Get-on / off grip apparatus

Abstract

In a vehicle provided with an electronic capturing device (9) for capturing the inside or the outside of the vehicle, and with a monitor apparatus (14) having an image display area for displaying image information captured by the electronic capturing device (9) toward an occupant of the vehicle, a get-on / off grip 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 get-on / off grip 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 apparatus (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.

Description

Entry and exit grip device

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

[0002] As automotive technology advances, technologies that recognize objects inside and outside the vehicle using cameras, radar, and the like and operate on-board devices based on the information are becoming more common in vehicles such as vans, trucks, and buses. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) 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 located on the front outside edge of the vehicle's front door for capturing images of the side of the vehicle. In this electronic side-mirror device, an image captured by the door camera is projected by a projector onto a holographic optical element disposed on the windshield or side window.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-213186

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a projector device to be installed in the passenger compartment (cab) of the vehicle to monitor (confirm) the image captured by the door camera. Also, a technology is known in the past in which the image of the vehicle surroundings captured by an onboard camera is displayed on a display device installed in the cab. However, due to the limited space inside the cab, there is little flexibility in the placement of the monitor device for confirming the image, such as the projector device or display device.

[0005] In vehicles such as trucks and minivans, which do not have a hood in front of the cab and have an engine compartment located below the front seats, the front seats are often high above ground. Therefore, to assist occupants in getting in and out of the cab, grips are sometimes provided inside the cab. In this case, occupants can hold onto the grips (handholds) to support their bodies when getting in and out of the cab.

[0006] As described above, when an electronic side mirror device is installed in a vehicle that has a grip inside the cab, the placement of the monitor device inside the cab is more restricted than in a vehicle that does not have a grip. As such, the conventional technology does not take into consideration the layout of the grip and the monitor device, so there is room for improvement in optimizing the placement 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 disembarking grip device with a monitor device that can optimize the positioning of the grip (holding portion) that assists boarding and disembarking operations and the monitor device.

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

[0009] (1) The entry / exit grip device of this application example is 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 the vehicle occupants, and is an entry / exit grip device that assists the occupants in getting in and out of the vehicle when they get in and out through an entry / exit opening into the vehicle, and is equipped with: a fixed portion fixed to a front pillar that is positioned adjacent to the front side of the opening within the vehicle and extends in the vehicle height direction; a grip portion that extends from the fixed portion toward the rear side where the opening is located and is for the occupants to grasp when getting in and out; and a frame portion that holds the monitor device in a planar area surrounded by a vertical frame that extends from the fixed portion toward the inside of the vehicle and is spaced apart from the grip portion and runs along the vehicle height direction, and a horizontal frame that extends from the fixed portion toward the inside of the vehicle and runs along the vehicle width direction.

[0010] In this ingress / egress grip device with a monitor device, the grip portion and the frame portion that holds the monitor device are integrally extended from the fixed portion fixed to the front pillar. This allows the grip portion and the monitor device to be efficiently arranged together around the front pillar. This allows the grip portion, which assists ingress / egress, and the monitor device to be optimally positioned. As a result, the narrow interior space of the vehicle can be effectively utilized.

[0011] (2) The entry / exit grip device according to this application example may further include a control unit that executes a light-emitting mode that causes the monitor device to emit light in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that the occupant is getting into the vehicle. In this case, by illuminating the monitor device, the grip portion is illuminated by the light emitted from the monitor device. This improves the visibility of the grip portion in situations with poor visibility, such as at night or in dark places. This provides appropriate support for the occupant getting into and out of the vehicle. (3) In the entry / exit grip device according to this application example, the grip portion may be located within the beam angle range of the monitor device held by the frame portion. In this case, when the monitor device is illuminated in the light-emitting mode, the grip portion can be reliably illuminated. This further improves the visibility of the grip portion.

[0012] (4) In the entry / exit grip device according to this application example, the grip portion may have a chamfered surface facing the frame portion. In this case, when the monitor device is illuminated in the light-emitting mode, the chamfered portion of the grip portion is illuminated by the light. This increases the area that is easily illuminated by light, thereby further improving the visibility of the grip portion. (5) In the entry / exit grip device according to this application example, the control unit may illuminate a portion of the image display area of ​​the monitor device that is located on the grip portion side in the light-emitting mode. In this case, only a portion of the area close to the grip portion is illuminated in the light-emitting mode, thereby further improving the visibility of the grip portion in contrast to the dimly lit surroundings.

