U.S. patent application number 14/337289 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for camera unit.
The applicant listed for this patent is HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tadahiro MATORI.
Application Number | 20150030319 14/337289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52390625 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150030319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MATORI; Tadahiro |
January 29, 2015 |
CAMERA UNIT
Abstract
A camera unit increases the degree of freedom with which the
camera unit can be designed. The camera unit includes a camera body
having a hook held in hooked engagement with a bracket. The bracket
includes a first support engaged by the hook and which supports the
camera body in an angularly movable fashion, and a second support
supporting the camera body that is secured to the second
support.
Inventors: |
MATORI; Tadahiro;
(UTSUNOMIYA-SHI, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
TOKYO |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
52390625 |
Appl. No.: |
14/337289 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
396/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0077 20130101;
G03B 17/561 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101; B60R 2011/0026 20130101;
B60R 11/04 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101; B60R 2011/0071 20130101;
B60R 2011/0063 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
396/419 |
International
Class: |
G03B 17/56 20060101
G03B017/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 2013 |
JP |
2013-152423 |
Claims
1. A camera unit comprising a camera body and a bracket on which
the camera body is supported detachably, the bracket securing the
camera body to an object on which the camera unit is installed,
wherein: the camera body includes a hook held in hooked engagement
with the bracket; and the bracket includes: a first support engaged
by the hook and which supports the camera body in an angularly
movable fashion; and a second support supporting the camera body
that is secured to the second support.
2. The camera unit according to claim 1, wherein the first support
is disposed on one of left and right ends of the camera body; and
the second support is disposed on another of the left and right
ends of the camera body.
3. The camera unit according to claim 2, wherein the second support
includes a leaf spring having a principal surface that faces toward
the camera body; and one end of the leaf spring is fixed to a
bracket body of the bracket, and another end of the leaf spring is
switchable between a pressing position in which the other end
normally presses the camera body, and a spaced position in which
the other end is spaced from the camera body for enabling removal
of the camera body.
4. The camera unit according to claim 3, wherein the bracket has a
stop configured to prevent the leaf spring in the spaced position
from becoming spaced from the camera body, thereby preventing the
leaf spring from becoming plastically deformed.
5. The camera unit according to claim 3, wherein the leaf spring of
the bracket has an engaging ledge that projects toward the camera
body; and the camera body has an engaging cavity configured to
receive the engaging ledge, which engages in the engaging cavity
when the leaf spring is in the pressing position.
6. The camera unit according to claim 5, wherein the camera body
has grooves defined therein at positions aligned with side edges of
the leaf spring, the grooves being arranged more closely to a
proximal end of the leaf spring than the engaging cavity.
7. The camera unit according to claim 3, wherein the bracket
further includes: a base having a mounting surface held in contact
with the object; and a first side wall and a second side wall,
which extend from the base and to left and right side surfaces of
the camera body, wherein: the first support is provided as the
first side wall; the second support is provided as the second side
wall; the leaf spring of the second support is disposed on the
second side wall; and a plurality of positioning convexities
configured to position the first side wall are disposed on a side
surface of the camera body that faces toward the first side
wall.
8. The camera unit according to claim 7, wherein the first side
wall of the bracket has a hole defined therein for receiving the
hook of the camera body that is inserted in the hole; and an inner
boss, which projects toward a proximal end of the hook, is disposed
on a tip end portion of the hook.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-152423 filed on
Jul. 23, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a camera unit having a
camera body and a bracket for fixing the camera body, which is
detachably supported on the bracket, to an object such as a
vehicular front windshield, for example, on which the camera unit
is installed.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0099850
(hereinafter referred to as "US 2012/0099850 A1") discloses a
mounting structure, which enables a vehicle camera to be detachably
mounted easily in place, and which makes it possible to position
the mounted vehicle camera suitably (see paragraph [0005]). To
achieve this object, the mounting structure disclosed in US
2012/0099850 A1 has a base 12 fixed to a vehicle body, a camera 11,
a slide mechanism 47 for sliding the camera 11 into and out of
engagement with the base 12, teeth 28, 29 disposed in front left
and right positions and rear left and right positions on either one
of the base 12 or the camera 11 with respect to a direction in
which the camera 11 is slid into engagement with the base 12, and
abutting members 39, 41, which are disposed on the other one of the
base 12 and the camera 11 for abutting laterally against the front
left and right and rear left and right teeth 28, 29 and determining
the position of the camera 11 relative to the base 12
(Abstract).
