JP2021025206A - Vehicle operation detector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicle operation detector capable of inhibiting opening/closing actuation of an opening/closing body from being caused by erroneous detection of a user's operation.SOLUTION: A control circuit performs opening/closing actuation on a vehicle door in the case that a value of second electrostatic capacitance C2 is equal to or larger than an approach determination value Cth (step 102: YES), each of ratios R21, R23 is equal to or larger than a ratio determination value Rth (step 104: YES), each of values of difference δ21, δ23 is equal to or larger than a difference determination value δth (step 106: YES), each of values of first electrostatic capacitance C1 and third electrostatic capacitance C3 is smaller than a first absolute value determination value Ath1 (step 107: YES), and a value of fourth electrostatic capacitance C4 exceeds a second absolute value determination value Ath2 (step 108: YES).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle operation detection device.

Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle window sensor including a sensor electrode provided on the window glass of the vehicle and a capacitance detection circuit for detecting the capacitance between the sensor electrode and the vehicle body. The vehicle window sensor can automatically unlock and open the door when it detects that the user has approached the vehicle based on the change in capacitance.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-213206

However, in the vehicle window sensor as described above, the capacitance may change even when the user leans against the window glass or a liquid such as rainwater adheres to the outer surface of the window glass. Therefore, the vehicle window sensor as described above may open the door when it is not in a situation where the door should be opened.

It should be noted that this situation is generally common not only to the vehicle window sensor that operates the door when the user approaches the vehicle, but also to the vehicle operation detection device that detects the user's operation and opens and closes the opening / closing body of the vehicle. It is supposed to be done.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operation detection device capable of suppressing the opening / closing operation of an opening / closing body due to erroneous detection of a user's operation.

The vehicle operation detection device that solves the above problems is provided adjacent to the main sensor electrode whose capacitance increases as the detection target approaches and the main sensor electrode, and is static as the detection target approaches. A sub-sensor electrode having a large electric capacity and a control unit that controls an actuator to open and close the opening / closing body of the vehicle are provided, and the control unit has a capacitance of the main sensor electrode and a preset approach determination value. The opening / closing body is opened / closed based on the result of the main determination in which the magnitude is compared with the above and the result of the additional determination based on the capacitance of the sub sensor electrode.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the result of the main judgment which is a size comparison between the capacitance of the main sensor electrode and the proximity judgment value, the opening / closing body is made in consideration of the result of the additional judgment based on the capacitance of the sub sensor electrode. Since the opening / closing operation is performed, it is possible to suppress the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing body due to an erroneous detection of the user's operation.

In the vehicle operation detection device, the sub-sensor electrode includes a first sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the main sensor electrodes in the horizontal direction while mounted on the vehicle. The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the ratio of the capacitance of the main sensor electrode to the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and the preset ratio determination value, and the control unit controls the main sensor. When the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode is equal to or greater than the approach determination value and the ratio is equal to or greater than the ratio determination value, it is preferable to open and close the opening / closing body.

For example, when the user leans against the opening / closing body, a portion of the user's body having a large area such as the back approaches as a detection target. In this case, not only the capacitance of the main sensor electrode increases, but also the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode provided adjacent to the main sensor electrode in the horizontal direction tends to increase, and the main sensor tends to increase. The ratio of the capacitance of the electrode to the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode is unlikely to increase. On the other hand, when the user is operated, a part of the user's body having a small area such as a hand approaches as a detection target. In this case, even if the capacitance of the main sensor electrode increases, the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode does not easily increase, and the capacitance of the main sensor electrode and the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode The ratio of Therefore, as in the above configuration, by comparing the magnitude of the ratio and the ratio determination value as an additional determination, it is possible to suitably suppress erroneous detection of the user's operation.

In the vehicle operation detection device, the sub-sensor electrode includes a first sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the main sensor electrodes in the horizontal direction while mounted on the vehicle. The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the difference between the capacitance of the main sensor electrode and the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and the preset difference determination value, and the control unit controls the main sensor. When the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode is equal to or greater than the approach determination value and the difference is equal to or greater than the difference determination value, it is preferable to open and close the opening / closing body.

