camera

Abstract

This camera comprises: a housing; an installation base provided in the housing; a plurality of camera modules provided on the installation base so as to be able to rotate while tilting; and a pedestal provided to be movable with respect to the installation base. The pedestal is provided with a plurality of adjustment parts that respectively support the plurality of camera modules, and can change the tilt angles thereof to a plurality of different tilt angles; and a lever that accepts a movement operation of the pedestal and can collectively adjust the plurality of adjustment parts.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cameras. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a camera assembly in which multiple camera lens units (camera modules) are arranged so that their installation angles can be adjusted by moving them along a circular guide rail. The camera assembly has a problem in that, during the assembly process in which a cover is rotated relative to a base to determine the installation position of the camera modules, the camera modules rotate together with the cover, changing the installation angle of the camera modules. To address this problem, the camera assembly includes a cover configured to fix the position of the camera modules by attaching a guide rail to the surface of the base and arranging a magnet on the camera module so that it faces the guide rail. By connecting the cover to the base, the cover presses at least one of the camera modules, thereby collectively fixing the positions (installation angles) of the multiple camera modules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,567,622 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the camera assembly described above could fix the installation angle of multiple camera modules collectively, it could not adjust the tilt angles of these camera modules collectively. In such cases, the operator installing the cameras had to manually adjust the tilt angles of all the camera modules to be the same, which was very time-consuming.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a camera in which the tilt angles of all camera modules can be adjusted collectively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides a camera having a housing, an installation stand provided on the housing, a plurality of camera modules tiltably mounted on the installation stand, and a base that is movable relative to the installation stand, wherein the base supports each of the plurality of camera modules and is equipped with a plurality of adjustment units that can be changed to a plurality of different tilt angles, and a lever that receives a movement operation of the base and can adjust the plurality of adjustment units collectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the tilt angles of all camera modules can be adjusted collectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a surveillance camera according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surveillance camera. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the housing. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing an example of a tilt rotation mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the base. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the base. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the main part showing the flexible portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the main part of the base in the vicinity of the adjustment unit. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of adjusting the tilt angle of the camera module. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an example of adjusting the tilt angle of the camera module. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the lever. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the lever and base at the position of the middle distance mark "M." [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the lever and base at the position of the close distance mark "N." [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the lever and base at the position of the far distance mark "F." DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, a detailed description of an embodiment specifically disclosing a camera according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1. In the following description of embodiment 1, for ease of understanding, a structure will be described in which the tilt angles of each of multiple camera modules 17 (see FIG. 2) included in surveillance camera 11 can be adjusted collectively, but the camera according to the present disclosure is not limited to surveillance applications and may be a camera used for other applications.

[0011] The surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a dome cover 15 as a protective cover that covers the camera unit 13. Note that the dome cover 15 shown in Fig. 1 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the protective cover may have other shapes. Furthermore, the protective cover is not essential and may be omitted.

[0012] Surveillance camera 11 is a multi-camera system equipped with multiple camera modules 17 (see FIG. 2) arranged concentrically around camera unit 13. Surveillance camera 11 has a main camera, camera unit 13 equipped with a PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) drive mechanism (not shown), and multiple camera modules 17, each with an adjustable tilt angle, each equipped with a tilt mechanism. Each of multiple camera modules 17 has a tilt axis 19 (see FIG. 11) and is configured to be tiltable and rotatable around tilt axis 19.

[0013] The surveillance camera 11 may omit the camera unit 13 that is the main camera, and may have only a plurality of camera modules 17.

[0014] 1 shows an example in which the surveillance camera 11 is installed on the ceiling, it goes without saying that the surveillance camera 11 may be installed in other locations (for example, a wall, a eaves, a pole, etc.) The surveillance camera 11 is hung down with the decorative cover 21, ring cover 23, and dome cover 15 each arranged downward from the ceiling surface in that order.

[0015] The decorative cover 21 is fixed and attached to the mounting plate 31 (see Figure 2) described later by inserting and screwing fixing screws (not shown) into screw insertion holes 35 (see Figure 1) provided at predetermined intervals around the circumference of the decorative cover 21.

