JP2019102385A - Proximity sensor and keyless entry device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a proximity sensor capable of achieving miniaturization with simplification of a configuration.SOLUTION: A proximity sensor 1 includes: a case 2 which has a hollow part S of which one surface is opened and is provided on an outer surface side of a vehicle door; a detection electrode 4 which is integrated with a bottom surface part 2A of the hollow part S of the case 2 by insert molding and detects contact of a user due to a change in an electrostatic capacitance; connection parts 4a and 4b projecting into the hollow part S of the case 2 from the detection electrode 4; a circuit board 6 which is electrically connected to the connection parts 4a and 4b, and is arranged at a position overlapping the detection electrode 4 in the hollow part S of the case 2; and a cable 5 which electrically connects the detection electrode 4 and an external device, in which a connection terminal 7 that electrically connects the circuit board 6 and the cable 5 is provided integrally with a side face part 2C erected from the bottom surface part 2A of the case 2 by resin molding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a proximity sensor incorporated in a door handle of a vehicle and a keyless entry device including the same.

  In recent years, in order to enhance the convenience of opening and closing operations of a vehicle door, a driver carrying an electronic key incorporating a portable transmitter for transmitting a code signal locks or unlocks the door of the vehicle only by approaching / separating the vehicle ( A keyless entry device that can be locked and unlocked is developed and has already been put to practical use.

  A door handle device of a vehicle adopting such a keyless entry device is provided with an antenna that transmits and receives code signals and the like, and a proximity sensor that detects that the driver approaches or contacts the door handle based on a change in capacitance. It is done. Then, when the driver carrying the electronic key touches the door handle to open the door, the proximity sensor built in the door handle detects it and requests from the vehicle authentication device to the electronic key via the antenna A signal is sent. Then, the electronic key receiving the request signal transmits its own code signal to the vehicle authentication device, and the vehicle authentication device receiving the code signal stores in advance the code signal included in the received code signal. If it matches with the unique code signal being executed, it is determined that the authentication is OK, and the actuator of the door lock device is driven to bring the door into an unlockable (unlocked) state.

  Patent Document 1 discloses protection of an antenna by integrally molding and unitizing an antenna provided in a door handle and a detection electrode of a proximity sensor (electrostatic capacitance sensor) using synthetic resin for mold. Proposals have been made to improve the assembly workability by facilitating handling and handling.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-224410

  However, in the configuration proposed in Patent Document 1, a lock sensor and an unlock sensor are provided as proximity sensors, and the size of the proximity sensor can not be reduced because the antenna and the unlock sensor are increased in size. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a proximity sensor that can be miniaturized by simplifying the configuration and a keyless entry device including the proximity sensor.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is
A case having a hollow portion open on one side and provided on the outer surface side of the vehicle door;
A detection electrode integrated with the bottom of the hollow portion of the case by insert molding and detecting a user's touch by a change in capacitance;
A connecting portion protruding from the detection electrode into the hollow portion of the case;
A circuit board electrically connected to the connection portion and disposed at a position overlapping the detection electrode in the hollow portion of the case;
A cable electrically connecting the detection electrode to an external device;
In the proximity sensor provided with
A connection terminal for electrically connecting the circuit board and the cable may be integrally formed by resin molding on a side surface portion erected from the bottom surface portion of the case.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the cable terminal electrically connected to the connection terminal is provided in the cable, and the cable terminal and the connection terminal are electrically connected. Therefore, both are integrally provided in the case by resin molding.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 in which the cable terminal is provided as a part of the connection terminal, and a connector portion for electrically connecting the connector terminal formed on the cable and the connection terminal. Are formed in the case.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the hollow portion of the case is sealed by a potting material or a low pressure mold.

  In the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an attachment portion attachable to a door handle provided on an outer surface side of a vehicle door is integrally formed on the case. It is characterized by

  The invention according to claim 6 relates to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection electrode is a flat drive electrode electrically connected to a detection circuit formed on the circuit board, and the reception. The driving electrode and the receiving electrode are arranged parallel to each other so as to face the circuit board.