[0013] (6) In the entry / exit grip device according to this application example, the control unit may display a moving illumination pattern consisting of a predetermined design in the illumination mode. In this case, the light irradiated onto the grip moves in an illumination pattern consisting of a predetermined design, making it easier to identify the three-dimensional shape of the grip. This further improves the recognizability of the grip. (7) In the entry / exit grip device according to this application example, the boarding information may be an unlocking signal instructing the unlocking of a door blocking the opening. In this case, the illumination pattern is executed in response to the door unlocking instruction. Therefore, the illumination mode can be started at an appropriate timing just before the occupant gets into the vehicle.

[0014] (8) In the getting-in / out grip device according to this application example, the frame portion may be provided in a position that at least partially overlaps the front pillar as viewed from the driver's seat inside the vehicle. In this case, since the monitor device at least partially overlaps the front pillar as viewed from the driver's seat, the driver's field of vision through the windshield or door glass adjacent to the front pillar is less likely to be obstructed. Furthermore, since the monitor device can be checked in the same way as looking at a door mirror, it is easy to check the monitor device while driving.

[0015] According to the present inventive getting-in / out grip device with a monitor device, the grip (grasp portion) that assists the getting-in / out motion and the monitor device can be optimally positioned.

[0016] 4 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the interior of the cab of a truck to which an entry / exit grip device with a monitor device according to an application example is applied. FIG. 1 is a front view of the truck of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the truck of FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the entry / exit grip device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the entry / exit grip device taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining control relating to a light emission mode. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an omnidirectional camera applied as a camera. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram explaining the imaging area of ​​the omnidirectional camera shown in FIG.

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

[0018] Hereinafter, the fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle to which the ingress / egress grip device with a monitor device according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "ingress / egress grip device") is applied is also referred to as the vehicle length direction, and the left-and-right direction of the vehicle is also referred to as the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the up-and-down direction perpendicular to both the fore-and-aft direction and the left-and-right direction is also referred to as the vehicle height direction. The left-and-right direction is defined based on the forward-facing posture of the vehicle. In the drawings, the front is indicated by "FR," the rear by "RR," the left by "LH," the right by "RH," the top by "UP," and the bottom by "DW." Furthermore, the side of the vehicle's living space (cab) 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 boarding / exiting grip device 10 with a monitor device according to this embodiment. It is a perspective view of the interior of the cab of the truck 1, viewed from the rear and diagonally downward to the front right. FIG. 2 is a front view of the truck 1 of FIG. 1, viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the truck 1 of FIG. 1, viewed from above. First, the truck 1 equipped with the boarding / exiting grip device 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the truck 1 is an example of a vehicle equipped with the boarding / exiting grip device 10, and is a so-called cab-over vehicle, i.e., a vehicle without a hood in front of the cab 3. The truck 1 includes a cab 3 provided at the front on a frame (not shown) that forms the skeleton of the body, and a cargo box (not shown) mounted behind the cab 3. Wheels 5 are mounted on the lower part of the frame via a suspension mechanism (not shown).

[0020] The cab 3 includes a front panel 3A and front pillars 3L and 3R on the left and right sides above the front panel 3A. A windshield 3B is provided between the left and right front pillars 3L and 3R. The front panel 3A, front pillars 3L and 3R, and windshield 3B form the front portion of the cab 3. Inside the cab 3, a living space (vehicle compartment, cab room) including a driver's seat 6R and a passenger seat 6L is provided. The inside of the cab 3 is a space surrounded by panels that form the exterior of the cab 3 (including the front panel 3A, front pillars 3L and 3R, and windshield 3B). In Figures 1 to 3, the driver's seat 6R is provided on the right side of the vehicle, and the passenger seat 6L is provided on the left side of the vehicle. Doors 7 are provided on both the left and right sides of the cab 3, closing openings 7A (see Figures 1 and 3) that provide access to 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 that protrude outward from the truck 1. The cameras 9L, 9R are electronic imaging devices that can capture images of the inside or outside of the truck 1, and are set to capture images of 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 (occupant) seated in the driver's seat 6R inside the cab 3. The imaging range of the camera 9L on the passenger 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 lower front part of the cab 3. In this specification, "capable of imaging the inside or outside of the truck 1" means that it is possible to image at least one of the inside and outside of the truck 1.

