JP2004322669A - Vehicle periphery recognition device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to accurately perform a positional relationship between a lens system and each of prisms 103a and 103b.
A prism holding means for holding prisms is inserted from an opening in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens system to house the prisms. The housing 3 includes a body 3, a lid 5 for closing an opening, and a biasing member 7 for biasing and positioning each of the prisms 103 a and 103 b in the housing 3. The respective prisms 103a and 103b are accurately positioned in the housing 3, and the positional relationship between the lens system and the respective prisms 103a and 103b can be accurately determined.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle periphery recognition device installed at a position where an image of the outside of a vehicle can be captured.
[0002]
[Background Art]
14 and 15 have been proposed as camera devices that can simultaneously image a plurality of viewing directions.
[0003]
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, this camera device includes an image pickup device 101 such as a CCD mounted on a circuit board 100, a lens system 102 for condensing light on the image pickup device 101, and left and right sides. A pair of prisms (optical elements) 103a and 103b for reflecting the received light 110a and 110b while converging the light on the lens system 102 side, and these are provided in a housing 104 as a waterproof case having transparent windows 106a to 106c. It is stored in a predetermined storage space 105. The housing 104 is installed, for example, embedded in a grill or the like immediately above a front bumper of an automobile in order to make the image sensor 101, the lens system 102, and the prisms 103a and 103b invisible and visible from the outside.
[0004]
The lens system 102 has, for example, a horizontal imaging visual field range of about 80 ° and a vertical imaging visual field range of about 60 °, and its optical axis L1 is only a predetermined dimension (for example, about the center axis L2) of the imaging element 101. (0.6 mm). This is to adjust the imaging range of the side field of view and the lower field of view so as to capture an image just below the front of the automobile, and has the same effect as tilting the entire camera device forward.
[0005]
The pair of prisms 103a and 103b are made of, for example, a transparent body such as glass, and are formed in a substantially triangular prism shape having a triangular cross section in a plan view as shown in FIG. 14, and a direction immediately below the front as shown in FIG. It is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a side view that is cut out in the vertical imaging visual field range, and is installed on the front surface of the lens system 102 so as to cover about half of the vertical imaging visual field range from above. As shown in FIG. 14, the prisms 103a and 103b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 102 when viewed in plan. In each of the prisms 103a and 103b, the side surfaces 116a and 116b facing the transparent windows 106a to 106c and the rear surfaces 116c and 116d facing the lens system 102 are light transmitting surfaces. The side surfaces 116e and 116f of the prisms 103a and 103b on the opposite side (inside) to the viewing side surfaces 116a and 116b are mirror-finished by aluminum evaporation, and a protective film of black paint is formed to cover the evaporation surfaces. Configuration.
[0006]
As a result, the left and right views as viewed from the front of the automobile are passed through the transparent windows 106a and 106b of the housing 104 as light 110a and 110b, and enter from the side surfaces 116a and 116b of the prisms 103a and 103b as shown in FIG. After entering and reflecting on the opposite side surfaces 116e and 116f, the light is further totally reflected on the viewing side surfaces 116a and 116b, and emitted from the rear surfaces 116c and 116d toward the lens system 102. As described above, since the left and right images are reflected twice, each image is captured without mirror image inversion. Therefore, when displayed on the display panel 121 as shown in FIG. The left-right relationship between the landscape and each of the images 122 and 123 is maintained.
[0007]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the view just below the front of the car is cut off below the prisms 103a and 103b, so that light 113 from just below the front has passed through the transparent window 106c and entered the housing 104. Thereafter, the light is directly incident on the lens system 102 without being mirror-inverted by the prisms 103a and 103b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the image 124 immediately below the front is formed without being mirror-inverted by the prisms 103a and 103b, so that the left-right relationship with the actual landscape in the left-right direction is maintained.
[0008]
Although the proposal examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 have not been disclosed, a publication that discloses such a camera device that can simultaneously image a plurality of view directions is, for example, Patent Document 1.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-89301
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a configuration in which the prisms 103a and 103b are installed near the lens system 102 as in the proposal examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the method of holding the prisms 103a and 103b becomes an issue.
[0011]
That is, the substantially triangular prism-like prisms 103a and 103b as shown in FIG. 14 are mounted as a pair, and the mounting position is as shown in FIG. 14 with respect to the center axis L2 of the lens system 102 in plan view. It is necessary to arrange them symmetrically so as to correspond accurately.