The invention according to claim 7 is
A proximity sensor built into the vehicle's door handle;
An antenna for transmitting and receiving signals between the proximity sensor and a portable transmitter;
An actuator for locking or unlocking the door of the vehicle;
The antenna detects that the code signal received from the portable transmitter matches the code signal unique to the vehicle, and detects the ON / OFF of the proximity sensor by the output of the proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor A controller that drives the actuator to lock or unlock the door when it is turned on;
In the keyless entry device provided with
The proximity sensor is configured of the proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the controller turns on the proximity sensor when the output reduction amount of the proximity sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. It is characterized in that it is determined.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 7, the controller reversely controls the actuator for locking or unlocking the door when it is determined that the proximity sensor is turned on. I assume.

  According to the proximity sensor of the first to sixth aspects, the structure of the proximity sensor including the detection electrode is simplified because the single detection electrode serving as both the lock sensor and the unlock sensor is used, and the proximity sensor can be minimized Can be modularized as Also, in the state where the cable terminal and the connection terminal are electrically connected, since both are integrally formed in the case by resin molding, the waterproofness and strength of the connection portion between the cable terminal and the connection terminal can be enhanced. .

  According to the keyless entry device according to claims 7 and 8, when it is determined that the proximity sensor is turned on, the controller reversely controls the actuator for locking or unlocking the door, so that the single detection electrode is The function of the lock sensor and the unlock sensor can be achieved, and the proximity switch including the detection electrode and the keyless entry device including the proximity switch can be miniaturized. Further, since it is not necessary to modularize the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor and the keyless entry device including the proximity sensor can be further miniaturized.

It is a side view of the door handle for vehicles in which the proximity sensor concerning embodiment of the invention 1 was built. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. It is a side view which shows another form of the door handle for vehicles in which the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention was integrated. It is a figure which shows the proximity switch concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a BB sectional view taken on the line of (b). It is a figure which shows the state before incorporating the circuit board of the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a C- of (b). It is a C line sectional view. It is a figure which shows the state before sealing the case hollow part of the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is (b) It is DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is the EE sectional view taken on the line of (b). It is a figure which shows the state before incorporating the circuit board of the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is F- of (b). It is F line sectional drawing. It is a figure which shows the state before sealing the case hollow part of the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is (b) GG sectional view of FIG. It is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the keyless entry device concerning the present invention. It is an electric circuit diagram of the keyless entry device concerning the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows the processing procedure of the keyless entry device concerning the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a proximity switch according to the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings.

[Proximity sensor]
Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle door handle incorporating a proximity sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. It is attached to a door (not shown) that opens and closes the entrance. The door handle 10 includes a handle grip 12 long in the vehicle longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) attached to the outer panel 11 (see FIG. 2) of the door, and a rear end portion of the handle grip 12 (left end portion in FIG. ) And a handle cap 13 connected to the The handle grip 12 and the handle cap 13 are made of nonconductive resin.

  The handle cap 13 is fixed to the vehicle body side, and the proximity sensor 1 and the key cylinder 14 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are incorporated in the inside thereof. The handle grip 12 is rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 around its front end (right end in FIG. 1). The key cylinder 14 locks / unlocks the door by inserting and rotating a key in an emergency such as battery exhaustion.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, the proximity sensor 1 incorporated in the inside of the handle cap 13 is attached to the handle cap 13 by screwing a screw 3 inserted into the case 2 into the handle cap 13. Here, no antenna or unlock sensor is incorporated in the handle grip 12, and when the user approaches or touches the door handle 10, the proximity sensor 1 outputs an ON signal due to a change in capacitance. In response to the ON signal, reverse control of locking / unlocking of the door is performed by a door lock device (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, in the door handle 10 ′ of a type in which the handle cap 13 is not provided and the key cylinder 14 is hidden by the handle grip 12, the proximity sensor 1 is incorporated inside the handle grip 12.

  Next, the configuration and assembly procedure of the proximity sensor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on FIGS. 4 to 6.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the proximity sensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view, (b) is a bottom view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of (b). The proximity sensor 1 shown in the drawings is incorporated in the handle cap 13 of the door handle 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and includes a case 2 provided on the outer surface side of the vehicle door, and the case 2 The detection electrode 4 disposed on the bottom surface portion 2A of the hollow portion S, the cable 5 electrically connecting the detection electrode 4 to the external device, and the detection electrode 4 in the hollow portion S of the case 2 overlap in plan view The hollow portion S of the case 2 in which the circuit board 6 is accommodated is provided with a rectangular flat circuit board 6 disposed at the same position and a connection terminal 7 for electrically connecting the circuit board 6 and the cable 5. It is configured by sealing with a filler 8 such as a potting material. The hollow portion S of the case 2 may be sealed by low pressure molding. In addition, a cover of another member may be provided in the hollow portion S of the case 2 and the opening of the hollow portion S may be closed by the cover.

  Here, an assembly procedure of the proximity sensor 1 configured as described above will be described below based on FIGS. 5 and 6.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing a state before incorporating the circuit board of the proximity sensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is (b) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a view showing a state before sealing the case hollow portion of the proximity sensor, FIG. It is the DD sectional view taken on the line of (b).

  The case 2 is integrally formed of a nonconductive resin into a rectangular box shape, and has a hollow portion S whose one surface is open (see FIG. 5C). The drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B constituting the detection electrode 4 are integrated with the bottom surface portion 2A of the hollow portion S of the case 2 by insert molding. The drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B are for detecting the approach or contact of the user to the proximity sensor 1 by the change in capacitance, and as shown in FIG. The elongated rectangular metal plates are arranged in parallel to each other to face the circuit board 6. In the present embodiment, although the mutual capacitance system constituted by the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B is adopted, a self-capacitance system may be applied and the proximity sensor may be constituted by one electrode.

  And as shown in FIG.5 (c), the connection parts 4a and 4b bent at the right angle are each formed in the longitudinal direction end (left end of FIG.5 (c)) of the said drive electrode 4A and the receiving electrode 4B. These connection portions 4 a and 4 b project into the hollow portion S of the case 2.

  Here, at the center in the width direction of one longitudinal end (left end in FIG. 5) of the case 2, a bracket-shaped mounting portion 2 </ b> B horizontally projecting is integrally formed. And in this mounting part 2B, the circular hole 2a for the said screw 3 shown in FIG. 2 to penetrate is formed.

  Further, at the other end (the right end in FIG. 5) of the case 2 in the longitudinal direction (the right end in FIG. 5), a side surface portion 2C is integrally formed standing from the bottom surface portion 2A. The two connection terminals 7 are integrally formed by insert molding (resin molding). The connection terminals 7 are arranged in parallel to one another and extend from one longitudinal end (left end in FIG. 5B) of each connection terminal 7 outward in the width direction (vertically in FIG. 5B). The extended portions constitute connection portions 7a bent at a right angle, and these connection portions 7a project into the hollow portion S of the case 2 as shown in FIG. 5 (c).

  Furthermore, the other longitudinal end (right end in FIG. 5B) of the two connection terminals 7 is bent at a right angle and formed into a flat plate. Then, bosses 2D are respectively formed at both ends in the width direction of the side face 2C of the case 2 (see FIG. 5B), and the end of the cable 5 is inserted into each boss 2D. . Here, the cable 5 electrically connects the drive electrode 4A constituting the detection electrode 4 and the reception electrode 4B to an external device, and a cable terminal 5A made of conductive metal is provided at each end thereof. ing.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 5C, the cable terminals 5A of the cables 5 and the connection terminals 7 are integrated with the case 2 by insert molding (resin molding) in a state where both are electrically connected. Are provided.

  As described above, the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B constituting the detection electrode 4 are integrally provided on the bottom surface 2A of the case 2 by insert molding, and the cable terminals 5A of the cables 5 and the connection terminals 7 are insert molded. The connection portions 4a and 4b of the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B and the connection portions 7a of the two connection terminals 7 project into the hollow portion S of the case 2 by being integrally formed with the case 2 (by resin molding). In the state, as shown in FIG. 6C, the circuit board 6 is incorporated into the hollow portion S of the case 2. Specifically, circular holes 6a are formed at four locations on the circuit board 6 (locations corresponding to the connection portions 4a and 4b of the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B and the connection portions 7a of the connection terminals 7). (See FIG. 6B), the hollow portion of the case 2 through the respective connection portions 4a and 4b of the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B and the connection portions 7a of the connection terminals 7 in the respective holes 6a. The circuit board 6 is soldered to the connection portions 4a, 4b and 7a in a state where the circuit board 6 is in contact with the step portion 2b of the case 2 and the both are electrically connected (FIG. 6) (B)). Then, the circuit board 6 is accommodated and fixed in the hollow portion S of the case 2 as shown in FIG. 6C, and the circuit board 6 and the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B electrically connected thereto are connected to each other. The drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B are electrically connected to an external device through the cable 5 via the cable terminals 5A electrically connected to the connection portions 4a, 4b, 7a of the terminals 7 and the connection terminal 7.

  When the circuit board 6 is accommodated and fixed in the hollow portion S of the case 2 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the hollow portion S of the case 2 is filled with a filling material such as a potting material. By sealing with 8, the proximity sensor 1 shown in FIG. 4 is obtained.

  As described above, according to the proximity sensor 1 according to the present embodiment, since the single detection electrode 4 including the pair of drive electrodes 4A and the reception electrode 4B which also serve as the lock sensor and the unlock sensor is used, this detection electrode The structure of the proximity sensor 1 including 4 can be simplified, and the proximity sensor 1 can be modularized as the minimum necessary size.

  Further, in the state where the cable terminal 5A and the connection terminal 7 are electrically connected, since both are integrally formed on the case 2 by molding (resin molding), the connection between the cable terminal 5A and the connection terminal 7 is performed. The effect is obtained that the waterproofness and strength of the part can be enhanced.

Second Embodiment
Next, a proximity sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below based on FIGS. 7 to 9.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a proximity sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of (b); 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the assembly procedure of the proximity sensor in the order of steps, in which FIG. 8 (a) is a plan view, FIG. 8 (b) is a bottom view, and FIG. 8 (c) is FIG. 9 (a) is a plan view, FIG. 9 (b) is a bottom view, and FIG. 9 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G of FIG. 9 (b). In the figure, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the proximity sensor 1 'according to the present embodiment, a rectangular box-shaped connector portion 2E integrally erected from the bottom portion 2A is integrally formed on the case 2, and insert molding (resin molding) is performed on the case 2 The respective cable terminals 7b bent at right angles of the two connection terminals 7 integrally provided by the above are projected into the inside of the connector portion 7E.

  Then, by inserting the connector terminal 9 attached to one end of the cable 5 into the connector portion 2E (see FIG. 8C) of the case 2, the circuit board 6 and the drive electrode 4A electrically connected to the circuit board 6 are obtained. The drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B are electrically connected to an external device through the cable 5 via the reception electrode 4B and the cable terminals 7b of the connection terminals 7 and the connector terminals 9 electrically connected to the cable terminals 7b. Be done.

  Thus, in the proximity sensor 1 ′ according to the present embodiment, as in the proximity sensor 1 according to the first embodiment, the proximity sensor 1 ′ also includes the pair of drive electrodes 4A and the reception electrodes 4B that also serve as the lock sensor and the unlock sensor. Since the single detection electrode 4 is used, the structure of the proximity sensor 1 ′ including the detection electrode 4 is simplified, and the proximity sensor 1 ′ can be modularized as the minimum necessary size.

[Keyless entry device]
Next, an embodiment of a keyless entry device according to the present invention will be described below based on the attached drawings.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the keyless entry device according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is an electric circuit diagram of the keyless entry device.

  In the keyless entry device 20 according to the present embodiment, the driver carries the electronic key 21 (see FIG. 10) which is a portable transmitter and brings his or her hand close to or in contact with the door handle 10 of the vehicle shown in FIG. Automatically lock the vehicle door or unlock the vehicle door.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the keyless entry device 20 according to the present embodiment includes the proximity sensor 1 incorporated in the handle cap 13 of the door handle 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the proximity sensor 1. The antenna 22, which transmits and receives signals to and from the electronic key 21 when it detects proximity or contact of the driver's hand to the door handle 10, locks or unlocks the door of the vehicle, and the detection circuit 23 (see FIG. 11). It comprises an actuator 24 such as a latch device, and a controller 25 that detects the OPN / OFF of the proximity sensor 1 by the output of the proximity sensor 1 and reversely controls the actuator 24. The controller 25 is connected to a DC power supply Vcc. The antenna 22 is disposed on a center pillar or the like of a vehicle body (not shown) close to the door of the vehicle in which the door handle 10 is disposed.

  Here, the proximity sensor 1 includes the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B that constitute the detection electrode 4 as described above, and the detection circuit 23 includes the reception electrode 4B of the proximity sensor 1 as shown in FIG. It is provided in a path connecting to the controller 25, and includes an operational amplifier 26 and a diode 27. Further, a capacitor C for charging and a resistor R for discharging are provided in a path connecting the receiving electrode 4 B and the controller 25.

