Camera mounting structure

Abstract

To improve efficiency of camera fitting / detaching work to a window in a fitting structure for fitting a camera disposed on an in-vehicle side of the window of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A camera fitting structure 20 comprises: a fitting member 22 fitted to a camera 21; and a holding member 23 that is fixed to the inner surface of a window and that holds the fitting member. The holding member includes a fixed frame 25 fixed to the inner surface of the window, a hood 26 that protrudes from the fixed frame toward a vehicle inside, and a reception barrel 27 that extends from the hood toward the vehicle inside and receives the camera. The reception barrel includes a pair of engaging claws 51 which is elastically deformable. The fitting member includes a base 61 that supports the camera, and a pair of side walls 62 that extends from the base toward a vehicle outside and that is arranged on both sides of the reception barrel. On each side wall, an engaging hole 66 engaged with each engaging claw from the side of an axis is provided, and the engaging claw penetrates each side wall in a direction orthogonal to the axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure of a camera mounted on a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been actively made to provide access to a sustainable transport system that takes into account people in vulnerable positions among traffic participants. Toward this realization, research and development focusing on further improving traffic safety and convenience through research and development related to preventive safety technologies have been carried out.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an attachment structure of a camera for photographing the situation around a vehicle. The attachment structure of the camera described in Patent Document 1 includes a camera and a bracket (holding member) for attaching the camera to the windshield.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Even after the vehicle is manufactured, when the camera fails or the like, it is necessary to attach and detach the camera to and from the window. However, when the periphery of the camera is surrounded by the vehicle body frame or the camera is mounted at a deep position inside the vehicle body, the working space for attaching and detaching the camera is limited, and there are cases where the operator can insert only one arm into the working space. In such a case, there is a risk that the working efficiency of attaching and detaching the camera to and from the window may decrease.

[0006] In light of the above background, the present invention aims to improve the work efficiency of attaching and detaching a camera to a window in a mounting structure for attaching a camera to a window located on the interior side of a vehicle window. This will ultimately contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a mounting structure (20) for attaching a camera (21) to a window (8) of a vehicle (1), the camera being positioned on the interior side of the window, the mounting structure (20) comprising: a mounting member (22) attached to the camera; and a holding member (23) fixed to the inner surface of the window and holding the mounting member, wherein the holding member comprises: a fixing frame (25) fixed to the inner surface of the window; a hood (26) protruding from the fixing frame toward the interior of the vehicle and defining the field of view (S) of the camera; and extending from the hood toward the interior of the vehicle. The mounting member comprises a receiving cylinder (27) that extends outward around an axis (A2) and receives the camera, the receiving cylinder having a pair of elastically deformable engaging claws (51), the mounting member comprising a base portion (61) that supports the camera, and a pair of side wall portions (62) that extend outward from the base portion and are arranged on both sides of the receiving cylinder, each of the side wall portions being provided with an engaging hole (66) into which each engaging claw engages from the axis side, and the engaging hole penetrates each of the side wall portions in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0008] In this embodiment, the worker can engage the engaging claws of the retaining member with the engaging holes of the mounting member by pushing the mounting member attached to the camera against the retaining member fixed to the inner surface of the window from the inside of the vehicle. This attaches the camera to the window via the mounting member and the retaining member. The worker can remove the mounting member from the retaining member by pressing the engaging claws of the retaining member, which are engaged with the engaging holes of the mounting member, toward the axis side and pulling the mounting member toward the inside of the vehicle relative to the retaining member. This removes the camera from the window. As described above, the worker can attach and detach the camera to the window with a simple operation. Therefore, even if the workspace for attaching and detaching the camera is limited and the worker can only insert one arm into the workspace, the work efficiency of attaching and detaching the camera to the window can be improved.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the engagement hole is formed across the base portion and each of the side wall portions, and may penetrate the base portion in a direction parallel to the axis.

