vehicle-mounted machines

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle apparatus capable of photographing a desired place with each of multiple cameras.SOLUTION: The apparatus comprises: a first main body 100 with a first camera; and a second camera 210 capable of changing a photographing direction. The second camera 210 is rotatable relative to the first main body 100 in at least two non-parallel directions directly and / or indirectly, such that the photographing direction can be changed to a desired direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device having a plurality of cameras. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, in-vehicle devices have become known that include a first camera that captures images outside the vehicle, and a second camera that can capture images in a location different from the first camera, such as the interior of the vehicle. In such in-vehicle devices, such as a drive recorder, the first camera is mounted facing the exterior of the vehicle and the second camera facing the interior of the vehicle, so that in commercial vehicles the second camera can function as an in-vehicle security camera, and in general vehicles the second camera can function as a camera for capturing images inside the vehicle while driving.

[0003] On the other hand, the installation location of a drive recorder is regulated by road transport vehicle safety standards, etc. For example, if it is installed on the windshield of a vehicle, it must be installed within a range of 20% vertically from the top edge of the windshield. Therefore, if the relative positions of the first camera and the second camera are fixed, depending on the installation position, it may not be possible for the second camera to capture any location.

[0004] In response to this, a drive recorder has been disclosed in which the shooting direction can be changed by rotating the second camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-120557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the drive recorder described in Patent Document 1 uses a single rotation mechanism to rotate the second camera to change the shooting direction, so depending on the installation position, it may not be possible to point the second camera in any direction and therefore not be able to shoot at any location.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device that is capable of capturing images of any location using each of a plurality of cameras. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) A system comprising a first camera and a second camera whose shooting direction can be changed, wherein the second camera is configured to be rotatable relative to the first camera directly and / or indirectly in at least two non-parallel directions so that the shooting direction can be changed in any direction.

[0009] With this, even if the in-vehicle device is attached to a mounting location on the vehicle based on the shooting direction of the first camera, the second camera can be pointed in any direction to shoot any location, meaning that any location can be shot with each of the first camera and the second camera.

[0010] Regarding the relative rotation of the second camera relative to the first camera in at least two non-parallel directions, it is preferable that the second camera be configured to be rotatable in either direction relative to the first camera when the in-vehicle device is mounted at an installation location on the vehicle. For example, it is preferable to provide a rotation mechanism that allows the second camera to be rotated in either direction relative to the first camera. By configuring the second camera to be rotatable in either direction relative to the first camera, the shooting direction of the second camera can be changed more precisely to any direction and point it at any location.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the second camera to be rotatable in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction relative to the first camera when the on-board device is installed in the installation location on the vehicle. For example, it is preferable to provide two rotation mechanisms that can rotate the second camera counterclockwise and / or clockwise in the horizontal direction and upward and / or downward in the vertical direction relative to the first camera. In this case, the second camera may be configured to rotate directly or indirectly. By configuring the second camera in this way, it is possible to change the shooting direction of the second camera from at least two non-parallel directions with a simple configuration.

[0012] The two non-parallel directions mentioned here preferably refer to two directions in which the rotation direction of the second camera intersects at least one of them. The two directions that intersect at one of them may be configured to intersect at an acute angle (for example, the second rotation direction relative to the first rotation direction is within 30 degrees), and more preferably, the two directions are configured to intersect at right angles (for example, 90 degrees).

[0013] As a configuration for indirectly rotating the second camera relative to the first camera in two non-parallel directions, for example, a case supporting the second camera may be configured to be rotatable in two non-parallel directions relative to the first camera. Also, as a configuration for directly and indirectly rotating the second camera relative to the first camera in two non-parallel directions, a case rotatably supporting the second camera may be configured to be rotatable in a direction different from the rotation direction of the second camera relative to the first camera.

[0014] When the in-vehicle device is mounted at a mounting location on the vehicle, the first camera may be fixed to the vehicle directly or indirectly. For example, the first camera may be fixed to the vehicle via a mounting bracket, or the case may be fixed to the vehicle via a mounting bracket while the first camera is fixed to the case. It is also preferable that the first camera remains fixed even when the second camera is rotated.

[0015] The first and second cameras may be configured so that the first camera faces outside the vehicle and the second camera faces inside the vehicle, or so that the first camera faces inside the vehicle and the second camera faces outside the vehicle. In particular, it is preferable to configure the first camera to face outside the vehicle and the second camera to face inside the vehicle.

[0016] The in-vehicle device may be a navigation device with multiple cameras, and even more preferably a navigation device or drive recorder with a drive recorder function. By using the device in a navigation device, for example, it is possible to associate and store images (still images or videos) taken by the first and second cameras with map information. By using the device in a drive recorder, for example, it is possible to make the second camera function as a security camera or as a camera that takes pictures of the inside of the vehicle while driving.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, it is preferable to change the shooting direction of the second camera so that it can capture areas outside and inside the vehicle that are blind spots for the driver. In this case, the in-vehicle device may have a monitor that can display images. The monitor may be provided by the in-vehicle device, or a monitor of another device (e.g., a navigation device, a smartphone LCD monitor, etc.) may be used. In this way, the driver can check the blind spots by looking at the monitor. In this case, it is preferable to use a second camera with an angle of view appropriate for viewing the blind spots, for example, a camera with an angle of view that does not curve on both sides in the width direction. Not curving the captured image on both sides in the width direction makes it easier to grasp the sense of distance and to check the blind spots. In particular, it is preferable to use a camera with an angle of view that does not curve on both sides in the width direction as the second camera, and a camera with a wide angle of view that curves on both sides in the width direction as the first camera.

[0018] (2) At least one of the two non-parallel relative rotations is configured to rotate the second camera to a position that enables it to photograph locations that the first camera cannot photograph.

[0019] According to this, by rotating the second camera to a position where it can capture images of a location that the first camera cannot capture, and then further rotating the second camera in a direction different from the direction in which it rotated (for example, an intersecting direction), it becomes possible to further change the capture direction of the second camera in a location that the first camera cannot capture.

[0020] The location that cannot be photographed by the first camera may be, for example, a location that is out of the angle of view of the first camera, and more preferably a location that is rotated 180 degrees from the photographing direction of the first camera. In addition, to photograph the location that cannot be photographed by the first camera with the second camera, the second camera may be configured to be rotatable directly or indirectly so that the location that cannot be photographed by the first camera falls within the angle of view of the second camera, and more preferably the second camera may be configured to be rotatable directly or indirectly by 180 degrees or more relative to the first camera.