[0006] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C of US 2012/0099850 A1, for
installing the camera 11 on the base 12, which is fixed to a front
windshield, the camera 11 is slid in a forward direction of the
vehicle in order to insert a pair of left and right slide guides
26, 26 of the slide mechanism 47 into a pair of left and right
slide recesses 42, 42 (see paragraph [0048]).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] As described above, the mounting structure disclosed in US
2012/0099850 A1 is a structure that requires the camera 11 to slide
until the camera 11 is fixed in position. Therefore, according to
US 2012/0099850 A1, it is necessary to provide a space in which the
camera 11 can slide in the vicinity of the front windshield. Such a
space tends to restrict the degree of freedom with which the upper
portion of the front windshield can be designed. A similar
situation occurs if the camera 11 is fixed in other regions apart
from the vicinity of the front windshield.
[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the
aforementioned problems. An object of the present invention is to
provide a camera unit, which increases the degree of freedom with
which the camera unit can be designed.
[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a
camera unit comprising a camera body and a bracket on which the
camera body is supported detachably, the bracket securing the
camera body to an object on which the camera unit is installed,
wherein the camera body includes a hook held in hooked engagement
with the bracket, and the bracket includes a first support engaged
by the hook and which supports the camera body in an angularly
movable fashion, and a second support supporting the camera body
that is secured to the second support.
[0010] According to the present invention, after the camera body
has been turned and positioned with the hook of the camera body
being held in hooked engagement with the first support of the
bracket, the camera body is secured to the bracket by the second
support of the bracket. Therefore, the camera body can be secured
in position without requiring sliding movement of the camera body.
Hence, the camera unit can be designed with an increased degree of
freedom, or can be constructed so as to save space.
[0011] In addition, the camera unit can be designed in such a
manner that the distance between facing surfaces of the bracket and
the camera body is reduced when the camera body is turned and
positioned while the hook is held in hooked engagement with the
first support flange. Therefore, the camera unit can be constructed
so as to save space.
[0012] The first support may be disposed on one of the left and
right ends of the camera body, and the second support may be
disposed on another of the left and right ends of the camera body.
Therefore, the structural details of the camera body are simpler in
the longitudinal direction thereof and further, the image capturing
range of the camera is less subject to limitations than if the
first support were disposed on one of the front and rear ends of
the camera body, and the second support were disposed on another of
the front and rear ends of the camera body.
[0013] The second support may include a leaf spring having a
principal surface that faces toward the camera body, and one end of
the leaf spring may be fixed to a bracket body of the bracket, and
another end of the leaf spring may be switchable between a pressing
position in which the other end normally presses the camera body,
and a spaced position in which the other end is spaced from the
camera body for enabling removal of the camera body. Consequently,
after the camera body has been turned and positioned with the hook
of the camera body 18 being held in hooked engagement with the
first support flange of the bracket, the camera body can easily be
secured to the bracket by the leaf spring.
[0014] The bracket may have a stop for preventing the leaf spring
in the spaced position from becoming spaced from the camera body,
thereby preventing the leaf spring from becoming plastically
deformed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the leaf spring from
becoming plastically deformed.
[0015] The leaf spring of the bracket may have an engaging ledge
that projects toward the camera body, and the camera body may have
an engaging cavity for receiving the engaging ledge, which engages
in the engaging cavity when the leaf spring is in the pressing
position. Consequently, when the engaging ledge of the leaf spring
engages with the engaging cavity of the camera body, the camera
body can be secured more reliably to the bracket.
[0016] The camera body has grooves defined therein at positions
aligned with side edges of the leaf spring, the grooves being
arranged more closely to a proximal end of the leaf spring than the
engaging cavity. During movement of the leaf spring from the
pressing position to the spaced position, the grooves are effective
to prevent a portion of the camera body from being scraped due to
contact with the leaf spring.
[0017] The bracket may further include a base having a mounting
surface held in contact with the object, and a first side wall and
a second side wall, which extend from the base and to left and
right side surfaces of the camera body. In this case, the first
support may be provided as the first side wall, and the second
support may be provided as the second side wall. Further, the leaf
spring of the second support may be disposed on the second side
wall, and a plurality of positioning convexities for positioning
the first side wall may be disposed on a side surface of the camera
body that faces toward the first side wall.
[0018] The camera body, which is biased by the leaf spring disposed
on the second side wall, is positioned by the positioning
convexities on the first side wall. Therefore, the optical axis of
the camera body can be positioned reliably. Further, since the
camera body is positioned as a result of being pressed by the leaf
spring, the camera body is subjected to reduced vibration while a
vehicle incorporating the camera unit is being driven, and hence
noise due to such vibration is reduced.