[0012]
In the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 15, it is required to accurately set the positional relationship between both axes L1 and L2 as described above.
[0013]
When such a camera device is mounted on a vehicle, it is important to prevent the camera from being displaced by vibrations during traveling of the vehicle.
[0014]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle periphery visual recognition device that can hold a plurality of prisms with high positional accuracy and can prevent positional deviation due to vibration.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a vehicle periphery visual recognition device installed at a position where an image of the outside of a vehicle can be taken, and a single image sensor and a device arranged in front of the image sensor. A lens system, a plurality of optical elements arranged in front of the lens system to guide light from a plurality of different fields of view to imaging means, and an optical element holding means for holding the optical element. The means includes a housing for housing the respective optical elements by inserting the optical elements from an opening in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system, a lid for closing the opening, and the lid. And an urging member for urging and positioning each of the optical elements in the housing with the opening closed.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the first aspect, the biasing member is a metal molded body including a spring.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 3 is the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 2, wherein the lid is formed of the same metal molded body as the urging member, and the urging member is formed of the lid. It is formed integrally with the body.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the first aspect, the lid and the urging member are integrally formed of the same resin molded body.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lid and the housing are integrally connected by a connecting portion serving as a hinge. It is molded.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a separation wall for separating the optical elements from each other in the housing is provided. is there.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 7 is the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing includes the optical elements with respect to an optical axis of the lens system. It has optical axis positioning means for positioning at an appropriate position.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 8 is the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 7, wherein the optical axis positioning means is a bottom wall of the housing.
[0023]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a back surface of each of the optical elements is directed to the lens system, and one side surface of the optical element is the side surface. Each of the optical elements is a field side face directed to the outer front side field of view, and the other side is a prism directed forward inside on the opposite side to the field side face, and light from the side field of view is The light is reflected by the other side surface of the prism and the side surface of the visual field, and emitted from the back surface to the lens system.
[0024]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the ninth aspect, the bottom wall of the storage body is formed so as to be inclined from one direction to the other side so as to have a bottom depth. The biasing member includes a forward biasing body that biases the prism from the one direction to the other direction and presses the prism against the inner wall of the housing body in the other direction to position the prism.
[0025]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the bottom of the prism is inclined so as to avoid light heading toward the lens system from a lower front direction of the vehicle periphery recognition device. The bottom wall of the housing is formed so as to be inclined from the rear to the front so as to have a bottom depth corresponding to the bottom of the prism, and the front biasing body is formed on the rear surface of the prism. Is pressed forward against the inner wall of the housing on the front side and positioned.
[0026]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the urging member is configured to contact the lid with the lid closing the opening. A lower urging member is provided between the prism and the lower urging member for urging the upper surface of the prism downward to guide the prism in a depth direction of the bottom wall of the housing.
[0027]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the optical element holding means engages the lid and the housing with each other. An engaging means is further provided, wherein the engaging means is formed on a side surface of the storage body and has a substantially wedge-shaped engaging claw, and an engaging ring formed on the lid and engaging with the engaging claw. An upper portion of the engaging claw is formed so as to be inclined so as to guide the distal end outward when the distal end of the engaging ring abuts, and the distal end of the engaging ring has A bent portion is formed by being bent outward to prevent the upper portion from catching on the inclination and to function as a pick margin.
[0028]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the optical element holding means engages the lid and the housing with each other. An engaging means is further provided, wherein the engaging means is formed on a side surface of the storage body and has a substantially wedge-shaped engaging claw, and an engaging ring formed on the lid and engaging with the engaging claw. In the state where the engagement claw and the engagement ring are engaged with each other, when the lower side of the engagement ring abuts on the root of the lower end of the engagement claw, the engagement ring In order to prevent the upper end of the lower side portion from biting into the root portion of the lower end of the engaging claw, a surface contact piece that is in contact with the lower end of the engaging claw is formed at the upper end of the lower side portion of the engaging ring. Things.
[0029]
The invention according to claim 15 is the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 13, wherein the lower side of the engagement ring is the state in which the engagement claw and the engagement ring are engaged with each other. When contacting the lower end of the engagement claw, the lower end of the engagement ring is prevented from biting into the lower end of the engagement claw. The contact surface contact piece is formed at the upper end of the lower side of the engagement ring.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
<< 1st Embodiment >>
<Structure>
As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is different from the configuration of a camera device using a pair of prisms 103a and 103b, in particular, in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a prism holding means (optical element holding means: prism holder) 1 for holding both prisms 103a and 103b is added. The image sensor 101, the lens system 102, the prisms 103a and 103b, and the housing 104 used in this embodiment are the same as those in the proposal example described with reference to FIGS. The description will focus on the holding means 1.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the prism holding means 1 and the two prisms 103a and 103b, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG.