[0021] (3) The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a control means for rotating the image captured by the second camera by 180 degrees in the normal direction of the captured image so that, when the second camera is rotated directly and / or indirectly relative to the first camera by a predetermined angle or more, the image captured by the second camera becomes an image that is normally visible.

[0022] According to this, even when the second camera is rotated, the image captured by the second camera can be an image oriented in a normally viewed direction. For example, even when the second camera is rotated 90 degrees or more in the vertical direction relative to the first camera after the in-vehicle device is attached to the attachment location of the vehicle based on the shooting direction of the first camera, the image captured by the second camera can be an image oriented in a normally viewed direction without being an image rotated 180 degrees around the normal to the captured image (for example, an image upside down) relative to the user's view.

[0023] The predetermined angle is preferably an angle of 90 degrees or more in the vertical direction, and more preferably an angle in which the second camera is rotated 180 degrees in the vertical direction relative to the first camera.

[0024] An image that is normally viewed should be an image in which, when a display device capable of displaying a captured image is installed in a normal state and the captured image is displayed on the display device, the up-down direction of the image displayed on the display device is not perceived as an inverted image to the user's eyes.

[0025] (4) The first camera is configured so that the horizontal angle of view of the first camera when attached to the vehicle is larger than the horizontal angle of view of the second camera.

[0026] According to this, when the first camera is attached to a mounting location on the vehicle facing outside the vehicle to capture images of the outside of the vehicle with the first camera, it is possible to capture images with a wider angle in the horizontal direction than when the second camera captures images of the outside of the vehicle. In order to make the horizontal angle of view of the first camera larger than the horizontal angle of view of the second camera, it is preferable to use a lens with a wider angle than that of the second camera.

[0027] (5) The first camera is configured so that the vertical angle of view of the first camera when attached to the vehicle is smaller than the vertical angle of view of the second camera.

[0028] According to this, when the first camera is attached to a mounting location on the vehicle facing outside to capture images of the outside of the vehicle, it is possible to reduce the incidence of external light compared to when the second camera is used to capture images of the outside of the vehicle. In order to make the vertical angle of view of the first camera smaller than the vertical angle of view of the second camera, it is preferable to use a lens with a narrower vertical angle of view than the second camera.

[0029] (6) The device is characterized by comprising a first main body having the first camera, and a second main body having the second camera, supporting the second camera in a rotatable manner, and configured to be rotatable relative to the first main body.

[0030] According to this, even if the first main body is attached to the mounting position of the vehicle based on the shooting direction of the first camera, by rotating the second main body and the second camera relative to the first main body, the second camera can be pointed in any direction and any location can be photographed with the second camera.

[0031] The second camera may be supported by the second body so as to be rotatable in any direction, including the direction of rotation of the second body relative to the first body, and more preferably so as to be rotatable in a direction different from the direction of rotation of the second body relative to the first body. A configuration in which the second body supports the second camera so as to be rotatable in any direction may be configured such that a center of rotation is set in the second camera and the second camera is rotatably supported by the second body around this center of rotation. For example, a ball joint may be integrally attached to the second camera and the ball joint may be rotatably supported by the second body around the center of rotation of the ball joint. Furthermore, a configuration in which the second camera is rotatably supported by the second body may be configured such that a rotation axis is set in the second camera and the second camera is rotatably supported by the second body around the rotation axis.

[0032] The second body may be connected to the first body so as to be rotatable relative to the first body, at least to a rotational position where the second camera can capture images of areas outside the field of view of the first camera in the direction of rotation of the second body. For example, the second body may be configured to be rotatable 180 degrees or more relative to the first body, and more preferably at least 180 degrees. By configuring the second body to be rotatable 180 degrees or more relative to the first body, it is possible to capture images from an area overlapping the field of view of the first camera to areas outside the field of view of the first camera in the direction of rotation of the second body. Furthermore, by configuring the second body to be rotatable 180 degrees, it is possible to capture images of areas at least outside the field of view of the first camera in the direction of rotation of the second body.

[0033] The first camera is preferably rotatably fixed (hereinafter referred to as "semi-fixed") to the first main body, and more preferably provided integrally with the first main body. By semi-fixing the first camera to the first main body, for example, the orientation of the first camera can be changed even after the first main body is attached to the mounting position of the vehicle. Furthermore, by providing the first camera integrally with the first main body, the in-vehicle device can have a simple configuration.

[0034] The term "semi-fixed" refers to a state in which the camera rotates when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied, and maintains its posture without rotating when a rotational torque less than the predetermined value is applied. The rotational torque equal to or greater than the predetermined value may be, for example, a rotational torque acting when a user grips and rotates the first camera. In other words, the rotational torque equal to or greater than the predetermined value may be a rotational torque acting directly or indirectly on the first camera at the user's discretion, such as a power source of a motor or the like driven by the user's operation or a rotational torque acting by the user's hand. The rotational torque less than the predetermined value may be a rotational torque acting on the first camera due to vibrations of a moving vehicle after the in-vehicle device is attached to a mounting location on the vehicle. In other words, the rotational torque less than the predetermined value may be a rotational torque acting on the first camera regardless of the user's discretion to rotate the first camera.

[0035] The first camera being integral with the first main body may mean that at least the first lens constituting the first camera is fixed to the first main body.

[0036] The first and second main bodies may be rectangular or cylindrical, and if cylindrical, may have the same diameter.

[0037] (7) The second main body portion has a guide portion cut out to guide the second camera in the rotational direction, and at least a portion of the outer edge of the guide portion is formed so as to be concave with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the second main body portion.

[0038] According to this, since the outer edge of the guide part of the second main body part is formed to be concave with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the second main body part, the relative amount of protrusion of the second camera from the second main body part in the guide part is increased, making it easier for the user to move the second camera. For example, even if the second camera is formed so that the amount of protrusion from an outer peripheral surface different from the outer peripheral surface of the outer edge periphery of the guide part of the second main body part (for example, the outer peripheral surface on the opposite side of the guide part (other outer peripheral surface)) is small, the outer edge of the guide part is formed to be concave with respect to the other outer peripheral surface, so that the amount of protrusion of the second camera from the guide part can be made relatively larger than the amount of protrusion from the other outer peripheral surface.

[0039] The outer edges of the guide portion formed in a concave shape are preferably on both sides substantially parallel to the guiding direction of the second camera.