[0019] The first side wall of the bracket may have a hole defined
therein for receiving the hook of the camera body that is inserted
into the hole. An inner boss that projects toward a proximal end of
the hook may be disposed on a tip end portion of the hook.
Consequently, the inner boss positions the camera body when the
hook of the camera body is inserted into the hole of the bracket.
Thereafter, the operator can turn the camera body while the
positional relationship between the camera body and the bracket is
limited by the inner boss. Accordingly, the camera body can be
assembled with fewer assembly irregularities.
[0020] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention
is shown by way of illustrative example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view showing a manner
in which a camera unit according to an embodiment of the present
invention is mounted in position;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera unit as viewed
from a front-left-side-elevational-plan direction (X2-Y2-Z2
direction);
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the camera unit as viewed
from a front-right-side-elevational-plan direction (X2-Y1-Z2
direction);
[0024] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view (X1 direction) of the
camera unit;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a view showing a manner in which a camera body of
the camera unit is installed on a bracket;
[0026] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
camera body as viewed from the front-left-side-elevational-plan
direction (X2-Y2-Z2 direction);
[0027] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
camera body as viewed from the front-right-side-elevational-plan
direction (X2-Y1-Z2 direction);
[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of
the camera body as viewed from a right side elevational direction
(Y1 direction);
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bracket as viewed from a
rear-right-side-elevational-bottom direction (X1-Y1-Z1 direction);
and
[0030] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the camera
unit as viewed from a bottom direction (Z1 direction).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A. Embodiment
1. Description of Overall Structure
[1-1. State of Use]
[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view showing a manner
in which a camera unit 12 according to an embodiment of the present
invention is mounted in position. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera
unit 12 is mounted on a front windshield 14 of a vehicle 10.
Alternatively, the camera unit 12 may be mounted on a roof 16 of
the vehicle 10. The camera unit 12 is fixed in a position laterally
of a rearview mirror, not shown.
[0032] According to the present embodiment, the camera unit 12 is
used to detect a lane or to measure a distance for preventing the
vehicle 10 from straying from the lane. However, as will be
described in detail later, the camera unit 12 is not limited to
such uses.
[1-2. Overall Structure]
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera unit 12 as viewed
from a front-left-side-elevational-plan direction (X2-Y2-Z2
direction). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the camera unit 12 as
viewed from a front-right-side-elevational-plan direction (X2-Y1-Z2
direction). FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view (X1 direction) of the
camera unit 12. FIG. 5 is a view showing a manner in which a camera
body 18 of the camera unit 12 is installed on a bracket 20.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the camera unit 12 includes a
camera body 18 (camera case) and a bracket 20. The camera body 18
is detachably supported on the bracket 20, and the bracket 20
secures the camera body 18 to the vehicle 10 (front windshield
14).
[0035] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
camera body 18 as viewed from the front-left-side-elevational-plan
direction (X2-Y2-Z2 direction). FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary
perspective view of the camera body 18 as viewed from the
front-right-side-elevational-plan direction (X2-Y1-Z2 direction).
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the
camera body 18 as viewed from a right side elevational direction
(Y1 direction).
[0036] The camera body 18 is basically in the form of a rectangular
parallelepiped, which is progressively thinner in a forward
direction (the X1 direction in FIGS. 1, 2, etc.), as shown in FIG.
1. The camera body 18 has an upper wall 22 with a recess 24 defined
therein, and a camera lens 26 disposed in the recess 24. The camera
body 18 has a left side wall 28 with a first mounting member 30
disposed thereon, and a right side wall 32 with a second mounting
member 34 disposed thereon.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bracket 20 as viewed
from a rear-right-side-elevational-bottom direction (X1-Y1-Z1
direction). As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 and 9, the bracket 20
includes an upper central base 40 facing in an upward direction (Z1
direction), a left side wall 42 facing in a leftward direction (Y1
direction), and a right side wall 44 facing in a rightward
direction (Y2 direction). The left side wall 42 has a first support
flange 50, and the right side wall 44 has a second support flange
52.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the camera body 18 is
inserted into the bracket 20, such that the first and second
mounting members 30, 34 of the camera body 18 are supported
respectively by the first and second support flanges 50, 52 of the
bracket 20, whereupon the camera body 18 is secured to the bracket
20.