[0023] In this embodiment, cameras 9L and 9R are omnidirectional cameras. The cameras 9L and 9R are spherical cameras with a 360-degree field of view. In the following description, the left and right cameras 9L and 9R are collectively referred to as "camera 9" unless there is a need to distinguish between them. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the camera 9 is an omnidirectional camera. Two lenses 9F are mounted on one side (e.g., the front of the vehicle) and the other side (the rear of the vehicle) of the case 9A. Each lens 9F captures an object on one side (180 degrees + d, indicated by angles α1 and α2 in FIG. 8 ), and the two images are combined to capture a 360-degree field of view. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the camera 9 is equipped with an image sensor that captures the object 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. The above-described structure of the camera 9 is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0024] As shown in Figures 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 assisting device for assisting the occupant in getting in and out of the cab 3 through the opening 7A. As described above, the truck 1 is a cab-over vehicle, and an engine compartment is provided below the driver's seat 6R and passenger seat 6L, so the ground clearance of the driver's seat 6R and passenger seat 6L is high. Therefore, the entry / exit grip device 10 is provided to assist the occupant in moving up and down when getting in and out of the driver's seat 6R and 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 Figures 2 and 3, the entry / exit grip device 10R on the driver's seat 6R side is attached to the front right side as viewed from the driver's seat 6R, i.e., the right front pillar 3R provided on the right side of the windshield 3B. The entry / exit grip device 10L on the passenger's seat 6L side is attached to the front left side as viewed from the passenger's seat 6L, i.e., the left front pillar 3L provided on the left side of the windshield 3B.

[0026] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the right-side boarding / alighting grip device 10R, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the boarding / alighting grip device 10R taken along line A-A in Fig. 4. The left and right boarding / alighting grip devices 10L, 10R have the same configuration except for being symmetrical, so the following description will focus on the right-side boarding / alighting grip device 10R. When there is no need to distinguish between the left and right boarding / alighting grip devices 10L, 10R, they will be collectively referred to as the "boarding / alighting grip device 10."

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

[0028] The fixing portion 11 integrally holds the grip portion 12 and the frame portion 13, and is a base for attaching the getting-in / out grip device 10 to the front pillars 3L, 3R (vehicle body side). The front pillars 3L, 3R to which the fixing portion 11 is attached are disposed adjacent to the front side of the opening 7A inside the cab 3 and extend along the vehicle height direction, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The fixing portion 11 has a shape that follows a mounting surface 3D (see Figure 5) of the front pillars 3L, 3R to which the fixing portion 11 is attached, and is fixed to the front pillars 3L, 3R with bolts at, for example, two locations (multiple locations) spaced apart along the vehicle height direction.

[0029] The grip portion 12 and the frame portion 13 each extend from the fixed portion 11. As shown in FIG. 5 , the grip portion 12 extends from the fixed portion 11 toward the rear of the vehicle (rear side) where the opening 7A is located. Meanwhile, the frame portion 13 extends from the fixed portion 11 toward the inside of the vehicle (inside the cab 3). Specifically, using the right-side entry / exit grip device 10R shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as an example, the fixed portion 11 is fixed to a front pillar 3R located on the front right side of the cab 3. The grip portion 12 extends rearward from the fixed portion 11. As shown in FIG. 5 , the grip portion 12 is arranged along the surface of the right door 7 (opening 7A) facing the inside of the vehicle. The frame portion 13 extends from the fixed portion 11 toward the left side, which is the inside of the vehicle. It can also be said that the frame portion 13 extends in a direction away from the grip portion 12 arranged along the door 7.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the handle 12 has two base ends 12A that extend rearward from the fixed part 11 and are spaced apart in the vehicle height direction. A grip part 12B that extends along the vehicle height direction is provided at the rear end of the base ends 12A, located opposite the fixed part 11. The grip part 12B is a handrail-like part that is grasped by the occupant, and is provided spaced apart rearward from the fixed part 11 via the base ends 12A. A space is formed between the grip part 12B and the fixed part 11 in the handle 12. The occupant grasps the handle 12 by inserting their fingers into this space and gripping the grip part 12B with their palm.

[0031] The frame portion 13 is provided with a pair of vertical frames 13A spaced apart in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), extending from the fixed portion 11 toward the inside of the vehicle and aligned 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), extending from the fixed portion 11 toward the inside of the vehicle and aligned 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 on 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 the occupants of the truck 1. Well-known display devices 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 into the planar area 13C of the frame portion 13, and is held in the frame portion 13 by having its four sides 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-in / out grip device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The grip portion 12 and the frame portion 13 are arranged in a bent "L" shape at the fixed portion 11 in top view, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the fixed portion 11 of this embodiment has a shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction along the mounting surface 3D of the front pillars 3L, 3R in top view, and the grip portion 12 extends rearward from the rear end of the fixed portion 11.