[0032]
This prism holding means 1 is inserted into the housing 104 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 through, for example, a rear opening and stored and fixed. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the two prisms 103a and 103b are stored therein. The storage body 3 having an open top surface to be closed, a lid (prism cap) 5 for closing the open top portion of the storage body 3, and each of the prisms 103 a and 103 b provided in the lid 5 in the storage body 3. An urging member 7 for pressing and fixing, and an engaging member 9 for engaging the lid 5 with the housing 3 are provided.
[0033]
The housing 3 is configured to abut against the inner wall of the housing 104 and is fixed, for example, is injection-molded with a resin using PC-GF20 (ISO notation) or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the storage body 3 abuts the inner side surfaces 116 e and 116 f of the substantially triangular prism-shaped prisms 103 a and 103 b on two sides to position the prisms 103 a and 103 b in plan view. A front contact body 11 having a substantially isosceles triangular shape, and inner corners extending rearward from the rear end of the front contact body 11 and located on the back surfaces 116c and 116d sides of the prisms 103a and 103b are separated from each other. Wall 13 for contacting the bottom surface 15 of each of the prisms 103a and 103b, the frame body 19 for regulating the position of the viewing side surfaces 116a and 116b outside the prisms 103a and 103b, and the lid 5 A rear contact body 21 that abuts on the rear end and positions the lid 5 in the front-rear direction with respect to the storage body 3 and a rear storage part 25 that is open to the rear and stores the lens system 102 are integrated. Made is composed of.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 1, the front contact body 11 is formed so as to be divergent toward the front in plan view and is formed in an isosceles triangular shape that is symmetrical left and right. By abutting the inner side surfaces 116e and 116f of the prisms 103a and 103b, the position of each of the prisms 103a and 103b is regulated in a forward inward direction. In FIG. 15, the lower end of the front contact body 11 is inclined upward from the front to the rear similarly to the bottom wall 17 so as not to block the light 113 directly incident on the lens system 102 from immediately below the front. It is formed as follows.
[0035]
The separation wall 13 is for preventing the two prisms 103a and 103b from coming into contact with each other due to vibration or the like, and for properly positioning the prisms 103a and 103b. It is a plane plate extended rearward from the part.
[0036]
The bottom wall 17 is for mounting the prisms 103a and 103b when the two prisms 103a and 103b are stored from the top opening, and is formed to be inclined upward from the front to the rear as shown in FIG. Is done. The shape of such an inclination is to prevent the light 113 directly incident on the lens system 102 from directly below the front from being blocked, and to urge the prisms 103a and 103b from above to below by the urging member 7. This is because each of the prisms 103a and 103b abuts on the upper surface of the inclined bottom wall 17 to urge forward. The bottom wall 17 functions as an optical axis positioning means for arranging each of the prisms 103a and 103b at an appropriate height position with respect to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 102.
[0037]
The frame body 19 regulates the position of the prisms 103a, 103b in the forward and outward directions by abutting on the side edges of the viewing side surfaces 116a, 116b outside the prisms 103a, 103b. The frame body 19 is formed with a window frame 19a so as not to block the prisms 103a and 103b and their lateral outer surfaces.
[0038]
The frame 19, the front contact body 11, the separation wall 13, and the bottom wall 17 form a storage space 26 with an open top for storing the prisms 103 a and 103 b. The angle between the frame body 19 and the outer surface of the front contact body 11 is set corresponding to the apex angle of the front end corner of each of the prisms 103a and 103b. Thereby, when each of the prisms 103a and 103b is urged forward, the prisms 103a and 103b are pressed forward and positioned in the respective storage spaces 26 formed by the frame body 19 and the front contact body 11.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 2, the rear contact body 21 is configured such that the rear end of the cover 5 contacts the rear body to regulate the position of the cover 5 rearward, and is formed integrally with the upper end of the separation wall 13 (see FIG. 2). Together with 2), it is formed integrally with the rear end of the frame 19 (FIG. 1).