[0016] In the ring cover 23, a plurality of imaging windows 29 that allow incident light to enter the lenses 27 (see FIG. 2) of the respective camera modules 17 are arranged along the circumferential direction of concentric circles centered on the camera unit 13.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the surveillance camera 11. For ease of understanding, the decorative cover 21, ring cover 23, and dome cover 15 are not shown in Fig. 2 for the surveillance camera 11.

[0018] The surveillance camera 11 has an installation plate 31 fixed directly or indirectly to the ceiling, which is the installation surface of the surveillance camera 11. The surveillance camera 11 has a housing 33 attached to this fixed installation plate 31.

[0019] The installation plate 31 is formed into a substantially circular disk shape using, for example, a metal plate. The housing 33 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape using, for example, a resin or aluminum alloy. The surface of the housing 33 opposite to the camera unit 13 is fixed to the installation plate 31.

[0020] Next, an example of the arrangement of the camera module 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the housing 33. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the housing 33.

[0021] 3 shows an example of a surveillance camera 11 equipped with three camera modules 17, and FIG. 4 shows an example of a surveillance camera 11 equipped with four camera modules 17, but the number and arrangement of the camera modules 17 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The surveillance camera 11 may be capable of mounting the number of camera modules 17 (up to seven in the first embodiment) corresponding to the number and positions of adjustment units 65 described below. The number and arrangement of the camera modules 17 to be equipped in the surveillance camera 11 may be selectable by the user.

[0022] The housing 33 has a ring-shaped installation base 39 provided inside the outer peripheral wall 37, on a concentric circle centered on the camera unit 13. The installation base 39 has each of the multiple camera modules 17 mounted thereon so that they can tilt and rotate in the circumferential direction. Each of the multiple camera modules 17 is mounted at an arbitrary position on the installation base 39, which corresponds to the position of each step 69 provided on a pedestal 47, which will be described later.

[0023] The surveillance camera 11 shown in Fig. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the camera module 17 when the surveillance camera 11 is installed near a wall, a pillar, etc. The surveillance camera 11 shown in Fig. 4 shows an example of the arrangement of the camera module 17 when the surveillance camera 11 shown in Fig. 3 is not installed near a wall, a pillar, etc. and captures images in all directions around the surveillance camera 11.

[0024] Next, an example of a tilt rotation mechanism of camera module 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing an example of the tilt rotation mechanism. The tilt rotation mechanism is made up of tilt shaft 19 and tilt bearing 41.

[0025] Installation base 39 is provided with a plurality of tilt bearings 41 that are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction and protrude (stand up) in the opposite direction from housing 33. Two tilt bearings 41 are provided for one camera module 17, and support camera module 17 so that it can tilt and rotate.

[0026] For example, the surveillance camera 11 shown in Fig. 3 includes three camera modules 17 and six tilt bearings 41 for supporting each of the three camera modules 17 so that they can tilt and rotate. Also, for example, the surveillance camera 11 shown in Fig. 4 includes four camera modules 17 and eight tilt bearings 41 for supporting each of the four camera modules 17 so that they can tilt and rotate.

[0027] Camera module 17 has a pair of tilt shafts 19 (see FIG. 11) protruding from both side surfaces. Camera module 17 is supported so as to be able to tilt and rotate freely, with tilt shafts 19 on both sides inserted into bearing recesses 43 (see FIG. 8) provided at the upper ends of tilt bearings 41 standing on both sides of camera module 17.

[0028] That is, the tilt bearing 41 inserted into the bearing recess 43 is restricted from coming off the bearing recess 43 by the shaft fixing piece 45 that is screwed onto the upper end of the tilt bearing 41 .

[0029] The tilt bearings 41 are formed as single-support tilt bearings 51, each of which has one bearing recess 43, and are arranged on either side of a lever 67 (described later). The tilt bearings 41, other than the single-support tilt bearing 51 described above, are formed as double-support tilt bearings 49, each of which has a pair of bearing recesses 43.

[0030] The base 47 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the base 47.