[0010] According to this embodiment, even when the engagement position between the engagement hole of the mounting member and the engagement claw of the retaining member cannot be visually confirmed, the worker can confirm the engagement position between the engagement hole and the engagement claw by touching the engagement claw with their finger through the engagement hole. Therefore, the worker can easily press the engagement claw engaged in the engagement hole toward the axis and easily remove the mounting member from the retaining member.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the base portion may have a projection (71) that protrudes toward the interior of the vehicle from the edge of each engagement hole.

[0012] According to this embodiment, even when the engagement position between the engagement hole of the mounting member and the engagement claw of the retaining member cannot be visually confirmed, the worker can easily confirm the engagement position between the engagement hole and the engagement claw by touching the protruding part with their finger. As a result, the worker can more easily press the engagement claw engaged in the engagement hole toward the axis, and more easily remove the mounting member from the retaining member.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the surface of the protrusion opposite to the axis may be parallel to the axis.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the worker can stably grip the mounting member. Therefore, the worker can more easily press the engaging claw engaged in the engaging hole toward the axis, and more easily remove the mounting member from the holding member.

[0015] In the above embodiment, each engaging claw has a piece (51A) extending in a direction parallel to the axis and a claw portion (51B) projecting from the tip of the piece toward the side opposite to the axis, and the claw portion may engage with each engaging hole.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the engaging claws are formed by a simple configuration.

[0017] In the above embodiment, each of the engaging claws may be defined by a slit (53) provided in the receiving cylinder.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the engaging claws are formed by a simple configuration.

[0019] In the above embodiment, a harness (57) is connected to the camera, and a harness holding portion (35) for holding the harness may be provided on the fixing frame.

[0020] According to this embodiment, interference between the harness and other components provided on the vehicle is suppressed.

[0021] In the above embodiment, the harness holding portion has a pair of projections that protrude from the in-vehicle side surface of the fixing frame and are spaced apart from each other, and the harness may be held between the pair of projections.

[0022] In this embodiment, the movement of the harness is restricted by being held between a pair of protrusions, thereby further suppressing interference between the harness and other components provided on the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the above configuration, in the mounting structure for attaching a camera disposed on the inner side of the vehicle window to the window, the working efficiency of the attaching / detaching operation of the camera with respect to the window can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Side view showing the rear part of the side structure of the vehicle according to the embodiment [Figure 2] Perspective view of the camera mounting structure according to the embodiment as viewed from the inner side of the vehicle [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view showing the camera mounting structure according to the embodiment [Figure 4] Side sectional view showing the camera mounting structure according to the embodiment [Figure 5] Plan view showing the camera mounting structure according to the embodiment [Figure 6] Perspective view of the camera mounting structure according to the embodiment as viewed from the rear (inner side of the vehicle) [Figure 7] Side view showing the state where the camera is attached to the attachment member [Figure 8] Plan view showing the state where the camera is attached to the attachment member ed]] [Figure 9] Rear view showing the state where the camera is attached to the attachment member [Figure 10] Explanatory drawing for explaining the procedure for holding the attachment member with the camera attached thereto by the holding member [Figure 11] Explanatory drawing for explaining the procedure for removing the attachment member with the camera attached thereto from the holding member

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle 1 provided with a camera mounting structure (hereinafter referred to as "camera mounting structure 20") according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The arrow FR appropriately attached to each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle 1.

[0026] Vehicle 1 is, for example, a four-wheeled automobile. As shown in Figure 1, Vehicle 1 has side structures 2 that make up the left and right sides of Vehicle 1. The side structures 2 of Vehicle 1 have a body frame 3 (see Figure 2). The body frame 3 is formed by joining together, for example, outer panels 4 arranged on the left and right outer sides of Vehicle 1 and inner panels 5 (see Figure 2) arranged on the left and right inner sides of the outer panels 4.