[0040] (8) The first body portion is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, and the second body portion is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, and the central axis of the second body portion is positioned coaxially with the central axis of the first body portion, and is rotatably connected to the first body portion so as to rotate relative to the first body portion coaxially with the central axis of the first body portion.

[0041] With this, since the first main body and the second main body are both substantially cylindrical, the second main body can be rotated relative to the first main body without significantly changing the external shape of the in-vehicle device, which means that the shooting direction of the second camera can be changed without significantly changing the external shape of the in-vehicle device.

[0042] The first and second main bodies may preferably have the same outer diameter. By making the outer diameters the same, it is possible to further prevent the outer shape of the in-vehicle device from changing significantly when the second main body is rotated, and for example, even if the second main body is rotated after the in-vehicle device is attached to an attachment location on the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the second main body from interfering with other devices.

[0043] (9) The second camera is supported by the second main body so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the central axis of the second main body.

[0044] This allows the second camera to be positioned at the tip side of the axial direction of the central axis of the second main body unit (opposite the side to which the first main body unit is connected in the axial direction of the central axis) rather than being configured so that the second camera rotates diagonally relative to the central axis of the second main body unit, thereby making it possible to increase the range of rotation in the horizontal direction, for example.

[0045] (10) The end portion of the second main body portion opposite the first main body portion in the axial direction of the central axis thereof is formed in a hemispherical shape so as to conform to the rotation of the second camera.

[0046] This allows the second camera to rotate along the end of the second main body unit without unnecessarily protruding or recessing at the end of the second main body unit opposite the first main body unit in the axial direction.

[0047] (11) The second body portion is supported so as to be rotatable at least 180 degrees relative to the first body portion.

[0048] With this, by simply rotating the second main body, it is possible to capture an image outside the range of the angle of view of the first camera with the second camera.

[0049] (12) The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a body holding means by which, when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the second body portion, the second body portion rotates relative to the first body portion, and, when a rotational torque less than a predetermined value is applied to the second body portion, the second body portion is held by the first body portion without rotating.

[0050] According to this, when a rotational torque greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to the second main body portion, the second main body portion becomes rotatable relative to the first main body portion, and when a rotational torque less than the predetermined value is applied to the second main body portion, the second main body portion can be held in any rotational position relative to the first main body portion.

[0051] The rotational torque equal to or greater than the predetermined level may be, for example, a rotational torque acting on the second main body when the user grips and rotates the second main body. In other words, the rotational torque equal to or greater than the predetermined level may be a rotational torque acting directly or indirectly on the second main body due to the user's intention to rotate the second main body, such as a rotational torque acting by the power of a motor or the like operated by the user's operation, or a rotational torque acting by the user's hand. The rotational torque less than the predetermined level may be a rotational torque acting on the second main body due to vibrations of a moving vehicle after the in-vehicle device is attached to the mounting location on the vehicle, or a rotational torque acting on the second main body when rotating the second camera. In other words, the rotational torque less than the predetermined level may be a rotational torque acting on the second main body regardless of the user's intention to rotate the second main body.

[0052] In this case, the first main body may be fixed to an attachment location on the vehicle directly or via an attachment bracket, etc. When fixed to the attachment location on the vehicle, the first camera may be fixed so as to face outside the vehicle.

[0053] (13) The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a camera holding means that, when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the second camera, the second camera rotates relative to the second main body, and, when a rotational torque less than a predetermined value is applied to the second camera, the second camera is held by the second main body.

[0054] According to this, when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the second camera, the second camera becomes rotatable, and when a rotational torque less than the predetermined value is applied to the second camera, the second camera can be held in any rotational position on the second main body.

[0055] The rotational torque equal to or greater than the predetermined value may be, for example, a rotational torque acting on the second camera when the user grips and rotates the second camera. In other words, the rotational torque equal to or greater than the predetermined value may be a rotational torque acting directly or indirectly on the second camera due to the user's intention to rotate the second camera, such as a rotational torque acting by the user's hand or the power of a motor operated by the user's operation. The rotational torque less than the predetermined value may be a rotational torque acting on the second camera due to vibrations of a moving vehicle after the in-vehicle device is attached to the vehicle, or a rotational torque acting on the second camera when the second main body is rotated. In other words, the rotational torque less than the predetermined value may be a rotational torque acting on the second camera regardless of the user's intention to rotate the second camera. At this time, the second main body may be held at an arbitrary rotational position on the first main body by the main body holding means. For example, it is preferable to configure the rotational torque in (12) (for example, referred to as the first rotational torque) to be greater than the rotational torque in (13) (for example, referred to as the second rotational torque).

[0056] (14) The device is characterized by including a fixing means for fixing the first main body portion to a mounting position on a vehicle.

[0057] This allows the first main body to be attached to the attachment location on the vehicle without unnecessary movement of the first main body. The fixing means may be, for example, a mounting bracket that can be attached to the first main body. The mounting bracket may be configured to be able to change the orientation of the first main body (for example, the posture of the first main body at the attachment location on the vehicle). In other words, the first main body may be configured to be able to be fixed so that the shooting direction of the first camera can be changed.

[0058] Furthermore, the fixing means preferably includes a mounting bracket having a ring member attachable to the first main body and an attachment member attachable to the attachment location, and a fixing member for fixing the ring member to the first main body. The fixing member preferably has a configuration in which the ring member is sandwiched between the first main body and the fixing bracket, and more preferably has a configuration in which the fixing member is screwed into the first main body. By screwing the fixing member into the first main body to sandwich and fix the ring member, for example, simply by loosening the screwing of the fixing member, the clamping of the ring member is loosened, making it possible to easily rotate the first main body. In other words, it is easy to change the first main body between a fixed state and a movable state.

[0059] Furthermore, the first main body portion may be held by a fixing member so as not to rotate unnecessarily, and may be held by, for example, a rotational torque (e.g., referred to as a third rotational torque) greater than the rotational torque (e.g., the above-mentioned first rotational torque) acting when rotating the second main body portion relative to the first main body portion. In particular, the first main body portion may be fixed to the fixing member so as not to rotate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0060] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle device that can capture images of any location using each of a plurality of cameras. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a drive recorder main body of a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating a first main body portion of the dashcam main body according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram illustrating a second main body portion of the dashcam main body according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the second main body portion shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a bracket of the drive recorder according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a fixing member of the drive recorder according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the installation of the drive recorder according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a drive recorder 1 having two cameras capable of simultaneously capturing images of any location outside and inside the vehicle will be used as an example of the in-vehicle device.