[0031] A pedestal 47 is provided on the installation base 39 so as to be freely movable. Similar to the installation base 39, the pedestal 47 is formed in a generally concentric ring shape with the camera unit 13 at its center. The pedestal 47 is also provided so as to be movable (rotatable) in the circumferential direction around the camera unit 13. The inner diameter side of the pedestal 47 is guided by a peripheral wall 53 formed to protrude from the installation base 39, and the outer diameter side of the pedestal 47 is guided and rotated by a guide protrusion 55 formed to protrude from the installation base 39.

[0032] The base 47 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the base 47. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the main part showing the flexible portion 57.

[0033] The base 47 has a plurality of adjustment parts 65 and a lever 67. The plurality of adjustment parts 65 and the lever 67 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the base 47. In addition, the base 47 is provided with a retaining part 59 (an example of a restricting part) via a flexible part 57 on the inner diameter side of the position where the lever 67 is provided.

[0034] Each of the plurality of adjustment units 65 supports a respective camera module 17 and enables all of the camera modules 17 to be changed to a predetermined tilt angle at once. Specifically, adjustment units 65 are provided at seven of eight equal circumferential positions of base 47, and a lever 67 is provided at the one position where no adjustment unit 65 is provided.

[0035] Lever 67 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from the outer periphery of base 47. Lever 67 is a knob for rotating base 47 in the circumferential direction, and is operated by an operator installing surveillance camera 11. Lever 67 is lifted by the operator in the direction of rotation R1, and rotated to a predetermined position in the circumferential direction by climbing over each of first partition plates 91, which will be described later.

[0036] The base 47 rotates (moves) in a predetermined circumferential direction in response to the rotation of the lever 67. Furthermore, each of the plurality of adjustment units 65 provided on the base 47 is configured integrally with the base 47, and therefore rotates in the predetermined circumferential direction by the amount of rotation (movement) of the base 47.

[0037] The base 47 is provided with a retaining portion 59 on the inner diameter side of the base 47. The retaining portion 59 has a pair of substantially parallel flexible portions 57 extending radially inward, and is connected to the base 47 via these flexible portions 57. The retaining portion 59 has an arc-shaped curved groove 61 formed around the rotation center of the base 47.

[0038] A stopper pin 63 standing upright from the installation base 39 passes through the curved groove 61. A washer is fixed by a fixing screw to the upper end of the curved groove 61 of the stopper pin 63, through which the stopper pin 63 passes. The washer is formed with an outer diameter larger than the groove width of the curved groove 61. The retaining portion 59 prevents the base 47 from lifting up from the installation base 39 by operating a lever 67 that is lifted in the rotational direction R1 by the washer fixed by the fixing screw.

[0039] The curved groove 61 is an opening formed concentrically with the base 47. The curved groove 61 allows the stopper pin 63 to move in the circumferential direction in accordance with the length (rotation angle) that the lever 67 can move (rotate) by each of a pair of second partition plates 95 (see FIG. 13) described later.

[0040] Furthermore, the flexible portion 57 is bent by operating the lever 67 to lift it in the direction of the rotation R1, and allows the base 47 to be deformed by the lever 67 being lifted.

[0041] The adjustment unit 65 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the base 47. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the main part of the base 47 in the vicinity of the adjustment unit 65.

[0042] Each of the adjustment units 65 has a plurality of step portions 69 of different heights lined up in the movement direction of the base 47. These step portions 69 of different heights are aligned in the same arrangement along the circumferential direction. The same arrangement may be, for example, in descending order. In the first embodiment, the adjustment unit 65 has three step portions 69 aligned consecutively so that they gradually become lower in the clockwise direction in FIG. 9 .

[0043] In the adjustment unit 65, adjacent steps 69 are connected by gently sloping surfaces 71. As an example, the sloped surfaces 71 between the lower step 73 and the middle step 75 and between the middle step 75 and the upper step 77 are configured such that a lower-step concave curved surface 81 and an upper-step convex curved surface 83 are connected on both sides of the slope that sandwiches the central slope 79, forming a gently sloping surface that allows the support unit 85 (see FIG. 11 ) of the camera module 17 to slide smoothly between the multiple steps 69 and the sloped surfaces 71.