[0027] An opening 6 is provided in the outer panel 4, corresponding to the rear of the side structure 2, and penetrates in the left-right direction. The opening 6 of the outer panel 4 is formed in a substantially triangular shape. A quarter glass 8 (an example of a window) is provided in the opening 6 of the outer panel 4. In this embodiment, the quarter glass 8 has a base layer 11 and a light-shielding layer 12 that is superimposed on the base layer 11 from the inside of the vehicle. The base layer 11 is made of glass and is transparent. The light-shielding layer 12 is made of black ceramic printed on the inner surface (inside surface) of the base layer 11 and is not transparent. The light-shielding layer 12 is provided with a substantially rectangular first opening 14 and a substantially trapezoidal second opening 16.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the inner panel 5 is provided with an opening 17 that penetrates in the left-right direction. The size of the opening 17 in the inner panel 5 is such that a worker's arm can pass through. By passing their arm through the opening 17 in the inner panel 5 from the inside of the vehicle, the worker can access the inner surface (the surface on the inside of the vehicle) of the quarter glass 8.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the camera mounting structure 20 is a structure for mounting a camera 21, which is positioned on the interior side of the quarter glass 8, to the quarter glass 8. The camera mounting structure 20 includes a camera 21 that photographs the area around the vehicle 1, a mounting member 22 attached to the camera 21, and a holding member 23 fixed to the inner surface (interior side) of the quarter glass 8 and holding the mounting member 22. In this embodiment, the camera 21 is positioned to photograph the area in front of the vehicle 1 and to the left and right outwards. That is, the optical axis A1 of the camera 21 is oriented in front of the vehicle 1 and to the left and right outwards.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the holding member 23 includes a fixing frame 25 fixed to the inner surface of the quarter glass 8, a hood 26 protruding from the fixing frame 25 toward the interior of the vehicle and defining the field of view S of the camera 21, and a receiving cylinder 27 extending from the hood 26 toward the interior of the vehicle around axis A2 and receiving the camera 21.

[0031] The fixed frame 25 is formed in a rectangular frame shape that follows the inner surface of the quarter glass 8, defining a rectangular opening 25A. The fixed frame 25 has a lower plate portion 29 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, a front plate portion 30 extending upward from the front end of the lower plate portion 29, a rear plate portion 31 extending upward from the rear end of the lower plate portion 29, and an upper plate portion 32 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 and connecting the upper end of the front plate portion 30 and the upper end of the rear plate portion 31. The outer surfaces (outer surfaces) of the lower plate portion 29, the front plate portion 30, the rear plate portion 31, and the upper plate portion 32 are bonded to the inner surface (inner surface) of the quarter glass 8, for example, with an adhesive.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fixed frame 25 is provided with a plurality of through holes 34 that penetrate the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction, a pair of harness holding parts 35 that hold the harness 57 of the camera 21 (described later), and hooking claws 39 onto which the harness 57 of the camera 21 is hooked. In this embodiment, three through holes 34 are provided at intervals from the upper plate portion 32 to the front plate portion 30 of the fixed frame 25. Specifically, the through holes 34 include a first through hole 34A provided above the opening 25A of the fixed frame 25, a second through hole 34B provided in front of and above the opening 25A of the fixed frame 25 relative to the vehicle 1, and a third through hole 34C provided in front of the opening 25A of the fixed frame 25 relative to the vehicle 1.

[0033] Each harness holding portion 35 has a pair of projections 37 that protrude from the inner surface (inside the vehicle) of the fixing frame 25 and are spaced apart from each other. Each projection 37 is formed in a plate shape. In this embodiment, each projection 37 protrudes inward to the left and right from the edge of the first through hole 34A and the edge of the third through hole 34C of the fixing frame 25. The tip of each projection 37 (the left and right inward ends of the vehicle 1) bulges toward the central axis side of the corresponding through holes 34A and 34C.