[0040]
The rear storage section 25 is formed in a box shape with an open back, and as shown in FIG. 3, after storing the lens system 102, is fixed to the support member 24 on the back using a fixing member such as a screw. It is positioned on a circuit board 100 on which the image sensor 101 is mounted.
[0041]
The front contact body 11, the separation wall 13, the bottom wall 17, the frame 19, the rear contact body 21, and the rear storage section 25 are integrally formed of resin using a mold or the like.
[0042]
The lid 5 is a plate that closes the upper opening portion with respect to the upper opening storage space 26 formed by the frame 19, the front contact body 11, the separation wall 13, and the bottom wall 17. FIG.
[0043]
The urging member 7 includes a pair of lower urging members 33 for urging the upper surfaces of the prisms 103a and 103b downward from the lid 5 and a rear upper end of each of the prisms 103a and 103b from the rear end of the lid 5. A pair of front urging members 35 for urging forward.
[0044]
The lower urging body 33 is attached to the lower side by cutting a part of the plate surface 31 of the lid 5 into a strip shape or the like except for one side, and bending the uncut side downward. It is configured as a leaf spring having a force.
[0045]
The front urging body 35 extends downward from the rear end of the lid 5 and has a leaf spring shape, and urges the upper rear ends of the prisms 103a and 103b forward. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the front urging member 35 is disposed on the back side of the prisms 103 a and 103 b, and the rear end of the front urging member 35 abuts on the rear abutting member 21. The front and rear direction regulation is performed at the upper part.
[0046]
The engaging member 9 is formed at the upper end of the outer surface of the front surface of the front abutment body 11 and formed at the upper end of the outer surface of the left and right frame members 19 at the upper end of the outer surface of the left and right frame members 19. And a pair of wedge-shaped side engaging claws 43 as viewed in cross section, and a frame-like engagement extending downward from the end of the lid 5 to engage with each of the engaging claws 41, 43. Rings 45 and 47 are provided. Then, both the engagement rings 47 formed on both end portions on the side of the lid 5 engage with both side engagement claws 43 on the side of the storage body 3, so that the lid 5 is placed on the upper side of the storage body 3. At the same time, the engagement ring 47 is once engaged with the side engagement claw 43 having a wedge-shaped cross section, thereby preventing the engagement ring 47 from coming off. In addition, since the front urging member 35 is disposed on the rear side of the prisms 103a and 103b, the upper and lower portions of the housing 3 of the lid 5 are regulated in the front-rear direction. Once engaged with the front engagement claw 41, its disengagement is prevented.
[0047]
The lower urging member 33 and the front urging member 35 of the urging member 7 and the engaging rings 45 and 47 of the engaging member 9 are formed integrally with the lid 5 and have elasticity such as SUS. It is formed using a metal material having the same.
[0048]
<Assembly method>
First, in FIG. 3, the prisms 103a and 103b are inserted from above into the upper open storage space 26 formed by the frame 19, the front contact body 11, the separation wall 13 and the bottom wall 17 of the storage body 3. And store it.
[0049]
At this time, since the urging member 7 is not mounted, the position of the prisms 103a and 103b in the storage space 26 is not regulated.
[0050]
Next, the cover 5 is approached from above the storage body 3, and the front end of the front urging body 35 of the urging member 7 extending at the rear end is brought close to the vicinity of the rear end of the storage space 26. The prisms 103a and 103b are inserted into gaps between the rear surfaces 116c and 116d and the rear contact member 21.
[0051]
When the lid 5 is pressed toward the storage body 3 as it is, the lower ends of the engagement rings 45 and 47 formed on the front end and side portions of the lid 5 are respectively connected to the respective wedge-shaped engaging members on the storage body 3 side. The engaging rings 41 and 43 come into contact with the engaging claws 41 and 43 and are guided by the inclined surfaces of the engaging claws 41 and 43, so that the engaging rings 45 and 47 are pushed outward. When the inner circumference of each of the engagement rings 45 and 47 exceeds the top of each of the engagement claws 41 and 43, the elastic restoring force of each of the engagement rings 45 and 47 causes the inside of each of the engagement rings 45 and 47 to become smaller. The respective engagement claws 41 and 43 are settled in the circumference, and they engage with each other (FIG. 2). In this case, both the engagement rings 47 formed on both end portions on the lid 5 side engage with both side engagement claws 43 on the storage body 3 side, so that the lid 5 is At the same time as the lateral regulation is performed at the upper portion, once the engagement ring 47 is once engaged with the side engagement claw 43 having a wedge-shaped cross section, the engagement ring 47 is prevented from coming off. In addition, since the front urging member 35 is disposed on the rear side of the prisms 103a and 103b, the upper and lower portions of the housing 3 of the lid 5 are regulated in the front-rear direction. Once engaged with the front engagement claw 41, its disengagement is prevented.