[0063] First, the schematic configuration of the drive recorder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the base end, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view as viewed from the tip end. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder main body 10 of the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment as viewed from the base end, and FIG. 2(b) is a top view of the drive recorder main body 10. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are cross-sectional views of the first main body 100 of the drive recorder main body 10 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 3(c) is a side view. Note that FIGS. 1 to 3 show a state in which the second main body 200 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first main body 100. Also, FIG. 3 omits electronic components housed inside the first main body 100.

[0064] FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view of the second main body 200 of the drive recorder main body 10 according to this embodiment, (b) is a front view of the second main body 200, and (c) is a top view. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the second main body 200. FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the bracket 20 of the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment, and (c) is a side view. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views of the fixing member 30 of the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment, and (c) is a side view.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the drive recorder 1 comprises a drive recorder main body (hereinafter referred to as the "drive recorder main body") 10 formed in an approximately cylindrical shape with a substantially hemispherical tip, a mounting bracket (hereinafter simply referred to as the "bracket") 20 attached to the base end of the drive recorder main body 10 so as to be relatively rotatable around the central axis X of the drive recorder main body 10, and a fixing member 30 for fixing the bracket 20 to the base end of the drive recorder main body 10.

[0066] The dashcam main body 10 includes a first main body 100 to which a bracket 20 is rotatably attached about a central axis X, and a second main body 200 rotatably supported by the first main body 100 about the central axis X. In other words, the dashcam main body 10 is configured such that the first main body 100 is rotatable about the central axis X relative to the bracket 20, which is attached to an attachment location on the vehicle, and the second main body 200 is rotatable about the central axis X relative to the first main body 100. In this embodiment, the dashcam main body 10 is formed to have a diameter of approximately 40 mm and an axial length of approximately 110 mm.

[0067] 2(a), the first main body 100 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has built-in electronic components (not shown), such as an imaging element, that constitute the first camera, and a first lens 101 that constitutes the first camera, disposed on an outer circumferential surface 100a. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first lens 101 is disposed in a substantially central portion in the axial direction of the dashcam main body 10 so as to face a direction perpendicular to the central axis X, and is disposed so as to protrude slightly from the outer circumferential surface 101a of the main body 100.

[0068] Furthermore, the first lens 101 is a lens whose horizontal angle of view (horizontal angle of view) displayed on the monitor is larger than that of the second lens 211 of the second camera 210 (described later) when the drive recorder 1 is mounted at a mounting location on the vehicle so that the central axis X is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction, and whose vertical angle of view (vertical angle of view) displayed on the monitor is smaller than that of the second lens 211. Note that the monitor here refers to a monitor for displaying captured images, such as a liquid crystal display screen of a smartphone. By increasing the horizontal angle of view, it is possible to obtain a wide-angle image when capturing images outside the vehicle, and by decreasing the vertical angle of view, it is possible to reduce the incidence of unnecessary external light when capturing images outside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first lens 101 is a lens whose horizontal angle of view is 100 degrees and whose vertical angle of view is 75 degrees. Note that the horizontal angle of view is preferably 90 degrees or more.

[0069] A mounting recess 102 into which the bracket 20 can be attached is provided on the proximal end side of the first lens 101 of the first main body unit 100. The mounting recess 102 is formed concavely with respect to the outer peripheral surface 100a so that, when the bracket 20 is attached, an outer peripheral surface 21b (see FIG. 6) of a ring member 21 (described later) of the bracket 20 and an outer peripheral surface 100a of the first main body unit 100 are positioned on the same plane. In other words, the mounting recess 102 is formed concavely with respect to the outer peripheral surface 100a by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the ring member 21 of the bracket 20. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the mounting recess 102 is formed slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the ring member 21 of the bracket 20 so that the bracket 20 is rotatable.

[0070] At the boundary between the outer peripheral surface 100a and the mounting recess 102, an abutment surface 103 is erected in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X. The abutment surface 103 is capable of abutting against the side surface 21c (see FIG. 6) of the ring member 21 of the bracket 20 when the bracket 20 is mounted in the mounting recess 102. A meshing portion 104 is formed on a part of the abutment surface 103 in the circumferential direction, and the meshing portion 104 is made up of a plurality of adjacent recesses 104a and protrusions 104b.

[0071] A threaded portion 105 into which the fixing member 40 can be screwed toward the tip side is provided on the base end side of the mounting recess 102 of the first main body portion 100 (the base end portion of the dashcam main body 10). The threaded portion 105 is formed in a concave shape relative to the mounting recess 102, and a restricting surface 106 that restricts the amount of screwing of the fixing member 40 in the axial direction is erected at the boundary between the mounting recess 102 and the threaded portion 105 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X.

[0072] Here, the length of the mounting recess 102 in the axial direction of the central axis X is formed to be shorter than the length of the ring member 21 of the bracket 20 in the axial direction when the ring member 21 is mounted in the mounting recess 102. Therefore, when the ring member 21 of the bracket 20 is mounted in the mounting recess 102, the above-mentioned restriction surface 106 is located inside the ring member 21. As a result, when the fixing member 30 is screwed into the threaded portion 105 after the ring member 21 is mounted in the mounting recess 102, the fixing member 30 is not restricted by the restriction surface 106, but is sandwiched between the fixing member 30 and the abutment surface 103, making it possible to fix the ring member 21. On the other hand, when the screwing amount of the fixing member 30 is reduced, the ring member 21 becomes rotatable on the mounting recess 102.

[0073] 3(a) and 3(b), a support portion 107 is provided at the tip of the first main body portion 100, which supports the second main body portion 200 rotatably around the central axis X. The support portion 107 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 100b of the first main body portion 100. In other words, the first main body portion 100 rotatably supports the second main body portion 200 on the inner circumferential surface 100b side.

[0074] The support portion 107 includes a guide support portion 108 that guides the second main body portion 200 in the rotational direction about the central axis X and supports the second main body portion 200 so that it does not fall out of the first main body portion 100 in the axial direction, a pair of protrusions 109a, 109b that engage with a gear portion 222 (described later) of the second main body portion 200 to hold the second main body portion 200 at any rotational position, and a rotation regulating portion 110 that regulates the amount of rotation of the second main body portion 200 relative to the first main body portion 100.