[0034] The hooking claw 39 has a projection 39A (see Figure 6) that protrudes inward to the left and right from the edge of the second through-hole 34B of the fixing frame 25, and a bent portion 39B that bends from the tip of the projection 39A (the end on the vehicle side) toward the central axis side of the second through-hole 34B. The projection 39A and the bent portion 39B are formed in a plate shape. The projection 39A is provided on the edge of the second through-hole 34B on the side of the opening 25A of the fixing frame 25.

[0035] The hood 26 is formed integrally with the fixed frame 25. The hood 26 has a front wall portion 41 that slopes left and right inward toward the rear of the vehicle 1 from the front plate portion 30 of the fixed frame 25, a rear wall portion 42 that slopes left and right inward toward the front of the vehicle 1 from the rear plate portion 31 of the fixed frame 25 and connects to the rear end (inside end) of the front wall portion 41, an upper wall portion 43 that extends left and right inward from the upper plate portion 32 of the fixed frame 25 and connects the upper end of the front wall portion 41 and the upper end of the rear wall portion 42, and a bottom wall portion 44 that extends left and right inward from the lower plate portion 29 of the fixed frame 25 and connects the lower end of the front wall portion 41 and the lower end of the rear wall portion 42. A receiving hole 46 is formed in the rear wall portion 42, penetrating in a direction parallel to the optical axis A1 of the camera 21. The lens 55 of the camera 21, which will be described later, is positioned in the receiving hole 46.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the field of view S of the camera 21 is defined by the front wall 41, rear wall 42, upper wall 43, and bottom wall 44. The field of view S of the camera 21 is the space for light from outside the vehicle 1 to enter the lens 55 of the camera 21, which will be described later. The field of view S of the camera 21 is located at a position corresponding to the first opening 14 (see Figure 1) of the light-shielding layer 12 of the quarter glass 8. That is, light from outside the vehicle 1 passes through the first opening 14 of the light-shielding layer 12 of the quarter glass 8 and enters the field of view S of the camera 21.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the receiving cylinder 27 is formed integrally with the fixing frame 25 and the hood 26. In this embodiment, the receiving cylinder 27 is formed in a rectangular tube shape. The axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27 is aligned with the optical axis A1 of the camera 21. That is, the receiving cylinder 27 protrudes from the hood 26 toward the interior of the vehicle along the optical axis A1 of the camera 21.

[0038] The receiving cylinder 27 has an upper wall 47 connected to the upper wall portion 43 of the hood 26, a lower wall 48 connected to the bottom wall portion 44 of the hood 26, and a pair of side walls 49 connecting both sides of the upper wall 47 and both sides of the lower wall 48.

[0039] The receiving cylinder 27 has a pair of engagement claws 51 that are elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Each engagement claw 51 has a piece 51A that extends along a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27, and a claw portion 51B that protrudes from the tip of the piece 51A (the end on the vehicle side) toward the side opposite to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, each engagement claw 51 is defined by a pair of slits 53 provided in the receiving cylinder 27.

[0040] In this embodiment, the pair of slits 53 extend along a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27 and are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, one portion 51A of one of the engaging claws 51 is defined by a pair of slits 53 provided in the upper wall 47 of the receiving cylinder 27. Each slit 53 provided in the upper wall 47 extends from the center of the upper wall 47 to the tip of the upper wall 47 (the end on the vehicle side). The other portion 51A of the engaging claw 51 is defined by a pair of slits 53 provided in the lower wall 48 of the receiving cylinder 27. Each slit 53 provided in the lower wall 48 extends from the center of the lower wall 48 to the tip of the lower wall 48 (the end on the vehicle side). The tip of each engaging claw 51 (the end on the vehicle side) is located on the vehicle side of the tip of the receiving cylinder 27 (the end on the vehicle side).

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, each engaging claw 51 has a claw portion 51B that faces outward from the vehicle and a contact surface 51C. Furthermore, the outer surface of the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 (the surface opposite to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27) is inclined toward the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27 toward the tip (inward from the vehicle).