[0052]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower urging member 33 formed on the lid 5 urges the upper surfaces of the prisms 103a and 103b downward. Here, since the bottom wall 17 of the storage body 3 is formed so as to be inclined upward from the front to the rear, when each of the prisms 103a and 103b is urged downward by the lower urging member 33, each of the prisms 103a , 103b contact the upper surface of the inclined bottom wall 17 to guide and press the prisms 103a, 103b forward.
[0053]
At the same time, the front urging member 35 formed on the lid 5 presses the upper end of the rear surface 116c of the prisms 103a and 103b forward.
[0054]
As described above, since the prisms 103a and 103b are urged forward, the inner side surfaces 116e and 116f of the prisms 103a and 103b abut on the isosceles triangular front contact body 11, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the position in the forward and inward direction is regulated, and at the same time, each side edge of the visual field side surfaces 116a and 116b outside the respective prisms 103a and 103b abuts on the frame body 19, so that the position in the forward and outward direction is obtained. Regulations are enforced.
[0055]
Further, the separation wall 13 prevents the two prisms 103a and 103b from coming into contact with each other due to vibration or the like, so that the displacement of the prisms 103a and 103b hardly occurs due to the vibration.
[0056]
As described above, since the positioning of the prisms 103a and 103b as optical components can be performed with high accuracy, a vehicle periphery visual recognition device with good visibility over a long period of time can be provided.
[0057]
<< 2nd Embodiment >>
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing the prism holding means 1 and both prisms 103a and 103b of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle periphery recognition device according to this embodiment uses a foamed resin body such as a urethane foamed sponge as the lower urging body 33 instead of the leaf spring-like configuration as in the first embodiment. Applied.
[0058]
Also in this embodiment, functions equivalent to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0059]
<< 3rd Embodiment >>
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the prism holding means 1 and both prisms 103a and 103b of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the lid 5. In FIGS. 6 and 7, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0060]
In the vehicle periphery recognition device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lid (prism cap) 5 is a resin molded product.
[0061]
Further, the urging member 7 (the lower urging body 33 and the front urging body 35) as a metal spring is provided separately from the lid 5 and is used independently of the lid 5.
[0062]
Further, an engagement member 9 for engaging the lid 5 with the housing 3 is different from that of the first embodiment. More specifically, the engagement member 9 in this embodiment includes an engagement claw 51 having a wedge-shaped cross-section formed to protrude outward from a side portion of the lid 5 and an inner periphery near the upper end of the opening of the housing 3. And an engagement groove 52 formed in the surface.
[0063]
Also in this embodiment, functions equivalent to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0064]
<< 4th Embodiment >>
8 and 9 are side sectional views showing the prism holding means 1 and both prisms 103a and 103b of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the upper surface of the container 3 is opened and the upper surface of the container 3 is opened, and FIG. In both figures, elements having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the device for visually confirming the periphery of a vehicle according to this embodiment, a lid (prism cap) 5 is a resin molded product integral with the housing 3, and both are formed with a connecting portion (hinge portion) formed at the upper end of the front end. They are connected to each other at 55. Since the connecting portion 55 has flexibility as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lid 5 can be closed by the upper surface of the housing 3. The housing 3, the lid 5 and the connecting portion 55 are made of a resin material suitable for forming a hinge portion (connecting portion 55) such as polypropylene.
[0065]
An engaging claw 57 is formed as the engaging member 9 on the side opposite to the connecting portion 55 of the lid 5. The engagement is performed so as to go under the contact body 21. In this case, instead of the front urging member 35, the engaging claw 57 is interposed between the prisms 103a and 103b and the rear contact member 21 to regulate the position of the prisms 103a and 103b with respect to the rear. And at the same time, functions as a stopper that regulates the position of the lid 5 rearward with respect to the housing 3.
[0066]
Further, the lower urging body 33 is formed integrally with the lid 5 by a mold or the like.
[0067]
In the case of this embodiment, since the housing 3 and the lid 5 are integrally formed, it is not necessary to manage them separately at the time of a manufacturing process or the like, which is convenient.