[1-3. Camera Body 18]
(1-3-1. Overall Structure)
[0039] As described above, the camera body 18 basically is in the
form of a rectangular parallelepiped (see FIG. 1, etc.), which is
progressively thinner in the forward direction (X1 direction), and
the camera lens 26 is disposed in the recess 24 defined in the
upper wall 22. The first mounting member 30 is disposed on the left
side wall 28 of the camera body 18, whereas the second mounting
member 34 is disposed on the right side wall 32 of the camera body
18.
(1-3-2. Camera Lens 26 and Recess 24)
[0040] The camera lens 26 is disposed in the recess 24, which
basically is in the shape of a triangular pyramid and is defined in
the upper wall 22 of the camera body 18. The recess 24 is shaped to
provide a field of view for the camera body 18. In this manner, it
is possible to impart mechanical strength to the camera body 18
while providing a suitable field of view for the camera body
18.
(1-3-3. First Mounting Member 30)
[0041] FIG. 6 shows at an enlarged scale the first mounting member
30 and components in the vicinity thereof. The first mounting
member 30 is swingably supported on the first support flange 50 of
the bracket 20 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 4, the first mounting
member 30 is hook-shaped as viewed in front and rear elevation.
Therefore, the first mounting member 30 will also be referred to as
a "hook 30". The hook 30 is inserted into a hole 60, to be
described below, which is defined in the first support flange 50 of
the bracket 20.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the first mounting member 30 has a hole
66 defined therein, which extends in a longitudinal direction (the
direction of arrows X1 and X2).
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, two convexities 62 (hereinafter referred
to as "positioning convexities 62") are disposed on the left side
wall 28 of the camera body 18. The positioning convexities 62
project outwardly (in the Y1 direction) on opposite sides of the
first mounting member 30. The function of the positioning
convexities 62 will be described later with reference to FIG.
10.
[0044] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, two bosses 64 (hereinafter
referred to as "inner bosses 64") are disposed in the hole 66
defined in the first mounting member 30. The inner bosses 64
project toward the left side wall 28 of the camera body 18 from a
tip end portion of the first mounting member 30. The function of
the inner bosses 64 will be described later with reference to FIG.
10.
(1-3-4. Second Mounting Member 34)
[0045] FIGS. 7 and 8 show at an enlarged scale the second mounting
member 34 and components in the vicinity thereof. The second
mounting member 34 is secured to the second support flange 52 of
the bracket 20. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second mounting
member 34 has an engaging ridge 70, an engaging cavity 72, and two
side teeth 74.
[0046] The engaging ridge 70 projects outwardly (in the Y2
direction) along a downward direction (Z2 direction). The engaging
cavity 72 is defined below the engaging ridge 70. The engaging
ridge 70 and the engaging cavity 72 engage a leaf spring 102, to be
described later, on the bracket 20, thereby securing the camera
body 18 to the bracket 20, as will be described in detail later in
connection with the leaf spring 102.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging ridge 70 has two grooves 76
defined in respective opposite ends thereof. During movement of the
leaf spring 102 from a pressing position to a spaced position, the
grooves 76 are effective to prevent the engaging ridge 70 from
being scraped due to contact with the leaf spring 102.
[0048] The side teeth 74 are disposed respectively on both sides of
the engaging ridge 70, thereby preventing the leaf spring 102 from
becoming positionally displaced. As shown in FIG. 8, the side teeth
74 have upper portions, which are wider than lower portions of the
side teeth, thereby enabling the leaf spring 102 to be positioned
easily.
[1-4. Bracket 20]
[0049] As described above, the bracket 20 includes the upper
central base 40, the left side wall 42 that projects from the left
end of the central base 40, and the right side wall 44 that
projects from the right end of the central base 40. The bracket 20
is made of a metal such as iron or the like, which is pressed to
shape. The central base 40 has an outer surface 80, which is used
as a mounting surface and is mounted on the vehicle 10 (front
windshield 14) (see FIG. 1). The central base 40 has an inner
surface 82 that serves as an accommodating surface arranged in
proximity to the upper wall 22 of the camera body 18.