[0075] The guide support portion 108 is provided substantially parallel to the circumferential direction of the first main body portion 100 so that the second main body portion 200 rotates in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion 100, and protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 100b toward the central axis X. The pair of protrusions 109a, 109b protrude from the inner circumferential surface 100b toward the central axis X and are formed so as to elastically deform when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied thereto, but not to elastically deform when a rotational torque less than the predetermined value is applied thereto. Specifically, the pair of protrusions 109a, 109b elastically deform when a rotational torque is applied to the second main body portion 200 by the user to rotate the second main body portion 200, but not to elastically deform when a rotational torque generated by vehicle vibration, rotating the second camera 210, or the like is applied to the second main body portion 200. The pair of protrusions 109a, 109b elastically deform, allowing them to move on the gear portion 222 of the second main body portion 200 with which they engage, and allowing the second main body portion 200 to rotate relative to the first main body portion 100. On the other hand, the pair of protrusions 109a, 109b do not elastically deform, so that the engagement with the gear portion 222 of the second main body portion 200 is maintained, and the rotational position of the second main body portion 200 relative to the first main body portion 100 is maintained.

[0076] The rotation restricting portion 110 comes into contact with a restricting protrusion 224 (described later) provided on the second main body portion 200, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the second main body portion 200 relative to the first main body portion 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the rotation restricting portion 110 has restricting surfaces 110a and 110b that can come into contact with the restricting protrusion of the second main body portion 200, and restricts the rotation of the second main body portion 200 by the restricting surfaces 110a and 110b coming into contact with the restricting protrusion 224 of the second main body portion 200 that is guided by the guide support portion 108.

[0077] As for the range of rotational amount regulated by regulating surfaces 110a and 110b, for example, in the case where second body 200 is rotated vertically relative to first body 100 with first lens 101 oriented horizontally, regulating surfaces 110a and 110b are provided so that second camera 210 can rotate from a position rotated slightly downward from the shooting direction of first lens 101 to a position rotated 180 degrees from above relative to the shooting direction of first lens 101 and then rotated slightly downward. For example, regulating surfaces 110a and 110b are provided so that second body 200 can rotate 230 degrees vertically relative to first body 100.

[0078] 4(a) to 4(c), the second main body 200 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a generally hemispherical tip, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion connected to the first main body 100 is formed to be generally the same as the outer diameter of the first main body 100. By making the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the second main body 200 generally the same as the outer diameter of the first main body 100, the outer shape of the dashcam main body 10 does not change significantly even when the second main body 200 is rotated. Therefore, even when the second main body 200 is rotated after the drive recorder 1 is attached to the attachment location on the vehicle, the second main body 200 can be prevented from interfering with other devices or the like located around the attachment location.

[0079] The second main body 200 also includes a second camera 210 capable of capturing images of the interior of the vehicle, and a case member 220 that supports the second camera 210 so that it can rotate freely.

[0080] Second camera 210 includes second lens 211 for capturing images of the interior of the vehicle, electronic components such as an imaging element (not shown), and camera housing 212 that supports second lens 211 and houses the electronic components. In this embodiment, second lens 211 is a lens that has a larger angle of view in the vertical direction than first lens 101 when drive recorder 1 is attached to an attachment location on the vehicle so that central axis X is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction, and for example, a lens with a horizontal angle of view of 45 degrees and a vertical angle of view of 30 degrees is used.

[0081] 5, the camera housing 212 includes a lens support section 213 that supports the second lens 211, and a main body section 214 to which the lens support section 213 is connected. The lens support section 213 is provided so as to protrude from the main body section 214. The main body section 214 is supported by the case member 220 via a pair of rotation support members 230a, 230b (see FIG. 5) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Z (see FIG. 4(a)) that is perpendicular to the central axis X (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0082] Specifically, main body portion 214 is formed in a substantially spherical shape with both ends in the axial direction of rotation axis Z cut, and a pair of rotation support members 230a, 230b are disposed in the cut portions. Further, the pair of rotation support members 230a, 230b are provided with fixing protrusions 231 fixed to fixing recesses 221 formed in the inner circumferential surface of case member 220, and engaging protrusions 232 engageable with sawtooth-shaped uneven portions 215 provided on the inner surface of main body portion 214, and in a state where main body portion 214 is fixed to fixing recesses 221 of case member 220 by fixing protrusions 231, uneven portions 215 of main body portion 214 are rotatably held by engaging protrusions 232.

[0083] The engagement protrusion 232 protrudes toward the uneven portion 215 of the main body 214 and is formed so as to elastically deform when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied, but not to elastically deform when a rotational torque less than the predetermined value is applied. Specifically, the engagement protrusion 232 elastically deforms when a rotational torque is applied to the second camera 210 by a user to rotate the second camera 210, but not to elastically deform when a rotational torque generated by vehicle vibration or when rotating the second main body 200 is applied. The elastic deformation of the engagement protrusion 232 allows the uneven portion 215 of the main body 214 to move on the engagement protrusion 232, and the second camera 210 becomes rotatable relative to the case member 220. On the other hand, the lack of elastic deformation of the engagement protrusion 232 maintains the engagement between the uneven portion 215 of the main body 214 and the engagement protrusion 232, thereby maintaining the rotational position of the second camera 210 relative to the case member 220.

[0084] In this embodiment, the rotational torque for rotating second camera 210 is set to be smaller than the rotational torque for rotating second main body 200 described above.

[0085] The tip of the case member 220 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape so that when the second camera 210 rotates around the rotation axis Z, the lens support part 213 can move along the outer shape of the case member 220. By forming the tip of the case member 220 in a substantially hemispherical shape, the lens support part 213 is prevented from being hidden by the case member 220 or from protruding unnecessarily from the case member 220 even when the second camera 210 is rotated.

[0086] The case member 220 also includes a gear portion 222 that can engage with the pair of protrusions 109a, 109b of the second main body portion 200, a sliding groove 223 along which the guide support portion 108 of the second main body portion 200 can slide, a regulating protrusion portion 224 that can abut against the rotation regulating portion 110 of the second main body portion 200, and a guide portion 225 that is cut out so as to be able to guide the lens support portion 213 of the second camera 210 in the rotational direction around the rotation axis Z.

[0087] The gear portion 222 is provided at the base end of the case member 220, and is substantially parallel to the rotation direction of the second main body portion 200. The slide groove 223 is provided above the gear portion 222, and is formed to be more concave than the gear portion 222 and to be substantially parallel to the rotation direction of the second main body portion 200. The restricting protrusion 224 is provided above the slide groove 223, and is formed so as to be able to come into contact with the restricting surfaces 110a, 110b of the rotation restricting portion 110 when the second main body portion 200 rotates.

