JP6720573B2 - Vehicle operation input detection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle operation input detection device.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as a vehicle operation input detection device, for example, a capacitance type proximity sensor device described in Patent Document 1 is known. This device is provided with two sets, one set of which is an electrode for generating an electrostatic capacitance in the detection area and a detection unit which detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance. Then, the determination unit determines that the detection target (person) is detected in the detection region when both the detection units are detected, for example. On the other hand, the determination means is used when only one of the two detection means is detected, or when one of the both detection means returns after being detected and then the other is returned after being detected. Determines that a disturbance (water) has been detected.

JP, 2008-175772, A

By the way, in Patent Document 1, it is considered that the determination means determines the presence of the detection by performing threshold value determination on the output level of each detection means. Therefore, due to the difference in sensitivity between the two electrodes, even if the detection target (person) is present in the detection area, only one of the both detection means may be detected. Alternatively, even if a disturbance (water) exists in the detection area, both detection means may be detected. That is, it may be difficult to distinguish between human and water.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operation input detection device that can more reliably determine a human operation and water adhesion.

A vehicle operation input detection device for solving the above problem is a sensor electrode of a capacitance sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes when an object comes into contact with or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of a vehicle, and An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on a detection signal, and the peak value from when the detection data based on the detection signal exceeds a first threshold value to below the first threshold value. When the difference between the first time from exceeding the first threshold to the peak value and the second time from the peak value to falling below the first threshold exceeds the second threshold, the transition of the detection signal is and a and determination unit said object by a low symmetry period before and after a water adhering to the operation input unit around the peak position, the operation input detection unit, by the determination unit Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the detection signal when it is determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit, and the object adhering to the operation input unit by the determination unit. There is a water-adhesion setting unit that sets one of the processes that makes it more difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal when the determination is made than when it is not determined.

According to this configuration, when the transition of the detection signal has high symmetry in a period before and after the peak position as a center, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit, it basically approaches the operation input unit at a substantially constant speed. This is due to the fact that the symmetry becomes higher as the distance increases later. On the other hand, when the transition of the detection signal is low in symmetry before and after the peak position is the center, the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because the water adhering to the operation input unit basically approaches the operation input unit quickly, but it takes time to separate from the operation input unit, and the symmetry becomes low. By paying attention to the transition of the detection signal in this way, it is possible to more reliably determine the operation of the person and the adhesion of water.

A vehicle operation input detection device that solves the above-mentioned problems is a sensor of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of a vehicle. When an electrode, an operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals, and a peak position deviation between the plurality of detection signals exceed a predetermined time, the object is A determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the operation input unit, the determination unit, for each detection data based on each of the plurality of detection signals, after the detection data exceeds a first threshold value; The difference between the first time after the first threshold value is exceeded and the peak value until the peak value falls below the first threshold value and the second time when the peak value falls below the first threshold value is the second value. When the threshold value is exceeded, it is also determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit because the transition of the detection signal is low in symmetry in a period before and after the peak position as a center. The detection unit invalidates the detection of the operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, and the determination unit determines the object. Sets one of the processes that makes it more difficult to detect the operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when it is determined that the water is not water that adheres to the operation input unit. It has a setting unit when water adheres.

According to this configuration, when the deviation of the peak positions among the plurality of detection signals does not exceed the predetermined time, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit, it basically approaches the operation input unit at a substantially constant speed. This is because they will be separated later, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively small. On the other hand, when the deviation of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals exceeds the predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because water adhering to the operation input unit basically takes time to move the operation input unit, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively large. In this way, by paying attention to the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals, it is possible to more reliably determine the human operation and the water adhesion.

Vehicle operating input detection device to solve the above problems includes a sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor which outputs a detection signal that changes by the object to the operation input portion provided on the surface of the vehicle comes into contact with or close, the The operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on a detection signal, and the object is the operation input detection unit when the transition of the detection signal has low symmetry in a period before and after a peak position. And a determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the part, the operation input detection unit, in the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the detection signal and the operation input based on the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit It has a water adhesion time setting unit that sets one of the processes to make it difficult to detect, and the operation input detection unit is water in which the object is adhered to the operation input unit by the determination unit. If it is determined, and the duration setting unit to continue setting by the water adhering setting unit for a predetermined duration starting from the time of the determination, by the duration setting unit of setting by the water adhering setting unit A second continuation time setting unit for continuing the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit for a predetermined second continuation time longer than the predetermined continuation time when the extension is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times. you.
According to this configuration, when the transition of the detection signal has high symmetry in a period before and after the peak position as a center, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit, it basically approaches the operation input unit at a substantially constant speed. This is due to the fact that the symmetry becomes higher as the distance increases later. On the other hand, when the transition of the detection signal is low in symmetry before and after the peak position is the center, the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because the water adhering to the operation input unit basically approaches the operation input unit quickly, but it takes time to separate from the operation input unit, and the symmetry becomes low. By paying attention to the transition of the detection signal in this way, it is possible to more reliably determine the operation of the person and the adhesion of water.

According to this configuration, when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, the duration setting unit sets the setting by the water attachment time setting unit to the predetermined duration time. Can continue only. In particular, when the determination unit redetermines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit during the passage of the predetermined duration, the duration setting unit determines the determination time (redetermination time). The setting by the water adhesion time setting unit can be continued, that is, automatically extended, for the predetermined duration from the starting point.

According to this configuration, when the continuation time setting unit repeats the extension of the setting by the water adhesion setting unit a predetermined number of times continuously, the second continuation time setting unit causes the predetermined second continuation time. Only, the setting by the water adhesion setting unit can be continued. Normally, in a state where there is a large amount of water such as heavy rain, detection by the operation input detection unit becomes difficult. However, when the extension of the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times by the duration setting unit, that is, at the stage where it can be regarded as a sign that the amount of water increases, the second duration setting unit Since the setting by the water adhesion setting unit can be continued for a predetermined second duration, erroneous detection by the operation input detection unit can be suppressed.