(1-4-1. Central Base 40)
[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, the central base 40 includes a central
wall 90 positioned centrally in a lateral direction (the direction
of arrows Y1 and Y2), a left side wall 92 positioned on the left
side of the central wall 90, and a right side wall 94 positioned on
the right side of the central wall 90. The left side wall 92 and
the right side wall 94 have an axial symmetric shape with respect
to the central wall 90 that is disposed therebetween. Further, the
left side wall 92 and the right side wall 94 are longer than the
central wall 90 in the longitudinal direction (the direction of
arrows X1 and X2), particularly in the forward direction. This is
because the central wall 90 is formed with a shorter length in
order to provide a suitable field of view for the camera body
18.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, leaf springs 100, 102 are fixed
respectively by rivets 104 to the left side wall 92 and the right
side wall 94. The leaf springs 100, 102 have respective downward
biasing arms 110. The leaf spring 102 also has a lateral biasing
arm 112.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, the downward biasing arm 110 of the leaf
spring 100 projects from the left and toward the center in the Y2
direction, and projects downwardly in the Z2 direction. The
downward biasing arm 110 of the leaf spring 102 projects from the
right and toward the center in the Y1 direction. The downward
biasing arm 110 also projects downwardly in the Z2 direction. As
indicated by the arrows S1 in FIG. 4, each of the downward biasing
arms 110 biases the upper wall 22 of the camera body 18 downwardly
in the Z2 direction. Therefore, the camera body 18 is secured
firmly in a vertical direction to the bracket 20, and is prevented
from being positioned unevenly with respect to the bracket 20.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, the lateral biasing arm 112 extends
downwardly in the Z2 direction, with the principal surface thereof
facing toward the camera body 18 in a region outside of the
downward biasing arms 110 along the Y2 direction. In this manner,
the lateral biasing arm 112 is held against the right side wall 32
of the camera body 18, so as to bias the camera body 18 laterally
in the Y1 direction.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, the lateral biasing arm 112 includes an
engaging ledge 120 that projects inwardly in the Y1 direction. The
engaging ledge 120 engages with the engaging cavity 72 (FIGS. 7 and
8) of the camera body 18. The position of the leaf spring 102, by
which the engaging ledge 120 engages with the engaging cavity 72
and secures the camera body 18 to the bracket 20, will hereinafter
be referred to as a "pressing position".
[0055] When the leaf spring 102 is in the pressing position, a
portion of the leaf spring 102, which is closer to the proximal
portion than the engaging ledge 120, is held in contact with the
engaging ridge 70 of the camera body 18, thereby exerting a
leftward pressing force S2 in the Y1 direction in FIG. 4, and
firmly securing the camera body 18 laterally to the bracket 20.
Such a feature also prevents the camera body 18 from being
positioned unevenly with respect to the bracket 20. Since the
camera body 18 is positioned as a result of being pressed by the
leaf spring 102, the camera body 18 is subjected to reduced
vibration while the vehicle 10 is being driven, and hence noise due
to such vibration is reduced.
[0056] For removing the camera body 18 from the bracket 20, the
operator grips the distal end of the leaf spring 102 with his or
her fingers and moves the distal end of the leaf spring 102 in a
direction away from the camera body 18, i.e., in the R direction
shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the second support flange 52 releases
the second mounting member 34, thereby allowing the camera body 18
to be turned about the first mounting member 30. Thereafter, the
operator removes the first mounting member 30 from the first
support flange 50, and removes the camera body 18 from the bracket
20. The position of the leaf spring 102 at the time that the camera
body 18 is removed from the bracket 20 will hereinafter be referred
to as a "spaced position".
(1-4-2. Stop 130)
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 9, a stop 130 is disposed
outwardly of the lateral biasing arm 112 of the leaf spring 102 in
the Y2 direction. The stop 130 prevents the lateral biasing arm 112
of the leaf spring 102 from becoming spaced from the camera body 18
farther than the position (spaced position) required to remove the
camera body 18. Thus, the stop 130 prevents the leaf spring 102
from becoming plastically deformed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3,
4, and 9, the stop 130 is formed as part of the bracket 20, and
extends from the end of the right side wall 94 downwardly in the Z2
direction. However, rather than being formed as part of the bracket
20, the stop 130 may be provided as a separate member apart from
the bracket 20.
2. Installation Process
[2-1. Overall Sequence]
[0058] A process of installing the camera body 18 on the bracket 20
will be described below.
[0059] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom view of the camera
unit 12 as viewed from a bottom direction (Z1 direction). In
preparation for installing the camera body 18 on the bracket 20,
the bracket 20 is fixed in advance to an object (i.e., the front
windshield 14) on which the camera unit 12 is to be mounted.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the operator inserts the hook 30 of the
camera body 18 into the hole 60 of the bracket 20. Next, the
operator turns the camera body 18 so that the left and right ends
thereof lie at the same height (refer to the arrow Q in FIG. 5). At
this time, using his or her fingers, the operator moves the lateral
biasing arm 112 of the leaf spring 102 of the bracket 20 outwardly
in the R direction. Alternatively, the operator may move the
lateral biasing arm 112 outwardly under a force with which the
operator presses the camera body 18.