[0088] Guide unit 225 is formed to allow lens support unit 213 to move substantially parallel to central axis X. For example, in the case where first lens 101 is oriented horizontally and rotated horizontally relative to first main body unit 100, whose central axis X is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction, guide unit 225 can guide lens support unit 213 from a position slightly rotated toward first lens 101 from a position where the lens surface of second lens 211 held by lens support unit 213 is substantially parallel to the lens surface of first lens 101, to a position where second camera 210 can capture images of the side of the vehicle when drive recorder 1 is attached to an attachment position on the vehicle.

[0089] 4(b) and 4(c), the guide portion 225 is formed so that outer edges 225a located on both sides in the axial direction of the rotation axis Z are more concave than the other outer peripheral surfaces of the case member 220. By forming the outer edges of the guide portion 225 on both sides in the axial direction of the rotation axis Z as concave, for example, the relative amount of protrusion of the lens support portion 213 from the second main body portion 200 in the guide portion 225 is increased, making it easier for the user to move the lens support portion 213. Specifically, even if the lens support portion 213 is formed so that the relative amount of protrusion from an outer peripheral surface different from the outer peripheral surface near the guide portion 225 of the second main body portion 200 (for example, the outer peripheral surface on the opposite side of the guide portion 225) is small, by forming the outer edge of the guide portion 225 more concave than the other outer peripheral surfaces, the amount of protrusion of the lens support portion 213 from the guide portion 225 can be made larger than the amount of protrusion from the other outer peripheral surfaces.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c), the bracket 20 includes a ring member 21 formed in an annular shape, and an attachment member 22 that can be attached to an attachment location on a vehicle.

[0091] The ring member 21 is formed so that the outer diameter of the inner circumferential surface 21a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the mounting recess 102 so that the ring member 21 can be mounted in the mounting recess 102 of the first main body portion 100 from the base end side in the axial direction of the first main body portion 100 and can rotate in the mounting recess 102 when mounted. Furthermore, the ring member 21 is formed so that the outer diameter is substantially the same as (for example, the same as, or slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than) the outer diameter of the first main body portion 100 so that the outer circumferential surface 100a of the first main body portion 100 and the outer circumferential surface 21b of the ring member 21 are positioned on substantially the same plane when the ring member 21 is mounted in the mounting recess 102 of the first main body portion 100. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the ring member 21 is formed to be approximately 40 mm, the same as the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 100a of the first main body portion 100.

[0092] Furthermore, of the side surfaces 21c and 21d of the ring member 21 that are perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface 21a and the outer peripheral surface 21b, the side surface 21c that can come into contact with the aforementioned meshing portion 104 of the first main body portion 100 when the ring member 21 is attached to the attachment recess 102 of the first main body portion 100 is provided with an interlocking portion 23 that can mesh with the interlocking portion 104 of the first main body portion 100. The interlocking portion 23 is composed of a plurality of sawtooth-shaped recesses 23a and protrusions 23b that are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and by meshing with any of the plurality of recesses 104a and protrusions 104b of the interlocking portion 104 of the first main body portion 100, the relative rotation between the ring member 21 and the first main body portion 100 is restricted.

[0093] Mounting member 22 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and has mounting surface 22a to which double-sided tape is attached for fixing to a mounting location on the vehicle, and connection surface 22b that is connected to ring member 21. Mounting surface 22a is formed in a flat shape. Connection surface 22b is connected to outer peripheral surface 21b of ring member 21 via support leg portions 24 so that mounting surface 22a is approximately parallel to the tangent direction of outer peripheral surface 21b of ring member 21.

[0094] 7(a) to 7(c), the fixing member 30 is formed in an annular shape, and a thread groove 31 is formed on an inner peripheral surface 30a so that the fixing member 30 can be threaded onto the threaded portion 105 of the first main body portion 100 from the base end side in the axial direction of the first main body portion 100. Furthermore, the fixing member 30 is formed to have an outer diameter that is approximately the same diameter as the outer diameter of the first main body portion 100 (for example, the same diameter as, or slightly smaller or slightly larger than, the outer diameter 100a) of the first main body portion 100, so that the outer peripheral surface 100a of the first main body portion 100 and the outer peripheral surface 30b of the fixing member 30 are positioned on approximately the same plane when the fixing member 30 is threaded onto the threaded portion 105 of the first main body portion 100. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the fixing member 30 is formed to be approximately 40 mm, which is the same diameter as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 100a of the first main body portion 100. Furthermore, a side surface 30c of the fixing member 30, which is perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface 30a and the outer peripheral surface 30b, is formed so as to be able to come into contact with a side surface 21d of the ring member 21.

[0095] Here, the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment has a built-in publicly known wireless LAN module, and by downloading a dedicated application to a smartphone or the like, it is possible to check the captured images on the LCD screen of the smartphone or the like.

[0096] Furthermore, after the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment is installed in a vehicle, if the user rotates the second main body 200 by 90 degrees or more relative to the first main body 100 in order to change the shooting direction of the second camera 210, the captured image can be rotated 180 degrees around the normal to the image and displayed on the LCD screen of a smartphone or the like. For example, the smartphone has a button for rotating the image, and pressing the button flips the image. Note that the image may be automatically flipped, for example. The button is not limited to a physical button, and may be a touch-sensitive configuration provided on the LCD screen.

[0097] With this configuration, for example, when an image captured by second camera 210 is confirmed on a smartphone after rotating second main body 200, the image displayed on the smartphone can be oriented in a way that is normally viewed. In other words, it is possible to prevent the image displayed on the smartphone from being an image rotated around the normal line (an image upside down) due to the rotation of second camera 210.

[0098] Next, a method for installing the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the drive recorder 1 is installed on the windshield of the vehicle. In this embodiment, images captured by the first main body 100 and the second camera 210 are displayed on a smartphone via wireless LAN, and the user adjusts the shooting direction while checking the images displayed on the smartphone. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the installation of the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment.

[0099] First, as shown in Fig. 8, the ring member 21 of the bracket 20 is attached to the mounting recess 102 of the dashcam body 10 from the base end side of the dashcam body 10. The ring member 21 of the bracket 20 is formed so that the outer diameter of the inner circumferential surface is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the mounting recess 102. Therefore, when the ring member 21 is attached to the mounting recess 102, the bracket 20 is not fixed to the dashcam body 10 and is rotatable.

[0100] Next, the fixing member 30 is screwed onto the threaded portion 105 of the dashcam body 10 from the base end side of the dashcam body 10. When the fixing member 30 is screwed onto the threaded portion 105, the ring member 21 of the bracket 20 is sandwiched between the abutment surface 103 of the first main body portion 100 and the side surface 30c of the fixing member 30, restricting rotation of the bracket 20. Furthermore, the meshing portion 104 formed on the abutment surface 103 meshes with the meshing portion 23 formed on the side surface 21c, making it possible to fix the bracket 20 to the dashcam body 10. In this way, the bracket 20 is temporarily fixed to the dashcam body 10.

[0101] Next, the bracket 20 temporarily fixed to the dashcam main body 10 is attached to the windshield of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the bracket 20 is attached to the windshield of the vehicle using double-sided tape attached to the attachment surface 22a of the attachment member 22 of the bracket 20.

[0102] When attaching the drive recorder 1 to the windshield of a vehicle, safety standards for road transport vehicles require that the drive recorder 1 be attached within a range of no more than 20% in the vertical direction from the top edge of the windshield. Therefore, first, from inside the vehicle, the bracket 20 temporarily fixed to the drive recorder main body 10 is attached within a range of no more than 20% in the vertical direction from the top edge of the windshield. At this time, the bracket 20 is attached to the windshield so that the central axis X of the drive recorder main body 10 is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0103] Once the bracket 20 is attached to the windshield, the fixing member 30 screwed to the dashcam main body 10 is loosened to allow the dashcam main body 10 to rotate relative to the bracket 20 attached to the windshield. Once the dashcam main body 10 is rotatable, the smartphone is then caused to display images captured by the first main body unit 100. A dedicated application is downloaded to the smartphone in advance. The dashcam 1 is also connected to a power source in advance. Once the images captured by the first main body unit 100 are displayed on the smartphone, the user can adjust the capture direction by rotating the first main body unit 100 up and down while viewing the image displayed on the smartphone so that the desired image is obtained.

[0104] Once the desired image can be obtained by the first main body unit 100, the fixing member 30 is screwed into the threaded portion 105 to fix the first main body unit 100 to the bracket 20 so as not to rotate. When the fixing member 30 is screwed into the threaded portion 105, the meshing portion 104 formed on the abutment surface 103 meshes with the meshing portion 23 formed on the side surface 21c, so that the first main body unit 100 is fixed to the bracket 20 so as not to rotate. Therefore, for example, the fixation of the first main body unit 100 to the bracket 20 will not loosen due to vibrations of the vehicle while it is moving. In other words, the orientation of the image captured by the first main body unit 100 will not be unnecessarily changed due to vibrations of the vehicle, etc.

[0105] Next, the second body 200 is rotated from above, so that the second camera 210 faces the interior of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the second body 200 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first body 100. By rotating the second body 200 180 degrees relative to the first body 100, the second camera 210 can capture images of the interior of the vehicle. At this time, the second body 200 is held against rotation by the engagement between the pair of protrusions 109a, 109b of the first body 100 and the gear portion 222 of the second body 200. However, the second body 200 can be rotated by the user applying a rotational torque to the second body 200. Furthermore, when the second body 200 is rotated 90 degrees or more relative to the first body 100, the image displayed on the smartphone is an image obtained by rotating the image captured by the second camera 210 180 degrees around the normal. In other words, the image displayed on the smartphone is oriented in the same direction as the normal viewing direction.

[0106] Next, while viewing the image captured by second camera 210 displayed on the smartphone, the user rotates second camera 210 horizontally so that the desired location can be captured. At this time, second camera 210 is held against rotation by engagement between engagement protrusions 232 of paired rotation support members 230a, 230b and sawtooth concave-convex portion 215 provided on main body portion 214 of camera housing 212. However, second camera 210 can be rotated by the user applying rotational torque to second camera 210. At this time, second camera 210 rotates with a rotational torque smaller than the rotational torque for rotating second main body portion 200, so second main body portion 200 remains held by first main body portion 100. In addition, outer edge 225a of guide portion 225 is formed in a concave shape, making it easy to move second camera 210 even when attached to the windshield.

[0107] Once the shooting direction of second camera 210 is determined, mounting of drive recorder 1 on the windshield of the vehicle is completed. As a result, desired images of the outside and inside of the vehicle are captured in conjunction with starting and stopping of the vehicle engine. Note that second main body 200 and second camera 210 are not rotated by rotational torque acting due to vibrations of the vehicle while it is moving, so the orientation of the image captured by second camera 210 is not unnecessarily shifted due to vibrations of the vehicle while it is moving.

[0108] As described above, in the drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment, the second main body 200 is supported relative to the first main body 100 so as to be rotatable by 180 degrees or more, and the second camera 210 is supported rotatably relative to the second main body 200 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the second main body 200. Therefore, even when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the windshield so that the first lens 101 of the first main body 100 faces the outside of the vehicle, by rotating the second main body 200, the second camera 210 can capture images of the inside of the vehicle, and by rotating the second main body 200 and the second camera 210, a desired location within the vehicle can be captured. In other words, the drive recorder 1 can capture desired images both outside and inside the vehicle.

[0109] Furthermore, when second main body 200 is rotated by 90 degrees or more, drive recorder 1 rotates the image captured by second camera 210 by 180 degrees in the normal direction of the image and displays the image on the smartphone as an image oriented for normal viewing. Therefore, even when second main body 200 is rotated, it is easy to adjust the imaging direction of second camera 210 while looking at the smartphone.

[0110] In addition, the drive recorder 1 uses a lens with a large horizontal angle of view and a narrow vertical angle of view for the first lens 101 of the first main body unit 100 that captures the outside of the vehicle, so that the outside of the vehicle can be captured at a wide angle while reducing the incidence of external light.

[0111] Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 is configured such that the first main body 100 and the second main body 200 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with substantially the same diameter and are configured to rotate relative to each other on the same axis. Therefore, for example, even when the first main body 100 and the second main body 200 are rotated, there is almost no change in the outer diameter of the drive recorder 1, and even when the drive recorder is attached to an attachment location on a vehicle, interference with other devices due to rotation can be prevented.

[0112] Furthermore, in the drive recorder 1, the outer edge 225a of the guide portion 225 of the second main body portion 200 is formed in a concave shape. Therefore, the user can easily rotate the second camera 210 without unnecessarily protruding the lens support portion. For example, even after the drive recorder 1 is attached to the attachment location of the vehicle, the user can easily rotate the second camera 210.

