JP7357414B2 - Drive recorder body and equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drive recorder and an optional part for use in a vehicle.

Drive recorders that store vehicle situation information before and after a car accident (front view, vehicle speed, sudden acceleration/deceleration, etc.) provide useful information for verification in the event of a car collision. In particular, they are increasingly being installed in transportation vehicles such as trucks and commercial vehicles such as taxis and buses, and are also being installed in general vehicles.

This drive recorder can store forward images for a certain period of time before and after the accident and driving data that shows the driver's driving operations (brake operation, turn signal operation, driving route, etc.) in the event of an accident or sudden braking. The structure is as follows. To briefly explain the configuration for storing video data, a CCD camera constantly captures images of the vehicle and its surroundings from the driver's perspective (field of view), and the captured images are stored in a temporary storage memory such as a ring buffer. Remember. The video stored in this temporary storage memory is sequentially updated to the latest one, and past video data is retained for a set amount of time. On the other hand, drive recorders are equipped with sensors such as acceleration sensors that detect shocks that occur during accidents, sudden braking, and sudden steering. The image of the previous fixed period is read from the temporary storage memory and stored in a non-volatile memory (SD memory card, etc.), and after the threshold is exceeded, the image captured by the CCD camera after that is directly or temporarily stored in the non-volatile memory. It has a function to save images and the driving data for a predetermined period of time before and after an impact in a non-volatile memory (SD card) by storing them via a storage memory.

When an accident occurs, it is possible to clearly prove the legitimacy of the driver based on the vehicle status information (video, etc.) of the own vehicle stored in the nonvolatile memory. In addition, when drive recorders detect rough and dangerous driving operations such as sudden steering or sudden braking, they emit a warning sound to alert the driver, giving the driver a sense of tension. can.

Since this drive recorder photographs and stores images in front of the vehicle, it is usually attached to the windshield or the like of the vehicle. Specifically, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a mounting member having a mounting surface inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body is provided on the upper surface of a flat rectangular main body in which a CCD camera, a sensor, etc. are built, Glue and fix in place on the windshield using adhesive tape provided on the mounting surface, double-sided adhesive tape, or a suction cup.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-193057 JP2006-321423A

Improvements and developments to conventional drive recorders have enabled them to reliably record images when an accident occurs, as well as accurately collect and record as much information as possible. The main focus of this work is to improve the original functions of drive recorders, such as by preventing them from recording. This type of drive recorder may become valuable when an accident actually occurs, so it is installed in vehicles that are driven relatively frequently, such as taxis and other commercial vehicles. The reality is that the vehicles of ordinary drivers who do not do this are not often equipped with them.

On the other hand, in the event of an accident, having a drive recorder will be useful for the above-mentioned general driver as it will be possible to objectively check the situation at the time of the accident. Therefore, there is a need to popularize drive recorders and install them in as many vehicles as possible.

If you retrofit a drive recorder and in-vehicle optional parts such as a radar detector after purchasing a vehicle, each device must be fixed to the vehicle, and power cables, etc. must be wired for each device. Problems include the fact that it takes time and effort to install, and it can also spoil the aesthetics of the interior of the car.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides (1) a drive recorder main body (equipped with drive recorder functions such as a camera, a recording means, a control section, etc.), and an in-vehicle device connected to the drive recorder main body. Configured with optional parts. By connecting optional automotive parts, for example, during normal driving and other situations, the functions of the optional automotive parts operate. You can experience it. Once an accident occurs, necessary information can be recorded using the original drive recorder function of the drive recorder itself, and appropriate processing can be carried out based on objective information at the time of the accident.

(2) A mounting bracket including a ring part rotatably mounted on the drive recorder main body and a mounting member connected to the outside of the ring part, and the ring part is connected to the drive recorder main body and the mounting bracket. It is preferable that it be fixed by being sandwiched between the vehicle optional parts.

In the embodiment, the ring portion is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the drive recorder main body and is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all or part of the ring portion is attached to the drive recorder main body. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is housed inside. In addition, since the mounting member is connected to the outside of the ring part, if the ring part is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the drive recorder body and exposed to the outside, the configuration becomes simple and the exposed ring part is It is preferable to hold the outer circumferential surface and rotate it because it is easy to adjust the relative angular position between the ring part and the drive recorder main body. Further, in this embodiment, the rotatable angle is the entire circumference of 360 degrees, but it may be within a predetermined angle range. Furthermore, if the shape of the drive recorder body is based on the overall cylindrical shape as in the embodiment, the design will be unified with the ring part and it will look good, but it does not necessarily have to be cylindrical. It can take the shape of Furthermore, if the ring part is attached to one end of the drive recorder body as in the embodiment, it will be easier to adjust the angle and fix it, but it is also possible to adopt a layout in which it is installed closer to the center. .

In the present invention, since the ring part is rotatably attached to the drive recorder main body, the ring part and the drive recorder main body are rotated relative to each other before being fixed to the drive recorder main body. The relative angular position of the (bracket) can be set to a desired state. By fixing it in this state, the relative angular position between the mounting member fixed to the windshield etc. by adhesive etc. and the drive recorder body can be changed and adjusted. Can be implemented on vehicles (with different windshield angles). Further, in the present invention, such fixing can be performed by connecting the in-vehicle optional part to the drive recorder main body, and is also preferable because it can be done by a simple operation of clipping.