Vehicle operating input detection device to solve the above problems includes a sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor which outputs a detection signal that changes by the object to the operation input portion provided on the surface of the vehicle comes into contact with or close, the The operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on a detection signal, and the object is the operation input detection unit when the transition of the detection signal has low symmetry in a period before and after a peak position. And a determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the part, the operation input detection unit, in the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the detection signal and the operation input based on the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit It has a water adhesion time setting unit that sets one of the processes to make it difficult to detect, and the operation input detection unit is water in which the object is adhered to the operation input unit by the determination unit. Each time it is determined, the number of times is incremented with a predetermined upper limit number as an upper limit, and in a state where the determination unit does not determine that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit, a predetermined number of times the decrement time elapses each time. Having a counting unit that decrements the number of times, the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit is started when the number of times counted by the counting unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined start number that is less than the predetermined upper limit number, Ru is terminated by falls below a predetermined end count of more than the predetermined start times.
According to this configuration, when the transition of the detection signal has high symmetry in a period before and after the peak position as a center, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit, it basically approaches the operation input unit at a substantially constant speed. This is due to the fact that the symmetry becomes higher as the distance increases later. On the other hand, when the transition of the detection signal is low in symmetry before and after the peak position is the center, the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because the water adhering to the operation input unit basically approaches the operation input unit quickly, but it takes time to separate from the operation input unit, and the symmetry becomes low. By paying attention to the transition of the detection signal in this way, it is possible to more reliably determine the operation of the person and the adhesion of water.

According to this configuration, the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is started when the number of times counted by the counting unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined start number, and is ended when the number is equal to or less than the predetermined end number. To be done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of starting and ending the setting by the water adhesion setting unit each time the determination unit switches the determination. Further, by setting the predetermined upper limit number as the upper limit for the counting by the counting unit, it is possible to reduce the time required for the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit to end.

A vehicle operation input detection device that solves the above-mentioned problems is a sensor of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of a vehicle. When an electrode, an operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals, and a peak position deviation between the plurality of detection signals exceed a predetermined time, the object is A determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the operation input unit, the operation input detection unit, when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, Disabling the detection of the operation input based on a plurality of detection signals, and the plurality of times when it is determined by the determination unit that the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit. The operation input detection unit includes a water adhesion setting unit that sets one of the processes for making it difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal, and the operation input detection unit determines that the object is the operation input unit by the determination unit. When it is determined that the water adheres to the water, a duration setting unit that continues the setting by the water attachment setting unit for a predetermined duration starting from the determination time, and the water by the duration setting unit. A second continuation of the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit for a second predetermined time duration longer than the predetermined duration time when the extension by the adhesion time setting unit is repeated a predetermined number of times. And a duration setting unit.
According to this configuration, when the deviation of the peak positions among the plurality of detection signals does not exceed the predetermined time, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit, it basically approaches the operation input unit at a substantially constant speed. This is because they will be separated later, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively small. On the other hand, when the deviation of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals exceeds the predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because water adhering to the operation input unit basically takes time to move the operation input unit, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively large. In this way, by paying attention to the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals, it is possible to more reliably determine the human operation and the water adhesion.
According to this configuration, when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, the duration setting unit sets the setting by the water attachment time setting unit to the predetermined duration time. Can continue only. In particular, when the determination unit redetermines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit during the passage of the predetermined duration, the duration setting unit determines the determination time (redetermination time). The setting by the water adhesion time setting unit can be continued, that is, automatically extended, for the predetermined duration from the starting point.
According to this configuration, when the continuation time setting unit repeats the extension of the setting by the water adhesion setting unit a predetermined number of times continuously, the second continuation time setting unit causes the predetermined second continuation time. Only, the setting by the setting unit when water adheres can be continued. Usually, in a state where there is a large amount of water such as heavy rain, detection by the operation input detection unit becomes difficult. However, when the extension of the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times by the duration setting unit, that is, at the stage where it can be regarded as a sign that the amount of water increases, the second duration setting unit Since the setting by the water adhesion setting unit can be continued for a predetermined second duration, erroneous detection by the operation input detection unit can be suppressed.
A vehicle operation input detection device that solves the above-mentioned problems is a sensor of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of a vehicle. When an electrode, an operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals, and a peak position deviation between the plurality of detection signals exceed a predetermined time, the object is A determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the operation input unit, the operation input detection unit, when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, Disabling the detection of the operation input based on a plurality of detection signals, and the plurality of times when it is determined by the determination unit that the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit. The operation input detection unit includes a water adhesion setting unit that sets one of the processes for making it difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal, and the operation input detection unit determines that the object is the operation input unit by the determination unit. Each time it is determined that it is water that adheres to, the number of times is incremented with a predetermined upper limit number as an upper limit, and a predetermined number of times in a state where the determination unit does not determine that the object is water that adheres to the operation input unit. The counter has a counter for decrementing the number of times for each lapse of decrement time, and the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is equal to or more than a predetermined start number in which the number counted by the counter is less than the predetermined upper limit number. When the number becomes equal to or less than the predetermined number of times of ending, the processing ends.
According to this configuration, when the deviation of the peak positions among the plurality of detection signals does not exceed the predetermined time, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit, it basically approaches the operation input unit at a substantially constant speed. This is because they will be separated later, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively small. On the other hand, when the deviation of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals exceeds the predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit. This is because water adhering to the operation input unit basically takes time to move the operation input unit, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively large. In this way, by paying attention to the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals, it is possible to more reliably determine the human operation and the water adhesion.
According to this configuration, the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is started when the number of times counted by the counting unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined start number, and is ended when the number is equal to or less than the predetermined end number. To be done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of starting and ending the setting by the water adhesion setting unit each time the determination unit switches the determination. Further, by setting the predetermined upper limit number as the upper limit for the counting by the counting unit, it is possible to reduce the time required for the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit to end.
In the vehicle operation input detection device, the counting unit is newly determined by the determination unit that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit while the timer counter that counts the number of times decrement time is being counted up. Then, it is preferable to reset the timer counter to zero.

With this configuration, when the determination unit newly determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit while the timer counter is counting up, the timer counter is reset to zero. Therefore, for example, even when the number of times is just decremented by the counting unit due to sparse rain and the number of times is about to be less than or equal to the predetermined number of terminations, this can be postponed promptly, so the setting at the time of water adhesion It is possible to suppress the end of the setting by the department.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has an effect of being able to more reliably discriminate a human operation and water adhesion.