[0061] Thereafter, when the engaging ledge 120 of the leaf spring
102 engages with the engaging cavity 72 of the camera body 18, the
leaf spring 102 exerts a pressing force S2 (see FIG. 4) against the
camera body 18 laterally in the Y1 direction. Accordingly, the
camera body 18 is positioned and secured to the bracket 20.
[0062] As described above, the camera body 18 includes the
positioning convexities 62 (see FIGS. 6 and 10). Therefore, the
camera body 18, which is biased by the leaf spring 102, is
positioned by the positioning convexities 62. Accordingly,
positioning of the optical axis of the camera body 18, which
extends in the X1 direction, can be performed reliably.
[2-2. Manner of Use of Inner Bosses 64]
[0063] As described above, when the camera body 18 is secured to
the bracket 20, the hook 30 of the camera body 18 is inserted into
the hole 60 of the bracket 20. The inner bosses 64, which are
formed in the hole 66 of the hook 30, project toward the left side
wall 28 of the camera body 18 from the tip end portion of the first
mounting member 30. Therefore, when the hook 30 is inserted into
the hole 60, a portion of the first mounting member 30 around the
hole 60 is restricted in position by the inner bosses 64.
[0064] Consequently, when the hook 30 is inserted into the hole 60,
the inner bosses 64 serve to position the camera body 18.
Thereafter, the operator can turn the camera body 18 while the
positional relationship between the camera body 18 and the bracket
20 is limited by the inner bosses 64. Accordingly, the camera body
18 can be assembled with fewer assembly irregularities.
3. Advantages of the Present Embodiment
[0065] According to the present embodiment, as described above,
after the camera body 18 has been turned and positioned with the
hook 30 of the camera body 18 held in hooked engagement with the
first support flange 50 of the bracket 20 (see FIG. 5), the camera
body 18 is secured to the bracket 20 by the second support flange
52 of the bracket 20. Therefore, the camera body 18 can be secured
in position without requiring sliding movement of the camera body
18. Hence, the camera unit 12 can be designed with an increased
degree of freedom, or can be constructed so as to save space.
[0066] In addition, the camera unit 12 can be designed in such a
manner that the distance between facing surfaces of the bracket 20
and the camera body 18, i.e., the distance between the inner
surface 82 (FIG. 9) of the central base 40 of the bracket 20 and
the upper wall 22 of the camera body 18, is reduced when the camera
body 18 is turned and positioned with the hook 30 being held in
hooked engagement with the first support flange 50. Therefore, the
camera unit 12 can be constructed so as to save space.
[0067] According to the present embodiment, the first support
flange 50 of the bracket 20 is disposed at one end (i.e., the left
end) of the left and right ends of the camera body 18, whereas the
second support flange 52 of the bracket 20 is disposed at the other
end (i.e., the right end) of the left and right ends of the camera
body 18 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the structural details of the
camera body 18 are simpler in the longitudinal direction, and
further, the image capturing range of the camera body 18 is less
subject to limitations than if the first support flange 50 were
disposed on one end (e.g., the front end) of the front and rear
ends of the camera body 18, and the second support flange 52 were
disposed on the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the front and
rear ends of the camera body 18.
[0068] According to the present embodiment, the second support
flange 52 of the bracket 20 has the leaf spring 102 having a
principal surface that faces toward the camera body 18. The one end
of the leaf spring 102 is fixed to the bracket 20 (bracket body),
whereas the other end of the leaf spring 102 is switchable between
the pressing position in which the other end presses the camera
body 18, and the spaced position in which the other end is spaced
from the camera body 18 for enabling removal of the camera body 18
(see FIGS. 4 and 9).
[0069] Consequently, after the camera body 18 has been turned and
positioned with the hook 30 of the camera body 18 being held in
hooked engagement with the first support flange 50 of the bracket
20, the camera body 18 can easily be secured to the bracket 20 by
the leaf spring 102.
[0070] According to the present embodiment, the bracket 20 has the
stop 130 (FIG. 4) for preventing the leaf spring 102 in the spaced
position from being spaced farther from the camera body 18, thereby
preventing the leaf spring 102 from becoming plastically deformed.
Thus, it is possible to prevent the leaf spring 102 from becoming
plastically deformed.
[0071] According to the present embodiment, the leaf spring 102 of
the bracket 20 has the engaging ledge 120 (FIG. 9) that projects
toward the camera body 18, and the camera body 18 has the engaging
cavity 72 (FIG. 8) for receiving the engaging ledge 120, which
engages with the engaging cavity 72 when the leaf spring 102 is in
the pressing position. Consequently, when the engaging ledge 120 of
the leaf spring 102 engages with the engaging cavity 72 of the
camera body 18, the camera body 18 can be secured more reliably to
the bracket 20.