[0044] The number of step portions 69 and the height of each step portion may be set to any number and height, respectively. The number of step portions 69 corresponds to the number of tilt angles of the adjustable camera module 17. The height of each step portion corresponds to the tilt angle of the adjustable camera module 17.

[0045] Next, adjustment of the tilt angle of camera module 17 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of adjustment of the tilt angle of camera module 17. Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an example of adjustment of the tilt angle of camera module 17.

[0046] 11 shows an example in which the support portion 85 of the camera module 17 is located on the middle step portion 75 of the adjustment portion 65. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the support portion 85 of the camera module 17 is located on the upper step portion 77 of the adjustment portion 65.

[0047] Camera module 17 has support portion 85 and spring 87. Support portion 85 is formed to protrude from the rear of the camera case on the opposite side of lens 27 across tilt axis 19. Support portion 85 is formed in the shape of a roughly triangular plate when viewed from the side of camera module 17, and one of a pair of oblique sides that sandwich the apex angle abuts on step portion 69 (middle step portion 75 in FIG. 11 ) to support camera module 17 with tilt axis 19 as the center of rotation.

[0048] The spring 87 biases the camera module 17 in direction E1 (toward the camera unit 13) by its elastic force. The camera case has a spring receiving portion 89 that protrudes below the camera module 17. The spring 87 is compressed and sandwiched between the spring receiving portion 89 and the installation base 39.

[0049] As a result, camera module 17, biased by spring 87, is supported so as to be rotatable about tilt axis 19, and is therefore biased in rotational direction R2 about tilt axis 19. Therefore, support portion 85 is pressed toward adjustment portion 65 by being biased in rotational direction R2 by spring 87.

[0050] Each of the plurality of adjustment units 65 is rotated in the circumferential direction corresponding to the rotation angle of base 47 based on the operator's operation of lever 67. As the plurality of adjustment units 65 rotate, support unit 85 of each of the plurality of camera modules 17 slides along inclined surface 71 of adjustment unit 65, supporting camera module 17 on step portion 69 having the same height. In this way, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 is configured so that the tilt angles of each of the plurality of camera modules 17 can be changed collectively.

[0051] As shown in Figure 12, when an operator operates the lever 67 clockwise along the circumferential direction R3, the support portions 85 of each of the multiple camera modules 17 pass through the inclined surface 71 from the middle step portion 75 based on the operation of the lever 67, slide onto the upper step portion 77, and stop there.

[0052] Each of the multiple camera modules 17, whose support portion 85 is supported by the upper step portion 77, is biased in rotational direction R4 around tilt axis 19 by the force that support portion 85 receives from the upper step portion 77. Spring 87 contracts in direction E2 by the force that it receives from the upper step portion 77, and maintains the current tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17.

[0053] As a result, each of the multiple camera modules 17 is adjusted to a tilt angle corresponding to the height (position) of the step portion 69 on which the support portion 85 is supported, and can maintain an imaging posture at the adjusted tilt angle.

[0054] For example, if tier 69 is configured with three tiers (lower tier 73, middle tier 75, and upper tier 77), camera module 17 can be adjusted to three different tilt angles. Note that the tilt angle here is defined as a reference angle of 0° (see FIG. 1) directly below camera unit 13, and an example of adjusting the tilt angle collectively will be specifically described below.

[0055] Specifically, if the tilt angle of the camera module 17 at the middle step 75 is 50° and the adjustment range of the tilt angle between each step 69 is 7°, each of the multiple camera modules 17 is adjusted collectively by operating the lever 67 to 57° at the lower step 73, 50° at the middle step 75, and 43° at the upper step 77.

[0056] Furthermore, the adjustment range of the tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17 may be smaller (for example, ±3°, ±5°, etc.) when the height between each step portion 69 is designed to be smaller. On the other hand, the adjustment range of the tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17 may be larger (for example, ±8°, ±10°, etc.) when the height between each step portion 69 is designed to be larger.

[0057] The lever 67 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the lever 67.

[0058] The installation base 39 includes at least one first partition plate 91 and a pair of second partition plates 95. Each of the pair of second partition plates 95 is provided higher than the height of at least one first partition plate 91 disposed between the second partition plates 95.

