire information about the surroundings of the vehicle. One example of an in-vehicle bracket for attaching in-vehicle devices to a vehicle has multiple positioning holes corresponding to the mounting locations on the vehicle body so that the bracket can be used for multiple mounting locations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-109493 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, errors in the installation position of the on-board device cause a decrease in the reliability of the information about the vehicle's surroundings acquired by the on-board device. In recent years, high reliability of information about the vehicle's surroundings is required, and there is a new demand for acquiring information about whether the position of the on-board device has changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit for solving the above problem is an vehicle-mounted bracket unit that attaches vehicle-mounted equipment that acquires information about the vehicle's surroundings to a vehicle, and is equipped with a bracket that holds the vehicle-mounted equipment and is fixed to the vehicle, and a detection unit in at least one of the vehicle-mounted equipment and the bracket that detects the removal of the vehicle-mounted equipment from the vehicle.

[0006] When an in-vehicle device is removed from a vehicle, the mounting position of the in-vehicle device changes considerably before and after the removal. With the above configuration, the detection unit detects the removal of the in-vehicle device from the vehicle. Therefore, the in-vehicle bracket unit can obtain information regarding whether the position of the in-vehicle device has changed.

[0007] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit for solving the above problem is an vehicle-mounted bracket unit for attaching vehicle-mounted equipment that acquires information about the vehicle's surroundings to a vehicle, and includes a cover or a bracket that is fixed to the vehicle to hold the vehicle-mounted equipment, a cover that is fixed to the bracket or the vehicle to cover the vehicle-mounted equipment, and a detection unit that detects the removal of at least one of the bracket and the cover from their fixed destinations.

[0008] Removal of the bracket holding the in-vehicle device from its fixed location accompanies removal of the in-vehicle device from the vehicle. Removal of the cover covering the in-vehicle device from its fixed location also accompanies removal of the in-vehicle device from the vehicle. With the above configuration, the detection unit detects the removal of at least one of the bracket and the cover from their fixed locations. Therefore, the in-vehicle bracket unit can obtain information regarding whether the position of the in-vehicle device has changed.

[0009] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit may further include a display unit that changes the display content when the removal is detected. In the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted bracket unit, the detection unit may include an operating unit that moves when the contact at the operating unit is released due to the removal, and a display unit that changes the display content according to the movement of the operating unit.

[0010] In the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted bracket unit, the detection section may include an operating section that moves in response to engagement or disengagement between the one and the other, and a display section that changes the display content in response to the movement of the operating section.

[0011] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit may further include a display unit that changes the display content depending on the relative displacement that occurs during the removal between a first member that includes the detection unit and a second member that is in contact with the first member.

[0012] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit may further include a transmitter that transmits the detection status of the detector to a receiver, and a display that displays the removal status based on the reception by the receiver. In the above-described vehicle-mounted bracket unit, the detection section may include a sensor that detects the relative displacement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit of the present disclosure can detect whether or not a change in the position of the vehicle-mounted device has occurred. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first device example of an in-vehicle device mounting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the display unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the display unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second device example of the in-vehicle device mounting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a third device example of the in-vehicle device mounting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth example of the in-vehicle device mounting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth device example of the in-vehicle device mounting device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a first example of the detection unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of the detection unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the inner member and the outer member. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the inner member and the outer member. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the phase of the cam surface of the rod member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the phase of the cam surface of the rod member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the phase of the cam surface of the rod member. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the first detection unit together with the cover. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the first detection unit together with the rack gear. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view showing the structure of the retaining stopper wall. [Figure 18] FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing the operation of the first detection section when not detecting, and FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing the operation of the first detection section when detecting. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the second detection unit together with the rack gear. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view showing the structure of the display stopper wall. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an exploded view showing the relative positions of the shaft gear and the display indicator, Figure 21(a) is an operational diagram showing the second detection unit when installed, Figure 21(b) is an operational diagram showing the second detection unit when removed, and (c) is an operational diagram showing the second detection unit when installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] [In-vehicle equipment mounting device] First to fifth device examples of an in-vehicle device mounting device equipped with an in-vehicle bracket unit will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Figs. 1 to 7 functionally illustrate the in-vehicle device mounting device using functional blocks for each configuration. Removal, which is the detection target 11 of the detection unit 10, is indicated by a dashed arrow. The dashed arrow points toward the component being removed from the component to which it is fixed.

[0016] (1st device example) As shown in FIG. 1, the first device example includes a detector 10, a bracket 20, an in-vehicle device 30, and a vehicle member 50.

[0017] The vehicle component 50 may be an exterior panel such as a front bumper, a front grille, a rear bumper, or a fender. When the vehicle component 50 is an exterior panel, the on-board device 30 acquires information about the surroundings of the vehicle through an opening 51 in the vehicle component 50. The vehicle component 50 may be a windshield such as a front windshield or a rear windshield. When the vehicle component 50 is a windshield, the on-board device 30 acquires information about the surroundings of the vehicle through the windshield. The on-board device 30 may be a millimeter-wave radar device, an infrared radar device, a clearance sonar device, or an on-board camera. The opening 51 in the vehicle component 50 may be covered by a cover 60. The cover 60 is an exterior cover. In the first device example, the cover 60 may be omitted.

[0018] The bracket 20 holds the detection unit 10 and the on-vehicle device 30 so as to position the on-vehicle device 30 on the vehicle member 50. The bracket 20 is a radar bracket or a camera bracket. The bracket 20 may be a resin molded member. The bracket 20 is fixed to the vehicle member 50. The bracket 20 and the detection unit 10 may be separate bodies that are detachably fixed, or the bracket 20 and the detection unit 10 may be integrated and share a single resin molded member.

[0019] The detection unit 10 detects the removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the vehicle member 50 as the detection target 11. The detection target 11 may be (i) the displacement of the in-vehicle device 30 itself from the vehicle member 50. The detection target 11 may be (ii) a displacement of a member other than the in-vehicle device 30 that accompanies the removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the vehicle member 50. The displacement of the in-vehicle device 30 may be a displacement due to the attachment or detachment of the in-vehicle device 30, or a displacement due to temporary fixation of the in-vehicle device 30. The displacement of the member other than the in-vehicle device 30 may be a displacement due to the attachment or detachment of the member, or a displacement due to temporary fixation of the member. The member other than the in-vehicle device 30 is any one of the detection unit 10, the bracket 20, and the cover 60.