[0068]
Also in this embodiment, functions equivalent to those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0069]
<< 5th Embodiment >>
FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views showing an engagement member 9 of a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0070]
This engaging member 9 is for engaging the lid 5 with the housing 3 in a configuration equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments, and is provided at the upper end of the front surface of the front abutting body 11 and at the left and right sides. An engagement claw 61 having a substantially wedge-shaped cross section and protruding from an upper end of the outer surface of the frame body 19, and an engagement ring 63 engaged with the engagement claw 61.
[0071]
The upper portion 65 of the engaging claw 61 is formed to be inclined so that the lower end of the engaging ring 63 comes into contact with the engaging claw 61 and expands outward from the lower end to apply pressure.
[0072]
The lower end of the engagement ring 63 is prevented from being caught when the lower end of the engagement ring 63 comes into contact with an upper portion inclined from above the engagement claw 61 in the arrow direction P1 (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 10, a bent portion 67 that is inclined in a direction corresponding to the inclination of the upper portion of the engagement claw 61 is formed to extend. However, the angle of the bent portion 67 with respect to the engagement ring 63 does not necessarily need to be the same as the inclination angle of the upper portion 65 of the engagement claw 61.
[0073]
The bent portion 67 can be pinched by inserting a finger from below in a state where the engaging claw 61 and the engaging ring 63 are engaged as shown in FIG. When the ring 63 is to be disengaged from the engaging claw 61, the bent portion 67 is pinched to bend the engaging ring 63 in the arrow direction P2 so that the engagement between the engaging ring 63 and the engaging claw 61 can be released. It has become.
[0074]
In consideration of these points, the angle of the bent portion 67 with respect to the engagement ring 63 is set to about 45 degrees.
[0075]
With such a configuration, since the hole is opened in the middle of the engagement ring 63, the lower end of the engagement ring 63 is prevented from being caught on the upper portion 65 of the engagement claw 61 because the engagement ring 63 is thin. The engagement between the engagement ring 63 and the engagement claw 61 can be easily released by using the bent portion 67 as a knob margin.
[0076]
<< Sixth Embodiment >>
FIG. 12 is a side view showing the engagement member 9 of the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0077]
When the lower side 73 of the engaging ring 71 of the engaging member 9 is thin, the upper end of the lower side 73 is lined with the root 75 of the lower end of the engaging claw 61 when engaged with the engaging claw 61. There is a risk that they will come into contact with each other and bite. In particular, when the temperature of this part becomes high, the engaging claw 61 which is a resin member is easily deformed, and the upper end of the lower side 73 of the engaging ring 71 is easily cut into the root 75 of the lower end of the engaging claw 61. As a result, dimensional alignment is lost at the portion of the engaging member 9, and the lid 5 may rattle with respect to the housing 3.
[0078]
Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the upper end of the lower edge 73 of the engagement ring 71 from digging into the root 75 of the lower end of the engagement claw 61, A surface contact piece 77 for making contact is extended.
[0079]
Since the surface contact piece 77 is in surface contact with the entire lower end of the engagement claw 61, the lower side 73 of the thin engagement ring 71 linearly abuts on the base 75 at the lower end of the engagement claw 61. Thus, the upper end of the lower side 73 of the engagement ring 71 can be prevented from biting into the root 75 of the lower end of the engagement claw 61. Therefore, dimensional alignment can be maintained at the portion of the engagement member 9, and it is possible to prevent the lid 5 from rattling with respect to the storage body 3.
[0080]
In each of the above embodiments, the prisms 103a and 103b may be fixed to the housing 3 using an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like in order to further improve the reliability.
[0081]
In each of the above embodiments, the prisms 103a and 103b are inserted from the open top of the housing 3, but are inserted through a predetermined opening from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis L1 of the lens system 102. Any structure may be used as long as the opening is closed by the lid 5. For example, an opening may be arranged on the bottom side.
[0082]
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the bent portions 67 described in the fifth embodiment and the surface contact pieces 77 of the sixth embodiment may be simultaneously realized in the engagement rings 63 and 71. Of course not.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the optical element holding means for holding the optical element inserts each optical element from the opening from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system and stores each optical element. Since the optical system includes the housing, a lid for closing the opening, and a biasing member for urging and positioning each optical element in the housing, each optical element is accurately positioned in the housing, and a lens system is provided. And the positional relationship between the optical element and each optical element can be accurately determined.
[0084]
In this case, the biasing member may be a metal molded body including a spring as described in claim 2. In this case, as in claim 3, the lid and the biasing member are integrally formed. May be.
[0085]
Alternatively, the lid and the biasing member may be integrally formed of a resin molded body.
[0086]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, since the lid and the housing are connected to each other by the connecting portion as the hinge and are integrally formed, there is no need to separately manage these at the time of a manufacturing process or the like. It is convenient.
[0087]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the separation wall for separating the optical elements from each other in the housing is provided, the plurality of optical elements are prevented from coming into contact with each other due to vibration or the like. The element can be positioned easily and properly.
[0088]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the housing is an optical axis positioning means for positioning each optical element at an appropriate position with respect to the optical axis of the lens system (for example, the housing as described in the eighth aspect). (The bottom wall of the body is applied), so that the scene around the vehicle can be imaged with an accurate optical path.
[0089]
Such a technique is suitable for a vehicle-peripheral visual recognition device in which light from a lateral field of view is reflected by the other side surface of the prism and the side surface of the field of view and emitted from the rear surface to the lens system. is there.
[0090]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the bottom wall of the storage body is formed so as to be inclined from one direction to the bottom in the other direction, and the front urging member of the urging member moves the prism from one direction. Just by pressing in the other direction and pressing against the inner wall of the storage body in the other direction to perform positioning, not only can the prism be positioned in the horizontal direction, but also the vertical positioning by the bottom wall can be performed together. .
[0091]
In particular, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the bottom of the prism is formed so as to be inclined so as to avoid light heading toward the lens system from the lower front direction of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device, If the bottom wall of the storage body is inclined according to the bottom, the prism is simply urged from one direction to the other direction by the front urging body and pressed against the inner wall of the storage body in the other direction to position the prism. And the positioning in the horizontal and vertical directions can be performed together.
[0092]
Further, according to the twelfth aspect, the lower urging member disposed between the lid and the prism urges the upper surface of the prism downward in a state where the lid closes the opening. Thus, the prism can be guided in the depth direction of the bottom wall of the housing, and the horizontal and vertical positioning of the prism can be performed together.
[0093]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the hole is formed in the center of the engagement ring, the engagement ring is thin, so that the lower end can be prevented from being caught on the upper part of the engagement claw. At the same time, the engagement between the engaging ring and the engaging claw can be easily released by using the bent portion as a knob.
[0094]
According to the invention described in claim 14 and claim 15, the lower side portion of the thin engaging ring is a root portion of the lower end of the engaging claw by the surface contacting piece abutting on the entire lower end of the engaging claw. And the upper end of the lower side of the engagement ring can be prevented from cutting into the root of the lower end of the engagement claw. Therefore, dimensional alignment can be maintained at the portion of the engaging member, and the lid can be prevented from rattling with respect to the storage body.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view sectional view showing a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of a lid and an engagement member of the vehicle periphery recognition device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view sectional view showing a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a lid of a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a state in which a lid is opened in a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a state in which a lid is closed in a vehicle surroundings visual recognition device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing an engagement member in a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing an engagement member in a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing an engagement member of a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side view showing an engagement member of a vehicle periphery recognition device according to a modification.
FIG. 14 is a sectional plan view showing the proposed vehicle periphery visual recognition device.