[0059] The second partition plate 95 has a height that prevents the lever 67 from climbing over it. A gap is formed between the first partition plate 91 and the second partition plate 95, in which the engagement portion 93 of the lever 67 can be disposed. The length along the circumferential direction between the second partition plates 95 is set to be equal to or less than the distance between the lower step portion 73 and the upper step portion 77 of the adjustment portion 65. This makes it possible to prevent the support portions 85 of the multiple camera modules 17 from falling off the adjustment portion 65.

[0060] The first partition plates 91 are provided so that the lever 67 can be positioned at circumferential positions corresponding to the heights of the respective step portions 69. The number L of first partition plates 91 (L: an integer of 1 or greater) corresponds to the number K of step portions 69 (K: an integer of 2 or greater) of the adjustment portion 65, and (K-1) first partition plates 91 are provided. For example, if the number of step portions 69 is three, two first partition plates 91 are provided between the second partition plates 95 along the circumferential direction so as to correspond to the positions of the respective step portions 69 and with a gap therebetween so that the engagement portion 93 of the lever 67 can be positioned.

[0061] The lever 67 is rotated by operating the lever 67, and the engagement portions 93 are disposed between the first partition plates 91 and 91 or between the first partition plate 91 and the second partition plate 95, respectively, and the rotation in the circumferential direction is restricted by the first partition plates 91 or the second partition plates 95 located on both sides of the position of the lever 67 in the circumferential direction. In this way, the lever 67 can restrict the rotation of the base 47.

[0062] Furthermore, because the lever 67 is positioned by lifting the knob and climbing over each of the first partition plates 91, the position of the lever 67 can be controlled by vibrations and shocks propagated from outside the surveillance camera 11. This makes it possible for the surveillance camera 11 to prevent the tilt angles of each of the multiple camera modules 17 from being changed by vibrations and shocks propagated from outside.

[0063] Next, the relationship between the arrangement of lever 67 and the tilt angle will be specifically described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Fig. 14 is a plan view showing lever 67 and base 47 at the position of the middle distance mark "M." Fig. 15 is a plan view showing lever 67 and base 47 at the position of the close distance mark "N." Fig. 16 is a plan view showing lever 67 and base 47 at the position of the long distance mark "F." Note that each mark is an example and is not limiting.

[0064] Each of the multiple marks indicates the height (i.e., tilt angle) of the step 69, that is, the current tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17. The multiple marks are of different types, the same number as the number K of step portions 69, and are arranged circumferentially on the installation base 39 at intervals approximately equal to the intervals between the step portions 69 (lower step portion 73, middle step portion 75, and upper step portion 77). In the example shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the installation base 39 is provided with a close distance mark "N," a middle distance mark "M," and a long distance mark "F" in a clockwise direction.

[0065] 3, a window hole 97 is formed in the base 47 near the lever 67. The window hole 97 overlaps with one of the marks corresponding to the position of the angle of rotation of the base 47 by the lever 67. The mark overlapped by the window hole 97 can be seen by the operator through the window hole 97.

[0066] The close distance mark "N" shown in Fig. 15 indicates that the current tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17 is an angle (e.g., 57°) corresponding to the lower step 73 of the step 69. The middle distance mark "M" shown in Fig. 14 indicates that the current tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17 is an angle (e.g., 50°) corresponding to the middle step 75 of the step 69. Furthermore, the far distance mark "F" shown in Fig. 16 indicates that the current tilt angle of each of the multiple camera modules 17 (e.g., 43°) is an angle corresponding to the upper step 77 of the step 69.

[0067] This allows the worker to know the tilt angles of the plurality of camera modules 17 corresponding to the current position of the lever 67 based on the type of mark that is visible through the window hole 97.

[0068] As described above, the surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 has a housing 33, an installation stand 39 provided on the housing 33, a plurality of camera modules 17 tiltably mounted on the installation stand 39, and a base 47 that is movable (rotatable) relative to the installation stand 39, and the base 47 supports each of the plurality of camera modules 17 and has a plurality of adjustment units 65 that can be changed to a plurality of different tilt angles, and a lever 67 that accepts movement (rotation) operations of the base 47 and can adjust the plurality of adjustment units 65 collectively.