1 is a perspective view showing a rear structure of a vehicle to which a first embodiment of a vehicle operation input detection device is applied. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution about the vehicle operation input detection apparatus of the same embodiment. (A), (b) is a time chart explaining the person and water judgment mode about the vehicle operation input detection device of the same embodiment. (A), (b) is a time chart explaining the person and water judgment mode about the vehicle operation input detection device of the same embodiment. The schematic diagram explaining operation|movement of a water drop about the vehicle operation input detection device of the same embodiment. (A), (b) is a time chart explaining the person and water judgment processing mode about the operation input detecting device for vehicles of the embodiment. The time chart explaining the switching processing mode of the control mode about the operation input detecting device for vehicles of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the person and water determination processing mode about the vehicle operation input detection apparatus of the same embodiment. (A), (b) is a flowchart which shows the switching process mode of the control mode about the vehicle operation input detection device of the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the switching processing mode of the control mode about the vehicle operation input detection apparatus of the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation detection processing aspect according to the control mode about the vehicle operation input detection device of the same embodiment. The time chart explaining the switching processing mode of the control mode about 2nd Embodiment of the vehicle operation input detection device. The flowchart which shows the switching processing mode of the control mode about the vehicle operation input detection apparatus of the same embodiment. The side view which shows the structure about the vehicle to which the modification of the vehicle operation input detection device is applied. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a rear structure of a vehicle to which a modification of the vehicle operation input detection device is applied. The front view which shows the structure about the vehicle operation input detection device of the modification. The perspective view which shows the side part structure of the vehicle to which the modification of the operation input detecting device for vehicles is applied. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19. The front view which shows the structure about the vehicle operation input detection device of the modification.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the vehicle operation input detection device will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 2a is formed in a rear portion of a body 2 of a vehicle 1 such as an automobile. A back door 3 is attached to the rear portion of the body 2 so as to be openable and closable via a door hinge (not shown) provided above the opening 2a. The back door 3 is opened by being pushed up around the door hinge. Further, a door lock 5 for locking and unlocking the closed back door 3 is installed at the tip of the back door 3 on the vehicle interior side.

A door drive unit 4 is installed in the body 2 at the rear, for example. The door drive unit 4 is mainly composed of an electric drive source such as an electric motor, and is mechanically linked to the back door 3 via an appropriate door drive mechanism to open and close the back door 3. To drive. A door lock drive unit 6 is installed in the back door 3 adjacent to the door lock 5, for example. The door lock drive unit 6 is mainly composed of an electric drive source such as an electric motor, and is mechanically linked to the door lock 5 through an appropriate lock drive mechanism to thereby lock the door lock 5. Drive locking and unlocking.

Both the door drive unit 4 and the door lock drive unit 6 are electrically connected to a door ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10 composed of, for example, an MCU (microcomputer), and are individually driven and controlled by the door ECU 10.

A rear bumper 7 that extends in the width direction of the vehicle below the back door 3 is attached to the rear portion of the body 2. As also shown in FIG. 2, the rear bumper 7 has, for example, a metal reinforcement 8 and a resin bumper cover 9. The reinforcement 8 has a substantially elongated shape extending in the vehicle width direction over substantially the entire length of the rear bumper 7, and the bumper cover 9 covers the entire reinforcement 8 from the rear.

The rear bumper 7 is provided with an upper electrode 11 and a lower electrode 12 as sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors on the back surface side of the bumper cover 9. As shown in FIG. 1, both the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 have a substantially strip shape extending in the vehicle width direction over substantially the entire length of the rear bumper 7, and have the same shape. .. The lower electrode 12 is arranged below the upper electrode 11 with a substantially constant interval. The bumper cover 9 has a substantially rectangular operation input section 13 including the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 on the surface (outer surface) thereof.

The upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 are electrically connected to the capacitance detection circuit 14. The capacitance detection circuit 14 outputs an oscillation signal to the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 to output detection signals S1 and S2 [V] having voltage levels corresponding to the capacitances thereof. The output of the oscillation signal by the capacitance detection circuit 14 and the input of the detection signals S1 and S2 corresponding thereto may be performed to both electrodes 11 and 12 at the same time, or the electrodes 11 and 12 may be switched in a short time. You may make it perform to 12 in order.

Therefore, the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 individually provide the capacitance detection circuit 14 with detection signals S1 and S2 that change when an object (for example, a person's foot F or the like) contacts or approaches the operation input unit 13. Output to. The capacitance detection circuit 14 is electrically connected to the door ECU 10. In the regular operation of the present embodiment, the operation in which the user (person) moves his/her foot F with respect to the rear bumper 7 (operation input unit 13) represents an appropriate operation related to the opening/closing of the back door 3. ..

As shown in FIG. 3, the door ECU 10 has a calculation/control circuit 10a and a drive circuit 10b. The door ECU 10 is electrically connected to the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit 14 in the calculation/control circuit 10a and electrically connected to the door drive unit 4 and the door lock drive unit 6 in the drive circuit 10b. The capacitance detection circuit 14 outputs detection data D1 and D2 obtained by A/D (analog/digital) converting the detection signals S1 and S2, respectively, to the arithmetic/control circuit 10a.

The arithmetic/control circuit 10a executes various arithmetic processes based on the detection data D1 and D2, and outputs a control signal C corresponding to the result of the arithmetic process to the drive circuit 10b. The drive circuit 10b drives the door drive unit 4 or the door lock drive unit 6 according to the control signal C.

Next, various arithmetic processing by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a will be described. The arithmetic/control circuit 10a detects an operation input to the operation input unit 13 based on, for example, the detection data D1 and D2, and also executes various arithmetic processes related thereto.

First, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a determines whether an object that comes into contact with or comes close to the operation input unit 13 based on the transition (waveform) of the detection data D1 or D2 makes an operation input to the operation input unit 13 or an operation input. It is determined whether the water adheres to the portion 13.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the transition of the detection signals S1 and S2 correlated with the detection data D1 and D2 has high symmetry in a period before and after the peak position (peak time tp). Is true), it is determined that the object is a person (foot F) who makes an operation input to the operation input unit 13. This is basically the case where the object is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit 13 (when water is not attached to the operation input unit 13), that is, the above-mentioned regular operation by the user. This is because the symmetry becomes high after approaching 13 at a substantially constant speed and then moving away.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the transition of the detection signals S1 and S2 is low in symmetry before and after the peak position (peak time tp), the object is attached to the operation input unit 13. It is determined to be water (determination unit). This is because the water adhering to the operation input unit 13 basically approaches the operation input unit 13 quickly, but it takes time to move away from the operation input unit 13, and the symmetry becomes low. That is, for example, when the surface (design surface) of the bumper cover 9 gets wet due to rain or the like, if the surface is dirty and its water repellency is low, a water film will be formed at the moment of getting wet, and it will take a long time for the water film to flow down. It takes a long time to eliminate water wetting of the operation input unit 13.

In addition, the calculation/control circuit 10a determines whether an object that comes into contact with or comes close to the operation input unit 13 based on the shift of the peak position between the detection data D1 and D2 is a person who inputs operation to the operation input unit 13. , It is determined whether the water adheres to the operation input unit 13.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the deviation (ΔTP) of the peak positions between the detection signals S1 and S2 is small and does not exceed the predetermined time (ΔTPth), the object is operated and input to the operation input unit 13. It is determined to be a person who does (foot F). This is basically the case where the object is a person who makes an operation input to the operation input unit 13 (when the water is not water adhering to the operation input unit 13), that is, the above-mentioned regular operation by the user. This is due to the fact that the peak position shifts relatively small after approaching 13 at a substantially constant speed, and then leaving.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the deviation of the peak positions between the detection signals S1 and S2 is large and exceeds the predetermined time (ΔTPth), it is determined that the object is water attached to the operation input unit 13. (Judgment part). This is because water adhering to the operation input unit 13 basically takes time to move the operation input unit 13, and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively large. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the surface (design surface) of the bumper cover 9 gets wet due to, for example, rainfall, the water drop W becomes spherical when the water repellency is high due to the effect of wax on the surface. drop down. At this time, the water droplets W flow from the upper electrode 11 toward the lower electrode 12 over time, so that there is a time difference between the peak positions of the detection signals S1 and S2, and a large deviation occurs between them.

Next, description will be given of a mode of determining a person and water by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a based on the above.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a monitors the magnitude relationship between the detection data D1 and the predetermined threshold value Dth1. The threshold value Dth1 is set to a suitable value for determining that an object is in contact with or close to the upper electrode 11, for example. Then, the calculation/control circuit 10a calculates a time T11 before the peak position (time tp1) and a time T12 after the peak position from when the detection data D1 exceeds the threshold value Dth1 until it falls below the threshold value Dth1. Then, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a determines whether or not the difference ΔT1 (=|T11−T12|), which is the time difference before and after the peak position, is less than a predetermined time difference threshold ΔTth1 (>0). to decide. Then, if the magnitude of the difference ΔT1 is less than the time difference threshold ΔTth1, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a considers that the symmetry is high and determines that the person is a person. On the contrary, if the magnitude ΔT1 of the difference is equal to or larger than the time difference threshold ΔTth1, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a considers that the symmetry is low and determines that it is water.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7B, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a monitors the magnitude relationship between the detection data D2 and the predetermined threshold value Dth2. The threshold value Dth2 is set to a suitable value for determining that an object is in contact with or in proximity to the lower electrode 12, for example. Then, the calculation/control circuit 10a calculates a time T21 before the peak position (time tp2) and a time T22 after the peak position from when the detection data D2 exceeds the threshold value Dth2 until it falls below the threshold value Dth2. Then, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a determines whether or not the difference ΔT2 (=|T21−T22|), which is the time difference before and after the peak position, is less than a predetermined time difference threshold ΔTth2 (>0). to decide. Then, if the magnitude of the difference ΔT2 is less than the time difference threshold ΔTth2, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a regards it as a person with high symmetry and determines that the person is a person. On the contrary, if the magnitude ΔT2 of the difference is equal to or larger than the time difference threshold ΔTth2, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a regards the symmetry as low and determines that the water is water.

Further, the calculation/control circuit 10a calculates the magnitude of the time difference ΔTP (=|tp1-tp2|) between the times tp1 and tp2, which represents the deviation of the peak positions of the detection data D1 and D2. Then, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a determines whether or not the time difference magnitude ΔTP is less than a predetermined peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth (>0). Then, if the magnitude ΔTP of the time difference is less than the peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a regards the deviation of the peak position as small and determines it as a person. On the contrary, if the magnitude of the time difference ΔTP is equal to or greater than the peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a regards the deviation of the peak position as large and determines that it is water.

Next, the above-mentioned person and water determination mode by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a will be described in general according to a flowchart. This process is activated, for example, when the detection data D1 of the upper electrode 11 and the detection data D2 of the lower electrode 12 exceed the threshold values Dth1 and Dth2, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the processing shifts to this routine, it is determined whether the difference magnitude ΔT1 (=|T11−T12|) at the upper electrode 11 is less than the time difference threshold ΔTth1 (step S1). When it is determined that the difference magnitude ΔT1 is less than the time difference threshold ΔTth1 (YES in step S1), the difference magnitude ΔT2 (=|T21−T22|) at the lower electrode 12 is less than the time difference threshold ΔTth2. It is determined whether or not (step S2). When it is determined that the difference magnitude ΔT2 is less than the time difference threshold ΔTth2 (YES in step S2), it is further determined whether the time difference magnitude ΔTP is less than the peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth (step S3).

Then, when it is determined that the time difference magnitude ΔTP is less than the peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth (YES in step S3), it is determined that the object is a person who makes an operation input to the operation input unit 13 (step S4), The process ends. On the other hand, the difference magnitude ΔT1 is determined to be the time difference threshold ΔTth1 or more (NO in step S1), or the difference magnitude ΔT2 is determined to be the time difference threshold ΔTth2 or more (NO in step S2), or the time difference magnitude ΔTP is If it is determined that the peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth or more (NO in step S3), it is determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit 13 (step S5), and the process ends.

As described above, the determination of the person or the water based on the detection data D1 and D2 is completed.
Next, the mode of switching the control mode according to the result of the person/water determination by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a will be described. In the present embodiment, as the control mode, a “normal mode” in which a human operation input to the operation input unit 13 is detected by the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 at a normal sensitivity, and a sensitivity lower than the “normal state” The “rainfall state” detected by (hereinafter, also referred to as “touch sensitivity”) is set to be mutually switchable. Then, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a basically counts the number N of times that water is determined in the above-described mode (counting unit), and switches the control mode based on the number N (water adhesion). Time setting section).

As shown in FIG. 8, first, in the state where the control mode is the “normal state” and the number N is “0”, the calculation/control circuit 10a starts and repeats the determination of water in association with, for example, rainfall. And At this time, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a switches the control mode from the "normal state" to the "rainfall state" when the number N of times exceeds the predetermined number of times NSth ("2" in this embodiment) as the number N is incremented. .. After that, when the predetermined upper limit number Nmax (“5” in the present embodiment) is reached with the increment of the number N, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a does not increment the number N regardless of the water determination. That is, the number of times N is incremented by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a is limited to a predetermined upper limit number Nmax.

After that, when the water is no longer judged due to the end of rainfall or the like, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a decrements the number N every time the predetermined number decrement time Td (30 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses. At this time, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a switches the control mode from the "rainfall state" to the "normal state" when the number of times is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times NEth ("1" in the present embodiment) due to the decrement of the number N. (return). It should be noted that if water is newly determined while the timer counter (TCd) that counts the number-of-times decrement time Td is counting up, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a resets the timer counter to zero.