For example, when the user leans against the opening / closing body, not only the capacitance of the main sensor electrode increases as described above, but also the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode tends to increase. The difference between the capacitance and the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode is unlikely to be large. On the other hand, when the user operates, even if the capacitance of the main sensor electrode increases as described above, the capacitance of the first sub sensor electrode does not easily increase, so that the main sensor electrode is static. The difference between the capacitance and the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode tends to be large. Therefore, as in the above configuration, by performing a magnitude comparison between the difference and the difference determination value as an additional determination, it is possible to suitably suppress erroneous detection of the user's operation.

In the vehicle operation detection device, the sub-sensor electrode includes a first sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the main sensor electrodes in the horizontal direction while mounted on the vehicle. The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and the preset first absolute value determination value, and the control unit determines that the capacitance of the main sensor electrode is the approach determination. When the value is equal to or greater than the value and the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode is less than the first absolute value determination value, it is preferable to open and close the opening / closing body.

As described above, for example, when the user leans against the opening / closing body, the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode tends to increase, and when the user operates, the first sub-sensor electrode is static. It is difficult for the electric capacity to increase. Therefore, as in the above configuration, by comparing the magnitude of the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and the first absolute value determination value as an additional determination, it is possible to suitably suppress erroneous detection of the user's operation.

In the vehicle operation detection device, the sub-sensor electrode includes a second sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to the main sensor electrode in the vertical direction in the state of being mounted on the vehicle, and the additional determination is made. Includes a magnitude comparison between the capacitance of the second sub-sensor electrode and the preset second absolute value determination value, and the control unit has the capacitance of the main sensor electrode equal to or greater than the approach determination value. Therefore, it is preferable to open and close the opening / closing body when the capacitance of the second sub-sensor electrode exceeds the second absolute value determination value.

When the user operates, the capacitance of the second sub-sensor electrode provided adjacent to the main sensor electrode on the upper side in the vertical direction tends to increase as well as the capacitance of the main sensor electrode. On the other hand, when water splashes on the opening / closing body due to, for example, rainfall, the capacitance of the second secondary sensor electrode is unlikely to increase. Therefore, as in the above configuration, by comparing the magnitude of the capacitance of the second sub-sensor electrode and the second absolute value determination value as an additional determination, it is possible to suitably suppress erroneous detection of the user's operation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing body due to erroneous detection of the user's operation.

The schematic diagram of the vehicle which comprises the operation detection device for a vehicle which concerns on one Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the schematic structure of the vehicle door. The schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the operation detection device for a vehicle. A flowchart illustrating a flow of processing executed by a control circuit to open and operate a vehicle door. The graph which shows an example of the capacitance change of a sensor electrode when a user operates an operation detection device for a vehicle. The graph which shows an example of the capacitance change of a sensor electrode when a user leans against an operation detection device for a vehicle. The graph which shows an example of the capacitance change of a sensor electrode at the time of opening and closing operation of a window glass. The graph which shows an example of the capacitance change of a sensor electrode when water splashes on a window glass. The graph which shows an example of the capacitance change of a sensor electrode when water splashes on a window glass.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle operation detection device (hereinafter, also referred to as a “detection device”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 2a is formed on the side of the body 2 of a vehicle 1 such as an automobile. Further, as an example of the opening / closing body, a sliding vehicle door 3 that opens / closes the opening 2a as the vehicle moves in the front-rear direction is mounted on the side portion of the body 2. That is, the opening / closing direction of the vehicle door 3 substantially coincides with the horizontal direction. The vehicle door 3 includes a substantially bag-shaped door body 4 that constitutes the lower portion thereof, and a window glass 5 that moves forward and backward from the door body 4. The door body 4 is provided with a door lock 6 that locks and unlocks the vehicle door 3 in the closed state.

A door drive unit 11 is installed on the vehicle door 3. The door drive unit 11 is mainly composed of a drive source such as an electric motor, and opens and closes the vehicle door 3 via a door drive mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment, the door drive unit 11 corresponds to an example of an actuator that opens and closes the vehicle door 3.

Further, on the vehicle door 3, for example, a door lock drive unit 12 is installed adjacent to the door lock 6. The door lock drive unit 12 is mainly composed of a drive source such as an electric motor, and locks and unlocks the door lock 6 via an appropriate lock drive mechanism.