[0072] According to the present embodiment, the camera body 18 has
the grooves 76 (FIG. 8), which are defined therein at positions
aligned with or along the side edges of the leaf spring 102, the
grooves 76 being arranged more closely to the proximal end (the
engaging ledge 70) of the leaf spring 102 than the engaging cavity
72. During movement of the leaf spring 102 from the pressing
position to the spaced position, the grooves 76 are effective to
prevent a portion of the camera body 18 (the engaging ridge 70)
from being scraped due to contact with the leaf spring 102.
[0073] According to the present embodiment, the bracket 20 includes
the central base 40 (base), which comprises the outer surface 80
(mounting surface) that is placed in contact with the front
windshield 14 as an object on which the camera unit 12 is
installed, and the left side wall 42 (first side wall) and the
right side wall 44 (second side wall), which extend from the
central base 40 to the left and right side surfaces of the camera
body 18 and are aligned in position with the left and right side
surfaces of the camera body 18 (see FIG. 9). The first support
flange 50 serves as the left side wall 42, whereas the second
support flange 52 serves as the right side wall 44 of the bracket
20. The leaf spring 102 of the second support flange 52 is disposed
on the right side wall 44. The positioning convexities 62 (FIGS. 6
and 10), which position the left side wall 42 of the bracket 20,
are disposed on the left side wall 28 of the camera body 18 (the
side wall facing toward the left side wall 42 of the bracket
20).
[0074] The camera body 18, which is biased by the leaf spring 102
disposed on the right side wall 44 (second side wall) of the
bracket 20, is positioned by the positioning convexities 62 on the
left side wall 42 (first side wall) of the bracket 20. Therefore,
the optical axis of the camera body 18 can be positioned reliably.
Since the camera body 18 is positioned as a result of being pressed
by the leaf spring 102, the camera body 18 is subjected to reduced
vibration while the vehicle 10 is being driven, and hence noise due
to such vibration is reduced.
[0075] According to the present embodiment, the left side wall 42
(first side wall) of the bracket 20 has the hole 60 defined therein
(FIG. 9), which receives the hook 30 of the camera body 18 that is
inserted into the hole 60. Further, the hook 30 includes the inner
bosses 64 (FIGS. 6 and 10) on the tip end portion thereof, which
project toward the proximal end of the hook 30. When the hook 30 is
inserted into the hole 60, the inner bosses 64 position the camera
body 18, such that thereafter, the camera body 18 can be turned
while the positional relationship between the camera body 18 and
the bracket 20 is limited by the inner bosses 64. Accordingly, the
camera body 18 can be assembled with reduced assembly
irregularities.
B. Modifications
[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above
embodiment, but may employ various arrangements based on the
disclosure of the present specification. For example, the present
invention may employ the following alternative arrangements.
1. Objects to which the Present Invention is Applied
[0077] In the above embodiment, the camera unit 12 is applied to a
vehicle 10. However, the camera unit 12 may also be applied to
other objects, insofar as the camera body 18 is capable of being
installed thereon. For example, the present invention may be
applied to manufacturing apparatus that make use of a camera as an
image sensor for judging defects, measuring dimensions, etc.
Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to equipment and
systems such as a monitoring camera system for confirming affairs,
preventing crime, etc.
[0078] The present invention is not limited to the camera unit 12,
but may be applied to other devices, which can be installed
detachably on the bracket 20 while taking into account the degree
of freedom with which such devices can be designed.
2. Camera Body
[0079] According to the above embodiment, the camera body 18 is
basically in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, which is
progressively thinner in the forward direction (X1 direction).
However, the camera body 18 is not limited to such a configuration,
insofar as the camera body 18 includes the first mounting member
30, the second mounting member 34, the first support flange 50, and
the second support flange 52. For example, the camera body 18 may
basically be in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, the
thickness of which remains unchanged in the longitudinal direction
(the direction of arrows X1 and X2).
3. Bracket 20
[0080] According to the above embodiment, the bracket 20 is fixed
by an adhesive to the front windshield 14. However, the bracket 20
may be fixed by way of another means to the object on which the
camera unit 12 is installed. For example, the bracket 20 may be
fixed by bolts to the roof 16 of the vehicle 10.