(3) a mounting bracket comprising a ring portion rotatably mounted on the drive recorder main body and a mounting member connected to the outside of the ring portion; and a mounting bracket that includes the ring portion and the vehicle optional component. It is preferable to include a fixing member fixed to the main body. The fixing member corresponds to the nut member 40 in the embodiment. Note that it is preferable to fasten the fixing member to the drive recorder main body using a screw mechanism like a nut member because it can be realized with a simple configuration, but it is preferable to fix it using a spring or with an appropriate locking mechanism. You can do it like this. Furthermore, the ring part is not limited to being fixed by sandwiching the ring part between the fixing member and the drive recorder main body as in the embodiment, but for example, a screw (bolt) extending from the outside of the ring part to the inside may be used. Various mechanisms can be used, such as fixing with screws. In addition, in the embodiment, by connecting the fixing member to the drive recorder main body with the target object detection unit, which is an optional vehicle component, housed in the nut member, which is the fixing member, the ring part is sandwiched and fixed. Although the in-vehicle optional parts are also sandwiched and fixed, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to connect the in-vehicle optional parts to the outside of the fixing member. Furthermore, the fixing member and the vehicle-mounted optional component may be integrated in advance.

(4) The fixing member may fix the ring portion by sandwiching the ring portion between the fixing member and the main body. This is preferable because the ring part can be easily switched between being fixed (positioned by stopping rotation) and released (rotatable and angle adjustable). In particular, if the clamping force can be adjusted, temporary fixing can be performed in a lightly tightened state, and position adjustment work can be performed more easily. In particular, if they are connected by a screw mechanism as in the embodiment, the distance between the main body and the fixing member can be narrowed by tightening the screws, and the mounting bracket can be securely fixed with a simple configuration. be able to. Regarding the threads forming the screw mechanism, in this embodiment, a male thread is formed on the main body side, and a female thread is formed on the nut part side, which is a fixing member, but it is of course possible to have the opposite arrangement. .

In each of the inventions (2) to (4) above, unevenness is formed on at least a part of the opposing surfaces of the drive recorder main body and the ring part, and the ring part is fixed by the fixing member or the optional vehicle-mounted part. When fixed, it is preferable that the convex and concave portions match. Although rotation of the mounting bracket can be inhibited to some extent by the tightening force between the fixing member and the drive recorder main body, rotation can be more reliably inhibited by providing irregularities at appropriate positions. Further, in the embodiment, the unevenness is formed continuously over the entire circumference, but may be arranged discretely. However, it is preferable to form them continuously because the rotation angle can be finely adjusted.

(5) The in-vehicle optional component may be attached to the left or right side of the drive recorder main body when installed in the vehicle. Such a configuration is preferable, especially when the drive recorder is attached to the windshield, since the in-vehicle optional parts do not get in the way. That is, there is not enough space in the upper direction of the drive recorder main body, and the lower direction obstructs the view, so it is preferable to attach it to either the left or right side (of course, it can be attached to both sides).

(6) When connecting the in-vehicle optional component to the drive recorder main body, it is preferable that the electrical connection be made by a connector provided on both. In this way, some functions can be incorporated into or shared with other devices (drive recorder body/in-vehicle optional parts), increasing flexibility in the layout of mounted parts and increasing efficiency. The overall size can be reduced by arranging it in the area. The number of connectors is arbitrary, and one or more connectors may be provided.

(7) At least one of the connector provided on the in-vehicle optional component and the connector provided on the drive recorder main body may have a cable. In this way, there will be room for rotation between the in-vehicle optional parts and the drive recorder main body by the length of the cable, and a space will also be secured between the two during installation (at least for the length of the cable, if there is no cable) This is preferable because it makes the connector connection work easier.

(8) The connector provided on the in-vehicle optional part and the connector provided in the drive recorder main body are a male connector and a female connector fixedly installed on opposing surfaces of the in-vehicle optional part and the drive recorder main body, respectively. It is preferable that the relative angular position of the in-vehicle optional component and the drive recorder main body be determined by connecting both connectors. In this way, by connecting the in-vehicle optional parts to the drive recorder main body, the mutual rotation angle positions are defined, so the user does not need to perform special positioning work, and the radio wave inside the in-vehicle optional parts is fixed. Even if the installation direction of the receiving unit, photographing device, etc. is important, it can be set at an appropriate position and orientation.

(9) The connector has at least one of a power line and a signal line. In the embodiment, both a power supply line and a signal line are included, but of course only one may be included.

(10) The connector preferably includes a signal line, and has a function of transmitting an event signal from the in-vehicle optional component to the drive recorder main body, and performing event processing together with input information on the drive recorder main body side. In the embodiment, this event signal may be a reception signal of various radio waves in the target object detection unit, or may be video data captured from the main body 10' for expansion. In the embodiment, the event processing is performed by the control unit on the main body 10 side, which determines the presence or absence of a target object to be notified based on received radio waves, and if it exists, notifies/alarms the existence of the target object, It may generate and record images as a stereo camera.

(11) The connector preferably includes a signal line and has a function of setting the in-vehicle optional component using a function setting signal output from the drive recorder main body. In this way, there is no need to provide a setting switch or the like on the in-vehicle optional component side, and miniaturization can be achieved.

(12) An external power supply port is provided on the side surface of the in-vehicle optional part, and the in-vehicle optional part and the electronic equipment in the drive recorder main body can be operated by the external power supplied from the power supply port. It is good to say. In this case, it is possible to mount a charging/discharging circuit together with a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) inside, and to have a function of operating by discharging from the secondary battery when there is no supply from an external power source. Particularly, when the optional vehicle-mounted component is a security device, and there is no external power supply when the vehicle is stopped, it is preferable to provide a secondary battery. Of course, if there is no external power supply, it is possible to supply power from a primary battery, so a secondary battery is not necessarily essential. Further, the secondary battery may be installed anywhere in the drive recorder main body, in the vehicle optional part, or both.

(13) The drive recorder main body is provided with a card slot for installing a memory card for storing recorded data, and the ejection opening of the card slot is set on the end surface opposite to the mounting bracket. Good. This makes it easier to attach and remove a memory card such as an SD card from the card slot.

(14) It is preferable that an operation switch is arranged on the front side of the drive recorder main body, and a volume control section for adjusting the volume of a speaker built into the drive recorder main body is arranged on the side surface of the drive recorder main body or the in-vehicle optional part. . In this way, frequently used switches are placed on the front, making them easier to operate.