The door drive unit 11 and the door lock drive unit 12 are electrically connected to a door ECU 10 composed of a microcomputer or the like, and their operation is individually controlled by the door ECU 10. The door ECU 10 drives the door drive unit 11 to open the vehicle door 3 when an open operation command signal is input from the electronic key which is a portable device carried by the user and the detection device 30 described later. On the other hand, the door ECU 10 drives the door drive unit 11 to close the vehicle door 3 when the closing operation command signal is input from the electronic key and the detection device 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the door body 4 is formed in a substantially bag shape by fitting, for example, the open ends of a substantially dish-shaped door outer panel 21 and a door inner panel 22 made of a metal plate. A door trim 23 that forms the interior design of the vehicle 1 is attached to the door inner panel 22. A detection device 30 that detects an operation from the outside of the vehicle by the user is arranged above the door trim 23.

Next, the detection device 30 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the detection device 30 includes a first sensor electrode 31, a second sensor electrode 32, and a third sensor electrode 33 that are arranged at intervals in the opening / closing direction of the vehicle door 3. .. Further, the detection device 30 includes a fourth sensor electrode 34 arranged at intervals on the upper side in the vertical direction of the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, and the third sensor electrode 33. The detection device 30 includes a detection circuit 35 connected to the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34, and a control circuit 36 that outputs a control signal to the door ECU 10. I have. Further, the detection device 30 includes a substrate 37 on which the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, the fourth sensor electrode 34, the detection circuit 35, and the control circuit 36 are mounted, and the detection device 30. It includes a housing 38 for accommodating the components.

The housing 38 is formed in a long shape. The length of the housing 38 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the window glass 5 of the vehicle door 3 in the front-rear direction.
The first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, and the third sensor electrode 33 are formed in a quadrangular plate shape, and the areas orthogonal to the plate thickness direction are substantially equal to each other. The first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, and the third sensor electrode 33 are arranged linearly along the vehicle front-rear direction so as to form a row. Specifically, the first sensor electrode 31 is located most in front of the vehicle, the third sensor electrode 33 is located most in the rear of the vehicle, and the second sensor electrode 32 is located between the first sensor electrode 31 and the third sensor electrode 33. positioned. It is preferable that each of the sensor electrodes 31, 32, 33 has a length (for example, 10 cm to 20 cm) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle according to the user's hand. The fourth sensor electrode 34 is formed in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate. The length of the fourth sensor electrode 34 in the vehicle front-rear direction is substantially equal to the length of the entire first sensor electrode 31, second sensor electrode 32, and third sensor electrode 33 arranged in a row in the vehicle front-rear direction.

The first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34 form a pseudo capacitor together with the detection target approaching the respective sensor electrodes 31, 32, 33, 34. Therefore, the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34 become the detection target as the detection target approaches the respective sensor electrodes 31, 32, 33, 34. The electrostatic capacity determined by the positional relationship increases. The detection range of each of the sensor electrodes 31, 32, 33, 34 extends to the outside of the vehicle so that the capacitance of the detection target increases when the detection target approaches from the outside of the vehicle.

For convenience of explanation, in the present specification, the capacitance determined by the positional relationship between the sensor electrode and the detection target is also simply referred to as "capacitance in the sensor electrode". Further, the capacitance of the first sensor electrode 31 is also referred to as "first capacitance C1", the capacitance of the second sensor electrode 32 is also referred to as "second capacitance C2", and the third sensor electrode 33 The capacitance is also referred to as "third capacitance C3", and the capacitance of the fourth sensor electrode 34 is also referred to as "fourth capacitance C4". Further, when any sensor electrode among the sensor electrodes 31, 32, 33, 34 is described, reference numerals will be omitted.

The detection circuit 35 outputs an oscillation signal to the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34, so that the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, and the second sensor electrode 35 A signal indicating the capacitance of the 3 sensor electrode 33 and the 4th sensor electrode 34 is output. Then, the detection circuit 35 controls the signals obtained by A / D (analog / digital) conversion of the signals output from the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34, respectively. Output to the circuit 36.

The control circuit 36 executes various arithmetic processes based on the signal output from the detection circuit 35, and outputs a control signal according to the result to the door ECU 10. Specifically, the control circuit 36 is changed so that the capacitances of the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34 satisfy specific conditions by the operation of the user. In this case, an open operation command signal for opening the vehicle door 3 or a close operation command signal for closing the vehicle door 3 is output to the door ECU 10.