[0081] According to the above embodiment, the bracket 20 supports
the camera body 18 through the upper wall 22, the left side wall
28, and the right side wall 32 thereof. However, the bracket 20 may
support the camera body 18 in a different posture, which can be
changed depending on the application and manner of use of the
camera body 18. For example, the bracket 20 may support the camera
body 18 through the upper wall 22, a front wall 36, and a rear wall
38. Alternatively, the bracket 20 may be positioned beneath the
camera body 18.
4. First Mounting Member 30, Second Mounting Member 34, First
Support Flange 50, and Second Support Flange 52
[4-1. Common Features]
[0082] According to the above embodiment, the first mounting member
30 and the first support flange 50 are disposed on the left side
(facing in the Y1 direction), and the second mounting member 34 and
the second support flange 52 are disposed on the right side (facing
in the Y2 direction). However, the left and right sides may be
switched. Alternatively, the first mounting member 30 and the first
support flange 50 may be disposed on the front side (facing in the
X1 direction), and the second mounting member 34 and the second
support flange 52 may be disposed on the rear side (facing in the
X2 direction).
[0083] According to the above embodiment, the first support flange
50 and the second support flange 52 are disposed on left and right
ends of the central base 40 (see FIG. 9). For example, from the
standpoint of providing the function of the first support flange 50
and the second support flange 52, the first support flange 50 and
the second support flange 52 need not necessarily be disposed on
the left and right ends of the central base 40, but for example,
may be disposed slightly inwardly of the left and right ends of the
central base 40.
[0084] According to the above embodiment, the camera body 18 has
the engaging ridge 70 and the engaging cavity 72, and the leaf
spring 102 has the engaging ledge 120. However, insofar as the leaf
spring 102 applies a lateral pressing force (biasing force) to the
camera body 18, the invention is not limited to the above
structural details. For example, the engaging ridge 70 may be
dispensed with, and the engaging cavity 72 may be made deeper than
the surrounding area. Alternatively, if the pressing force of the
leaf spring 102 is relatively strong, then the engaging ridge 70,
the engaging cavity 72, and the engaging ledge 120 may be dispensed
with.
[4-2. First Mounting Member 30]
[0085] According to the above embodiment, the first mounting member
30 includes the positioning convexities 62 and the inner bosses 64
(FIGS. 6 and 10). However, insofar as sufficient attention is paid
to the other functions thereof, either one or both of the
positioning convexities 62 and the inner bosses 64 may be dispensed
with.
[4-3. Second Mounting Member 34]
[0086] According to the above embodiment, the engaging ridge 70
includes the side teeth 74 and the grooves 76. However, insofar as
sufficient attention is paid to the other functions thereof, either
one or both of the side teeth 74 and the grooves 76 may be
dispensed with.
[4-4. First Support Flange 50]
[0087] According to the above embodiment, the first support flange
50 has the hole 60 (FIG. 9) for receiving the first mounting member
30 (the hook 30), which is inserted in the hole 60. However,
insofar as the hook 30 is held in hooked engagement with the first
support flange 50 for enabling the camera body 18 to be turned, the
invention is not limited to this feature. For example, instead of
the hole 60, the first support flange 50 may have another hook for
engagement with the hook 30.
[4-5. Second Support Flange 52 (Leaf Spring 102)]
[0088] According to the above embodiment, the leaf spring 102 is
used for applying the lateral pressing force S2 (see FIG. 4) to the
camera body 18, or to enable the second support flange 52 to
support or secure the camera body 18. However, other means may be
used for applying the lateral pressing force S2 to the camera body
18, or to enable the second support flange 52 to support or secure
the camera body 18. For example, rather than the leaf spring 102, a
non-illustrated bolt may be inserted or threaded in a lateral
direction (Y1 direction) in order to secure the camera body 18 to
the bracket 20. Alternatively, such a bolt may be mounted in
combination with a non-illustrated helical spring on the bracket
20, and rather than being threaded therein, the bolt may be
laterally slidable in the bracket 20 in order to secure the camera
body 18 to the bracket 20.
[0089] According to the above embodiment, the leaf spring 102 is
formed separately from the bracket 20 (bracket body). However, the
bracket 20 itself may be formed to function as a leaf spring.
[4-6. Stop 130]
[0090] According to the above embodiment, the stop 130 (see FIG. 4)
is provided in order to prevent the leaf spring 102 from becoming
plastically deformed. However, insofar as the structural details of
the first mounting member 30 (hook) and the first support flange 50
are provided, the stop 130 may be dispensed with.
[0091] The present invention is not limited to the above
embodiments. The embodiments may be changed or modified without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *