Getting-on / off apparatus

Abstract

To optimize the arrangement of a grip (holding part) for assisting getting-on / off operation and a monitor device.SOLUTION: In a vehicle provided with an electronic capturing device 9 for capturing the inside or the outside of the vehicle, and with a monitor device 14 having an image display area for displaying image information captured by the electronic capturing device 9 toward an occupant of the vehicle, a getting-on / off apparatus 10 assists a get-on / off action of an occupant when the occupant gets on and off through an opening 7A for getting on / off the vehicle. The getting-on / off apparatus is provided with: a fixed part 11 that is fixed to a front pillar 3R; a grasp part 12 that is for being grasped by the occupant during the get-on / off action and that extends from the fixed part 11 toward the back-side where the opening 7A is positioned; and a frame part 13 that holds the monitor device 14 in a planar region 13C surrounded by a vertical frame 13A extending from the fixed part 11 toward the inside of the vehicle and extending along the vehicle height direction, and by a horizontal frame 13B extending from the fixed part 11 toward the inside of the vehicle and extending along the vehicle width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a boarding / alighting grip device with a monitor device that assists a passenger in getting on and off a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] As automotive technology advances, technologies are becoming more widespread in vehicles such as vans, trucks, and buses that use cameras, radar, and other devices to recognize objects inside and outside the vehicle and operate the devices equipped in the vehicle based on that information. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic side-mirror device that is a side mirror using a digital camera. This electronic side-mirror device is equipped with a door camera that captures images of the sides of the vehicle on the outside of the front end of the vehicle's front door. In this electronic side-mirror device, the image captured by the door camera is projected by a projector device onto a holographic optical element disposed on the front windshield or side window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-213186 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a projector device needs to be installed in the living space inside the vehicle (vehicle interior, cab) in order to monitor (check) the image captured by the door camera. Also, a technology is known in the past in which the image of the surroundings of the vehicle captured by the on-board camera is checked on a display device arranged in the cab. However, since the space inside the cab is small, there is little freedom in terms of the location of monitor devices for checking images, such as a projector device or a display device.

[0005] Incidentally, in vehicles such as trucks and minivans that do not have a bonnet in front of the cab and have an engine room under the front seats, the front seats are often high above the ground. Therefore, in order to assist the occupants in getting in and out of the cab, grips to assist the occupants in getting in and out of the cab are sometimes provided inside the cab. In this case, the occupants can hold the grips (holding parts) to support their bodies when getting in and out of the cab.

[0006] As described above, when an electronic side mirror device is mounted on a vehicle having a grip inside the cab, restrictions on the placement of the monitor device inside the cab are more severe than in a vehicle having no grip. As described above, the conventional technology does not take into consideration the layout of the grip and the monitor device, and therefore there is room for improvement in optimizing the arrangement of the grip and the monitor device.

[0007] This invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a boarding and alighting grip device with a monitor device that can optimize the positioning of the grip (grip) that assists the boarding and alighting actions and the monitor device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples.

[0009] (1) The entry / exit grip device of this application example is a grip device that assists an occupant in getting on and off when getting on and off through an opening for getting on and off into the vehicle, in a vehicle equipped with an electronic imaging device capable of capturing images of the inside or outside of the vehicle, and a monitor device having an image display area for displaying image information captured by the electronic imaging device to an occupant of the vehicle, and is equipped with a fixed part that is fixed to a front pillar that is positioned adjacent to the front side of the opening inside the vehicle and extends in the vehicle height direction, a grip part that extends from the fixed part toward the rear side where the opening is located and is for the occupant to grip when getting on and off, and a frame part that holds the monitor device in a planar area surrounded by a vertical frame that extends from the fixed part toward the inside of the vehicle away from the grip part and runs along the vehicle height direction, and a horizontal frame that extends from the fixed part toward the inside of the vehicle and runs along the vehicle width direction.

[0010] According to this getting-in / out grip device with a monitor device, the grip part and the frame part that holds the monitor device are integrally extended from the fixing part fixed to the front pillar. Therefore, the grip part and the monitor device can be efficiently arranged together around the front pillar. Therefore, the grip part and the monitor device that assist the getting-in / out action can be optimally arranged. As a result, the narrow living space inside the vehicle can be effectively utilized.

[0011] (2) Furthermore, the boarding / exiting grip device of this application example may further include a control unit that executes an illumination mode that causes the monitor device to illuminate in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that the occupant is boarding the vehicle. In this case, by illuminating the monitor device, the grip portion is illuminated by the light emitted by the monitor device, which improves the visibility of the grip portion in poor visibility conditions such as at night or in a dark place, thereby providing appropriate support for the occupant getting on and off the vehicle. (3) In addition, in the boarding / disembarking grip device according to this application example, the grip portion may be provided within the range of a beam angle of the monitor device held by the frame portion. In this case, when the monitor device is turned on in the light emission mode, the grip portion can be reliably illuminated, thereby further improving the recognition of the grip portion.

[0012] (4) In addition, in the boarding / disembarking grip device according to this application example, the gripping portion may have a chamfered portion in which a surface arranged opposite the frame portion is chamfered flatly. In this case, when the monitor device is turned on in the light emitting mode, the chamfered portion of the grip is illuminated by the emitted light, which increases the surface area that is easily illuminated by the light, thereby improving the visibility of the grip. (5) Furthermore, in the boarding / disembarking grip device according to this application example, the control unit may illuminate a portion of the image display area on the monitor device that is located on the grip side in the light emission mode. In this case, in the light emitting mode, only a portion of the area close to the grip portion emits light, so that the visibility of the grip portion can be improved in contrast to the less bright surroundings.

[0013] (6) In addition, in the entry / exit grip device according to this application example, the control unit may display a moving illumination pattern having a predetermined design in the illumination mode. In this case, the light irradiated to the grip portion moves in a predetermined illumination pattern, making it easier to identify the three-dimensional shape of the grip portion, thereby further improving the recognizability of the grip portion. (7) In addition, in the boarding / exiting grip device according to this application example, the boarding information may be an unlocking signal that instructs the unlocking of a door that blocks the opening. In this case, the light emission pattern is executed in response to a door unlock command, so that the light emission mode can be started at an appropriate timing just before an occupant gets into the vehicle.

[0014] (8) Furthermore, in the ingress / egress grip device according to this application example, the frame portion may be provided in a position that at least partially overlaps the front pillar when viewed from the driver's seat inside the vehicle. In this case, since the monitor device at least partially overlaps the front pillar when viewed from the driver's seat, the driver's field of vision through the windshield and door glass adjacent to the front pillar is not easily obstructed. Also, since the monitor device can be checked in the same way as looking at the door mirror, it is easy to check the monitor device while driving.

[0015] According to the present inventive grip device with a monitor device, the grip portion that assists the ingress and egress actions and the monitor device can be optimally positioned. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a main part inside a cab of a truck to which a getting-in and getting-out grip device with a monitor device according to an application example is applied; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the truck of FIG. 1 as seen from the front. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the truck of FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the getting-in and getting-out grip device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the boarding / disembarking grip device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating control relating to a light emission mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an omnidirectional camera applied as a camera. [Figure 8] 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an imaging region of the omnidirectional camera shown in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. In addition, they can be selected or combined as necessary.

[0018] Hereinafter, the front-rear direction of a vehicle to which the boarding / disembarking grip device with a monitor device according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "boarding / disembarking grip device") is applied is also referred to as the vehicle length direction, and the left-right direction of the vehicle is also referred to as the vehicle width direction. In addition, the up-down direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is also referred to as the vehicle height direction. Note that the left-right direction is determined based on the posture of the vehicle facing forward. In the drawings, the front is indicated by "FR", the rear is indicated by "RR", the left is indicated by "LH", the right is indicated by "RH", the up is indicated by "UP", and the down is indicated by "DW". In addition, the living space (cab room) side of the vehicle is referred to as the "inside" of the vehicle, and the side opposite the "inside" is referred to as the "outside" of the vehicle.

[0019] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a truck 1 (vehicle) equipped with a getting-in and getting-out grip device 10 with a monitor device according to this embodiment, and is a perspective view of the interior of the cab of the truck 1 as seen from the rear diagonally downward to the front right, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the truck 1 in Fig. 1 as seen from the front. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the truck 1 in Fig. 1 as seen from above. First, a truck 1 equipped with the boarding and alighting grip device 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a truck 1 is an example of a vehicle equipped with an entry / exit grip device 10, and is a vehicle that does not have a bonnet in front of the cab, that is, a so-called cab-over vehicle. The truck 1 includes a cab 3 provided at the front of a frame (not shown) that forms the skeleton of the body, and a cargo box (not shown) mounted behind the cab 3. In addition, wheels 5 are mounted on the lower part of the frame via a suspension mechanism (not shown).

[0020] The cab 3 has a front panel 3A at the front, front pillars 3L, 3R provided on the left and right above the front panel 3A, and a windshield 3B between the left and right front pillars 3L, 3R. The front panel 3A, the front pillars 3L, 3R, and the windshield 3B form the front part of the cab 3. An occupant space (vehicle compartment, cab room) including a driver's seat 6R and a passenger seat 6L is provided inside the cab 3. The inside of the cab 3 is a space surrounded by panels that form the exterior of the cab 3 (including the above-mentioned front panel 3A, front pillars 3L, 3R, and windshield 3B). 1 to 3, a driver's seat 6R is provided on the right side of the vehicle, and a passenger seat 6L is provided on the left side of the vehicle. In addition, doors 7 that close openings 7A (see Figs. 1 and 3) that serve as entrances to and exits from the cab 3 are provided on both the left and right sides of the cab 3.

[0021] In the left and right front corners 3C of the cab 3 of such a truck 1, on-board cameras (hereinafter simply referred to as "cameras") 9L, 9R are provided at the tips of camera stays 8L, 8R protruding toward the outside of the truck 1. The cameras 9L, 9R are electronic imaging devices capable of imaging the inside or outside of the truck 1, and are set to image a predetermined imaging range inside or outside the truck 1.

[0022] Specifically, the imaging range of the camera 9R on the driver's seat 6R side (right side) is set to a range that includes the front right and rear right sides of the outside of the truck 1 and the driver (passenger) seated in the driver's seat 6R inside the cab 3. The imaging range of the camera 9L on the passenger's seat 6L side (left side) is set to a range that includes the front left and rear left sides of the outside of the truck 1, the driver seated in the driver's seat 6R inside the cab 3, and the front lower part of the cab 3. In this specification, the phrase "capable of imaging the inside or outside of the truck 1" means that at least one of the inside and the outside of the truck 1 can be imaged.

[0023] In this embodiment, omnidirectional cameras are provided as the cameras 9L and 9R. The cameras 9L and 9R are omnidirectional cameras that have a 360-degree shooting range. In the following description, the left and right cameras 9L and 9R are collectively referred to as "cameras 9" unless it is necessary to distinguish between them. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the camera 9, which is an omnidirectional camera, is equipped with two lenses 9F on one side (for example, the front side of the vehicle) and the other side (rear side of the vehicle) of the case 9A, and one lens captures one side of the screen (180 degrees + d, shown as angles α1 and α2 in Fig. 8), and the two images are synthesized to enable 360-degree shooting. Although not shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the omnidirectional camera 9 is equipped with an image sensor that captures the subject captured by each lens 9F and converts it into image data of an analog electrical signal, and an image processing circuit that digitizes the image data converted by the image sensor. Note that the above structure of the omnidirectional camera is an example and is not limited to this.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an entry / exit grip device 10 is provided inside the cab 3 (inside the vehicle). The entry / exit grip device 10 is an auxiliary tool for assisting the occupant in getting on and off the vehicle when getting on and off through the opening 7A of the cab 3. As described above, the truck 1 is a cab-over vehicle, and since an engine room is provided below the driver's seat 6R and the passenger seat 6L, the driver's seat 6R and the passenger seat 6L are high above the ground. Therefore, the entry / exit grip device 10 is provided to assist the occupant in moving up and down when getting on and off the driver's seat 6R and the passenger seat 6L (inside the cab 3).

[0025] The entry / exit grip devices 10 are provided corresponding to the driver's seat 6R and the passenger's seat 6L, respectively. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the entry / exit grip device 10R on the driver's seat 6R side is attached to the right front pillar 3R provided on the right side of the windshield 3B, that is, on the front right side as seen from the driver's seat 6R. The entry / exit grip device 10L on the passenger's seat 6L side is attached to the left front pillar 3L provided on the left side of the windshield 3B, that is, on the front left side as seen from the passenger's seat 6L.

[0026] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the right boarding / disembarking grip device 10R, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the boarding / disembarking grip device 10R along line AA in Fig. 4. The left and right boarding / disembarking grip devices 10L, 10R have the same configuration except that they are symmetrical, so in the following explanation, the right boarding / disembarking grip device 10R will be explained in detail. Note that when there is no need to distinguish between the left and right boarding / disembarking grip devices 10L, 10R, they will be collectively referred to as "boarding / disembarking grip devices 10."

[0027] The boarding / disembarking grip device 10 includes a fixed portion 11, a grip portion 12, and a frame portion 13, and the fixed portion 11, the grip portion 12, and the frame portion 13 are integrally formed. The fixing portion 11 is a portion for attaching the getting-in and out grip device 10 to the front pillar 3R (or 3L). The grip portion 12 is a portion (grip body) that is gripped by an occupant when getting in and out of the cab 3. The frame portion 13 is a portion for holding a monitor device 14 for displaying an image captured by the camera 9.

[0028] The fixing part 11 is a base part for integrally holding the grip part 12 and the frame part 13, and for mounting to the front pillars 3L, 3R (vehicle body side). The front pillars 3L, 3R to which the fixing part 11 is mounted are disposed adjacent to the front side of the opening 7A inside the cab 3, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and extend along the vehicle height direction. The fixing portion 11 has a shape that conforms to a mounting surface 3D (see FIG. 5) of the front pillars 3L, 3R to which the fixing portion 11 is attached, and is fixed to the front pillars 3L, 3R by bolts at two locations (multiple locations) spaced apart along the vehicle height direction, for example.

[0029] The grip portion 12 and the frame portion 13 each extend from the fixed portion 11 . 5, the grip portion 12 extends from the fixed portion 11 toward the rear (rear side) of the vehicle where the opening 7A is located. On the other hand, the frame portion 13 extends from the fixed portion 11 toward the inside of the vehicle (the inside of the cab 3). To give a specific example of the right-side getting-in and out grip device 10R shown in Figures 4 and 5, a fixed portion 11 is fixed to a front pillar 3R disposed on the front right side inside the cab 3. A grip portion 12 extends rearward from the fixed portion 11. As shown in Figure 5, the grip portion 12 is disposed along a surface of the right-side door 7 (opening 7A) facing the inside of the vehicle. The frame portion 13 extends from the fixed portion 11 toward the left side of the vehicle. It can also be said that the frame portion 13 extends in a direction away from the grip portion 12 disposed along the door 7.

[0030] 4, the handle 12 is provided with two base ends 12A spaced apart in the vehicle height direction and extending rearward from the fixed part 11. A grip part 12B extending along the vehicle height direction is provided on the rear end side of the base end 12A located opposite the fixed part 11. Grip portion 12B is a handrail-like portion that is gripped by the occupant, and is provided at a distance rearward from fixed portion 11 via base end portion 12A. In grip portion 12, a space is formed between grip portion 12B and fixed portion 11. The occupant grips grip portion 12 by inserting his / her fingers into this space and gripping grip portion 12B with the palm of his / her hand.

[0031] The frame portion 13 is provided with a pair of vertical frames 13A spaced apart in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), which extend from the fixed portion 11 toward the inside of the vehicle and extend along the vehicle height direction. The frame portion 13 is also provided with a pair of horizontal frames 13B spaced apart in the vehicle height direction (up-down direction), which extend from the fixed portion 11 toward the inside of the vehicle and extend along the vehicle width direction. A substantially rectangular planar region 13C surrounded by the pair of vertical frames 13A and the pair of horizontal frames 13B forms a holding portion for the monitor device 14. The frame portion 13 holds the monitor device 14 in the planar region 13C.

[0032] The monitor device 14 is an electronic display device having a substantially rectangular image display area 14A for displaying image information captured by the camera 9 to a vehicle occupant. A known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used as the monitor device 14. The monitor device 14 has a thin rectangular appearance that fits the planar area 13C of the frame portion 13, and is held by the frame portion 13 by having the four sides of the monitor device 14 supported by, for example, a pair of vertical frames 13A and a pair of horizontal frames 13B.

[0033] Next, the detailed configuration of the getting-on and getting-off grip device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. As shown in FIG. 5, grip portion 12 and frame portion 13 are arranged in a bent L-shape at fixed portion 11 when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing portion 11 of this embodiment has a shape extending in the front-rear direction along the mounting surfaces 3D of the front pillars 3L, 3R when viewed from above, and a grip portion 12 extends rearward from the rear end of the fixing portion 11.

[0034] The frame portion 13 extends in a forward inclined position while heading toward the right (toward the inside of the vehicle) relative to the fixed portion 11 and the grip portion 12 that are disposed along the front-rear direction. In addition, the area between the fixed part 11 and the frame part 13 is curved to have a curved surface that is convex toward the rear when viewed from above. By curvedly forming the area between the fixed part 11 and the frame part 13, the thickness of the fixed part 11 and the frame part 13 can be reduced. This contributes to reducing the weight of the getting on and off grip device 10.

[0035] 4, the frame portion 13 of the right-side getting-in / out grip device 10R is provided at a position that at least partially overlaps with the right-side front pillar 3R as seen by the driver seated in the driver's seat 6R. The frame portion 13 of the left-side getting-in / out grip device 10L is provided at a position that at least partially overlaps with the left-side front pillar 3L as seen by the driver seated in the driver's seat 6R.

[0036] The orientation of the frame portion 13 is set so that the image display area 14A of the monitor device 14 faces in order to ensure visibility of the monitor device 14 from the driver's seat 6R. The grip portion 12 is provided within the range of a directivity angle 14B (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5) of the monitor device 14 held by the frame portion 13 whose attitude is set as described above.

[0037] In the grip portion 12B of the handle 12, the surface arranged to face the frame portion 13 (the monitor device 14) forms a chamfered portion 12C that is chamfered flat. Specifically, grip portion 12B of handle 12 is formed in a rectangular shape with rounded corners in a cross section cut along the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, chamfered portion 12C can be secured in handle 12, and grip portion 12B has a shape that is easy to grip.

[0038] The monitor device 14 is connected to a control device 15 (see FIG. 2, control unit) provided in the truck 1 so as to be capable of data communication. The control device 15 is an electronic control device for controlling the overall operation of the monitor device 14, and is configured as, for example, an LSI device or an embedded electronic device in which a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. are integrated.

[0039] The input side of the control device 15 receives image information from the camera 9, an unlock signal indicating that the door 7 is unlocked, and the like. The output side of the control device 15 is connected to a monitor device . The control device 15 performs normal control for displaying images captured by the camera 9 on the monitor device 14 , as well as a light emission mode for causing the monitor device 14 to emit light when a passenger gets on the truck 1 .

[0040] Next, the light emission modes executed by the monitor device 14 will be described. The light-emitting mode is an operation mode in which the monitor device 14 emits light when a passenger gets on or off the truck 1, and the emitted light illuminates the grip portion 12. In this embodiment, an example in which the light-emitting mode is executed when a passenger gets on the truck 1 will be described. To execute this light-emitting mode, the control device 15 externally acquires boarding information indicating that a passenger is boarding the truck 1. The boarding information is a signal that triggers the control device 15 to start the light-emitting mode. One example of the boarding information is an unlocking signal that instructs the unlocking of the door 7 from outside the vehicle. The technology of transmitting the unlocking signal from outside the vehicle to the truck 1 using, for example, a smart key is a well-known technology. The timing at which the passenger transmits the unlocking signal from outside the vehicle is immediately before the passenger boards the truck 1, so it is possible to start the light-emitting mode in accordance with the timing of boarding.

[0041] In the light emission mode, the control device 15 does not perform the normal control of displaying an image captured by the camera 9 on the monitor device 14, but causes the monitor device 14 to emit light in a predetermined manner. As an example, in the light emitting mode, the control device 15 causes only the end area 14C, which is a part of the image display area 14A of the monitor device 14 located on the grip part 12 side, to emit light in a predetermined manner.

[0042] Specifically, the control device 15 displays (illuminates) a predetermined illumination pattern in the end region 14C. The predetermined illumination pattern is set so as to improve the identifiability of the grip portion 12 by the light irradiated onto the grip portion 12. The illumination pattern is, for example, a horizontal striped pattern (zebra pattern) along the width direction of the image display region 14A as shown in Fig. 4. Illumination of a zebra pattern is an example of an illumination pattern that, when irradiated onto a three-dimensional object, makes it easier to identify the shape of the object.

[0043] The control device 15 can perform display control so as to scroll the zebra pattern up and down. The zebra pattern may be a multi-color striped pattern of two or more colors. By illuminating the end region 14C with the zebra pattern, the light of the zebra pattern can be irradiated onto the grip portion 12. In the light emission mode, the control device 15 may display a predetermined image or nothing in the area other than the edge area 14C of the image display area 14A. The predetermined image may be an appropriate image that is preset as a start-up screen of the monitor device 14, such as a brand logo image.

[0044] [2. Control] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of the light emission mode executed by the control device 15. When the driver (passenger) transmits an unlock signal to instruct unlocking of the door 7 from outside the vehicle using a smart key before getting into the truck 1, the control device 15 acquires the unlock signal (boarding information) (step S1). The control device 15 determines that the driver is about to get in the vehicle in response to the acquired unlocking signal, and starts the monitor device 14 (step S2), and then starts the light emission mode (step S3). Specifically, after starting up the monitor device 14, a zebra pattern is displayed in the edge region 14C of the image display area 14A, and the displayed zebra pattern is scrolled up and down as time passes. At this time, the control device 15 may display an appropriate image set in the startup screen, such as a brand logo image, in the region of the image display area 14A other than the edge region 14C.

[0045] When the driver in the truck 1 presses the start switch of the truck 1, the control device 15 acquires an ON operation signal of the start switch (step S4). In response to the ON operation signal, the control device 15 determines that the riding operation is completed, and ends the light emission mode (step S5). Specifically, the control device 15 ends the display of the zebra pattern in the end area 14C, and then starts normal control to display the image captured by the camera 9 using the entire image display area 14A. In more detail, the control device 15 displays the image captured by the left camera 9L on the monitor device 14 held by the left boarding / disembarking grip device 10L, and displays the image captured by the right camera 9R on the monitor device 14 held by the right boarding / disembarking grip device 10R.

[0046] When the driver gets off the truck 1, the start switch of the truck 1 is pressed and an OFF operation signal is output. The control device 15 ends normal control without executing the light emission mode, and the monitor device 14 is turned off. The light-emitting mode may be executed when the driver gets off the truck 1. In this case, the control device 15 ends the normal control of the monitor device 14 in response to an OFF operation signal of the start switch, and then starts the light-emitting mode. After getting off the truck 1, when the driver transmits a locking signal to instruct the driver to lock the door 7 from outside the vehicle using the smart key, the control device 15 ends the light-emitting mode and ends the monitor device 14 in response to the locking signal.

[0047] [3. Effects] The above-described monitor-equipped getting-in and getting-off grip device 10 according to the present embodiment provides the following operational effects. In the getting-in and out grip device 10 according to this application example, the grip portion 12 and the frame portion 13 that holds the monitor device 14 are integrally extended from the fixing portion 11 that is fixed to the front pillars 3L, 3R. Therefore, the grip portion 12 and the monitor device 14 can be efficiently arranged together around the front pillars 3L, 3R. This makes it possible to optimize the arrangement of the grip portion 12 and the monitor device 14 that assist the occupant in getting in and out of the vehicle. As a result, the narrow living space inside the cab 3 can be effectively utilized.

[0048] In addition, the control device 15 executes a light emission mode in which the monitor device 14 emits light in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that a passenger is getting on the vehicle, and the gripper 12 is illuminated by the light emitted by the monitor device 14. This improves the visibility of the gripper 12 in conditions with poor visibility, such as at night or in a dark place. This makes it possible to appropriately support the passenger's getting on and off the truck 1. In addition, since the grip portion 12 is provided within the range of the directivity angle of the monitor device 14 held by the frame portion 13, the grip portion 12 can be reliably illuminated when the monitor device 14 is turned on in the light emission mode. This further improves the visibility of the grip portion 12.

[0049] In addition, the grip portion 12 has a chamfered portion 12C, which is a surface disposed facing the frame portion 13 and is chamfered flat, so that when the monitor device 14 is turned on in the light emission mode, the chamfered portion 12C of the grip portion 12 is illuminated by the emitted light. This increases the surface area that is easily illuminated by light, thereby improving the visibility of the grip portion 12. In addition, the control device 15 illuminates the end area 14C, which is a part of the image display area 14A on the monitor device 14 that is located on the grip portion 12 side, in the illumination mode, thereby further improving the visibility of the grip portion 12 in comparison with the dimly lit surroundings. Furthermore, the control device 15 displays a moving illumination pattern consisting of a predetermined design in the illumination mode, which makes it easier to identify the three-dimensional shape of the grip portion 12. This further improves the recognizability of the grip portion 12.

[0050] When the boarding information is an unlocking signal instructing to unlock the door 7 blocking the opening 7A, the light emitting pattern is executed in response to the unlocking instruction for the door 7. Therefore, the light emitting mode can be started at an appropriate timing just before the driver gets into the truck 1. In addition, the frame portion 13 is provided at a position that at least partially overlaps the front pillars 3L, 3R when viewed from the driver's seat 6R in the truck 1, so that the field of vision through the windshield 3B and the door glass is not easily obstructed. Also, the monitor device 14 can be checked in the same way as if one were looking at a door mirror, making it easy to check the monitor device 14 while driving.

[0051] [4.Other] The entry / exit grip device 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the entry / exit grip device 10 may not be provided with a control device 15 that executes the light emitting mode. The light emitting mode may be executed by the left and right entry / exit grip devices 10L, 10R, or may be executed by only one of the entry / exit grip devices 10L and 10R (for example, the entry / exit grip device 10R on the driver's seat side). The left and right getting-in and out grip devices 10L, 10R may be asymmetric. The grip portion 12 may not have the chamfered portion 12C that is chamfered flatly, and may have, for example, a circular cross-sectional shape. In the light-emitting mode, the entire image display area 14A of the monitor device 14 may be illuminated. In this case, a zebra pattern (a light-emitting pattern consisting of a predetermined design) may be displayed moving across the entire image display area 14A.

[0052] The vehicle to which the getting-in and out grip device 10 is applied is not limited to the truck 1, and may be, for example, a minivan. In vehicles such as trucks and minivans that do not have a bonnet in front of the cab and have an engine room under the front seats, the front seats are high above the ground. Therefore, it is very important that the getting-in and out grip device 10 supports the getting-in and out operations of the occupants.

[0053] Below, supplementary notes regarding this embodiment will be disclosed. [Appendix 1] A vehicle equipped with an electronic imaging device capable of imaging the inside or outside of the vehicle, and a monitor device having an image display area for displaying image information captured by the electronic imaging device to an occupant of the vehicle, the vehicle boarding / alighting grip device being configured to assist an occupant in boarding / alighting operation when the occupant boards / alights through an opening for boarding / alighting into the vehicle, comprising: a fixing portion that is fixed to a front pillar that is disposed adjacent to a front side of the opening in the vehicle and extends in a vehicle height direction; A grip portion that extends from the fixing portion toward the rear side where the opening is located and is to be gripped by the occupant when getting on and off the vehicle; a frame portion that holds the monitor device in a planar area surrounded by a vertical frame that is provided to extend from the fixing portion toward the inside of the vehicle and is spaced apart from the grip portion and that is aligned along the vehicle height direction, and a horizontal frame that is provided to extend from the fixing portion toward the inside of the vehicle and that is aligned along the vehicle width direction. A grip device for getting on and off. [Appendix 2] The vehicle driver further includes a control unit that executes a light emission mode for causing the monitor device to emit light in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that the passenger is getting into the vehicle. 2. The boarding / disembarking grip device according to claim 1. [Appendix 3] The grip portion is provided within a range of a beam angle of the monitor device held by the frame portion. 3. The boarding / disembarking grip device according to claim 2. [Appendix 4] The gripping portion has a chamfered surface that faces the frame portion and is chamfered flat. 4. The getting-in and getting-off grip device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [Appendix 5] The control unit causes a part of the image display area of ​​the monitor device, the part being located on the grip part side, to emit light in the light emission mode. 5. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. [Appendix 6] The control unit displays a moving illumination pattern having a predetermined design in the illumination mode. The getting-on / off grip device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, [Appendix 7] The boarding information is an unlocking signal that instructs unlocking of a door that closes the opening. 7. The getting-in and getting-off grip device according to any one of claims 2 to 6. [Appendix 8] The frame portion is provided at a position at which it at least partially overlaps the front pillar when viewed from a driver's seat in the vehicle. 8. The getting-in and getting-off grip device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Truck (vehicle) 3 Cab 3A Front Panel 3B Windshield 3C Front corner 3D mounting surface 3L front pillar 3R front pillar 5 wheels 6L passenger seat 6R Driver's seat 7 Doors 7A aperture 8L Camera Stay 8R Camera Stay 9, 9L, 9R Cameras (electronic imaging devices) 9A Case 9F Lens 10, 10L, 10R Entry and exit grip device 11 Fixed part 12 Grip part 12A Proximal end 12B Grip section 12C Chamfered part 13 Frame section 13A Vertical Frame 13B Horizontal frame 13C Planar area 14 Monitor device 14A Image display area 14B Directional angle 14C End area 15 Control device (control unit)

Claims

1. A vehicle equipped with an electronic imaging device capable of imaging the inside or outside of the vehicle, and a monitor device having an image display area for displaying image information captured by the electronic imaging device to an occupant of the vehicle, the vehicle boarding / alighting grip device being configured to assist an occupant in boarding / alighting operation when the occupant boards / alights through an opening for boarding / alighting into the vehicle, comprising: a fixing portion that is fixed to a front pillar that is disposed adjacent to a front side of the opening in the vehicle and extends in a vehicle height direction; A grip portion that extends from the fixing portion toward the rear side where the opening is located and is to be gripped by the occupant when getting on and off the vehicle; a frame portion that holds the monitor device in a planar area surrounded by a vertical frame that is provided to extend from the fixing portion toward the inside of the vehicle and is spaced apart from the grip portion and that is aligned along the vehicle height direction, and a horizontal frame that is provided to extend from the fixing portion toward the inside of the vehicle and that is aligned along the vehicle width direction. A grip device for getting on and off.

2. The vehicle driver further includes a control unit that executes a light emission mode for causing the monitor device to emit light in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that the passenger is getting into the vehicle.

2. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 1 .

3. The grip portion is provided within a range of a beam angle of the monitor device held by the frame portion.

3. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 2.

4. The gripping portion has a chamfered surface that faces the frame portion and is chamfered flat.

3. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 2.

5. The control unit causes a part of the image display area of ​​the monitor device, the part being located on the grip part side, to emit light in the light emission mode.

3. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 2.

6. The control unit displays a moving illumination pattern having a predetermined design in the illumination mode.

6. The getting-on / off grip device according to claim 5.

7. The boarding information is an unlocking signal that instructs unlocking of a door that closes the opening.

3. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 2.

8. The frame portion is provided at a position at which it at least partially overlaps the front pillar when viewed from a driver's seat in the vehicle.

2. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 1 .

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