Hereinafter, the conditions under which the control circuit 36 outputs the open operation command signal and the close operation command signal to the door ECU 10 will be described.
The detection device 30 of the present embodiment is an operation of maintaining the state in which the hand is brought close to the second sensor electrode 32 for a while, that is, the second hand to be detected by the user. It is assumed that the sensor electrode 32 is held over the sensor electrode 32. Then, the control circuit 36 determines the door ECU 10 when the capacitances of the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34 change according to the operation of the user. The open operation command signal and the close operation command signal are output to.

That is, in the detection device 30, the second sensor electrode 32 is used as a sensor electrode corresponding to the main sensor electrode, and the first sensor electrode 31, the third sensor electrode 33, and the fourth sensor electrode 34 correspond to the sub sensor electrode. It is used as a sensor electrode. Then, with the detection device 30 mounted on the vehicle, the first sensor electrode 31 and the third sensor electrode 33 provided so as to be adjacent to the second sensor electrode 32 in the vehicle front-rear direction, that is, in the horizontal direction, respectively. Corresponds to the first sub-sensor electrode. Further, when the detection device 30 is mounted on the vehicle, the fourth sensor electrode 34 provided so as to be adjacent to the second sensor electrode 32 on the upper side in the vertical direction corresponds to the second sub sensor electrode.

The detection device 30 is preset with an approach determination value Cth for determining that the detection target has approached the sensor electrode. Therefore, the control circuit 36 determines that the case where the second capacitance C2 of the second sensor electrode 32 is equal to or greater than the approach determination value Cth is the case where the detection target is approaching the second sensor electrode 32, and the second static electricity. When the capacitance C2 is less than the approach determination value Cth, it is determined that the detection target is not approaching the second sensor electrode 32. The approach determination value Cth may be appropriately set according to the detection sensitivity of the detection device 30.

By the way, for example, when the user leans against the vehicle door 3, rainwater or the like adheres to the outer surface of the window glass 5 due to rainfall, or the window glass 5 is opened and closed by driving a window regulator (not shown). The capacitances of the 1 sensor electrode 31, the 2nd sensor electrode 32, the 3rd sensor electrode 33, and the 4th sensor electrode 34 can change. Therefore, in the detection device of the comparative example configured to output the open operation command signal or the close operation command signal based only on the result of the main judgment which is the magnitude comparison between the second capacitance C2 and the approach judgment value Cth. In the above case, the vehicle door 3 may be erroneously opened and closed.

Here, for example, when the user leans against the vehicle door 3, a portion of the user's body having a large area such as the back approaches as a detection target, and not only the second capacitance C2 becomes large. The first capacitance C1 of the first sensor electrode 31 and the third capacitance C3 of the third sensor electrode 33, which are provided adjacent to the second sensor electrode 32 in the horizontal direction, also tend to increase. Further, even when the window glass 5 opens and closes, the distance between the window glass 5 to be detected and the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, and the third sensor electrode 33 changes, so that the first static state is obtained. The capacitance C1, the second capacitance C2, and the third capacitance C3 change in the same tendency. On the other hand, when the user operates, a part of the user's body having a small area such as a hand approaches as a detection target, so that even if the second capacitance C2 becomes large, the first static electricity is generated. The electric capacity C1 and the third capacitance C3 are unlikely to increase.

Further, when the user operates, when the second capacitance C2 becomes large, the fourth static electricity of the fourth sensor electrode 34 provided adjacent to the upper side in the vertical direction with respect to the second sensor electrode 32 is increased. The capacitance C4 also tends to increase. On the other hand, for example, when a liquid such as rainwater adheres to the vehicle door 3, even if the second capacitance C2 becomes large, the fourth capacitance C4 is unlikely to become large.

Based on the above points, the control circuit 36 has the first capacitance C1, the third capacitance C3, and the fourth static electricity in addition to the main determination for comparing the magnitude of the second capacitance C2 and the approach determination value Cth. An additional determination is made based on the capacitance C4. Then, the control circuit 36 outputs an open operation command signal or a close operation command signal when the main determination and the additional determination are established.

As the main determination, the control circuit 36 compares the magnitude of the second capacitance C2 with the approach determination value Cth as described above. Then, when the second capacitance C2 becomes equal to or greater than the approach determination value Cth over the determination time Tth, it is determined that the main determination has been established. The determination time Tth may be appropriately determined in consideration of the operability of the user, and may be, for example, about 1 second.

The control circuit 36 makes the following four determinations as additional determinations. In the first additional determination, the ratio R21 (R21 = C2 / C1) between the second capacitance C2 and the first capacitance C1 and the ratio R23 between the second capacitance C2 and the third capacitance C3. (R23 = C2 / C3) is used. The detection device 30 has a ratio determination value Rth for determining in advance that the detection target is close to the second sensor electrode 32 and the detection target is not close to the first sensor electrode 31 or the third sensor electrode 33. It is set. As the first additional determination, the control circuit 36 compares the magnitude of the ratios R21 and R23 with the ratio determination value Rth, respectively. Then, the control circuit 36 determines that the first additional determination is established when the ratios R21 and R23 are equal to or greater than the ratio determination value Rth over the determination time Tth, respectively.

In the second additional determination, the difference δ21 (δ21 = C2-C1) between the second capacitance C2 and the first capacitance C1 and the difference δ23 between the second capacitance C2 and the third capacitance C3. (Δ23 = C2-C3) is used. The detection device 30 is previously provided with a difference determination value δth for determining that the detection target is close to the second sensor electrode 32 and that the detection target is not close to the first sensor electrode 31 or the third sensor electrode 33. It is set. As the second additional determination, the control circuit 36 compares the magnitude of the differences δ21 and δ23 with the difference determination value δth, respectively. Then, the control circuit 36 determines that the second additional determination is established when the differences δ21 and δ23 are equal to or greater than the difference determination value δth over the determination time Tth, respectively.

In the third additional determination, the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 are used. The detection device 30 is preset with a first absolute value determination value Ath1 for determining that the detection target is not close to the first sensor electrode 31 or the third sensor electrode 33. As the third additional determination, the control circuit 36 compares the magnitude of the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 with the first absolute value determination value Ath1, respectively. Then, the control circuit 36 determines that the third additional determination is established when the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 are each less than the first absolute value determination value Ath1 over the determination time Tth. judge.

In the fourth additional determination, the fourth capacitance C4 is used. The detection device 30 is set with a second absolute value determination value Ath2 for determining that the detection target is not close to the fourth sensor electrode 34. As the fourth additional determination, the control circuit 36 compares the magnitude of the fourth capacitance C4 and the second absolute value determination value Ath2. Then, the control circuit 36 determines that the fourth additional determination has been established when the fourth capacitance C4 exceeds the second absolute value determination value Ath2 over the determination time Tth.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the detection device 30 is based on the variation mode of the plurality of first capacitance C1, second capacitance C2, third capacitance C3, and fourth capacitance C4. It can be said that the detection device has the control unit 41 in that it determines whether or not the user's operation has been performed and outputs a signal for operating the vehicle door 3 based on the determination result.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, a flow of processing executed by the control circuit 36 for opening and operating the vehicle door 3 in the fully closed position will be described. This process is a process executed every predetermined control cycle when the vehicle door 3 is located at the fully closed position. The process flow executed by the control circuit 36 for closing the vehicle door 3 in the fully open position may be the same process flow.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control circuit 36 acquires various state quantities including the first capacitance C1, the second capacitance C2, the third capacitance C3, and the fourth capacitance C4 (step 101). ). Subsequently, the control circuit 36 determines whether or not the second capacitance C2 is equal to or greater than the approach determination value Cth (step 102). When the second capacitance C2 is less than the approach determination value Cth (step 102: NO), that is, when the user's hand is not close to the second sensor electrode 32, the control circuit 36 ends this process. ..

On the other hand, when the second capacitance C2 is equal to or greater than the approach determination value Cth (step 102: YES), that is, when the user's hand is close to the second sensor electrode 32, the control circuit 36 determines the ratio R21. Calculate R23 (step 103). Subsequently, the control circuit 36 determines whether or not the ratio R21 is equal to or greater than the ratio determination value Rth and the ratio R23 is equal to or greater than the ratio determination value Rth (step 104), and at least one of the ratios R21 and R23 is less than the ratio determination value Rth. (Step 104: NO), that is, when, for example, the user is leaning against the window glass 5, this process ends. On the other hand, when the ratio R21 is equal to or greater than the ratio determination value Rth and the ratio R23 is equal to or greater than the ratio determination value Rth (step 104: YES), that is, when the user holds his / her hand over the second sensor electrode 32, the difference δ21, Calculate δ23 (step 105).