[0113] Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 is configured such that the bracket 20 is rotatably attached to the first main body unit 100, and the bracket 20 is sandwiched and fixed between the fixing member 30 and the first main body unit 100. Therefore, even after the bracket 20 is attached to the windshield of the vehicle, the first main body unit 100 can be easily rotated to adjust the shooting direction of the first main body unit 100.

[0114] Furthermore, the second camera 210 is configured to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the second main body unit 200. Therefore, for example, rather than rotating the second camera 210 obliquely with respect to the rotation direction of the second main body unit 200, the second camera 210 can be positioned closer to the tip side in the axial direction of the central axis X of the second main body unit 200 (the opposite side to the side to which the first main body unit 100 is connected in the axial direction of the central axis X), and for example, the rotation range in the horizontal direction can be increased.

[0115] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] For example, in this embodiment, the drive recorder 1 has been described as an example of an in-vehicle device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The in-vehicle device according to the present invention may be used, for example, in a navigation device having multiple cameras. By using the device in a navigation device, captured images (video or still images) can be stored in association with map information for the navigation function. For example, a map can be constructed using captured images instead of a picture.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, the drive recorder 1 having two cameras has been described as an example of an in-vehicle device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The in-vehicle device according to the present invention may be, for example, a drive recorder having three or more cameras, with any two or each of the three or more cameras having the same configuration as the present invention.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, second camera 210 is configured to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of second main body 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the in-vehicle device according to the present invention, the second camera may be supported on the second main body so as to be rotatable in any direction relative to the second main body. For example, the main body of the camera housing of the second camera may be configured with a ball joint that is rotatable around a rotation center, and the camera housing may be rotatably supported by a case member. Furthermore, the second camera may be rotatably supported on the second main body so as to be rotatable in a direction that intersects the rotation direction of the second main body, rather than being perpendicular to it.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the first lens is fixed to the first main body unit 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which the first lens is rotatably supported relative to the first main body unit 100 is also possible. Furthermore, the second camera may be configured integrally with the second main body unit, and the second main body unit may be configured to be rotatable in two non-parallel directions relative to the first main body unit. For example, the first main body unit may be the first camera, the second main body unit may be the second camera, and the second camera may be configured to be rotatable in two non-parallel directions relative to the first camera.

[0120] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which second camera 210 is rotated directly and indirectly in two non-parallel directions relative to first main body 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which second camera 210 is rotated directly in two non-parallel directions relative to first main body 100, or a configuration in which the second camera is rotated indirectly in two non-parallel directions, may also be used.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, the orientation of second camera 210 is adjusted so that a desired location in the vehicle can be photographed, but second camera 210 may be adjusted so that a blind spot of the driver can be photographed. By making it possible to check the blind spot of the driver with second camera 210, safe driving becomes possible.

[0122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which images captured by the first main body unit 100 and the second camera 210 are viewed on a smartphone, but for example, a configuration may be adopted in which an LCD monitor is provided on each of the first main body unit 100 and the second main body unit 200 of the dashcam main body 10, and the captured images can be viewed on the respective LCD monitors. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which an LCD monitor is provided on the first main body unit 100, and the images captured by the first main body unit 100 and the second camera 210 can be viewed on this LCD monitor. Also, a configuration in which the images are displayed on an existing or portable navigation device is possible.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, the dashcam main body 10 is described as being attached to the vehicle's windshield via a bracket 20 that is rotatably attached to the dashcam main body 10, but it may also be configured, for example, to attach and fix the first main body part 100 directly to the windshield.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second main body 200 is configured to be rotatable by 180 degrees or more relative to the first main body 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second main body 200 only needs to be rotatable to a position where the second camera 210 can capture at least the interior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second main body 200 only needs to be rotatable to a position where the second camera 210 can capture an area that the first main body 100 cannot capture. For example, the second main body 200 only needs to be rotatable to a position where the second camera 210 can capture an area that is out of the angle of view of the first lens 101.

[0125] In addition, in this embodiment, the first main body portion 100 and the second main body portion 200 are each formed into an approximately cylindrical shape with approximately the same diameter, but for example, the first main body portion and the second main body portion may each be formed into a rectangular box shape or may be formed into a similar shape.

[0126] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which first main body unit 100 is attached facing the outside of the vehicle and second camera 210 captures the inside of the vehicle, but first main body unit 100 may be attached facing the inside of the vehicle and second camera 210 may capture the outside of the vehicle. In this case, it is preferable to use a second lens of second camera 210 that has a large angle of view in the horizontal direction and a small angle of view in the vertical direction.

[0127] The modified examples, the constituent elements of the contents of each embodiment, and the elements to which the elements and ideas described in the means for solving the problems are applied may be combined in any manner to form an embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Drive recorder (an example of in-vehicle equipment) 10 Drive recorder body 20 Mounting bracket 21 Ring member 30 Fixing member 100 first main body 101 First Lens 102 Mounting recess 105 Threaded part 200 Second main body 210 Second Camera 211 Second Lens X center axis Z rotation axis

Claims

1. a first body portion; a second body portion that rotatably supports a camera and is connected to the first body portion so as to be rotatable relative to the camera; a body holding means for rotating the second body part relative to the first body part when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a first rotational torque is applied to the second body part, and for holding the second body part to the first body part without rotating when a rotational torque less than the first rotational torque is applied to the second body part; a camera holding means for rotating the camera relative to the second main body when a rotational torque equal to or greater than a second rotational torque is applied to the camera, and for holding the camera on the second main body without rotating when a rotational torque less than the second rotational torque is applied to the camera; Equipped with The first rotational torque is greater than the second rotational torque. An in-vehicle device characterized by:

2. the second body portion has a notched guide portion for guiding the camera in a rotation direction, At least a part of the outer edge of the guide portion is formed to be concave with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the second main body portion.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

3. The first main body portion is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, The second body portion is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is rotatably connected to the first body portion so that the central axis of the second body portion is positioned coaxially with the central axis of the first body portion and rotates coaxially with the central axis of the first body portion relative to the first body portion.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

4. The camera is supported by the second main body so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the central axis of the second main body.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 3.

5. The end of the second main body portion opposite to the first main body portion in the axial direction of the central axis thereof is formed in a hemispherical shape so as to conform to the rotation direction of the camera.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 3.

6. and a fixing means for fixing the first body portion to a mounting position on a vehicle.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1.

7. The first body portion is held by the fixing means with a rotational torque greater than the first rotational torque.

7. The in-vehicle device according to claim 6.

8. The on-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is a drive recorder.

Images