(15) The in-vehicle optional component preferably includes a radio wave receiving section, and the receiving surface of the antenna of the radio wave receiving section and the operating direction of the volume operating section are preferably arranged in parallel. In this way, the direction of the radio wave receiving section can be estimated based on the operating direction of the volume operation section, which is preferable because it is easy to adjust the direction and posture of the radio wave receiving section to an appropriate direction.

(16) The GPS antenna built into the drive recorder main body may be arranged obliquely upward. Placing the device tilted diagonally upward means that the antenna surface of the GPS is oriented diagonally upward with respect to the basic posture of the main body (the standard posture when installing in-vehicle equipment in a vehicle). In this way, the GPS antenna can obtain good GPS reception sensitivity, for example, even if the main body is oriented downward (for example, if a camera is included, the camera is oriented downward).

(17) The in-vehicle optional part includes a radio wave receiving section, and a positioning mechanism provided between the in-vehicle optional part and the drive recorder main body sets the relative angular position between the two. It is preferable that the direction of the antenna of the radio wave receiving section is specified. This is preferable because the user can automatically set the radio wave receiving unit to an appropriate position without being aware of the direction of the radio wave receiving unit.

(18) It is preferable that the mounting surface of the switch formed on the surface of the drive recorder main body be a flat surface, and the field of view of the camera may be directed to the opposite side of the mounting surface. (19) In this case, it is more preferable that the flat surface and the direction of the visual field are set to be perpendicular to each other. When a camera is installed and is configured to take pictures of the front, such as a drive recorder, it is difficult to directly check the direction of the camera facing forward from inside the vehicle. However, we made the installation surface of the switch (facing the inside of the car because it is operated by the driver) a flat surface, and the camera's field of view was directed to the opposite side of the flat surface. Since the orientation of the camera with respect to the installation surface is known, the orientation of the camera can be estimated from the orientation of the installation surface. At this time, if the direction of the camera is perpendicular to the flat surface as in the invention (19), for example, if the installation surface is parallel to the vertical direction, the camera will face in the horizontal direction. , the direction can be more easily guessed. However, even if they are not orthogonal, it is not a problem because it can be estimated as long as the orientation of the camera with respect to the installation surface is determined.

(20) It is preferable that another in-vehicle optional part can be connected to a side of the in-vehicle optional part that is not connected to the drive recorder main body. (21) The above-mentioned in-vehicle optional parts include a target detection unit that detects targets existing in the surroundings, and (22) a drive recorder main body for expansion, and the camera built into these two drive recorder main bodies. Based on this, various other devices can be applied, such as having a recording function as a stereo camera, or (23) using an indoor photographing device, a security device, or a dozing prevention device.

Furthermore, since the inclination of the windshield varies depending on the type of vehicle, there is a problem that if the mounting structure is fixed, it may not be possible to mount the windshield depending on the vehicle. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for detecting the attitude of the main body of the drive recorder and correcting the image captured by the CCD camera, assuming that the mounting attitude of the main body of the drive recorder is changed. . Although it is possible to prepare multiple types of mounting members (mounting jigs) according to the inclination of the windshield and install the drive recorder using the mounting jig that is suitable for the vehicle to which it is installed, in such a configuration, If multiple types of mounting members are sold as a set, the user will also have to purchase unnecessary mounting jigs, which is undesirable. Therefore, according to the inventions (2), (3), etc., in order to rotatably mount the ring portion of the mounting bracket, the relative rotational angle relationship between the mounting member of the mounting bracket and the main body is changed. This allows the configuration of one unit to be compatible with different types of vehicles.

(24) The in-vehicle optional part of the present invention is an in-vehicle optional part connectable to the drive recorder main body for configuring the drive recorder according to any one of (1) to (23) above. be.

Since in-vehicle optional parts are connected to the drive recorder main body, they are referred to as "in-vehicle optional parts" in the sense of options for the drive recorder main body, but in the present invention, without being bound by that name, All devices that meet the requirements of each claim that are connected to the drive recorder main body are included.

According to the present invention, in many cases, various services can be provided on a daily basis using in-vehicle optional parts, and drive recorders that are useful in the event of an accident can be popularized.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the mounting bracket 30. FIG. 1 is an exploded front view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a perspective view showing the main body of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a perspective view showing the main body with the first case removed. (a) is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the first case and CCD camera removed; (b) is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. be. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first case, the mounting bracket, and the nut member are removed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded front view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case is removed from the state shown in FIG. 13. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a nut member and a case are removed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a drive recorder according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the drive recorder of this embodiment includes a cylindrical main body 10, and a mounting bracket 30 is attached to one end of the main body 10 in the axial direction. A configuration is adopted in which the member 40 is used to fix the structure.

The main body 10 is constructed by butting together a first case 11 and a second case 12, which are divided into two parts (halved) at the front and rear. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, one end portions 11a and 12a of the first case 11 and second case 12 are formed one size smaller in external dimension, and the one end portions 11a and 12a and the axis of the main body are A step is formed between the center portion in the direction. Triangular wave-shaped (sawtooth-shaped) tooth portions 17 are formed on the stepped wall surface. Further, a male thread 18 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip side of one end portion 11a, 12a of the first case 11 and the second case 12.

The mounting bracket 30 includes a ring portion 31 having an inner diameter that approximately matches (slightly larger than) the outer diameter of one end portions 11a and 12a of the first case 11 and the second case 12, and a ring portion 31 that stands up on the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 31. The connecting column portion 32 includes a connecting column portion 32 and a mounting plate 33 provided at the tip of the connecting column portion 32. As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting plate 33 is disposed obliquely at a predetermined angle with respect to the diameter direction of the ring portion 31. As shown in FIG.