[0020] 1, the detection target 11 may be (a) the removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20 fixed to the vehicle member 50. The detection target 11 may be (b) the removal of the detection unit 10 attached to the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20 fixed to the vehicle member 50. The detection target 11 may be (c) the removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the detection unit 10 fixed to the vehicle member 50 via the bracket 20.

[0021] 2, the detection unit 10 includes a sensor 12. The sensor 12 transitions its state from undetected to detected upon detection of the detection target 11. The sensor 12 may be a mechanical sensor that mechanically detects the detection target 11, an optical sensor that optically detects the detection target 11, or an electrical sensor that electrically detects the detection target 11.

[0022] The detection unit 10 may include a display unit 13. The display unit 13 switches the display content in response to detection by the sensor 12. The display content may be an indicator indicating detection or non-detection, or a numerical value indicating the number of detections. The display content may be switched by switching the position of the indicator between a visible position and a non-visible position, or by switching the lamp power supply between on and off.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 10 may include a transmission unit 14. The transmission unit 14 receives a state transition of the sensor 12 and transmits a detection status SIG to the reception unit 51D. The reception unit 51D displays the removal status on the display unit 52 based on the detection status SIG transmitted from the transmission unit 14. The display unit 52 may be a warning light mounted on an instrument panel or the like. The warning light is turned off when the detection target 11 is not detected and is turned on when the detection target 11 is detected.

[0024] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit is composed of a detection unit 10 and a bracket 20. When the detection target 11 is (a) the removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20 fixed to the vehicle member 50, the bracket 20 is an example of the first member. The in-vehicle device 30 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the in-vehicle device 30 with respect to the bracket 20.

[0025] When the detection target 11 is (b) removal of the detection unit 10 attached to the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20 fixed to the vehicle member 50, the detection unit 10 is an example of the first member. The bracket 20 is also an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the bracket 20 with respect to the detection unit 10.

[0026] When the detection target 11 is (c) the removal of the in-vehicle device 30 from the detection unit 10 fixed to the vehicle member 50 via the bracket 20, the detection unit 10 is an example of the first member. The in-vehicle device 30 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the in-vehicle device 30 with respect to the detection unit 10.

[0027] (Second device example) As shown in FIG. 4, the second device example includes a bracket 20, an in-vehicle device 30, and a vehicle component 50. The second device example is different from the first device example in that the component including the detector 10 and the detection target 11 are changed. The second device example may omit the cover 60 of the first device example. The vehicle component 50 of the second device example may have the same configuration as the vehicle component 50 of the first device example.

[0028] The in-vehicle device 30 includes a device main body 31 and a detection unit 10. The device main body 31 senses the surroundings of the vehicle. The detection unit 10 is fixed to the device main body 31. The device main body 31 and the detection unit 10 may be configured as separate bodies that are detachable from each other, or may be configured as an integrated unit sharing a single housing.

[0029] The bracket 20 holds the in-vehicle device 30 so as to position the in-vehicle device 30 on the vehicle member 50. The bracket 20 may hold the detection unit 10 provided in the in-vehicle device 30, may hold the device main body 31 provided in the in-vehicle device 30, or may hold both the detection unit 10 and the device main body 31.

[0030] 4, the detection target 11 may be (d) the removal of the detector 10 provided in the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20. The detection target 11 may be (e) the removal of the device main body 31 provided in the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20.

[0031] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit is composed of a bracket 20 and a vehicle-mounted device 30. When the detection target 11 is (d) removal of the detector 10 provided in the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20, the detector 10 is an example of the first member. The bracket 20 is an example of the second member. The detector 10 detects the relative displacement of the bracket 20 with respect to the detector 10.

[0032] When the detection target 11 is (e) removal of the device body 31 provided on the in-vehicle device 30 from the bracket 20, the device body 31 is an example of the first member. The bracket 20 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the bracket 20 with respect to the device body 31.

[0033] (Third device example) As shown in Fig. 5, the third device example includes a detector 10, a bracket 20, an in-vehicle device 30, and a vehicle component 50. In the third device example, the detection target 11 of the detector 10 is changed from that in the second device example. In the third device example, the cover 60 may be omitted. The vehicle component 50 in the third device example may have the same configuration as the vehicle component 50 in the first device example.

[0034] The bracket 20 holds the in-vehicle device 30 so as to position the in-vehicle device 30 on the vehicle member 50. The bracket 20 is fixed to the vehicle member 50 to which it is fixed. The detection unit 10 may be fixed to the bracket 20. The detection unit 10 may be sandwiched between the bracket 20 and the vehicle member 50 so that the detection unit 10 is in contact with the vehicle member 50. The bracket 20 and the detection unit 10 may be configured as separate bodies that are detachable from each other, or may be configured as an integrated body sharing a single housing. The detection unit 10 may be disposed on the vehicle member 50 so as to detect displacement of the bracket 20 relative to the vehicle member 50.

[0035] 5, the detection target 11 may be (f) removal of the bracket 20 from the vehicle member 50. The detection target 11 may be (g) removal of the detector 10 fixed to the bracket 20 from the vehicle member 50.

[0036] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit is composed of a detection unit 10 and a bracket 20. When the detection target 11 is (f) the removal of the bracket 20 from the vehicle member 50, the bracket 20 is an example of the first member. The vehicle member 50 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the vehicle member 50 with respect to the bracket 20.

[0037] When the detection target 11 is (g) removal of the detection unit 10 fixed to the bracket 20 from the vehicle member 50, the detection unit 10 is an example of the first member. The vehicle member 50 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the vehicle member 50 with respect to the detection unit 10.

[0038] (4th device example) 6, the fourth device example includes a detection unit 10, a bracket 20, an in-vehicle device 30, a vehicle component 50, and a cover 60. In the fourth device example, the component including the detection unit 10 and the detection target 11 are changed from those in the third device example. The vehicle component 50 in the fourth device example is an exterior panel such as a front bumper, a front grille, a rear bumper, or a fender.

[0039] The bracket 20 holds the in-vehicle device 30 so as to position the in-vehicle device 30 on the vehicle member 50 . The detection unit 10 may be fixed to the cover 60. The detection unit 10 may be sandwiched between the cover 60 and the vehicle member 50 so that the detection unit 10 is in contact with the vehicle member 50. The cover 60 and the detection unit 10 may be configured as separate bodies that are detachable from each other, or may be configured as an integrated body sharing a single housing. The detection unit 10 may be fixed to a position on the vehicle member 50 so that it can detect displacement of the cover 60 relative to the vehicle member 50.

[0040] The cover 60 is fixed to the vehicle member 50 so as to cover the opening 51 of the vehicle member 50 and to be in contact with the detection unit 10. The cover 60 is fixed to the vehicle member 50. The cover 60 covers the on-vehicle equipment 30 through the opening 51. Removal of the cover 60 from the vehicle member 50 allows removal of the on-vehicle equipment 30 from the vehicle member 50 by accessing a jig through the opening 51 of the vehicle member 50, etc. Removal of the cover 60 from the vehicle member 50 is accompanied by removal of the on-vehicle equipment 30 from the vehicle.

[0041] 6, the detection target 11 may be (h) the removal of the cover 60 from the vehicle member 50. The detection target 11 may be (j) the removal of the detection unit 10 fixed to the cover 60 from the vehicle member 50.

[0042] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit is composed of a detector 10, a bracket 20, and a cover 60. When the detection target 11 is (h) the removal of the cover 60 from the vehicle member 50, the cover 60 is an example of the first member, and the vehicle member 50 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the vehicle member 50 with respect to the cover 60.

[0043] When the detection target 11 is (j) removal of the detection unit 10 fixed to the cover 60 from the vehicle member 50, the detection unit 10 is an example of the first member, and the vehicle member 50 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the vehicle member 50 with respect to the detection unit 10.

[0044] (5th device example) 7, the fifth device example includes a detection unit 10, a bracket 20, an in-vehicle device 30, a vehicle component 50, and a cover 60. The cover 60 covers the bracket 20 or the in-vehicle device 30. In the fifth device example, the component including the detection unit 10 and the detection target 11 are changed from those in the fourth device example. The vehicle component 50 in the fifth device example is a windshield such as a front windshield or rear windshield.

[0045] The bracket 20 holds the in-vehicle device 30 so as to position the in-vehicle device 30 on the vehicle member 50. The detection unit 10 may be fixed to the bracket 20 or may be fixed to the cover 60. The detection unit 10 may also be fixed to the vehicle member 50 so as to detect displacement of the cover 60 relative to the bracket 20.

[0046] The cover 60 is fixed to the bracket 20 so as to cover the detection unit 10. The cover 60 is fixed to the bracket 20. The in-vehicle device 30 acquires information about the surroundings of the vehicle through the opening 21 in the bracket 20. Removing the cover 60 from the bracket 20 allows access to the in-vehicle device 30 from the outside. Removing the cover 60 from the bracket 20 is accompanied by removing the in-vehicle device 30 from the vehicle.

[0047] 7, the detection target 11 may be (k) the removal of the cover 60 from the bracket 20. The detection target 11 may be (m) the removal of the cover 60 from the detection unit 10 held by the bracket 20.

[0048] The vehicle-mounted bracket unit is composed of a detector 10, a bracket 20, and a cover 60. When the detection target 11 is (k) the removal of the cover 60 from the bracket 20, the bracket 20 is an example of the first member. The cover 60 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the cover 60 with respect to the bracket 20.

[0049] When the detection target 11 is (m) the removal of the cover 60 from the detection unit 10 held by the bracket 20, the detection unit 10 is an example of the first member. The cover 60 is an example of the second member. The detection unit 10 detects the relative displacement of the cover 60 with respect to the detection unit 10.

[0050] [First example of detection unit 10] A first example will be described in which a mechanical sensor is applied to the detection unit 10. The first example of the detection unit 10 is applicable to any of the first to fifth device examples.

[0051] 8, the detection unit 10 includes a housing 71, an auxiliary spring 72, an inner member 73, a detection spring 74, a collar member 75, a rod member 76, and an outer member 77. The rod member 76 is an example of an actuation unit.

[0052] The housing 71 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The housing 71 has a cylindrical interior 71H extending in the mounting direction Z. The auxiliary spring 72, the inner member 73, the detection spring 74, the collar member 75, the rod member 76, and the outer member 77 are housed in the cylindrical interior 71H of the housing 71.

[0053] The outer peripheral wall of the housing 71 is provided with fastening claws 71A. The fastening claws 71A are coupled to an object that holds the detection unit 10. The object that holds the detection unit 10 may be the bracket 20, the in-vehicle device 30, the cover 60, or the like. The outer peripheral wall of the housing 71 is provided with a guide hole 71B. The guide hole 71B extends in the mounting direction Z. The bottom wall of the housing 71 supports an auxiliary spring 72.

[0054] The inner member 73 has a cylindrical shape extending in the mounting direction Z. The inner member 73 is disposed inside the auxiliary spring 72 with a gap between them. The upper part of the outer peripheral surface 73W of the inner member 73 is provided with a rotation stopper 73A and a fastening claw 73B. The rotation stopper 73A and the fastening claw 73B are both protrusions on the outer peripheral surface 73W of the inner member 73.

[0055] The upper end surface of the inner member 73 is provided with a lower end surface cam 73C. The lower end surface cam 73C is continuous over the entire circumferential direction of the inner member 73. The lower end surface cam 73C causes the rod member 76 to function as a driven member. The lower end surface cam 73C converts the up and down movement of the rod member 76 into rotation of the rod member 76.

[0056] The lower end surface cam 73C repeatedly rises and falls between the highest and lowest positions in the mounting direction Z. In the lower end surface cam 73C, the curved surface connecting one highest position with the two lowest positions on either side of the highest position constitutes one cam surface, which is a repeating unit. The lower end surface cam 73C has a predetermined number of cam surfaces evenly spaced around the circumferential direction of the inner member 73. The predetermined number is the maximum number that can be detected.

[0057] The outer member 77 has a multi-stage cylindrical shape with a lid and includes a large-diameter outer peripheral wall 77W, a small-diameter outer peripheral wall 77Y, and a lid wall 77Z. The large diameter outer peripheral wall 77W has guide protrusions 77B. The guide protrusions 77B are inserted into guide holes 71B of the housing 71. The engagement between the guide protrusions 77B and the guide holes 71B allows the outer member 77 to move only in the mounting direction Z relative to the housing 71.

[0058] 9, the inner surface of the stepped portion 77S of the outer member 77 and the bottom surface of the housing 71 sandwich the auxiliary spring 72. The auxiliary spring 72 biases the outer member 77 in the removal direction Y, which is the opposite direction to the installation direction Z. The biasing force of the auxiliary spring 72 positions the outer member 77 in the housing 71 so that the guide protrusion 77B abuts against the upper end of the guide hole 71B. The state in which the guide protrusion 77B abuts against the upper end of the guide hole 71B is the standby state of the detection unit 10.

[0059] When the outer member 77 is pushed in the mounting direction Z against the biasing force of the auxiliary spring 72, the guide protrusion 77B guides the outer member 77 in the mounting direction Z. When the pushing of the outer member 77 is released, the outer member 77 returns in the removal direction Y due to the biasing force of the auxiliary spring 72.

[0060] The small diameter outer peripheral wall 77Y has fastening holes 77A. Fastening claws 73B of the inner member 73 are fitted into the fastening holes 77A. Fastening between the fastening holes 77A and the fastening claws 73B suppresses displacement of the inner member 73 relative to the outer member 77 in the mounting direction Z.

[0061] 10, the small diameter outer peripheral wall 77Y has a recess 77F on its inner surface. A rotation stopper 73A of the inner member 73 is fitted into the recess 77F. The rotation stopper 73A fitted into the recess 77F suppresses displacement of the outer member 77 in the circumferential direction as the inner member 73 is displaced relative to the outer member 77.

[0062] The cover wall 77Z has a rod insertion hole 77H and an index display window 77M. The rod insertion hole 77H is a circular hole located in the center of the cover wall 77Z. The index display window 77M is a rectangular hole located on the edge of the cover wall 77Z. Both the rod insertion hole 77H and the index display window 77M penetrate the cover wall 77Z in the installation direction Z.

[0063] The inner surface of the cover wall 77Z is provided with an upper end cam 77C. The upper end cam 77C is continuous over the entire circumferential direction of the cover wall 77Z. The upper end cam 77C causes the rod member 76 to function as a driven member. The upper end cam 77C converts the up and down movement of the rod member 76 into rotation of the rod member 76.

[0064] The upper end surface cam 77C repeatedly rises and falls between the uppermost and lowermost positions in the mounting direction Z. In the upper end surface cam 77C, the curved surface connecting one uppermost position and the two lowermost positions on either side of the uppermost position constitutes one cam surface, which is a repeating unit. The upper end surface cam 77C has the maximum detectable number of cam surfaces evenly distributed around the circumference of the outer member 77.

[0065] The uppermost phase in the circumferential direction of the upper end face cam 77C is different from the uppermost phase in the circumferential direction of the lower end face cam 73C and the lowermost phase in the circumferential direction of the lower end face cam 73C.

[0066] Returning to Figure 8, the rod member 76 has a multi-stage cylindrical shape. The rod member 76 has a pressure-receiving portion 76T. The pressure-receiving portion 76T is the base end of the rod member 76 in the mounting direction Z. The rod member 76 has a collar insertion portion 76A. The collar insertion portion 76A is the tip end of the rod member 76 in the mounting direction Z. Both the pressure-receiving portion 76T and the collar insertion portion 76A are small diameter portions of the rod member 76. The rod member 76 has a conversion portion 76F as a large diameter portion. The conversion portion 76F is located between the pressure-receiving portion 76T and the collar insertion portion 76A. The rod member 76 has a collar stop portion 76B as a medium diameter portion. The collar stop portion 76B is located between the conversion portion 76F and the collar insertion portion 76A.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the pressure-receiving portion 76T is inserted into the rod insertion hole 77H of the outer member 77. The pressure-receiving portion 76T moves back and forth in the installation direction Z and the removal direction Y. The forward movement of the pressure-receiving portion 76T displaces the pressure-receiving portion 76T in the installation direction Z, aligning the top surface of the pressure-receiving portion 76T with the top surface of the cover wall 77Z. The return movement of the pressure-receiving portion 76T displaces the pressure-receiving portion 76T in the removal direction Y, causing the pressure-receiving portion 76T to protrude from the top surface of the cover wall 77Z.

[0068] The conversion part 76F includes an upper driven cam 76C1. The upper driven cam 76C1 is disposed on the inner periphery of the upper surface of the conversion part 76F. The upper driven cam 76C1 is continuous over the entire circumferential direction of the conversion part 76F so as to face the upper end surface cam 77C. The upper driven cam 76C1 repeatedly rises and falls between the uppermost and the lowermost positions in the attachment direction Z so as to follow the upper end surface cam 77C.

[0069] That is, in the upper driven cam 76C1, the curved surfaces connecting one uppermost point and the two lowermost points on either side of that uppermost point constitute one cam surface, which is a repeating unit. The upper driven cam 76C1 has the maximum number of cam surfaces evenly distributed around the circumference of the conversion portion 76F. The cam surfaces of the upper driven cam 76C1 slide around the circumference to follow the cam surfaces of the upper end face cam 77C, converting the upward movement of the rod member 76 into rotation of the rod member 76 relative to the outer member 77.

[0070] The outer periphery of the upper surface of the conversion portion 76F is provided with a plurality of detection indices 76M. The detection indices 76M are aligned in the circumferential direction of the conversion portion 76F. The detection indices 76M are evenly spaced, one by one, on the cam surface of the upper driven cam 76C1. The detection indices 76M are numbers from 1 to 10, for example. The detection indices 76M with the maximum number of detections are arranged on the upper surface of the conversion portion 76F so that any one of the detection indices 76M faces the index display window 77M.

[0071] The conversion portion 76F includes a lower driven cam 76C2. The lower driven cam 76C2 is disposed on the outer periphery of the lower surface of the conversion portion 76F. The lower driven cam 76C2 is continuous over the entire circumferential direction of the conversion portion 76F so as to face the lower end surface cam 73C. The lower driven cam 76C2 repeatedly rises and falls between the uppermost and lowermost positions in the attachment direction Z so as to follow the lower end surface cam 73C.

[0072] That is, in the lower driven cam 76C2, the curved surfaces connecting one uppermost point and the two lowermost points on either side of that uppermost point constitute one cam surface, which is a repeating unit. The lower driven cam 76C2 has the maximum number of cam surfaces evenly distributed around the circumference of the conversion portion 76F. The cam surfaces of the lower driven cam 76C2 slide around the circumference to follow the cam surfaces of the lower end face cam 73C, converting the downward movement of the rod member 76 into rotation of the rod member 76 relative to the outer member 77.

[0073] The uppermost phase of the upper driven cam 76C1 in the circumferential direction coincides with the lowermost phase of the lower driven cam 76C2 in the circumferential direction. The lowermost phase of the upper driven cam 76C1 in the circumferential direction coincides with the uppermost phase of the lower driven cam 76C2 in the circumferential direction.

[0074] The collar member 75 is inserted into the collar insertion portion 76A so that the collar member 75 abuts against the collar stopper portion 76B. A detection spring 74, which is an example of a biasing member, is sandwiched between the collar member 75 and the bottom surface of the inner member 73. The detection spring 74 biases the collar stopper portion 76B in the removal direction Y via the collar member 75. The collar member 75 reduces friction between the rod member 76 and the detection spring 74, allowing the rod member 76 to rotate smoothly relative to the detection spring 74.

[0075] The biasing force of the detection spring 74 positions the rod member 76 on the outer member 77 so that the uppermost part of the upper driven cam 76C1 abuts against the uppermost part of the upper end face cam 77C. In this way, the state in which the uppermost part of the upper driven cam 76C1 abuts against the uppermost part of the upper end face cam 77C is the detection state of the detection unit 10.

[0076] [Function of the detection unit 10] 11 , when installation of the detection target 11 is started in the in-vehicle device installation device, first, the pressure-receiving portion 76T of the rod member 76 is pushed in the installation direction Z against the biasing force of the detection spring 74. For example, when the in-vehicle device 30 is installed on the bracket 20 that holds the detection unit 10, the pressure-receiving portion 76T is pushed in the installation direction Z by the in-vehicle device 30.

[0077] Pressing the pressure-receiving portion 76T separates the upper driven cam 76C1 from the cover wall 77Z of the outer member 77, and separates the upper driven cam 76C1 from the upper end surface cam 77C. Further pressing of the pressure-receiving portion 76T causes the lower driven cam 76C2 to abut against the lower end surface cam 73C. Then, pressing of the pressure-receiving portion 76T causes the lower driven cam 76C2 to follow the lower end surface cam 73C, rotating the rod member 76 in the circumferential direction (counterclockwise) while displacing it in the mounting direction Z.

[0078] When the pressure-receiving portion 76T is further pushed in the installation direction Z, the cover wall 77Z of the outer member 77 is pushed in the installation direction Z from the standby state together with the pressure-receiving portion 76T against the biasing force of the auxiliary spring 72. The pushing of the outer member 77 guides the operator to push it in such a way that the lower driven cam 76C2 follows the lower end face cam 73C.

[0079] In the in-vehicle equipment mounting device, when the worker releases the pushing, the biasing force of the auxiliary spring 72 returns the outer member 77 in the removal direction Y, transitioning the detection unit 10 to a standby state. Through this displacement and return of the outer member 77, the pressure-receiving portion 76T is reliably pushed in, and the mounting of the detection target 11 is completed.

[0080] 9, when removal of the detection target 11 is started, first, the biasing force of the detection spring 74 causes the upper driven cam 76C1 to abut against the upper end surface cam 77C. Then, the biasing force of the detection spring 74 causes the upper driven cam 76C1 to follow the upper end surface cam 77C, displacing the rod member 76 in the attachment direction Z and rotating it in the circumferential direction (counterclockwise) of the rod member 76.

[0081] In this way, the rotation of the rod member 76 accompanying attachment and the rotation of the rod member 76 accompanying detachment cooperate to switch the detection index 76M visible through the index display window 77M by just one in the circumferential direction, thereby detecting detachment of the detection target 11.

[0082] 12 to 14 show the transition of the phase of each cam surface during the installation and removal of the detection target 11. The phase of the cam surface indicates the position of the cam surface, with one rotation of the rod member 76 being one cycle. FIG. 12 shows the process from before the installation of the detection target 11 to when the installation begins. FIG. 13 shows the process from midway through the installation of the detection target 11 to when the installation is completed. FIG. 14 shows the process by which the removal of the detection target 11 is detected.

[0083] 12, before attachment, the upper driven cam 76C1 (solid line) abuts against the upper end face cam 77C (dashed line) due to the biasing force of the detection spring 74. At this time, the uppermost phase of the upper driven cam 76C1 coincides with the uppermost phase α1 of the upper end face cam 77C. Also, the lowermost phase of the lower driven cam 76C2 coincides with the uppermost phase α1 of the upper driven cam 76C1.

[0084] When installation begins, the pressure-receiving portion 76T is pushed in the installation direction Z against the biasing force of the detection spring 74. Then, as shown by the arrow in Figure 12, the lowest position (solid line) of the lower driven cam 76C2 is displaced in the installation direction Z while maintaining its phase, and comes into contact with the lower end face cam 73C (two-dot chain line).

[0085] As shown in Fig. 13, the pressure-receiving portion 76T is further pushed in the mounting direction Z against the biasing force of the detection spring 74. Then, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 13, the lowest position (solid line) of the lower driven cam 76C2 follows the lower end face cam 73C and moves in the mounting direction Z, advancing its phase to the lowest phase β1 of the lower end face cam 73C (dashed two-dot line). This causes the rod member 76 to rotate so that the lower driven cam 76C2 follows the lower end face cam 73C. This completes the mounting of the detection target 11.

[0086] Here, when the detection target 11 is removed, the biasing force of the auxiliary spring 72 transitions the detection unit 10 to a standby state. 14, when the detection target 11 is removed, the biasing force of the detection spring 74 first displaces the upper driven cam 76C1 in the removal direction Y while maintaining the phase of the uppermost part (solid line) of the upper driven cam 76C1. As a result, the uppermost part (two-dot chain line) of the upper driven cam 76C1 comes into contact with the upper end surface cam 77C.

[0087] The biasing force of the detection spring 74 further advances the phase to the top of the upper end face cam 77C while displacing the top of the upper driven cam 76C1 in the removal direction Y so that the upper driven cam 76C1 follows the upper end face cam 77C. In other words, the biasing force of the detection spring 74 rotates the rod member 76 so that the upper driven cam 76C1 follows the upper end face cam 77C. This detects the removal of the detection target 11. Then, each time the rod member 76 rotates by one cam surface, the detection indicator 76M visible through the indicator display window 77M changes one by one.

[0088] [Second example of detection unit 10] A second example will be described in which a mechanical sensor is applied to the detection unit 10. The second example of the detection unit 10 is applicable to any of the first to fifth device examples. An example in which it is applied to the fifth device example will be described below.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 15, the in-vehicle device mounting device includes a bracket 20 and a cover 60. The first detection unit 10A and the second detection unit 10B are each fixed to the cover 60. The first detection unit 10A and the second detection unit 10B are covered by the bracket 20. The detection target 11 of both the first detection unit 10A and the second detection unit 10B is the removal of the cover 60 from the bracket 20. The removal of the cover 60 from the bracket 20 occurs when the in-vehicle device 30 is removed from the vehicle. The in-vehicle device mounting device may include only the first detection unit 10A or only the second detection unit 10B.

[0090] Bracket 20 holds in-vehicle camera 35, which is an example of in-vehicle device 30. Bracket 20 is fixed to the vehicle. Cover 60 is fixed to the vehicle via bracket 20. In-vehicle camera 35 is covered by bracket 20 and cover 60. In-vehicle camera 35 acquires information about the surroundings of the vehicle through window portion 20K of bracket 20, which is opening 21.

[0091] The cover 60 has a bowl shape. The cover 60 has a shaft insertion hole 20A. The shaft insertion hole 20A is a through-hole for allowing a shaft gear 85 (see FIG. 16) to protrude from the inside of the cover 60 to the outside.

[0092] The bracket 20 has a flat plate shape. The bracket 20 includes a first rack gear 62. The first rack gear 62 has a wedge shape extending toward the first detection unit 10A. The first rack gear 62 is configured to mesh with the first detection unit 10A when the cover 60 is attached to or detached from the bracket 20.

[0093] The bracket 20 includes a second rack gear 63. The second rack gear 63 has a wedge shape extending toward the second detection unit 10B. The second rack gear 63 is configured to mesh with the second detection unit 10B when the cover 60 is attached to or detached from the bracket 20.

[0094] [First detection unit 10A] 16, the first detection unit 10A includes a housing 81, a cap 82, a shaft guide 83, a shift spring 84, and a shaft gear 85. The shaft gear 85 is an example of an actuating unit.

[0095] The housing 81 is fixed to the cover 60. The housing 81 may be a resin molded member that is integral with the cover 60, or may be a resin molded member that is separate from the cover 60.

[0096] The cap 82 is assembled to the housing 81. The cap 82 covers the housing 81, the shaft guide 83, the shift spring 84, and the shaft gear 85 from above. The cap 82 has a rack insertion hole 82H. When the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the first rack gear 62 enters the rack insertion hole 82H along an entry direction D1. When the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20, the first rack gear 62 exits from the rack insertion hole 82H along an exit direction D2. The entry direction D1 is the direction in which the first rack gear 62 extends, directed from the bracket 20 toward the cover 60. The exit direction D2 is the direction in which the first rack gear 62 extends, directed from the cover 60 toward the bracket 20.

[0097] The shaft guide 83 has a rod shape extending in the axial direction A. The axial direction A is perpendicular to the approach direction D1 and the retreat direction D2. The shaft guide 83 houses a shift spring 84. The shaft guide 83 is supported by the housing 81 so as to be movable in the axial direction A. The shaft guide 83 is biased in the axial direction A by the biasing force of the shift spring 84.

[0098] The shaft gear 85 has a rod shape extending in the axial direction A. The shaft gear 85 is arranged on the same axis as the shaft guide 83. The base end of the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A is inserted into the tip end of the shaft guide 83. The tip end 85A of the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A protrudes from the housing 81 and the cap 82. The tip end 85A of the shaft gear 85 is arranged in the cover 60 so as not to protrude outward from the shaft insertion hole 20A when the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20.

[0099] The shaft gear 85 is supported by the housing 81 so as to be movable in the axial direction A relative to the housing 81. The shaft gear 85 is supported by the housing 81 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction A.

[0100] The outer peripheral surface of the shaft gear 85 is provided with a gear 85G. The gear 85G is configured to mesh with the first rack gear 62. The gear 85G is disposed at the base end of the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A.

[0101] When the first rack gear 62 enters or leaves the rack insertion hole 82H, the gear 85G meshes with the first rack gear 62. The entry of the first rack gear 62 rotates the shaft gear 85 in the installation direction Z through the meshing between the first rack gear 62 and the gear 85G. The exit of the first rack gear 62 rotates the shaft gear 85 in the removal direction Y, which is the opposite direction to the installation direction Z, through the meshing between the first rack gear 62 and the gear 85G.

[0102] The outer peripheral surface of the shaft gear 85 is provided with a locking protrusion 85T. The locking protrusion 85T protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft gear 85. The locking protrusion 85T is disposed further in the axial direction A than the gear 85G. The locking protrusion 85T is disposed on the opposite side of the shaft gear 85 from the gear 85G in the circumferential direction.

[0103] The housing 81 includes a retaining stopper wall 81W. 17, the holding stopper wall 81W extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction A. The upper end surface of the holding stopper wall 81W has a U-shape when viewed from a perspective opposite to the axial direction A. The upper end surface of the holding stopper wall 81W supports the shaft gear 85 from below and from both the left and right sides.

[0104] The retaining stopper wall 81W is disposed in the axial direction A of the locking protrusion 85T when the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20. The retaining stopper wall 81W comes into contact with the locking protrusion 85T that is biased in the axial direction A, and prevents the locking protrusion 85T from moving in the axial direction A. When the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the retaining stopper wall 81W positions the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A through its contact with the locking protrusion 85T.

[0105] The holding stopper wall 81W has a slit 81S. The slit 81S penetrates the holding stopper wall 81W along the axial direction A. The slit 81S is sized to allow the locking protrusion 85T to pass through in the axial direction A. Rotation of the shaft gear 85 in the installation direction Z causes the locking protrusion 85T to abut against the holding stopper wall 81W. Rotation of the shaft gear 85 in the removal direction Y causes the locking protrusion 85T to pass through the slit 81S.

[0106] The retaining stopper wall 81W has a slit 81S disposed in the axial direction A of the locking protrusion 85T when the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20. When the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20, the retaining stopper wall 81W moves the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A through the slit 81S of the locking protrusion 85T.

[0107] [Function of first detection unit 10A] 18(a), to attach the cover 60 to the bracket 20, first, the shaft gear 85 is pushed in the opposite direction to the axial direction A so that the shaft gear 85 does not protrude from the shaft insertion hole 20A. At this time, the locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 is pushed through the slit 81S of the retaining stopper wall 81W to the opposite side of the retaining stopper wall 81W in the axial direction A.

[0108] From this state, when the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the first rack gear 62 rotates the shaft gear 85 in the attachment direction Z. Then, when the shaft gear 85 is released from the pushed-in state, the locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 comes into contact with the retaining stopper wall 81W. This positions the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A. In other words, the tip end 85A of the shaft gear 85 is held in the housing 81 so as not to protrude outward from the shaft insertion hole 20A.

[0109] 18(b), when the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20, the first rack gear 62 rotates the shaft gear 85 in the removal direction Y. As a result, the locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 passes through the slit 81S while receiving the biasing force of the shift spring 84. Then, the tip end 85A of the shaft gear 85 protrudes outward from the shaft insertion hole 20A while receiving the biasing force of the shift spring 84. In addition, the gear 85G of the shaft gear 85 moves in the axial direction A beyond the rack insertion hole 82H.

[0110] When the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20 again from this state, the first rack gear 62 enters the rack insertion hole 82H. Meanwhile, the gear 85G of the shaft gear 85 is positioned further in the axial direction A than the rack insertion hole 82H. Therefore, the gear 85G of the shaft gear 85 does not mesh with the first rack gear 62. As a result, regardless of whether the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the shaft gear 85 remains protruding outward from the shaft insertion hole 20A.

[0111] In this way, the first detection unit 10A detects the detection target 11 through the rotation of the shaft gear 85 and the movement in the axial direction A. The detection of the detection target 11 by the first detection unit 10A is notified to the outside as the shaft gear 85 protruding from the shaft insertion hole 20A of the cover 60.

[0112] [Second detection unit 10B] The following mainly describes the configuration of second detection unit 10B that differs from first detection unit 10A. The same components of second detection unit 10B as those of first detection unit 10A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] 19, the cap 82 has three detection indicators 82M in the axial direction A of the rack insertion hole 82H. The detection indicators 82M penetrate the cap 82. The detection indicators 82M represent the numbers "1," "2," and "3" arranged in ascending order in the axial direction A.

[0114] The detection index 82M makes it possible to visually recognize from the outside the tip 85A of the shaft gear 85 that faces the detection index 82M through the detection index 82M. The color of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft gear 85 has a brightness that makes it easy to see through the detection index 82M. As the tip 85A of the shaft gear 85 moves in the axial direction A, the number represented by the detection index 82M counts up.

[0115] The housing 81 includes three holding stopper walls 81W and three display stopper walls 81L. The three holding stopper walls 81W are arranged in the axial direction A. One display stopper wall 81L is disposed between each pair of holding stopper walls 81W adjacent to each other in the axial direction A.

[0116] 20, the display stopper wall 81L extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction A. An upper end surface 81LE of the holding stopper wall 81W supports the shaft gear 85 from below. When viewed from a perspective facing the axial direction A, the upper end surface 81LE of the display stopper wall 81L has a slope that slopes downward toward the right side in FIG.

[0117] As described above, when the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the retaining stopper wall 81W comes into contact with the locking protrusion 85T biased in the axial direction A, thereby preventing the shaft gear 85 from moving in the axial direction A. When the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20, the retaining stopper wall 81W allows the shaft gear 85 to move in the axial direction A through the passage of the locking protrusion 85T through the slit 81S.

[0118] The display stopper wall 81L is disposed in the axial direction A of the locking protrusion 85T when the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20. The display stopper wall 81L comes into contact with the locking protrusion 85T that is biased in the axial direction A, and prevents the locking protrusion 85T from moving in the axial direction A. When the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20, the display stopper wall 81L positions the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A through its contact with the locking protrusion 85T.

[0119] The upper end surface 81LE of the display stopper wall 81L clears the axial direction A of the locking protrusion 85T when the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20. When the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the display stopper wall 81L moves the shaft gear 85 in the axial direction A through the passage of the slit 81S of the locking protrusion 85T.

[0120] Rotation of the shaft gear 85 in the mounting direction Z causes the locking protrusion 85T to pass over the upper end surface 81LE of the display stopper wall 81L. Rotation of the shaft gear 85 in the removal direction Y causes the locking protrusion 85T to abut against the display stopper wall 81L.

[0121] [Function of second detection unit 10B] Hereinafter, the three retaining stopper walls 81W will be referred to as the first, second, and third retaining stopper walls 81W in the axial direction A. The three display stopper walls 81L will be referred to as the first, second, and third display stopper walls 81L in the axial direction A. Note that Figures 21(a) to 21(c) show the internal structure of the second detection unit 10B and the external appearance of the cap 82 for different states that the second detection unit 10B transitions to.

[0122] 21(a), first, with the cover 60 attached to the bracket 20, the locking protrusion 85T abuts against the first retaining stopper wall 81W. The tip 85A of the shaft gear 85 does not face the detection index 82M. The second rack gear 63 meshes with the gear 85G of the shaft gear 85.

[0123] 21(b), when the cover 60 is removed from the bracket 20, the second rack gear 63 rotates the shaft gear 85 in the removal direction Y. The locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 passes through the first retaining stopper wall 81W through the slit 81S while receiving the biasing force of the shift spring 84. Then, the locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 abuts against the first display stopper wall 81L while receiving the biasing force of the shift spring 84.

[0124] As a result, the tip 85A of the shaft gear 85 faces the detection indicator 82M that resembles the numeral "1." The detection of the detection target 11 by the second detection unit 10B is notified to the outside through the detection indicator 82M that resembles the numeral "1" as a visual confirmation of the shaft gear 85. Note that in FIG. 21(b), the fact that only the detection indicator 82M that resembles the numeral "1" faces the shaft gear 85 among the three detection indicators 82M is indicated by the detection indicator 82M being painted black.

[0125] 21(c), when the cover 60 is attached to the bracket 20, the second rack gear 63 rotates the shaft gear 85 in the attachment direction Z. The locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 passes through the first display stopper wall 81L while receiving the urging force of the shift spring 84. Then, the locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 abuts against the second holding stopper wall 81W while receiving the urging force of the shift spring 84. The abutment of the locking protrusion 85T against the holding stopper wall 81W is maintained until the next removal.

[0126] In this way, the second detection unit 10B detects the detection target 11 through the rotation of the shaft gear 85 and the movement in the axial direction A. The detection of the detection target 11 by the second detection unit 10B is notified to the outside by the contact of the locking protrusion 85T of the shaft gear 85 with the display stopper wall 81L and the visibility of the shaft gear 85 through the detection indicator 82M.

[0127] [effect] As described above, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since the detection unit 10 detects the removal of the above (a) to (g), (h), (j) to (m), the vehicle-mounted bracket unit can obtain information regarding whether or not the position of the vehicle-mounted equipment 30 has changed.

[0128] (2) The display unit 13 changes the display content in response to detection by the detection unit 10. Therefore, it is easy to grasp information as to whether or not a change has occurred in the position of the in-vehicle device 30. Furthermore, the more times the in-vehicle device 30 is removed, the higher the possibility that a change has occurred in the position of the in-vehicle device 30. Therefore, if the detection unit 10 is configured to store the number of times the device is removed, as in the first example of the detection unit 10 and the second detection unit 10B, the reliability of the information as to whether or not a change has occurred in the position of the in-vehicle device 30 is increased.

[0129] (3) The rod member 76 in the first example of the detection unit 10 moves when the contact is released upon removal. Therefore, in a configuration in which the contact is released upon removal, effects similar to those of (1) and (2) above can be obtained. (4) The shaft gear 85 in the second example of the detection unit 10 moves by engaging and disengaging the bracket 20 and the cover 60. Therefore, when the bracket 20 and the cover 60 are removed in conjunction with the removal of the in-vehicle device 30, the same effects as those of (1) and (2) above can be obtained.

[0130] The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. [Vehicle bracket unit] In the first device example and the third to fifth device examples, the vehicle-mounted bracket unit may not include the vehicle device 30. In the first to third device examples, the vehicle-mounted bracket unit may not include the cover 60. For example, the vehicle-mounted bracket unit may be composed of the bracket 20, the cover 60, and the detection unit 10, or may be composed of the bracket 20 and the detection unit 10.

[0131] [Detection unit 10] The display unit 13 in the first and second examples of the detection unit 10 is not limited to the detection indicators 76M, 82M that mechanically display the change in mechanical state, but may also be a warning light that electrically displays the change in mechanical state.

[0132] In the rod member 76, the uppermost phase of the upper driven cam 76C1 in the circumferential direction may be different from the lowermost phase of the lower driven cam 76C2 in the circumferential direction. When attached, the lower driven cam 76C2 follows a cam such as the lower end surface cam 73C, thereby rotating the detection index 76M. When detached, the upper driven cam 76C1 follows the upper end surface cam 77C, thereby further rotating the detection index 76M. In this way, the two driven members, the lower driven cam 76C2 and the upper driven cam 76C1, may be configured so that attachment and detachment rotate the rod member 76 by a predetermined angle to switch the detection index 76M.

[0133] When the rod member 76 abuts against the detection spring 74 to the extent that the rod member 76 can rotate smoothly relative to the detection spring 74, the collar member 75 may be omitted from the first example of the detection unit 10.

[0134] The technical ideas derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below. [Appendix 1] An in-vehicle bracket unit for attaching an in-vehicle device for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle to the vehicle, a bracket that holds the in-vehicle device and is fixed to the vehicle; At least one of the in-vehicle device and the bracket is provided with a detection unit that detects removal of the on-board device from the vehicle, An in-vehicle bracket unit.

[0135] [Appendix 2] An in-vehicle bracket unit for attaching an in-vehicle device for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle to the vehicle, a bracket fixed to a cover or the vehicle to hold the in-vehicle device; a cover fixed to the bracket or the vehicle to cover the in-vehicle device; a detection unit that detects removal of at least one of the bracket and the cover from its fixed destination, An in-vehicle bracket unit.

[0136] [Appendix 3] a display unit that displays the number of times the removal has been detected, 1. A vehicle-mounted bracket unit as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0137] [Appendix 4] The detection unit a cam fixed to the one side; a follower member biased to follow the cam in response to the removal, and indicating detection of the removal by following the cam. 10. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1, wherein the bracket unit is a bracket for mounting a vehicle on a vehicle.

[0138] [Appendix 5] a biasing member that causes the driven member to abut against the one fixed end, When the contact with the fixed destination is released by the removal, the driven member is caused to follow the cam by the biasing force of the biasing member. Attachment 4: A vehicle-mounted bracket unit.

[0139] [Appendix 6] The driven member rotates by a predetermined angle by following the cam. Attachment 5. A vehicle-mounted bracket unit.

[0140] [Appendix 7] an outer member covering the driven member; the driven member includes an indicator that indicates that the detachment has been detected; the outer member has a display window that makes the indicator visible when rotated through the predetermined angle. 10. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 6.

[0141] [Appendix 8] The detection unit a shaft configured to receive the removal and move axially; a display window that exposes a portion of the shaft by moving the shaft in the axial direction. 10. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1, wherein the bracket unit is a bracket for mounting a vehicle on a vehicle.

[0142] [Appendix 9] a biasing member that biases the shaft in the axial direction; a stopper wall that abuts against the protrusion of the shaft to stop movement of the shaft due to the biasing force of the biasing member, The shaft is configured to rotate upon receiving the removal, thereby releasing the abutment of the protrusion against the stopper wall. 10. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 10...Detection unit 10A...First detection unit 10B...Second detection unit 11...Detection target 12...Sensor 13,52...Display section 14...Transmitter 20…Bracket 30…In-vehicle equipment 50...Vehicle parts 51D...Receiver 60...Cover

Claims

1. An in-vehicle bracket unit for attaching an in-vehicle device for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle to the vehicle, a bracket that holds the in-vehicle device and is fixed to the vehicle; At least one of the in-vehicle device and the bracket is provided with a detection unit that detects removal of the on-board device from the vehicle; An in-vehicle bracket unit.

2. An in-vehicle bracket unit for attaching an in-vehicle device for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle to the vehicle, a bracket fixed to a cover or the vehicle to hold the in-vehicle device; a cover fixed to the bracket or the vehicle to cover the in-vehicle device; a detection unit that detects removal of at least one of the bracket and the cover from its fixed destination, An in-vehicle bracket unit.

3. a display unit that changes display content in response to detection of the removal, The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The detection unit the operating portion moving when the contact with the operating portion is released due to the removal; A display unit that changes the display content by moving the actuation unit. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The detection unit an actuating portion that moves by engaging or disengaging one of the two; A display unit that changes the display content by moving the actuation unit. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a display unit that changes display content depending on the relative displacement caused by the removal between a first member having the detection unit and a second member in contact with the first member, The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the detection unit includes a sensor that detects the relative displacement. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 6.

8. a transmitting unit that transmits a detection status by the detecting unit to a receiving unit; and a display unit that displays a removal status based on the reception by the receiving unit. The vehicle-mounted bracket unit according to claim 1 or 2.

Images