  By the way, the controller 25 has a function of applying a pulse voltage to the drive electrode 4A of the proximity sensor 1, a function of detecting ON / OFF of the proximity sensor 1, and ON of the proximity sensor 1 to detect A function of transmitting a request signal to the electronic key 21 and a function of collating a code signal transmitted from the electronic key 21 to the antenna 22 in response to a request signal transmitted from the antenna 22 with a code signal specific to a vehicle And, when both code signals coincide with each other, the actuator 24 is reversely controlled to lock or unlock the door of the vehicle. Although not shown, the controller 25 incorporates an oscillator that generates a pulse voltage, a timer that measures the oscillation time of the oscillator, a memory that stores the measured voltage value, and the like.

  Next, the processing procedure by the controller 25 of the keyless entry device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described below based on FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the keyless entry device 20. First, when the keyless entry device 20 is operated, a pulse voltage of a predetermined frequency (for example, 125 kHz) is applied from the controller 25 to the drive electrode 4A of the proximity sensor 1. Is applied (step S1 in FIG. 12).

  Then, an electric field is generated between the drive electrode 4A and the reception electrode 4B of the proximity sensor 1, an electric line of force is generated from the drive electrode 4A toward the reception electrode 4B, and a voltage is induced in the reception electrode 4B. The voltage induced on the receiving electrode 4B is amplified by the operational amplifier 26 of the detection circuit 23 to charge the capacitor C (step S2).

  Thus, for example, when the driver opens the locked door in order to get into the vehicle at a standstill, the driver approaches or contacts the vicinity of the handle cap 13 of the door handle 10 shown in FIG. In this case, a part of electric lines of force generated from the drive electrode 4A of the proximity sensor 1 incorporated in the door handle 10 toward the reception electrode 4B is absorbed by the hand of the driver who is a dielectric. As a result, the number of generated electric lines of force decreases, the voltage induced in the receiving electrode 4B decreases, and the charge (voltage) charged in the capacitor C also decreases.

  On the other hand, when the driver gets out of the vehicle, closes the door, and brings a hand close to or in contact with the vicinity of the handle cap 13 of the door handle 10 to bring the door in the unlocked state into the locked state. Is absorbed by the driver's hand, which is a part of the electric lines of force generated from the drive electrode 4A of the proximity sensor 1 toward the reception electrode 4B. As a result, the number of generated electric lines of force decreases, the voltage induced in the receiving electrode 4B decreases, and the charge (voltage) charged in the capacitor C also decreases.

  The application of the pulse voltage and the charging of the capacitor C are performed for a predetermined time set in advance. That is, the controller 25 determines whether or not the time measured by a timer (not shown) incorporated therein has exceeded a predetermined time (step S3), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S3: No) The above process (oscillation and charging) is repeated, and application of the pulse voltage is stopped (step S4) when a predetermined time has elapsed (step S3: Yes).

  Thereafter, the voltage value of the charged capacitor C is measured (step S5), and the measured voltage value is stored in a memory (not shown) (step S6). Then, it is determined whether the potential difference ΔV between the voltage value measured this time and the voltage value measured last time exceeds a predetermined threshold A (step S7). When the driver's hand approaches or contacts the door handle 10 shown in FIG. 1, the amount of charge charged to the capacitor C decreases as described above, so the voltage value of the capacitor C measured is the previous value. It becomes lower than the measured voltage value.

  As described above, when the potential difference ΔV between the voltage value measured this time and the voltage value measured last time is compared with the predetermined threshold A (step S7), the charge stored in the capacitor C is the controller 25. Is read by the resistor R when the voltage value is read (steps S8 and S15).

  As a result of the determination in step S7, when the potential difference ΔV between the voltage value measured this time and the voltage value measured last time exceeds the predetermined threshold A (ΔV> A) (step S7: Yes) It is determined that the proximity sensor 1 is turned on (step S9). As such, when it is determined that the proximity sensor 1 is turned on, the controller 25 transmits a request signal to the electronic key 21 carried by the driver (step S10). Then, the electronic key 21 receiving this request signal sends a code signal back to the antenna 22 (step S11).

  Then, the controller 25 collates the code signal returned from the electronic key 21 with the code signal unique to the vehicle, and determines whether or not both match (step S12). As a result of this determination, when the code signal returned from the electronic key 21 matches the code signal unique to the vehicle (step S12: Yes), the actuator 24 is reversely controlled to lock (unlock) or unlock the door. Lock (unlock) (step S13). For example, when the actuator 24 is reversely controlled while the door is in a locked state, the door is unlocked (unlocked), and conversely, when the door is in an unlocked state, the actuator 24 is unlocked. When the reverse control is performed, the door is locked.