[0034] The frame portion 13 extends in a forward tilted position toward the left (toward the vehicle interior) relative to the fixed portion 11 and the grip portion 12, which are arranged along the front-to-rear direction. The portion between the fixed portion 11 and the frame portion 13 is curved to have a curved surface that protrudes rearward in a top view. By curvedly forming the portion between the fixed portion 11 and the frame portion 13, the thickness of the fixed portion 11 and the frame portion 13 can be reduced. This contributes to reducing the weight of the getting-in / out 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. Meanwhile, 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 the driver seated in the driver's seat 6R 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 the directivity angle 14B (shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5 ) of the monitor device 14 held by the frame portion 13 whose orientation is set as described above.

[0037] The surface of the grip portion 12B of the handle 12 that faces the frame 13 (monitor device 14) forms a flat, chamfered chamfered portion 12C. Specifically, the grip portion 12B of the handle 12 has a rectangular cross section cut along the longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction, as shown in Fig. 5, with rounded corners. In this case, the chamfered portion 12C can be ensured in the handle 12, and the grip portion 12B has a shape that makes it easy to grip.

[0038] The monitor device 14 is connected to a control device 15 (see FIG. 2, control section) installed in the truck 1 so as to be able to communicate data with the control device 15. The control device 15 is an electronic control device for overall control of the operation of the monitor device 14, and is configured as, for example, an LSI device or an embedded electronic device that integrates a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc.

[0039] Image information from the camera 9, an unlock signal indicating that the door 7 has been unlocked, and the like are input to the input side of the control device 15. The monitor device 14 is connected to the output side of the control device 15. The control device 15 not only performs normal control to display images captured by the camera 9 on the monitor device 14, but also executes a light emission mode to cause the monitor device 14 to emit light when a passenger gets into the truck 1.

[0040] Next, the light-emitting mode 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 an occupant gets on or off the truck 1, and the light is used to illuminate the grip portion 12. In this embodiment, a case in which the light-emitting mode is executed when an occupant gets on the truck 1 will be described as an example. To execute this light-emitting mode, the control device 15 acquires boarding information from the outside, which indicates that the occupant will get on the truck 1. The boarding information is a signal that triggers the control device 15 to start the light-emitting mode. An example of the boarding information is an unlock signal that instructs the unlocking of the door 7 from outside the vehicle. The technology for transmitting an unlock signal from outside the vehicle to the truck 1 using, for example, a smart key is well known. The timing at which the occupant sends the unlock signal from outside the vehicle is immediately before the occupant gets on the truck 1, so it is possible to start the light-emitting mode in accordance with the timing of the occupant getting on.

[0041] In the light-emitting mode, the control device 15 causes the monitor device 14 to emit light in a predetermined manner, without performing the normal control of displaying an image captured by the camera 9 on the monitor device 14. As an example, in the light-emitting mode, the control device 15 causes only the end region 14C, which is a part of the image display region 14A of the monitor device 14 located on the grip portion 12 side, to emit light in a predetermined manner.

[0042] Specifically, the control device 15 displays (illuminates) a predetermined illumination pattern in the edge region 14C. The predetermined illumination pattern is set so as to improve the distinguishability 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. The zebra pattern illumination is an example of an illumination pattern that, when irradiated onto a three-dimensional object, makes it easier to distinguish the shape of the object.

[0043] The control device 15 can control the display so that the zebra pattern scrolls 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 grip portion 12 can be illuminated with the zebra pattern light. In the light-emitting mode, the control device 15 may display a predetermined image or nothing in the image display region 14A other than the end region 14C. The predetermined image may be an appropriate image or video, such as a brand logo image, that is preset as a startup screen for the monitor device 14.

[0044] [2. Control] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the light-emitting mode executed by the control device 15. When the driver (passenger) uses a smart key to send an unlock signal from outside the vehicle to unlock the door 7 before entering the truck 1, the control device 15 receives the unlock signal (boarding information) (step S1). In response to the received unlock signal, the control device 15 determines that the driver is about to enter the vehicle, activates the monitor device 14 (step S2), and then initiates the light-emitting mode (step S3). Specifically, after activating the monitor device 14, the control device 15 displays a zebra pattern in the edge region 14C of the image display area 14A and controls the display so that the displayed zebra pattern scrolls up and down over time. 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 area of ​​the image display area 14A other than the edge region 14C.