[0069] As a result, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 can collectively adjust the tilt angles of each of multiple camera modules 17 using each of multiple adjustment units 65 by moving (rotating) base 47 with lever 67. Therefore, an operator can collectively adjust the tilt angles of multiple camera modules 17 by operating lever 67 without having to adjust the tilt angles of each of multiple camera modules 17 individually, making it easier to adjust the tilt angles of multiple camera modules 17. Furthermore, as a result, surveillance camera 11 can suppress deviations in the angle of view of images captured by each of multiple camera modules 17.

[0070] Furthermore, adjustment unit 65 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 includes multiple step portions 69 of different heights arranged along the movement direction (circumferential direction) of base 47. This allows surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 to more easily collectively adjust the tilt angles of multiple camera modules 17 based on the heights of step portions 69.

[0071] Furthermore, in adjustment unit 65 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1, two adjacent steps are connected by gently sloping surfaces 71. This allows surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 to easily collectively adjust the tilt angles of multiple camera modules 17 by sliding sloping surfaces 71 of steps 69 in accordance with the movement (rotation) of base 47.

[0072] Furthermore, the multiple camera modules 17 in the surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment further include a support portion 85 that abuts against the adjustment portion 65. The support portion 85 guides the camera modules 17 to different step portions 69 along the inclined surface 71 of the adjustment portion 65 based on the movement (rotation) of the base 47. As a result, in the surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment, the support portion 85 slides along the inclined surface 71 of the adjustment portion 65, so that the tilt angles of the multiple camera modules 17 can be more easily adjusted collectively by operating the lever 67.

[0073] Furthermore, camera module 17 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 has spring 87 that rotates support portion 85 around tilt axis 19 of camera module 17 in a direction toward adjustment portion 65. This allows surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 to maintain the tilt angle of each of multiple camera modules 17.

[0074] Furthermore, base 47 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 is formed in a substantially annular shape, and multiple adjustment units 65 are arranged at substantially equal intervals on base 47. As a result, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 can more easily collectively adjust the tilt angles of multiple camera modules 17 by each of the multiple camera modules 17 moving (rotating) on ​​the corresponding adjustment unit 65 in accordance with the amount of movement of lever 67.

[0075] Furthermore, the multiple adjustment units 65 in the surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment are provided at seven of eight equal circumferential positions on the base 47. This allows the surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment to collectively adjust the tilt angles of up to seven of the multiple camera modules 17.

[0076] Furthermore, lever 67 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 is capable of moving (rotating) pedestal 47 in the circumferential direction. Installation base 39 includes a plurality of first partition plates 91 and second partition plates 95 (an example of partition plates). The movement of lever 67 in the circumferential direction is restricted by the plurality of first partition plates 91. As a result, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 restricts the movement of lever 67 with first partition plates 91, thereby enabling lever 67 to move within adjustment ranges of a plurality of different tilt angles. Therefore, surveillance camera 11 can more easily adjust the tilt angles of a plurality of camera modules 17 collectively.

[0077] Furthermore, the multiple first partition plates 91 and second partition plates 95 in the surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment include multiple first partition plates 91 having a first height and a pair of second partition plates 95 having a second height higher than the first height, and each of the multiple first partition plates 91 is disposed between the pair of second partition plates 95. When the lever 67 is pulled up, it moves over the first partition plate 91 and is disposed between two adjacent first partition plates 91 or second partition plates 95. As a result, the surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment can easily align the lever 67 to a position corresponding to any tilt angle by restricting the movement (rotation) of the lever 67 with the first partition plate 91. Furthermore, even when an impact (external force) or vibration is applied from outside the surveillance camera 11, the surveillance camera 11 can suppress deviations in the tilt angles of the multiple camera modules 17.

[0078] Furthermore, base 47 of surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 further includes retaining portion 59 (an example of a restricting portion) on the side opposite lever 67. Retaining portion 59 restricts movement (rotation) of lever 67 outside the circumferential movement (rotation) range permitted by all partition plates (first partition plate 91 and second partition plate 95). As a result, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 can restrict operation of lever 67 beyond the movement range corresponding to the range of tilt angles adjustable by adjustment portion 65, even when lever 67 is raised to a height that clears second partition plate 95.