[0042] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the camera 21 includes, for example, a lens 55 that forms an optical system, an image sensor (not shown) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), a casing 56 that houses the lens 55 and the image sensor, a terminal (not shown) connected to the image sensor, a harness 57 with one end connected to the terminal, and a connector portion 58 that houses one end of the harness 57.

[0043] The casing 56 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape, extending in a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27 (i.e., the optical axis A1 of the camera 21). A lens 55 is positioned at the front (exterior) end of the casing 56. The lens 55 of the camera 21 is received in a receiving hole 46 provided in the rear wall portion 42 of the hood 26. A connector portion 58 is provided at the rear (interior) end of the casing 56. Multiple fastening holes (not shown) are provided on the rear end face (interior end face) of the casing 56, penetrating in a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Each fastening hole has a female thread (not shown) formed in it.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the mounting member 22 is made of a resin material. The mounting member 22 has a base portion 61 that supports the camera 21 and a pair of side wall portions 62 that extend from the base portion 61 toward the outside of the vehicle.

[0045] The base portion 61 is formed in a plate shape. The main surface of the base portion 61 faces in a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27 (i.e., the optical axis A1 of the camera 21). As shown in Figure 9, the base portion 61 has a first through hole 63 and a plurality of second through holes 64 that penetrate in a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. The first through hole 63 is located in the center of the base portion 61. The connector portion 58 of the camera 21 passes through the first through hole 63. The central axis of each second through hole 64 aligns with the central axis of the corresponding fastening hole in the casing 56 of the camera 21. The camera 21 is fastened to the mounting member 22 by bolts 65 that pass through, for example, the second through holes 64 of the base portion 61 and are screwed into the female threads of the fastening holes in the casing 56.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each side wall portion 62 is formed in a plate shape. The main surface of each side wall portion 62 faces in a direction perpendicular to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. In this embodiment, the pair of side wall portions 62 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the base portion 61.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, each side wall portion 62 is positioned with a gap G between it and the corresponding upper and lower surfaces of the camera 21 casing 56. Specifically, the side wall portion 62 connected to the upper end of the base portion 61 is positioned above the upper surface of the corresponding camera 21 casing 56. The upper wall 47 of the receiving cylinder 27 is positioned in the gap G between the side wall portion 62 connected to the upper end of the base portion 61 and the upper surface of the camera 21 casing 56. Also, the side wall portion 62 connected to the lower end of the base portion 61 is positioned below the lower surface of the corresponding camera 21 casing 56. The lower wall 48 of the receiving cylinder 27 is positioned in the gap G between the side wall portion 62 connected to the lower end of the base portion 61 and the lower surface of the camera 21 casing 56.

[0048] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the mounting member 22 is provided with a pair of engagement holes 66. Each engagement claw 51 of the receiving cylinder 27 engages with each engagement hole 66 from the side of the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Each engagement hole 66 is provided in the base portion 61 and each side wall portion 62. That is, each engagement hole 66 is formed spanning the base portion 61 and each side wall portion 62. Of the engagement holes 66, the portion provided in the base portion 61 penetrates the base portion 61 in a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Also, of the engagement holes 66, the portion provided in each side wall portion 62 penetrates each side wall portion 62 in a direction perpendicular to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. As shown in Figure 8, each side wall portion 62 has a first end edge 67 that defines one end of the engagement hole 66 (the end on the outside of the vehicle) and a pair of first side edges 68 that extend from the first end edge 67 toward the inside of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 9, the base portion 61 has a second end edge 69 that defines the other end of each engagement hole 66 (the end on the optical axis A1 side of the camera 21), and a pair of second side edges 70 that extend from the second end edge 69 to the side opposite to the optical axis A1 of the camera 21 and are connected to the corresponding first side edge 68. The vertical distance from the second end edge 69 of the base portion 61 to the inner surface of the side wall portion 62 (the surface on the axis A2 side of the receiving cylinder 27) is approximately equal to the vertical component of the displacement of the engagement claw 51 required to release the contact between the first end edge 67 of the side wall portion 62 and the contact surface 51C of the engagement claw 51.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the first end edge 67 of each side wall portion 62 abuts against the contact surface 51C of the claw portion 51B of the corresponding engaging claw 51. Also, the end of the receiving cylinder 27 (the end on the vehicle side) abuts against the outer surface (the surface on the vehicle side) of the base portion 61. The tip of each engaging claw 51 of the receiving cylinder 27 (the end on the vehicle side) is located on the vehicle side of the outer surface (the surface on the vehicle side) of the base portion 61.