Further, a tooth portion 34 is formed on one side of the ring portion 31 (the surface facing the main body 10) over the entire circumference. The tooth portion 34 is set to have the same size and shape so as to match the tooth portion 17 formed on the main body 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the width D of the ring portion 31 is approximately the same as the width D1 of the flat portion (area where the male thread 18 is not formed) of the one end portions 11a and 12a of the first case 11 and the second case 12. I have to. Of course, the width may be set wider than D1 (D1<D), but in that case, the width should be set shorter than the width D2 including the male thread 18 (D1<D<D2).

A nut member 40 is attached to the male screw 18. The nut member 40 has a cylindrical shape of a predetermined length with both ends open, and a female thread matching the male thread 18 is formed on an inner circumferential surface 41 at one end. As a result, when the ring part 31 is attached to one end part 11a, 12a of the first case 11, second case 12, the ring part 31 rotates around the central axis at one end of the first case 11, second case 12. It can be rotated in forward and reverse directions relative to the parts 11a and 12a. Rotation is inhibited by meshing the teeth 17 provided on the main body 10 with the teeth 34 provided on the ring portion 31.

On the other hand, when the ring portion 31 is attached to one end portions 11a and 12a of the first case 11 and the second case 12 as described above, the male thread 18 protrudes outward from the ring portion 31. Therefore, the nut member 40 is attached to the protruding male screw 18. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 etc., by firmly fastening the female thread of the nut member 40 and the male thread 18 of the main body 10, the gap between the nut member 40 and the stepped portion where the teeth 17 of the main body 10 are formed is increased. The ring portion 31 can be pinched between the main body 10 and the nut member 40 with a predetermined force. In this securely fastened state, the teeth 17 and 34 mesh with each other to prevent rotation of the ring part 31 and thus the mounting bracket 30, and when the nut member 40 is loosened, the rotation is allowed. Therefore, the relative angular positional relationship between the main body 10 and the mounting bracket 30 can be set (adjusted) to an arbitrary position and fixed at that position. In other words, if the plane (direction) parallel to the joint surface of the first case 11 and the second case 12 is the basic vertical direction of the main body 10, then the angle between that vertical direction and the mounting plate 33 of the mounting bracket 30 is Can be changed.

A double-sided tape (not shown) or other adhesive member is attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate 33, and the double-sided tape is used to adhere and fix it to the windshield of the vehicle. Therefore, the drive recorder of this embodiment can be adjusted to suit various windshield angles (25 to 75 degrees). In other words, the mounting plate 33 is parallel to the angle of the windshield, but as described above, the relative angle of the main body 10 to the mounting plate 33 (mounting bracket 30) can be adjusted, so the angle of the mounting plate 33 (windshield) can be adjusted. Regardless of the above, the basic vertical direction of the main body 10 can be parallel to a vertical plane (with respect to the ground), for example. Of course, the angle between the basic vertical direction of the main body 10 and the plane perpendicular to the ground can be set to an appropriate angle. Therefore, one drive recorder can be installed in different types of vehicles.

Furthermore, by firmly fastening the nut member 40, the teeth 17 of the main body 10 and the teeth 34 of the mounting bracket 30 are firmly engaged with each other, and their rotation is reliably prevented. Even if an impact is applied to the main body 10, the direction and posture of the main body 10 can maintain the basic posture when the drive recorder is attached to the windshield (as long as the mounting plate 33 does not fall off from the windshield) and be firmly fixed. can.

Furthermore, although not shown, it is preferable to arrange a packing made of an elastic material such as rubber inside the nut member 40 (on the main body 10 side). In this case, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the packing is set to be approximately the same as or slightly wider than the outer diameter of the male thread 18 of the main body 10, and the outer diameter of the packing is set to be one size smaller than the outer diameter of the ring portion 31. The thickness of the packing 50 is made uniform over the entire circumference. In this embodiment, the width D of the ring portion 31 is made almost the same as the width D1 of the flat portions (areas where the male threads 18 are not formed) of the one ends 11a and 12a of the first case 11 and the second case 12. When the ring portion 31 is attached to the one end portions 11a, 12a, the tips of the flat portions of the one end portions 11a, 12a are substantially flush with the end surface of the ring portion 31 on the nut member 40 side. One surface of the packing can contact the main body 10 and the ring portion 31 beyond the male thread 18, and the other surface of the packing can contact the inner surface of the nut member 40.

In addition, when the width D of the ring part and the lengths D1 and D2 of each part of the one end parts 11a and 12a are set so that D1<D<D2, the packing has a ring shape (doughnut shape) with a uniform thickness. Instead, it is preferable to provide the ring portion with an annular convex portion that fits into the stepped portion between D and D1.

By arranging additional packing and utilizing the elastic force of the packing, in addition to tightening the ring part by narrowing the distance between the fixing member and the main body, the elastic force of the packing improves the tightening force. I can do it. Therefore, for example, by setting the distance between the fixing member and the main body to be slightly wider than the width of the ring (this distance may be changed as appropriate depending on other factors such as the thickness of the packing), the elastic force of the packing can be increased. If you use it to fix the ring part, you can temporarily fix it. Due to this temporary fixing effect, for example, when installing in a car, if there is no gasket, you would always have to support the main body with your hands, but with the gasket, you can remove your hands. When adjusting the angle, for example, it is difficult to check the angle by supporting the ring part with your hands while it is pressed against the main body, but it is temporarily held in place by the gasket, so support it by hand. Even if you do not fix the angle, you can easily check whether it is OK to fix the angle temporarily. Therefore, even in a narrow space such as the inside of a car, installation and adjustment can be easily performed, which is an excellent effect.

Furthermore, when a rubber material is used as the packing, in addition to the above-mentioned temporary fixing effect, it also has anti-vibration and anti-slip effects, making it possible to prevent the nut member 40 from loosening due to vibration. It is more preferable because it exhibits an excellent effect on stability during use. In other words, it is possible to prevent unnecessary recording triggered by vibrations as a drive recorder, and it is also possible to more reliably record accident images in the event of an impact. Of course, this packing is not necessarily required.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a target object detection unit 50 is disposed within the cylindrical nut member 40. The target object detection unit 50 receives various radio waves emitted from the target object to be detected, issues a predetermined alarm depending on the content of the received radio waves, obtains the current position, and detects the current position. If there is a warning or information that should be reported in the surrounding area, the system will notify you according to the type of information.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the target object detection unit 50 is constructed by incorporating predetermined parts into a cylindrical case 51. The outer diameter R1 of the case 51 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the nut member 40 or to be appropriately smaller, so that the case 51 can be stored inside the nut member 40. In a state where the target detection unit 50 is housed in the nut member 40, the nut member 40 and the target detection unit 50 are arranged so that their central axes substantially coincide with each other, and are relative to each other around the central axis. It is possible to rotate. In other words, even if the target object detection unit 50 does not rotate and holds its position, the nut member 40 can rotate.

The other end of the nut member 40 (the tip side that is not connected to the male thread 18 of the main body 10) is provided with a flange 42 that projects toward the center. The inner diameter R2 of this collar portion 42 is set smaller than the outer diameter R1 of the case 51 of the target object detection unit 50. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10 etc., when the target object detection unit 50 is housed in the nut member 40, the distal end surface 51a of the case 51 is exposed to the outside from the other end of the nut member 40, but the case 51 The peripheral edge of the distal end surface 51a of the nut member 42 contacts the flange portion 42, and is prevented from moving further forward (in the direction of protruding from the nut member 40). Therefore, the target detection unit 50 housed within the nut member 40 is prevented from coming off from the opening at the other end of the nut member 40 .

Therefore, when the nut member 40 is fastened to the male thread 18 of the main body 10, the target object detection unit 50 inside the nut member 40 is maintained in a state housed inside. As described above, in this embodiment, the nut member 40 and the target object detection unit 50 are rotatable relative to each other, so when rotating the nut member 40 in forward and reverse directions for fastening/releasing, The operation can be performed regardless of whether or not the object detection unit 50 is in a rotatable state.

Further, on the distal end surface 51a of the case 51 of the target object detection unit 50, objects to be operated by the user, such as a volume dial 53 and a DC jack 55, are provided. As described above, the other end of the nut member 40 is opened and the distal end surface 51a of the case 51 is exposed to the outside, so that the volume dial 43 and the like are also exposed. By adopting such a configuration, the object to be operated by the user can be installed in the limited space of the device, and the user's attention can be drawn during operation, making it easy to check whether the nut member 40 is loose. Can be done.

In this embodiment, the nut member 40 and the target object detection unit 50 are configured as separate members, but they are formed integrally, that is, the nut member is coaxially attached to the other end surface 51b side of the case 51 of the target object detection unit 50. The structure is such that the two are rotatably connected. Thereby, the target object detection unit 50 can be attached to or detached from the main body 10 by rotating the nut member portion in forward and reverse directions.

Next, the arrangement structure of each component mounted in the main body 10 and the external exposure structure of the component will be explained. As shown in FIG. 11, a CCD camera 13, a GPS antenna 14, a first connector 15, a power supply circuit, and the like are mounted on the first case 11 side. A circular opening 11b is formed at a predetermined position of the first case 11 (a position facing the CCD camera 13), and the CCD camera 13 is exposed to the outside through the opening 11b.

Furthermore, the GPS antenna 14 is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction of the main body 10 (a plane (direction) parallel to the joint surface of the first case 11 and the second case 12), and is arranged so as to face obliquely upward. (See Figure 12(a), etc.). As a result, good GPS reception sensitivity can be obtained, for example, even when the field of view of the CCD camera 13 is set to face diagonally downward when mounted on a truck or the like.

Furthermore, the first connector 15 is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the main body 10 and protrudes outward from one end of the main body 10. That is, a window hole 11d is formed at a predetermined position on the end surface (side surface perpendicular to the axial direction) of one end portion 11a of the first case 11, and the first connector 15 is exposed to the outside (the tip end) through the window hole 11d. is prominent). This first connector 15 is connected to the target object detection unit 50, and the circuit in the main body 10 and the circuit in the target object detection unit 50 are electrically connected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11(b) and the like, a locking pawl 12c is provided at a predetermined position on the joint surface of the second case 12. A locking recess is formed in the joint surface of the first case 11 at a position corresponding to the locking claw 12c, and when the first and second cases 11 and 12 are butted together, the locking claw 12c The recesses engage with each other to determine the position and prevent misalignment (particularly axial movement).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, etc., man-machine interfaces such as a switch section 20, a display section 21, an SD card slot 22, and a control circuit are mounted on the second case 12 side. The control circuit is a circuit for realizing the basic functions of the drive recorder, and it stores the image taken by the CCD camera 13 and performs the above-mentioned functions based on the detection signal from the shock detection sensor such as the acceleration sensor (not shown). Data such as captured images is stored in non-volatile memory. Although not shown, an output device such as a speaker is also mounted. For example, the speaker notifies the operating sound of the switch unit 20 and various messages (guidance, warning, etc.). Further, on the second case 12 side, an acceleration sensor for detecting a collision or the like and other electronic components/electronic circuits for realizing the functions of a drive recorder are incorporated.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the first case 11 and the second case 12 have flat surfaces 11e and 12e on the opposite side from the joint surface, which are parallel to the joint surface. Therefore, both flat surfaces 11e and 12e are set parallel to each other. The CCD camera 13 is exposed to the outside from the flat surface 11e of the first case 11 (the circular opening 11b is formed in the flat surface 11e), and the direction of the field of view of the CCD camera 13 is directed from the flat surface 11e. The direction is set to be orthogonal to 11e.