[0045] When the driver of truck 1 presses the start switch of truck 1, control device 15 receives an ON signal from the start switch (step S4). In response to the ON signal, control device 15 determines that the driver has boarded the truck 1 and terminates the light-emitting mode (step S5). Specifically, control device 15 terminates the display of the zebra pattern in end area 14C and then initiates normal control, displaying the image captured by camera 9 using the entire image display area 14A. Specifically, control device 15 displays the image captured by left camera 9L on monitor device 14 attached to left boarding / exiting grip device 10L, and displays the image captured by right camera 9R on monitor device 14 attached to right boarding / exiting grip device 10R.

[0046] When dismounting the truck 1, the driver presses the start switch of the truck 1 to output an OFF operation signal, and the control device 15 terminates normal control without executing the light-emitting mode and terminates operation of the monitoring device 14 (turns off the power supply of the monitoring device 14). Note that the light-emitting mode may be executed when dismounting the truck 1. In this case, the control device 15 terminates normal control of the monitoring device 14 in response to the OFF operation signal of the start switch, and then starts the light-emitting mode. After dismounting the truck 1, when the driver uses the smart key to send a locking signal from outside the vehicle instructing to lock the doors 7, the control device 15 terminates the light-emitting mode and terminates operation of the monitoring device 14 (turns off the power supply of the monitoring device 14) in response to the locking signal.

[0047] [3. Effects] The ingress / egress grip device 10 with a monitor device according to the present embodiment described above provides the following effects. In the ingress / egress grip device 10 according to this application example, the frame portion 13 that holds the grip portion 12 and the monitor device 14 is integrally extended from the fixing portion 11 fixed to the front pillars 3L, 3R. This allows the grip portion 12 and the monitor device 14 to be efficiently arranged together around the front pillars 3L, 3R. This allows the grip portion 12, which assists the occupant in and out of the vehicle, and the monitor device 14 to be optimally positioned. As a result, the narrow living space inside the cab 3 can be effectively utilized.

[0048] Furthermore, the control device 15 executes a light-emitting mode that causes the monitor device 14 to emit light in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that a passenger is boarding the truck 1, thereby illuminating the gripper 12 with the light emitted from the monitor device 14. This improves the visibility of the gripper 12 in situations with poor visibility, such as at night or in dark places. This provides appropriate support for the passenger getting on and off the truck 1. Furthermore, since the gripper 12 is located within the range of the beam angle 14B of the monitor device 14 held by the frame portion 13, the gripper 12 can be reliably illuminated when the monitor device 14 is activated in the light-emitting mode. This further improves the visibility of the gripper 12.

[0049] Furthermore, the grip portion 12 has a chamfered portion 12C on the surface facing the frame portion 13, which is flatly chamfered. When the monitor device 14 is activated in the light-emitting 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, further improving the visibility of the grip portion 12. Furthermore, the control device 15 activates the end region 14C, which is a portion of the image display area 14A of the monitor device 14 that is located on the grip portion 12 side, in the light-emitting mode. This further improves the visibility of the grip portion 12 in contrast to the dimly lit surrounding area. Furthermore, the control device 15 displays a moving illumination pattern consisting of a predetermined design in the light-emitting mode, making it easier to distinguish the three-dimensional shape of the grip portion 12. This further improves the visibility of the grip portion 12.

[0050] If the boarding information is an unlock signal instructing to unlock the door 7 blocking the opening 7A, the light emitting pattern is executed in response to the instruction to unlock the door 7. Therefore, the light emitting mode can be started at an appropriate timing just before the driver gets into the truck 1. Furthermore, by providing the frame portion 13 in a position that at least partially overlaps the front pillars 3L, 3R when viewed from the driver's seat 6R inside the truck 1, the field of view through the windshield 3B and the door glass is less likely to be obstructed. Furthermore, since the monitor device 14 can be checked in the same way as looking at a door mirror, it is easy to check the monitor device 14 while driving.

[0051] [4. Other] The entry / exit grip device 10 is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, the entry / exit grip device 10 does not need to be equipped with a control device 15 that executes the light-emitting mode. The light-emitting mode may be executed by both the left and right entry / exit grip devices 10L, 10R, or may be executed by only one of the entry / exit grip devices 10L or 10R (for example, the entry / exit grip device 10R on the driver's seat 6R side). The left and right entry / exit grip devices 10L, 10R may also be asymmetrical. The grip portion 12 may not have a flatly chamfered chamfered portion 12C, but 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 moving zebra pattern (a light-emitting pattern consisting of a predetermined pattern) may be displayed across the entire image display area 14A.