[0079] Furthermore, retaining portion 59 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 is flexible and connects flexible portion 57 that bends when lever 67 is pulled up. This allows surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 to use flexible portion 57 to absorb the bending of base 47 when lever 67 is pulled up.

[0080] Furthermore, base 47 of surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 further includes a plurality of marks corresponding to the plurality of different tilt angles that can be adjusted by adjustment unit 65, and window holes 97 that correspond to the arrangement of lever 67 and allow the operator to see the marks indicating the current tilt angles of each of the plurality of camera modules 17. As a result, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 allows the operator to see the tilt angles of each of the plurality of camera modules 17 that correspond to the current position of lever 67.

[0081] Furthermore, the number of camera modules 17 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 is three. This allows surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 to simultaneously capture images in three different directions using each of camera modules 17.

[0082] Furthermore, the number of camera modules 17 in surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 is four. As a result, surveillance camera 11 according to embodiment 1 can simultaneously capture images in four different directions using each of camera modules 17.

[0083] Therefore, with surveillance camera 11 according to the first embodiment, the tilt angles of all camera modules 17 can be adjusted collectively.

[0084] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0085] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2022-181381) filed on November 11, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present disclosure is useful as a camera capable of adjusting the tilt angles of all camera modules collectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 11. Surveillance Cameras 17 Camera Module 33 Case 39 Installation stand 47 Pedestal 57 Flexible part 59 Stopper 65 Adjustment section 67 Lever 69 Step part 71 Slope 85 Support part 87 Spring 91 First partition 95 Second partition 97 Window Hole

Claims

1. The housing and an installation stand provided on the housing; a plurality of camera modules tiltably mounted on the installation base; a base that is provided so as to be movable relative to the installation table, The base is a plurality of adjustment units that support the plurality of camera modules, respectively, and that can change the camera modules to a plurality of different tilt angles; a lever that receives a movement operation of the base and can collectively adjust the plurality of adjustment units, camera.

2. the adjustment unit includes a plurality of step portions having different heights along the movement direction of the base; The camera of claim 1 .

3. The adjustment portion has two adjacent step portions connected by a gently sloping surface. The camera of claim 2 .

4. The plurality of camera modules further include a support portion that abuts against the adjustment portion, the support portion guides the camera module to the different step portions along the inclined surface of the adjustment portion based on the movement of the base. The camera according to claim 3.

5. The camera module includes: a spring that rotates the support portion around the tilt axis of the camera module in a direction toward the adjustment portion, 5. The camera according to claim 4.

6. The base is formed in a substantially annular shape, The plurality of adjustment units are arranged at approximately equal intervals on the base. The camera of claim 1 .

7. The plurality of adjustment units are provided at seven positions among eight equal positions obtained by dividing the base in the circumferential direction. The camera of claim 1 .

8. The lever is capable of moving the base in a circumferential direction, The installation table includes a plurality of partitions, The movement of the lever in the circumferential direction is restricted by the partition plate. The camera according to claim 7.

9. the plurality of partition sections include a plurality of first partition plates having a first height and a pair of second partition plates having a second height higher than the first height, and each of the plurality of first partition plates is disposed between the pair of second partition plates; When the lever is pulled up, it moves over the first partition plate and is disposed between two adjacent partitions. The camera of claim 8.

10. The base further includes a restricting portion on the opposite side to the lever, the restricting portion restricts movement of the lever outside the circumferential movement range permitted by all of the partition plates; The camera of claim 9.

11. The restricting portion has a flexible portion that is flexible and bends when the lever is pulled up. The camera of claim 10.

12. the base has a plurality of marks corresponding to the plurality of different tilt angles that can be adjusted by the adjustment unit; and a window hole for making visible a mark indicating the current tilt angle of each of the plurality of camera modules, the window hole corresponding to the arrangement of the lever. The camera of claim 1 .

13. The number of camera modules is three. The camera of claim 1 .

14. The number of camera modules is four. The camera of claim 1 .

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