On the other hand, the switch section 20 and the display section 21 are arranged on the flat surface 12e of the second case 12. When the drive recorder is attached to the windshield, it is installed so that the first case 11 (CCD camera 13) faces the front of the vehicle and the second case 12 faces inside the vehicle. Therefore, it is difficult for a user such as a driver inside the vehicle to directly check the direction of the CCD camera 13. However, in this embodiment, since the flat surface 11e of the first case 11 and the flat surface 12e of the second case 12 are set to be parallel, the flat surface 12e of the second case 12 facing inside the vehicle Since the direction directly corresponds to the direction of the flat surface 11e of the first case 11 and thus the direction of the CCD camera 13, the direction of the CCD camera 13 can be estimated by looking at the direction of the switch section 20 and the display section 21 (flat surface 12e). The orientation of the CCD camera 13 can be easily adjusted.

Furthermore, the SD card slot 22 is arranged on the side surface of the second case 12 opposite to the one end 12a (see FIG. 11, etc.). In this way, among the man-machine interfaces, those that are frequently used, such as the switch section 20, are placed on the front, and those that are used less frequently, such as the volume dial 23 and the SD card slot 22, are placed on the side. , improves operability. Furthermore, since the SD card slot 22 is placed on the side, there is no front glass, roof, etc. in the direction of inserting and removing the SD card 60, and the SD card slot 22 can be inserted or removed regardless of the inclination angle of the windshield to which the drive recorder is installed or the orientation of the drive recorder. The card 60 can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, since the SD card slot 22 is arranged on the side surface opposite to the mounting bracket 30, it is easier to attach and remove the SD card 60 from the SD card slot 22.

Furthermore, in the structure of this embodiment, when viewed from the driver, the CCD camera 13 faces the front of the vehicle and the second case 12 is located on the driver's side, so the SD card slot 22 is located on the right side. , the mounting bracket 30 (volume dial 53, DC jack 55) will be located on the left side (see FIG. 3). The main body 10 (one end portions 11a, 12a) and the mounting bracket 30 (ring portion 31) can be rotated 360 degrees relative to each other by loosening the nut member 40. Therefore, if the main body 10 is rotated 180 degrees and flipped upside down from the state shown in FIG. The mounting bracket 30 (volume dial 53, DC jack 55) is located on the right side when facing the camera. Therefore, it can be installed with the left and right sides reversed, and can be used with both right-hand drive and left-hand drive. Furthermore, it is also possible to attach the mounting bracket 30 to a plurality of vehicles in advance so that one main body can be easily used by being mounted on the plurality of vehicles.

The target object detection unit 50, which is an optional component, is connected to the first connector 15 and linked to the circuit inside the main body 10, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 and the like. That is, although not shown, a through hole is provided at a predetermined position of the other end surface 51b of the case 51 (a position facing the first connector 15), and the tip of the first connector 15 is inserted into the case 51 through the through hole. It is inserted into the inside of the case 51 and linked to a receiving connector section provided inside the case 51. Further, a second connector 52 is provided on the target object detection unit 50 side, and the second connector 52 is connected to the main body 10. In this embodiment, the first and second connectors 15 and 52 are used to link the circuit in the main body 10 and the circuit in the target object detection unit 50, but the number of connectors can be arbitrary, and The location is also arbitrary.

Further, in this embodiment, the first connector 15 provided on the main body 10 is integrated with the main body, and the first connector 15 also remains in its position when the main body 10 is fixed. Similarly, the second connector 52 provided on the case 51 of the target object detection unit 50 is also fixedly installed with respect to the case 51. Therefore, by linking the first connector 15 and the second connector 52 to their corresponding partners, the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50 are integrated, and since there are two connecting parts, the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50 are integrated. The relative rotational movement of both target object detection units 50 is suppressed, and both rotate together around the central axis of the main body 10. In particular, if the tip of the connector (the part to be connected) is made of a relatively hard material such as a pin, and is directly connected to the mating female connector, the connection will create a more integrated structure, allowing for relative rotational movement. is definitely suppressed. Even if the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50 are integrated in this way, the nut member 40 is rotationally movable relative to the target object detection unit 50. It can be tightened or released from the male thread 18 of the holder.

Assuming that the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50 do not rotate relative to each other as described above (even if they rotate, the angle is narrow), the rotational angular position of the target object detection unit 50 with respect to the main body 10 is kept constant. It can be done. As will be described later, the target detection unit 50 is equipped with a radio wave receiving section, so that the radio wave receiving section can be oriented in an appropriate direction in order to receive radio waves from a predetermined direction such as in front of the vehicle or above the vehicle with high sensitivity. Although it is necessary to orient the camera, it can be set to an appropriate angular position without the need for positioning adjustment by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the target detection unit 50 includes a microwave receiving antenna 56 and a receiving circuit unit 57 for receiving microwaves serving as a radio wave receiving section, a volume dial 53, and a DC A jack 55 is provided. Furthermore, a radio reception antenna unit for receiving radio waves of a predetermined frequency may be built-in.

As described above, the DC jack 55 is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the case 51 and is configured to be exposed to the outside from one end of the case 51. That is, a window hole 51c is formed at a predetermined position on the distal end surface 51a of the case 51, and the DC jack 55 is exposed to the outside through the window hole 51c. By attaching a DC plug (not shown) attached to one end of a power cable connected to a cigarette lighter socket to the DC jack 55, the drive recorder of this embodiment can supply power from the vehicle's battery. shall be. In this way, the power cable is pulled out from the side of the drive recorder (target detection unit 50), so by installing the drive recorder next to or near the rearview mirror, the power cable can be hidden in the rearview mirror. You can make it look beautiful.

Similarly, the volume dial 53 is arranged at one end of the target object detection unit 50 (the distal end surface 51a of the case 51), and a portion of the volume dial 53 is exposed to the outside through a vertical slit 51f provided in the distal end surface 51. It protrudes and can be rotated. The volume dial 53 provided on the target object detection unit 50 is used to adjust the output level of the speaker mounted in the main body 10, and information based on the operation on the volume dial 53 is transmitted via the second connector 52 and the like. It is sent inside the main body 10.

Further, the power supplied from the DC jack 55 is used to power the devices in the target object detection unit 50, and is also transmitted to the main body 10 side via the second connector 52, and is transmitted to the main body 10 side through the second connector 52. It is also used to supply power to In addition, when a rechargeable secondary battery is mounted in the main body 10, the rechargeable battery is charged by the power supplied via the second connector 52 by the chargeable/dischargeable power supply circuit, and the rechargeable battery is charged from the vehicle side. During the period when the power supply is cut off, it is preferable to supply power to the circuit within the main body 10 by discharging from the secondary battery. In this case, it is preferable to supply power to the circuit within the target object detection unit 50 using discharge from the secondary battery. This is to prevent mounting a power supply circuit including a secondary battery in the target object detection unit 50, which would increase the size of the target object detection unit 50 and, by extension, the nut member 40.

Furthermore, the target object detection unit 50 is equipped with a radio wave reception function that is unnecessary for the drive recorder function and is not implemented in the main body 10, and determines whether or not an alarm is necessary based on the acquired information. It is preferable that the control section that performs control to issue an alarm when necessary, the output section that actually issues an alarm to the outside, etc., are those that are installed in the main body 10. In this way, it is possible to downsize the target object detection unit 50 and the entire drive recorder.

Specifically, a control unit (MPU) installed in the main body 10 has target detection and notification functions in addition to the original functions of a drive recorder. Further, information about the target (position information, type, etc.) is also stored in the storage means (EEPROM, SD card 60 installed in the SD card slot 22, etc.) within the main body 10. The control unit accesses the storage means based on the current position detected by the GPS antenna 14 in the main body 10, determines whether or not there is a target to be detected around the current position, and if there is, a predetermined target is detected. issue an alarm. In the case of this embodiment, the type and direction of the target, the remaining distance, etc. are notified by voice from the speaker, and a message is outputted on the display unit 21 in the form of characters or marks. Further, when a desired microwave is received by the microwave receiving antenna 56 mounted in the target object detection unit 50, an alarm is issued to the effect that the microwave has been received. Further, when a radio signal of a predetermined frequency is received by the radio reception antenna unit, a warning to that effect is issued. Examples of the predetermined frequency include a frequency of radio waves used by an emergency vehicle to notify its own vehicle position in a car locator system, a frequency used for emergency radio, and the like.

In the embodiment described above, the first and second connectors 15 and 52 are each directly connected to a separate connector (not shown) provided on the other side, but one of the first connector 15 and the second connector 52 or Both may be provided with cables. In this case, due to the cable length, when connecting the connector, the work can be done with a slight gap between the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50, so that the connector connection work can be easily performed. In this case, a positioning mechanism between the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50 may be separately provided as necessary. That is, for example, a protrusion is provided on one or both of the other end surface 51b of the target object detection unit 50 and the distal end surface of the main body 10 facing the other end surface 51b, and a recess is provided at a position opposite to the protrusion, and the above-mentioned connector connection is performed. After that, positioning can be performed by fitting the protrusion and the recess. Further, by making a part of the board mounted inside the target object detection unit 50 protrude outside from the other end surface 51b of the case 51, and inserting the protruding part into the rear part provided at a predetermined position on the main body 10 side, Alternatively, the positioning may be performed. In particular, since the board on which the microwave receiving circuit unit 57 is attached is parallel to the microwave receiving antenna 56, the position (orientation) of the board is the same as the direction of the microwave receiving antenna 56, so that radio wave reception is possible. This is preferable because the orientation of the section can be adjusted and set directly.

Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the first connector 15 and the second connector are connected (the main body 10 and the target object detection unit 50 are linked through one connector). In this case, for example, by providing a cable to the second connector 52, connection is possible even in the state of this embodiment in which the second connector 52 is pulled out at an eccentric position. Of course, for example, the pull-out position (installation position) of the second connector may be set at a position facing the first connector 15 near the center of the other end surface 51b, and the two may be directly connected.

Further, since the target object detection unit 50 is an optional component, it is of course possible to adopt a configuration in which no optional component is installed. In this case, in order to provide the function of adjusting the volume and receiving power supply from the vehicle, a basic unit equipped with a volume dial 53 mounted inside the case 51 of the target object detection unit 50, a DC jack 55, etc. is prepared. , it is preferable that the basic unit is integrated with the main body using a nut member 40. That is, if the basic unit is a component mounted in the case 51 of the target object detection unit 50 from which those necessary for detecting a target such as a radio wave receiving section are removed, the nut member 40 can be used for the same purpose. Furthermore, since the volume dial 53 and the like are smaller in size than the radio wave receiving section, the length of the basic unit in the axial direction may be shortened to reduce the size of the drive recorder as a whole. Of course, the nut member and the basic unit may be formed integrally.

In addition, the volume can be adjusted by operating the switch section 20 provided on the main body 10 or by using the remote control by providing a remote control function for transmitting and receiving operation signals. 22), the first connector 15 is used for communication with the optional component when an optional component is present or for supplying power from the main body side to the optional component. If an option such as the target object detection unit 50 is not installed, a short nut member may be installed to only fix the mounting bracket 30.

16 and 17 show another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the optional parts connected to the main body 10 are different. That is, two main bodies in the above-described embodiment were prepared, and the mounting bracket 30 was attached to one main body 10, and the other main body 10' was turned upside down and the CCD camera 13 was positioned on the same side. In this state, the two main bodies 10, 10' are connected and integrated via the connecting member 70. At this time, the main body 10' has the same configuration as the main body 10, but a dedicated one may be prepared as an additional main body.

The connecting member 70 is internally threaded on both sides in the axial direction, and both ends can freely rotate relative to each other. Thereby, both ends of the connecting member 70 can be independently rotated and connected to the male threads 18 of the opposing main bodies 10, 10'. When the two main bodies 10, 10' are connected, the CCD cameras provided on the two main bodies 10, 10' are set to be fixed at a position where the photographing areas and photographing directions coincide as much as possible.

The connecting member 70 connects the first connectors 15 provided on the main bodies 10, 10', and also includes a DC jack (not shown) at a predetermined position of the connecting member 70, and connects the first connector 15 provided on the main bodies 10, 10'. A power supply function is provided to supply the supplied power to the respective main bodies 10, 10'. This power supply function includes a connector connected to a connector portion connected to the second connector of the target object detection unit 50, a DC jack, and wiring connecting the DC jack and the connector.

The image taken by the CCD camera 13 of the added main body 10' is sent to the main main body 10 side via the first connector 15 connecting member 70. Then, on the main body 10 side, it is possible to record as a stereo camera based on the video imaged by its own CCD camera 13 and the transmitted video. Stereo cameras are preferable because the distance can be obtained from the difference between the images of both cameras, which is useful for accident analysis. When the control unit of the main body 10 is operating alone, it functions as a normal drive recorder, recording necessary information in the event of an accident, and when it recognizes that the added main body 10' is connected. has the function of recording as a stereo camera. Whether or not the expanded main body 10' is connected can be recognized by checking whether optional parts are connected or not, and if so, the type thereof. In other words, by communicating (establishing a connection) with the other party connected via the first connector, the other party can be confirmed. Furthermore, although the expanded main body 10' sends captured images to the other party as described above, it may also be provided with a function of recording in its own non-volatile memory. In this case, the added main body 10' functions as a normal drive recorder, and even if there is a problem with recording with the stereo camera on the main body 10 side, information as a normal drive recorder can be secured.

When recording data on the SD cards in each of the main bodies 10 and 10', the recorded data on the two SD cards is read out with a PC, and based on synchronization data such as shooting time data included in both data, It is preferable to synchronize and reproduce data such as two videos.

Note that the two main bodies 10 and 10' start and end recording using separate sensors, so
A shift in the recording range may occur, but this shift can be corrected by correcting it based on time information, etc., and performing appropriate correction processing such as creating a stereo image based on frames captured at the same time. .

Further, the inside of the connecting member 70 is provided with a through hole passing through from the main body 10 side to the main body 10' side, and electrical connection may be made via a cable passing through the through hole. Further, the main body 10 may be fixed so as to face in the direction in which the front of the vehicle is photographed, and the main body 10' may be fixed so as to face toward the rear of the vehicle or into the passenger compartment. In this way, images can be taken in multiple directions at the same time. Since the main body 10 is easy to install and remove, for example, it is normally used by attaching one main body to two cars, and only when stereo images are required, the two main bodies can be combined into one car. It can also be easily reinstalled and used. In addition, in the main bodies 10 and 10', information regarding the mounting angle of both (for example, information output from an acceleration sensor provided in the main body 10) is recorded on an SD card, and the information on this SD card is imported into a PC. The PC application software (viewer) can display (illustrate) the mounting direction of each main body based on information about the mounting angle of the two main bodies, and display images and vehicle behavior recorded by the drive recorder's functions. It is also possible to perform a process of synthesizing and displaying the images based on information regarding the mounting angles of the two main bodies.

Optional parts are not limited to the above-mentioned target object detection device and second drive recorder, but include camera recording devices for indoor photography (measures against taxi robberies, etc.), security devices, drowsiness prevention devices, etc. You can incorporate various things for

Furthermore, the connection of options is not limited to only one connection to the main body, but a similar structure that can connect additional options to the side opposite to the main body side of the option unit is provided, and multiple options (different types) can be connected. It is good to be able to concatenate (can be the same or different).

10, 10' Main body 13 CCD camera 20 Switch section 22 SD card slot 30 Mounting bracket 31 Ring section 33 Mounting plate 40 Nut section (fixing member)
50 Target detection unit

Claims (6)

An in-vehicle device,
A first part having a display section,
a mounting member for mounting the first portion on a vehicle;
a second part that is connected to the first part and has a camera that can change its attitude with respect to the first part;
Equipped with
The second portion is capable of vertically rotating the photographing direction of the camera without changing the posture of the first portion, and is configured to rotate the photographing direction of the camera more than the direction in which the display section faces. In-vehicle equipment configured to be able to be directed downward. An in-vehicle device,
A first part having a display section,
a mounting member for mounting the first portion on a vehicle;
a second part that is connected to the first part and has a camera that can change its attitude with respect to the first part;
Equipped with
The second portion is capable of vertically rotating the lens of the camera without changing the attitude of the first portion, and is capable of positioning the lens below the display unit. In-vehicle equipment configured with. An in-vehicle device,
A first part having a display section,
a mounting member for mounting the first portion on a vehicle;
a second part that is connected to the first part and has a camera that can change its attitude with respect to the first part;
Equipped with
The second portion can adjust the camera's position within a range including a posture in which the photographing direction of the camera is directed downward relative to the direction in which the display unit faces, without changing the posture of the first portion. An in-vehicle device configured to allow the shooting direction to be rotated vertically . An in-vehicle device,
A first part having a display section,
a mounting member for mounting the first portion on a vehicle;
a second part that is connected to the first part and has a camera that can change its attitude with respect to the first part;
Equipped with
The second portion can move the camera lens in the vertical direction within a range that includes a posture that positions the camera lens below the display section without changing the posture of the first portion. In-vehicle equipment that is configured to be able to rotate . The vehicle-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment member is attached to the glass of the vehicle. A drive recorder comprising the in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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