As described above, mutual control mode switching between the “normal state” and the “rainfall state” is realized.
Next, the manner in which the arithmetic/control circuit 10a switches the control modes described above will be generally described according to a flowchart. The process of incrementing the number of times N or the like is started when the water is determined, and the process of decrement or the like is started when the decrement flag is turned on. This decrement flag is a flag that is turned on when the above-mentioned timer counter TCd matches the number of times decrement time Td.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when a process such as incrementing the number N is started, it is determined whether the number N matches the upper limit number Nmax (step S11). Here, if it is determined that the number of times N matches the upper limit number of times Nmax, the process is terminated, and if it is determined that the number of times N does not match, the number N is incremented by "1" (step S12).

Then, it is determined whether the number of times N is equal to or greater than the number of times of start NSth (step S13). Here, if the number of times N is determined to be the number of times of start NSth or more, the control mode is switched to the “rainfall state” (step S14), the process is ended thereafter, and if it is determined that the number of times N is less than the number of starts NSth, the process is continued. Will be terminated.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the process of decrementing the number of times N is activated, it is determined whether the number of times N matches "0" (step S15). Here, if it is determined that the number of times N matches “0”, the processing is ended as it is, and if it is determined that the number of times N does not match, the number N is decremented by “1” (step S16), and the decrement flag is further increased. Is set to off (step S17). Then, it is determined whether the number of times N is equal to or less than the number of times of termination NEth (step S18). If it is determined that the number of times N is less than or equal to the number of times of termination NEth, the control mode is switched to the "normal state" (step S19), and then the processing is terminated, and if it is determined that the number of times N is greater than the number of times of termination NEth, then it remains as is. The process ends.

As described above, the counting of the number of times N and the switching of the control mode based on the counting are realized.
Next, the timekeeping mode of the timer counter TCd relating to the decrement of the number N by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a will be summarized and described according to the flowchart. This process is repeatedly executed by a regular interruption every predetermined time, for example, assuming that there is no new water determination.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the processing shifts to this routine, it is determined whether or not the number of times N matches "0" (step S21). If it is determined that the number of times N does not match "0", this is operated (started or continued) to count up the timer counter TCd (step S22). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer counter TCd matches the number of times decrement time Td (step S23).

When it is determined that the timer counter TCd matches the number of times decrement time Td, the decrement flag is set to ON (step S24), the timer counter TCd is set to "0" (step S26), and the step The process returns to S21. As described above, the process of decrementing the number N of times is started in association with the decrement flag being set to ON (see FIG. 10B).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer counter TCd does not match the number of times decrement time Td (NO in step S23), it is determined whether or not there is new water determination (step S25). When it is determined that there is a new determination of water (YES in step S25), the timer counter TCd is set to "0" (step S26), and the process returns to step S21. If it is determined that there is no new water determination (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S21.

Thereafter, when it is determined that the number of times N matches “0” (YES in step S21), this is stopped to end the count-up of the timer counter TCd (step S27), and the process is ended.

As described above, the timer counter TCd relating to the decrement of the number N is realized. In particular, the resetting when a new water determination is made while the timer counter TCd is counting up corresponds to the processing of steps S25 to S26.

Next, a detection mode of the operation input to the operation input unit 13 according to the control mode ("normal state" or "rainfall state") by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a will be described with reference to a flowchart. This process is repeatedly executed by, for example, a regular interrupt every predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the process shifts to this routine, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a determines the current control mode in step S31. Then, when the control mode is determined to be the “normal state”, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a relates to detection of an operation input at the upper electrode 11 and detection of an operation input at the lower electrode 12 in step S32. The threshold values Th2 are set to relatively small predetermined threshold values TL1 and TL2, respectively. On the other hand, when it is determined that the control mode is the "rainfall state", the arithmetic/control circuit 10a sets the threshold values Th1 and Th2 to relatively large predetermined threshold values TB1 and TB2 in step S33.

Subsequently, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a determines in step S34 whether the detection data D1 is larger than the threshold Th1 and the detection data D2 is larger than the threshold Th2. When it is determined that the detection data D1 is larger than the threshold Th1 and the detection data D2 is larger than the threshold Th2, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a operates the operation input unit 13 by an appropriate method in step S35. Input detection processing is executed, and the subsequent processing is ended. At this time, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a outputs a control signal C to the drive circuit 10b so as to drive and control the door drive unit 4 or the door lock drive unit 6 according to the detection result of the operation input. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S34 that the detection data D1 is less than or equal to the threshold Th1 or the detection data D2 is less than or equal to the threshold Th2, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a causes the operation input unit to perform an appropriate method in step S36. The non-detection processing of the operation input to 13 is executed, and the subsequent processing is ended.

As described above, the operation detection is performed on the assumption that both the detection data D1 and D2 have reached the level according to the control mode.
Next, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will be described.

(1) In the present embodiment, attention is paid to the transition of the detection signals S1, S2 (detection data D1, D2) (symmetry in the period before and after the peak position) when determining water (or person). Therefore, it is possible to more reliably determine human operation and water adhesion.

(2) In the present embodiment, attention is paid to the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals S1 and S2 (detection data D1 and D2) in the determination of water (or a person), so that a human operation and water adhesion Can be determined more reliably.

(3) In the present embodiment, the setting of the “rainfall state” is started when the counted number N is equal to or greater than the start number NSth, and is terminated when the counted number N is equal to or less than the end number NEth. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness of starting and ending the setting of the "rainfall state" each time the determination of water or a person is switched. Further, by setting the upper limit number Nmax as the upper limit for the number N, it is possible to reduce the time required to end the setting of the “rainfall state”. In particular, since it is possible to quickly return to the “normal state” in response to weather such as sudden stop of rain, it is possible to mitigate the effect on user operations.

(4) In the present embodiment, when it is newly determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit 13 while the timer counter TCd is counting up, the timer counter TCd is reset to zero. Therefore, even if the number of times N is just decremented and the number of times of ending NET is about to be equal to or less than the number of times NEth because the rainfall is sparse, this can be postponed promptly, so that the setting of the "rainfall state" is ended unnecessarily. Can be suppressed.

(5) In the present embodiment, it is possible to determine a person and water with an extremely simple configuration using only the capacitance sensor (the upper electrode 11, the lower electrode 12, etc.), so that the vehicle state (for example, the vehicle stopped state or It is possible to reduce the dependence on the ignition switch off state and the like and also reduce the power consumption. In particular, the number of sensor electrodes (the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12) is two, and for example, the ground electrode that is grounded is not required, so that the arrangement space thereof can be further reduced, or the number of parts and the cost can be further reduced. it can.

(6) In the present embodiment, when the control mode is the “rainfall state”, the detection sensitivity of the operation input to the operation input unit 13 is decreased (thresholds Th1 and Th2 are increased), so that the operation input is erroneously detected. It is possible to prevent malfunction of the back door 3 and the like due to this.

(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the vehicle operation input detection device will be described. Since the second embodiment has a configuration in which the control mode and its switching mode of the first embodiment are changed, detailed description of the same portions will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the person/water determination process is switched from person to water at time t1 due to rainfall or the like by the person/water determination process (see FIG. 9) by the arithmetic/control circuit 10a. At this time, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a switches the control mode from the "determination output possible state" before time t1 to the "determination output impossible state" (water adhering setting unit). In the “determination output enable state”, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a permits (executes) the detection of the operation input to the operation input unit 13 based on the detection data D1 and D2, for example. On the other hand, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a disables (non-executes) the detection of the operation input to the operation input unit 13 based on the detection data D1 and D2 in the “determination output disabled state”, or enters the “determination output enabled state”. The control mode switching of is disabled (non-execution).

Then, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a maintains the "determination output disabled state" for a cancellation period (standard) Tc1 as a predetermined duration starting from time t1 (at the time of determination) (duration time setting unit). When it is determined (redetermined) that the water is water at time t2 during which the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a cancels from time t2 (at the time of redetermination). The “determination output disabled state” is maintained for the period (standard) Tc1 (duration setting unit). Similarly, when it is determined (redetermined) that the water is water at time t3 during which the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a starts at time t3 (during redetermination). The “determination output disabled state” is maintained for the cancellation period (standard) Tc1. That is, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a automatically extends the "determination output disabled state" by being re-determined as water during the lapse of one cancellation period (standard) Tc1.

During the cancellation period (standard) Tc1, the "determination output disabled state" is maintained even if the determination process (see FIG. 9) determines that the person is a person. The control mode at this time is particularly referred to as “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)”.

Cancellation period (standard) The extension of the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” that accompanies progressive starting from the starting point of Tc1 is repeated a predetermined number of times (two times in this embodiment), and the cancellation period (standard). When it is determined (redetermined) that the water is water at time t4 during the elapse of Tc1, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a is longer than the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 starting from time t4 (during redetermination). The “determination output disabled state” is maintained for the cancellation period (long time) Tc2 as the predetermined second duration (second duration setting unit). Further, when it is determined (redetermined) that the water is water at time t5 during the cancellation period (long time) Tc2, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a starts at time t5 (at the time of redetermination). The “determination output disabled state” is maintained for the cancellation period (long time) Tc2 (second duration setting unit). The same applies when it is determined (redetermined) that the water is water during the subsequent cancellation period (long time) Tc2. That is, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a automatically extends the "determination output disabled state" by being re-determined as water during the lapse of one cancellation period (long time) Tc2.

In addition, during the cancellation period (long time) Tc2, the “determination output disabled state” is maintained even if it is determined that the person is a person in the determination process (see FIG. 9). The control mode at this time is particularly referred to as “judgment output disabled state (long-time mode)”.

After that, at time t6 when one cancellation period (long time) Tc2 ends without being re-determined as water, the arithmetic/control circuit 10a sets the control mode from “determination output disabled state (long time mode)”. Switch to the "determination output possible state".

Next, the manner in which the arithmetic/control circuit 10a switches the control modes described above will be generally described according to a flowchart. This process is started when the human/water determination process (see FIG. 9) is completed, assuming that the control mode is not the “determination output disabled state (long-time mode)”, for example.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the process shifts to this routine, it is determined whether or not the determination is water (step S41). Here, if it is determined that the determination is not water, it is determined whether or not the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress (step S42). Then, if it is determined that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has not elapsed, the control mode is set to the "determination output enable state" (step S43).

On the other hand, if it is determined to be water determination (YES in step S41), it is determined whether or not the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress (step S44). Then, when it is determined that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has not elapsed, the control mode is set to the "determination output disabled state (standard mode)" (step S48). At this time, the cancel time counter TCc1 for counting the cancel period (standard) Tc1 is counted up (started).

Even when it is determined in step S42 that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress, the control mode is set (maintained) to the "determination output disabled state (standard mode)" (step S48). At this time, the cancel time counter TCc1 is counted up (continued).

When it is determined in step S44 that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress, the cancellation time counter TCc1 is cleared to restart the time measurement of the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 (step S45). Then, the extension number Nc, which indicates the number of times the extension of the “determination output disabled state (standard mode)” is continuously repeated, is incremented (step S46). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of times of extension Nc is a predetermined number of times Ncth (“2” in this embodiment) or more (step S47). Here, if the extension number Nc is determined to be less than the predetermined number Ncth, the control mode is set (maintained) to the "determination output disabled state (standard mode)" (step S48), and the extension number Nc is determined to be the predetermined number Ncth or more. Then, the control mode is set to "determination output disabled state (long-time mode)" (step S49).

When any of the control modes is set (or maintained) in steps S43, S48, and S49, the subsequent processing is ended.
In the state where the control mode is set to the “judgment output disabled state (long-time mode)”, the monitoring of the extension number Nc and the control mode switching process (steps S46 to S49) based on this are omitted. Then, the same processing is performed, and the control mode is switched between the "determination output enable state".

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1), (2), (5), and (6) in the first embodiment. Become.
(1) In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit 13, the “determination output disabled state (standard mode)” can be continued for the cancellation period (standard) Tc1. In particular, when it is re-determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit 13 during the cancellation period (standard) Tc1, only the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 starting from the determination time (re-determination). The “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” can be continued, that is, automatically extended.

(2) In the present embodiment, when the extension of the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” is repeated a predetermined number of times (two times) continuously, the “judgment output disabled state (long time) Tc2” is set. Time mode)” can be continued. Normally, when there is a large amount of water such as heavy rain, it becomes difficult to detect the operation input to the operation input unit 13 and to judge the person and the water. However, when the extension of the “determination output disabled state (standard mode)” is repeated a predetermined number of times in succession, that is, at the stage where it can be considered as a sign that the water amount increases, the “determination output disabled state (long time) Tc2” is set. By continuing the "long-time mode)", it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of an operation input or the like on the operation input unit 13.

(3) In this embodiment, since the control mode switching process is relatively simple, it is possible to easily realize, for example, configuring the switching process by hardware using a logic circuit.
The above embodiment may be modified as follows.

As shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle 20 may be equipped with a slide door 22 that opens and closes the opening 21a formed in the side portion of the body 21 in accordance with the movement in the front-rear direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, inside the side skirt (also referred to as “rocker cover”) 23 extending in the front-rear direction along the lower edge of the opening 21a, the sensor electrodes of the plurality of capacitance sensors are provided. The upper electrode 24 and the lower electrode 25 may be installed. Further, inside a side mudguard (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction along the lower edge of the slide door 22, upper electrodes 24 and lower electrodes 25 as sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors are installed. May be. Both the upper electrode 24 and the lower electrode 25 have a substantially strip shape extending in the front-rear direction and have the same shape. The lower electrode 25 is arranged below the upper electrode 24 with a substantially constant interval. The upper electrode 24 and the lower electrode 25 output a detection signal that changes when an object (for example, a person's foot F or the like) contacts or approaches the surface (operation input unit) of the side skirt 23. As a result, the person and water determination processing and the like are executed according to the first and second embodiments.

Note that the number of sensor electrodes installed on the side skirt 23 may be one, or may be three or more arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the sensor electrodes installed on the side skirts 23 may be a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. In the regular operation of this modification, the operation in which the user (person) moves his/her foot F with respect to the side skirt 23 (operation input unit) represents an appropriate operation related to opening/closing of the slide door 22. Further, the slide door 22 is configured to open and close by being driven and controlled by the door ECU (10) according to the back door 3 to drive the door drive unit (4) and the door lock drive unit (6).

As shown in FIG. 17, when the mark 30 such as a company name is installed in the central portion of the outer surface of the back door 3 (the central portion above the garnish 35), as shown in FIG. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 may be sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors installed on the back of the mark 30 as an input unit. That is, the first electrode 31 is arranged on the upper portion of the mark 30, and is shaped in a substantially boat shape, following the upper edge of the mark 30. On the other hand, the second electrode 32 is arranged below the mark 30, and is shaped like a bow along the lower edge of the mark 30. It goes without saying that the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 output a detection signal that changes when an object (for example, a human finger) contacts or approaches the mark 30. As a result, the person and water determination processing and the like are executed according to the first and second embodiments.

The mark 30 may be provided with one sensor electrode, or may be provided with three or more sensor electrodes arranged vertically. Alternatively, the sensor electrodes installed on the mark 30 may be a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals in the width direction of the vehicle. In the regular operation of this modification, the operation of the user (person) moving his/her finger with respect to the mark 30 represents an appropriate operation for opening/closing the back door 3.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the window glass 42 moves up and down from the substantially bag-shaped door panel 41 that constitutes the lower part of the slide door 22, a substantially strip shape installed near the door panel 41 of the window glass 42. The sensor body 45 of FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 20, a door trim 43 that forms a design in the vehicle compartment is attached to the door panel 41, and the upper end of the door panel 41 is attached to the outer surface of the window glass 42 that moves forward and backward. A belt molding 44 for draining that is in sliding contact is attached. The sensor body 45 is placed on the door trim 43 that is closer to the passenger compartment than the window glass 42. As shown in FIG. 21, the sensor body 45 has a first electrode 46, a second electrode 47, and a third electrode 48 that are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, and also has a substrate 49 on which they are formed. The first to third electrodes 46 to 48 generate detection signals that change when an object (for example, a human finger H or the like) contacts or approaches the surface (operation input unit) of the window glass 42 near the sensor body 45. Output. As a result, the human/water determination process and the like are executed according to the first and second embodiments.

The sensor body 45 may be built in the belt molding 44. Further, the sensor body 45 may have one sensor electrode, or two or four or more sensor electrodes arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the sensor electrode of the sensor body 45 may be a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. In the regular operation of this modification, the operation of the user (person) moving his/her finger H with respect to the window glass 42 represents an appropriate operation for opening/closing the slide door 22.

In the first embodiment, the setting of the start count NSth and the end count NEth related to the “rainfall state” setting is an example, and can be arbitrarily changed. In particular, the number of times NSth is set to a value larger than the number of times NEth to be ended, but their relationship may be opposite to each other or may be the same.

In the first embodiment, the setting of the number of times decrement time Td is an example and can be changed arbitrarily.
In the first embodiment, even if it is newly determined that the object is water attached to the operation input unit 13 while the timer counter TCd is counting up, the timer counter TCd does not have to be reset to zero. ..

In the first embodiment, when the control mode is the “rainfall state”, the operation detection is performed by setting the thresholds Th1 and Th2 and determining the thresholds of the detection data D1 and D2 based on the settings (steps S33 to S34). Reduced sensitivity. On the other hand, the sensitivity may be lowered by making the operation detection difficult within the scope of the appropriate method itself of the operation detection (step S35).

In the first embodiment, when the control mode is the "rainfall state", the detection of the operation input based on the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) may be invalidated (masked). That is, when the control mode is the “rainfall state”, the operation input detection process (see FIG. 12) itself may not be executed.

In the second embodiment, the setting of the predetermined number of times Ncth for switching the “judgment output disabled state (long-time mode)” is an example and can be arbitrarily changed.
In the second embodiment, the cancel period (long time) Tc2 may be omitted and only the cancel period (standard) Tc1 may be set. That is, the “determination output disabled state (long-time mode)” may be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the operation based on the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) when the control mode is in the "determination output disabled state" is more than in the "determination output enabled state" It may be made difficult to detect the input (see FIG. 12).

In each of the above-described embodiments, the transition of the detection data D1 (detection signal S1) is low in symmetry before and after the peak position is the center, and the transition of the detection data D2 (detection signal S2) is the peak position. And the symmetry is low in the period before and after, and the shift in the peak position between the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) is equal to or greater than the peak position time difference threshold ΔTPth (steps S1 to S3). ) Was used to judge the water. On the other hand, the water may be determined by the logical product of any two or more of them.