[0052] The vehicle to which the entry / exit grip device 10 is applied is not limited to the truck 1, but may also be, for example, a minivan. In vehicles such as trucks and minivans, which do not have a hood in front of the cab and have an engine compartment located below the front seats, the front seats are high above the ground. Therefore, it is very important for the entry / exit grip device 10 to support the entry and exit operations of occupants.

[0053] The following are supplementary notes related to this embodiment. [Supplementary Note 1] A grip device for assisting an occupant getting in and out of the vehicle when getting in and out through an opening for getting in and out of the vehicle, for the 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, comprising: a fixed portion fixed to a front pillar disposed adjacent to the front side of the opening inside the vehicle and extending in a vehicle height direction, a grip portion extending from the fixed portion toward the rear side where the opening is located and for the occupant to grasp when getting in and out of the vehicle, and a frame portion for holding the monitor device in a planar area surrounded by a vertical frame extending from the fixed portion toward the inside of the vehicle and spaced apart from the grip portion and extending along the vehicle height direction, and a horizontal frame extending from the fixed portion toward the inside of the vehicle and extending along the vehicle width direction. [Appendix 2] The entry / exit grip device according to Appendix 1, further comprising a control unit that executes a light-emitting mode that causes the monitor device to emit light in a predetermined manner based on boarding information indicating that the occupant is getting into the vehicle. [Appendix 3] The entry / exit grip device according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the grip portion is provided within a range of a beam angle of the monitor device held in the frame portion. [Appendix 4] The entry / exit grip device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the grip portion has a chamfered portion whose surface facing the frame portion is chamfered flat. [Appendix 5] The entry / exit grip device according to any one of Appendices 2 to 4, characterized in that the control unit causes a partial region of the image display area on the monitor device that is located on the grip portion side to emit light in the light-emitting mode. [Appendix 6] The boarding / exiting grip device described in any one of Appendices 2 to 5, characterized in that the control unit displays a moving light-emitting pattern consisting of a predetermined design in the light-emitting mode. [Appendix 7] The boarding / exiting grip device described in any one of Appendices 2 to 6, characterized in that the boarding information is an unlocking signal that instructs the unlocking of a door that blocks the opening.[Appendix 8] The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the frame portion is provided at a position that at least partially overlaps the front pillar when viewed from the driver's seat inside the vehicle.

[0054] 1 Truck (vehicle) 3 Cab 3A Front panel 3B Windshield 3C Front corner portion 3D Mounting surface 3L Front pillar 3R Front pillar 5 Wheel 6L Passenger seat 6R Driver's seat 7 Door 7A Opening 8L Camera stay 8R Camera stay 9, 9L, 9R Camera (electronic imaging device) 9A Case 9F Lens 10, 10L, 10R Entry / exit grip device 11 Fixing portion 12 Grip portion 12A Base end portion 12B Grip portion 12C Chamfered portion 13 Frame portion 13A Vertical frame 13B Horizontal frame 13C Planar area 14 Monitor device 14A Image display area 14B Directivity angle 14C End area 15 Control device (control unit)

Claims

1. A grip device for assisting an occupant getting in and out of the vehicle when getting in and out of the vehicle through an opening for getting in and out of the vehicle, in 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, comprising: a fixed part fixed to a front pillar located adjacent to the front side of the opening inside the vehicle and extending in the vehicle height direction; a grip part extending from the fixed part toward the rear side where the opening is located, for the occupant to grip when getting in and out of the vehicle; and a frame part for holding the monitor device in a planar area surrounded by a vertical frame extending from the fixed part toward the inside of the vehicle away from the grip part and running along the vehicle height direction, and a horizontal frame extending from the fixed part toward the inside of the vehicle and running along the vehicle width direction.

2. The boarding and alighting grip device as described in claim 1, further comprising 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.

3. The boarding / disembarking grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripping portion is provided within the range of the directivity angle of the monitor device held in the frame portion.

4. The boarding / disembarking grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripping portion has a chamfered surface arranged opposite the frame portion that is flattened.

5. The boarding and alighting grip device as described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit illuminates a portion of the image display area on the monitor device that is located on the grip side in the illumination mode.

6. The boarding and alighting grip device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit displays a moving illumination pattern consisting of a predetermined design in the illumination mode.

7. The boarding / alighting grip device according to claim 2, characterized in that the boarding information is an unlocking signal that instructs the unlocking of a door that blocks the opening.

8. The getting-in and getting-out grip device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame portion is provided at a position at least partially overlapping the front pillar when viewed from the driver's seat inside the vehicle.

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