FIG. 15 is a side sectional view showing the proposed vehicle periphery visual recognition device.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an image captured by the vehicle periphery recognition device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 prism holding means
3 container
5 Lid
7 urging member
9 Engagement member
101 Image sensor
102 lens system
103a, 103b prism
11 Front abutment
13 Separation wall
17 Bottom wall
19 Frame
21 Rear abutment
24 Supporting members
25 Rear storage section
26 storage space
31 Plate surface
33 Lower urging body
35 Forward biasing body
41, 43 engaging claw
45, 47 engagement ring
51 Engagement claw
52 engagement groove
55 connection
57 engaging claw
59 Projection
61 Engagement claw
63, 71 engagement ring
65 Upper
67 Bending part
73 Lower side
75 Roots
77 surface contact piece

Claims (15)

A vehicle periphery visual recognition device installed at a position where an image of the outside of the vehicle can be taken,
A single image sensor,
A lens system arranged in front of the image sensor;
A plurality of optical elements arranged on the front side of the lens system to guide light from a plurality of different fields of view to imaging means,
Optical element holding means for holding the optical element,
The optical element holding means, a container for storing the optical elements by inserting the optical elements from an opening in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens system,
A lid closing the opening,
An urging member for energizing each of the optical elements in the housing in a state where the lid closes the opening, and an urging member for positioning the optical elements. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 1,
The device for visually recognizing around a vehicle, wherein the urging member is a metal molded body including a spring. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 2,
The lid is formed of the same metal molded body as the biasing member,
The device for visually recognizing around a vehicle, wherein the urging member is integrally formed with the lid. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 1,
A vehicle periphery visual recognition device in which the lid and the biasing member are integrally formed of the same resin molded body. The vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A device for visually recognizing around a vehicle, wherein the lid and the housing are connected to each other at a connecting portion serving as a hinge and are integrally formed. The vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A device for visually recognizing around a vehicle, wherein a separation wall for separating the optical elements from each other in the housing is provided. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A device for visually recognizing a periphery of a vehicle, wherein the housing has optical axis positioning means for positioning each optical element at an appropriate position with respect to an optical axis of the lens system. It is a vehicle periphery visual recognition device of Claim 7, Comprising:
A device for visually recognizing around a vehicle, wherein the optical axis positioning means is a bottom wall of the housing. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 1, wherein:
Each of the optical elements has a back surface directed toward the lens system, one side surface is a field side surface directed to a lateral field in front of the outside of each optical element, and the other side surface is opposite to the field side surface. A prism directed inward and forward,
A vehicle periphery visual recognition device in which light from the side field of view is reflected by the other side surface of the prism and the side surface of the field of view, respectively, and is emitted from the back surface to the lens system. It is a vehicle periphery visual recognition device of Claim 9, Comprising:
The bottom wall of the storage body is formed to be inclined from one direction to the bottom in the other direction,
A vehicle periphery visual recognition device including a front urging member, wherein the urging member urges the prism from the one direction to the other direction and presses the prism against an inner wall of the storage body on the other direction to position the prism. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 10,
The bottom of the prism is formed so as to be inclined so as to avoid light traveling toward the lens system from a lower front direction of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device,
The bottom wall of the storage body is formed to be inclined so as to have a bottom depth from the rear toward the front, corresponding to the bottom of the prism,
A vehicle periphery visual recognition device in which the front urging member urges a part of the rear surface of the prism forward and presses and positions the inner wall of the housing on the front side. The vehicle periphery recognition device according to claim 10 or claim 11,
The urging member is disposed between the lid and the prism in a state where the lid closes the opening, and biases the upper surface of the prism downward, so that the prism is A vehicle periphery visual recognition device including a lower urging member that guides the storage body in a bottom deep direction of the bottom wall. The vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The optical element holding means further includes an engagement means for engaging the lid and the housing with each other,
The engagement means,
A substantially wedge-shaped engaging claw formed in a side surface of the storage body,
An engagement ring formed on the lid and engaged with the engagement claw,
An upper portion of the engagement claw is formed to be inclined so as to guide the distal end outward when the distal end of the engagement ring abuts,
A device for visually recognizing around a vehicle, wherein a bent portion is formed at an end of the engagement ring so as to prevent the upper portion of the engagement claw from being caught on the inclination and to be bent outward so as to function as a margin. The vehicle periphery recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The optical element holding means further includes an engagement means for engaging the lid and the housing with each other,
The engagement means,
A substantially wedge-shaped engaging claw formed in a side surface of the storage body,
An engagement ring formed on the lid and engaged with the engagement claw,
When the lower side of the engagement ring abuts the root of the lower end of the engagement claw in a state where the engagement claw and the engagement ring are engaged with each other, the upper end of the lower side of the engagement ring is A surface contact piece that is in contact with the lower end of the engaging claw is formed at the upper end of the lower edge of the engaging ring so as to prevent the lower end of the engaging claw from biting into the root of the lower end of the engaging claw. apparatus. It is the vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 13,
When the lower side of the engagement ring abuts the root of the lower end of the engagement claw in a state where the engagement claw and the engagement ring are engaged with each other, the upper end of the lower side of the engagement ring is A surface contact piece that is in contact with the lower end of the engaging claw is formed at the upper end of the lower edge of the engaging ring so as to prevent the lower end of the engaging claw from biting into the root of the lower end of the engaging claw. apparatus.

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