[0050] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the base portion 61 is provided with a pair of protrusions 71. Each protrusion 71 projects inward from the edge of each engagement hole 66. The outer surface of each protrusion 71 (the surface opposite to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27) is coplanar with the second end edge 69 of the base portion 61 (see Figure 8). Furthermore, the outer surface of each protrusion 71 is parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27.

[0051] First vertical wall portions 73 are provided on both sides of the base portion 61, projecting inward from the inner surface (inside the vehicle) of the base portion 61. In addition, second vertical wall portions 74 are provided on the periphery of each side wall portion 62, connected to the first vertical wall portions 73 and projecting toward the side opposite to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27.

[0052] Now, we will explain the procedure for attaching the camera 21 to the quarter glass 8 in the camera mounting structure 20 configured as described above. The following explanation assumes that the holding member 23 is already fixed to the inner surface of the quarter glass 8, and that the camera 21 is already attached to the mounting member 22.

[0053] First, the worker grasps the mounting member 22. Specifically, the worker grasps the pair of protrusions 71 provided on the base portion 61 of the mounting member 22 from the side opposite to the optical axis A1 of the camera 21. Next, while grasping the pair of protrusions 71, the worker passes the arm on the side that is grasping the pair of protrusions 71 through the opening 17 of the inner panel 5 from the inside of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 10(A), the worker then inserts the camera 21 attached to the mounting member 22 into the receiving cylinder 27 of the holding member 23. At this time, the upper wall 47 and lower wall 48 of the receiving cylinder 27 are inserted into the gap G provided between each side wall portion 62 of the mounting member 22 and the casing 56 of the camera 21. When the camera 21 is inserted to a predetermined position in the receiving cylinder 27, the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 provided on the receiving cylinder 27 comes into contact with the inner surface of the corresponding side wall portion 62 (the surface on the axis A2 side of the receiving cylinder 27). As shown in Figure 10(B), as the camera 21 is further inserted into the receiving cylinder 27, the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 is pressed against the inner surface of the corresponding side wall portion 62, and one side 51A of each engaging claw 51 elastically deforms toward the axis A2 side of the receiving cylinder 27. As shown in Figure 10(C), when an operator pushes the mounting member 22 against the receiving cylinder 27 from the inside of the vehicle in order to further insert the camera 21 into the receiving cylinder 27, the first end edge 67 of the side wall portion 62 moves outward from the contact surface 51C of the claw portion 51B of the corresponding engaging claw 51. At this time, the elastic deformation of one portion 51A of each engaging claw 51 is released, and one portion 51A of each engaging claw 51 returns to its original position. Also, the contact surface 51C of the claw portion 51B of the engaging claw 51 that corresponds to the first end edge 67 of the side wall portion 62 comes into contact with it. In this way, each engaging claw 51 engages with the corresponding engaging hole 66 from the side of the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27.

[0054] Next, the worker holds the harness 57 of the camera 21 in the harness holding portion 35 provided on the fixing frame 25 of the holding member 23. The worker also hooks the harness 57 of the camera 21 onto the hooking claw 39 provided on the fixing frame 25 of the holding member 23. As a result, the camera 21 is attached to the quarter glass 8 via the mounting member 22 and the holding member 23.

[0055] In other embodiments, the operator may, after holding the harness 57 of the camera 21 in the harness holding part 35, insert the camera 21 into the receiving cylinder 27 of the holding member 23.

[0056] Next, we will describe the procedure for removing the camera 21 from the quarter glass 8 in the camera mounting structure 20.

[0057] First, the worker removes the harness 57 of the camera 21 from the harness holding portion 35 of the holding member 23. Next, the worker passes their arm through the opening 17 of the inner panel 5 from the inside of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 11(A), the worker then grasps the pair of protrusions 71 of the mounting member 22. Furthermore, the worker presses the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 toward the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27 with the fingers 75 of their hand, causing the piece portion 51A of each engaging claw 51 to elastically deform toward the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. This releases the contact between the contact surface 51C of the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 and the corresponding first end edge 67 of the side wall portion 62, and each engaging claw 51 detaches from the corresponding engaging hole 66. Next, the operator pulls the camera 21 out of the receiving cylinder 27 toward the vehicle side while maintaining pressure on the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 toward the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. When the camera 21 is pulled out of the receiving cylinder 27 to a predetermined position, the first end edge 67 of the side wall portion 62 moves toward the vehicle side beyond the contact surface 51C of the claw portion 51B of the corresponding engaging claw 51. As a result, the claw portion 51B of each engaging claw 51 is pressed against the inner surface of the corresponding side wall portion 62 (the surface on the axis A2 side of the receiving cylinder 27). As shown in Figure 11(B), when the camera 21 is further pulled out of the receiving cylinder 27 and the tip of each side wall portion 62 (the end on the vehicle side) moves toward the vehicle side beyond the claw portion 51B of the corresponding engaging claw 51, the elastic deformation of the piece 51A of each engaging claw 51 is released, and the piece 51A of each engaging claw 51 returns to its original position. As a result, camera 21 is removed from quarter glass 8.

[0058] In the camera mounting structure 20 configured as described above, each engaging claw 51 provided on the receiving cylinder 27 engages with the corresponding engaging hole 66 from the side of the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Therefore, by pushing the mounting member 22 attached to the camera 21 against the retaining member 23 fixed to the inner surface of the quarter glass 8 from the inside of the vehicle, the engaging claw 51 of the retaining member 23 can be engaged with the engaging hole 66 of the mounting member 22. As a result, the camera 21 is attached to the quarter glass 8 via the mounting member 22 and the retaining member 23. Furthermore, the worker can remove the mounting member 22 from the retaining member 23 by pressing the engaging claw 51 of the retaining member 23, which is engaged with the engaging hole 66 of the mounting member 22, toward the side of the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27, while pulling the mounting member 22 toward the inside of the vehicle relative to the retaining member 23. As a result, the camera 21 is removed from the quarter glass 8. As described above, the worker can attach and detach the camera 21 to the quarter glass 8 with a simple operation. Therefore, even if the workspace for attaching and detaching the camera 21 is limited and the worker can only insert one arm into the workspace, the work efficiency of attaching and detaching the camera 21 to the quarter glass 8 can be improved.

[0059] Each engagement hole 66 is formed spanning the corresponding side wall portion 62 and base portion 61, and the portion of each engagement hole 66 provided in the base portion 61 penetrates the base portion 61 in a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. In addition, the base portion 61 is provided with a projection 71 that protrudes toward the interior of the vehicle from the edge of each engagement hole 66. Therefore, even in situations where the engagement position between the engagement hole 66 of the mounting member 22 and the engagement claw 51 of the retaining member 23 cannot be seen due to, for example, the inner panel 5 of the vehicle frame 3, the worker can easily confirm the engagement position between the engagement hole 66 and the engagement claw 51 by touching the projection 71 with their finger 75. Consequently, the worker can more easily press the engagement claw 51 engaged in the engagement hole 66 toward the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27, and more easily remove the mounting member 22 from the retaining member 23.

[0060] The outer surface of each protrusion 71 (the surface opposite to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27) is parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. This allows the worker to stably grip the mounting member 22. As a result, the worker can more easily press the engaging claw 51, which is engaged in the engaging hole 66, toward the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27, and more easily remove the mounting member 22 from the holding member 23.

[0061] Each engaging claw 51 has a piece 51A that extends along a direction parallel to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27, and a claw portion 51B that protrudes from the tip of the piece 51A (the end on the vehicle side) toward the side opposite to the axis A2 of the receiving cylinder 27. Furthermore, each engaging claw 51 is defined by a slit 53 provided in the receiving cylinder 27. Thus, the engaging claws 51 are formed with a simple structure.

[0062] The fixed frame 25 is provided with a pair of harness holding parts 35 for holding the harness 57 of the camera 21. Each harness holding part 35 has a pair of projections 37 that protrude from the in-vehicle side surface of the fixed frame 25 and are spaced apart from each other. The harness 57 of the camera 21 is held between the pair of projections 37. This restricts the movement of the harness 57, thereby further suppressing interference between the harness 57 and other components provided on the vehicle 1.

[0063] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. For example, in the above embodiment, the side wall portion 62 of the mounting member 22 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the base portion 61, but it may also be provided at the left and right ends of the base portion 61. In the above embodiment, the quarter glass 8 is used as an example of a window, but in other embodiments, components other than the quarter glass 8 (for example, the windshield or rear window) may be used as an example of a window. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Vehicle 8: Quarter glass (window) 20: Camera mounting structure 21: Camera 22: Mounting parts 23: Retaining member 25: Fixed frame 26: Food 27: Receiving tube 35: Harness retaining part 51: Engaging claw 51A: Katabe 51B: Claw part 53: Slit 57: Harness 61: Base 62: Side wall section 66: Engagement hole 71: Protrusion A2: Axis of the receiving tube (axis) S: Camera field of view

Claims

1. A mounting structure for attaching a camera, which is positioned on the inside of a vehicle window, to the window, A mounting member to be attached to the aforementioned camera, It has a retaining member that is fixed to the inner surface of the window and holds the mounting member, The aforementioned retaining member is A fixing frame fixed to the inner surface of the aforementioned window, A hood protrudes from the fixed frame toward the interior of the vehicle and defines the field of view of the camera, It has a receiving cylinder that extends from the hood toward the interior of the vehicle around the axis and receives the camera, The receiving cylinder has a pair of elastically deformable engaging claws, The aforementioned mounting member is The base portion that supports the camera, It has a pair of side wall portions that extend from the base portion toward the outside of the vehicle and are arranged on both sides of the receiving cylinder, Each of the aforementioned side walls is provided with an engagement hole into which each of the aforementioned engagement claws engages from the side of the axis, and the engagement hole penetrates each of the aforementioned side walls in a direction perpendicular to the axis, forming a camera mounting structure.

2. The camera mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the engagement hole is formed across the base portion and each of the side wall portions, and penetrates the base portion in a direction parallel to the axis.

3. The camera mounting structure according to claim 2, wherein the base portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the interior of the vehicle from the edge of each of the engagement holes.

4. The camera mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein the surface of the protruding portion opposite to the axis is parallel to the axis.

5. Each of the aforementioned engaging claws is, A portion extending along the direction parallel to the aforementioned axis, It has a claw portion that protrudes from the tip of the aforementioned piece toward the side opposite to the axis, The camera mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the claw portion engages with each of the engagement holes.

6. The camera mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the aforementioned engaging claws is defined by a slit provided in the receiving cylinder.

7. A harness is connected to the aforementioned camera. The camera mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixed frame is provided with a harness holding portion for holding the harness.

8. The harness holding portion has a pair of projections that protrude from the vehicle-side surface of the fixing frame and are spaced apart from each other. The camera mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein the harness is held between the pair of protruding pieces.

Images