Alternatively, the water may be determined by omitting any one or two determinations in steps S1 to S3.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the peak positions themselves of the detection data D1 and D2 that are extreme values are, for example, the time differential values ΔD1 and ΔD2 of the detection data D1 and D2 that have a predetermined peak position determination threshold ΔDth (for example, zero or a negative number). It may be detected as a timing below. The time differential values ΔD1 and ΔD2 may be actual time differential values of the detection data D1 and D2. Alternatively, as the time differential values ΔD1 and ΔD2, for example, a value obtained by subtracting the detection data D1 and D2 in the previous calculation cycle (for example, the previous calculation cycle) from the detection data D1 and D2 in one calculation cycle is a time difference between the two calculation cycles. It may be a value divided by. Alternatively, the time differential values ΔD1 and D2 may be values obtained by subtracting the detection data D1 and D2 in the previous calculation cycle (for example, the previous calculation cycle) from the detection data D1 and D2 in one calculation cycle, for example. This is because if the detection data D1 and D2 are acquired with a constant time difference, the difference between them includes a time element.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation input unit may be arranged at any position on the surface of the exterior component of the vehicle as long as it does not bother the user. For example, when the operation target is the back door 3, it may be the surface of the garnish 35. When the operation target is the slide door 22, it may be the surface of the pillar or the outside door handle. The point is that the sensor electrode may be arranged on the back of the operation input section in accordance with the arrangement of the operation input section.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation related to the opening and closing of the back door 3 or the sliding door 22 is, for example, door opening or unlocking (unlocking), door closing, locking (locking), setting of an operation prohibition period, reservation lock/door. It may be closed, the opening/closing speed may be changed, or the like.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation target (opening/closing body) related to opening/closing may be, for example, the window glass 42 (window regulator), swing door, bonnet, trunk lid, fuel lid, sunroof, or the like. Alternatively, it may be a rotating seat that can rotate to support getting in and out, an elevating seat that can move up and down, and the like.

1, 20... Vehicle, 9... Bumper cover, 10... Door ECU, 10a... Calculation/control circuit (operation input detection unit, determination unit, water adhesion setting unit, continuation time setting unit, second continuation time setting unit, Counting unit), 11, 24... Upper electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor), 12, 25... Lower electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor), 13... Operation input unit, 23... Side skirt (operation input) Part), 30... Mark (operation input part), 31, 46... First electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor), 32, 47... Second electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor), 35... Garnish , 42... Window glass (operation input unit), 44... Belt molding, 48... Third electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor).

Claims (7)

A sensor electrode of a capacitance sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the detection signal,
A first time from the time when the detection data based on the detection signal exceeds the first threshold to the time when it falls below the first threshold and when the detection data based on the detection signal exceeds the first threshold, and the peak value when the difference between the second time to below the first threshold value exceeds a second threshold value, the object as a low symmetry period before and after the transition of the detection signal is centered at the peak position is the A determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit, and the determination unit causes the object to be the operation input unit. There is a water adhesion setting unit that sets one of the processes that makes it more difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal when it is determined that it is not water that adheres. A vehicle operation input detection device. Sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object comes into contact with or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals,
When the deviation of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals exceeds a predetermined time, a determination unit that determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit,
The determination unit, for each detection data based on each of the plurality of detection signals, after the detection data exceeds the first threshold with respect to the peak value from when the detection data exceeds the first threshold to when the detection data falls below the first threshold, When the difference between the first time until the peak value and the second time until the peak value falls below the first threshold value exceeds the second threshold value, before and after the transition of the detection signal is centered on the peak position. It is also determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit as low symmetry in the period of,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit; and the determination unit determines that the object is the operation input. When it is determined that it is water that adheres to the part, it is more difficult to detect the operation input based on the plurality of detection signals than when it is determined. A vehicle operation input detection device having a setting unit. A sensor electrode of a capacitance sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the detection signal,
When the transition of the detection signal is low in symmetry in the period before and after centering on the peak position, a determination unit that determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit.
as well as
It is more difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal when it is determined by the determination unit that the object is not water attached to the operation input unit.
It has a setting part when water adheres to set either treatment of
The operation input detection unit,
When the determination unit determines that the object is water that adheres to the operation input unit, a duration setting for continuing the setting by the water attachment setting unit for a predetermined duration starting from the determination time. Department ,
When the continuation time setting unit continuously repeats the extension of the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit a predetermined number of times, the water adhesion time setting unit is for a predetermined second duration longer than the predetermined duration time. And a second duration setting unit for continuing the setting according to the above. A sensor electrode of a capacitance sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the detection signal,
When the transition of the detection signal is low in symmetry in the period before and after centering on the peak position, a determination unit that determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit.
as well as
It is more difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal when it is determined by the determination unit that the object is not water attached to the operation input unit.
It has a setting part when water adheres to set either treatment of
The operation input detection unit,
Each time the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, the number is incremented up to a predetermined upper limit number, and the determination unit attaches the object to the operation input unit. A counting unit that decrements the number of times each time a predetermined number of decrement times elapse without being determined to be water,
The setting by the water adhesion setting unit is started when the number counted by the counting unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined start number that is less than the predetermined upper limit number, and a predetermined end that is equal to or less than the predetermined start number. A vehicle operation input detection device that is terminated when the number of times is equal to or less than the number of times. Sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object comes into contact with or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals,
When the deviation of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals exceeds a predetermined time, a determination unit that determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit.
as well as
It is more difficult to detect an operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water that is attached to the operation input unit than when it is determined.
It has a setting part when water adheres to set either treatment of
The operation input detection unit,
When the determination unit determines that the object is water that adheres to the operation input unit, a duration setting for continuing the setting by the water attachment setting unit for a predetermined duration starting from the determination time. Department,
When the continuation time setting unit continuously repeats the extension of the setting by the water adhesion time setting unit a predetermined number of times, the water adhesion time setting unit is for a predetermined second duration longer than the predetermined duration time. having a second duration setting unit to continue the setting by, the vehicle operation input detecting device. Sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object comes into contact with or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals,
When the deviation of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals exceeds a predetermined time, a determination unit that determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling the detection of the operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit.
as well as
It is more difficult to detect an operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water that is attached to the operation input unit than when it is determined.
It has a setting part when water adheres to set either treatment of
The operation input detection unit,
Each time the determination unit determines that the object is water attached to the operation input unit, the number is incremented up to a predetermined upper limit number, and the determination unit attaches the object to the operation input unit. A counting unit that decrements the number of times each time a predetermined number of decrement times elapse without being determined to be water,
The setting by the water adhesion setting unit is started when the number counted by the counting unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined start number that is less than the predetermined upper limit number, and a predetermined end that is equal to or less than the predetermined start number. A vehicle operation input detection device that is terminated when the number of times is equal to or less than the number of times. The vehicle operation input detection device according to claim 4 or 6 ,
The counting unit resets the timer counter to zero when the determination unit newly determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit while the timer counter that counts the number of times decrement time is counting up. A vehicle operation input detection device for resetting.

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