  As described above, when the actuator 24 is reversely controlled and the door is locked (locked) or unlocked (unlocked), the series of processes is completed, and the same processes are repeated thereafter (step S14).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S7, when the potential difference ΔV between the voltage value measured this time and the voltage value measured last time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold A (ΔV ≦ A) (step S7: No), When the controller 25 reads a voltage value, the charge stored in the capacitor C is discharged by the resistor R (step S15), and it is determined that the proximity sensor 1 is in the OFF state (step S16). If, as a result of the determination in step S12, the code signal sent back from the electronic key 21 does not match the code signal unique to the vehicle (step S12: No), the process is terminated as it is, and so forth. Are repeated (step S14).

  As described above, according to the keyless entry device 20 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the proximity sensor 1 is turned on, the controller 25 is an actuator that locks (unlocks) or unlocks (locks) the door. Since 24 is reversely controlled, a single detection electrode 4 composed of a pair of drive electrodes 4A and reception electrodes 4B can perform the functions of a lock sensor and an unlock sensor. A proximity switch 1 including the detection electrodes 4 is provided. In addition, the keyless entry device 20 including the proximity switch 1 can be miniaturized.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to module the antenna 22 in the proximity sensor 1, an effect is obtained that the proximity sensor 1 and the keyless entry device 20 including the same can be further miniaturized.

1, 1 'Proximity sensor 2 Case 2A Case bottom 2B Case mounting part 2C Case side part 2D Case boss 2E Case connector 2a Case circular hole 2b Case step 3 Screw 4 Detection electrode 4A drive Electrode 4B Reception electrode 4a Drive electrode connection portion 4b Reception electrode connection portion 5 Cable 5A Cable terminal 6 Circuit board 6a Circular hole of circuit board 7 Connection terminal 7a Connection terminal connection portion 7b Cable terminal cable terminal 8 Filler 9 Connector Terminal 10 door handle 11 door outer panel 12 handle grip 13 handle cap 14 key cylinder 20 keyless entry device 21 electronic key (portable transmitter)
22 antenna 23 detection circuit 24 actuator 25 controller 26 op amp 27 diode S hollow case

Claims (8)

A case having a hollow portion open on one side and provided on the outer surface side of the vehicle door;
A detection electrode integrated with the bottom of the hollow portion of the case by insert molding and detecting a user's touch by a change in capacitance;
A connecting portion protruding from the detection electrode into the hollow portion of the case;
A circuit board electrically connected to the connection portion and disposed at a position overlapping the detection electrode in the hollow portion of the case;
A cable electrically connecting the detection electrode to an external device;
In the proximity sensor provided with
A proximity sensor characterized in that connection terminals for electrically connecting the circuit board and the cable are integrally formed by resin molding on side surfaces erected from a bottom surface of the case.   A cable terminal electrically connected to the connection terminal is provided in the cable, and in a state where the cable terminal and the connection terminal are electrically connected, both are integrally provided in the case by resin molding. The proximity sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that   The cable terminal is provided as a part of the connection terminal, and a connector portion for electrically connecting the connector terminal formed on the cable and the connection terminal is formed in the case. Proximity sensor.   The proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hollow portion of the case is sealed by a potting material or a low pressure mold.   The proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the case is integrally formed with an attachment portion attachable to a door handle provided on an outer surface side of the vehicle door.   The detection electrode is composed of a flat drive electrode and a reception electrode electrically connected to a detection circuit formed on the circuit board, and the drive electrode and the reception electrode are opposed to the circuit board. The proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the proximity sensor is arranged in parallel. A proximity sensor built into the vehicle's door handle;
An antenna for transmitting and receiving signals between the proximity sensor and a portable transmitter;
An actuator for locking or unlocking the door of the vehicle;
The antenna detects that the code signal received from the portable transmitter matches the code signal unique to the vehicle, and detects the ON / OFF of the proximity sensor by the output of the proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor A controller that drives the actuator to lock or unlock the door when it is turned on;
In the keyless entry device provided with
The proximity sensor is configured of the proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the controller turns on the proximity sensor when the output reduction amount of the proximity sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. A keyless entry device characterized in that it is determined. The keyless entry device according to claim 7, wherein the controller reversely controls the actuator that locks or unlocks the door when it is determined that the proximity sensor is turned on.

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