Subsequently, the control circuit 36 determines whether or not the difference δ21 is equal to or greater than the difference determination value δth and the difference δ23 is equal to or greater than the difference determination value δth (step 106), and at least one of the differences δ21 and δ23 is less than the difference determination value δth. (Step 106: NO), that is, when, for example, the window glass 5 is open / closed, this process ends. On the other hand, when the difference δ21 is the difference determination value δth or more and the difference δ23 is the difference determination value δth or more (step 106: YES), that is, when the user holds his / her hand over the second sensor electrode 32, the control circuit 36 Determines whether or not the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 are each less than the first absolute value determination value Ath1 (step 107).

Subsequently, in the control circuit 36, when at least one of the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 is the first absolute value determination value Ath1 or more (step 107: NO), that is, due to, for example, rainfall or car wash. If the window glass 5 is splashed with water, this process is terminated. On the other hand, when the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 are each less than the first absolute value determination value Ath1 (step 107: YES), that is, the user holds his / her hand over the second sensor electrode 32. In this case, the control circuit 36 determines whether or not the fourth capacitance C4 exceeds the second absolute value determination value Ath2 (step 108).

Subsequently, in the control circuit 36, when the fourth capacitance C4 is equal to or less than the second absolute value determination value Ath2 (step 108: NO), that is, the window glass 5 is splashed with water due to, for example, rainfall or car wash. If not, this process ends. On the other hand, when the fourth capacitance C4 exceeds the second absolute value determination value Ath2 (step 108: YES), that is, when the user holds his / her hand over the second sensor electrode 32, the control circuit 36 elapses. Acquire the time Te (step 109). The elapsed time Te is the elapsed time since step 108 was first positively determined. Therefore, the elapsed time Te is updated every time step 109 is executed until the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 is completed.

Then, the control circuit 36 determines whether or not the elapsed time Te is equal to or greater than the determination time Tth (step 110). When the elapsed time Te is less than the determination time Tth (step 110: NO), the control circuit 36 shifts to step 101. On the other hand, when the elapsed time Te is equal to or longer than the determination time Tth (step 110: YES), the control circuit 36 outputs an open operation command signal to the door ECU 10 (step 111).

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, the operation of the present embodiment when the vehicle door 3 located at the fully closed position is opened and operated will be described. It should be noted that the same operation is obtained when the vehicle door 3 located at the fully open position is closed, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

First, a case where the user operates the detection device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, as shown in the figure, when the user performs an operation, the first capacitance C1 and the fourth capacitance C4 become large, but the second capacitance C2 and the third capacitance C3 are almost changed. do not do. Then, at the timing t1, the second capacitance C2 becomes equal to or higher than the approach determination value Cth, and the fourth capacitance C4 becomes equal to or higher than the second absolute value determination value Ath2 at substantially the same timing. On the other hand, the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 are less than the first absolute value determination value Ath1. As a result, the ratios R21 and R23 are equal to or greater than the ratio determination value Rth, and the differences δ21 and δ23 are equal to or greater than the difference determination value δth, respectively. Therefore, when the main determination and all the additional determinations are established, it is determined that the user's operation is being performed, and the vehicle door 3 is opened when the determination time Tth elapses as it is.

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user leans against the vehicle door 3, the first capacitance C1, the second capacitance C2, the third capacitance C3, and the fourth capacitance C4 Each shows a large change in capacitance. Therefore, the ratios R21 and R23 become smaller, and the ratios R21 and R23 become less than the ratio determination value Rth, respectively. As a result, the vehicle door 3 does not open because it is determined that the operation is not performed by the user in the first additional determination.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the window glass 5 is opened and closed, the first capacitance C1, the second capacitance C2, the third capacitance C3, and the fourth capacitance C4 are large, respectively. It shows such a change in capacitance. Therefore, the differences δ21 and δ23 become smaller, and the differences δ21 and δ23 are each less than the ratio determination value Rth. As a result, the vehicle door 3 does not open because it is determined that the operation is not performed by the user in the second additional determination.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when water is splashed on the window glass 5 due to car washing or the like, not only the first capacitance C1 becomes large, but also the third capacitance C3 becomes large. Show change. As a result, the third capacitance C3 becomes the first absolute value determination value Ath1 or more, and it is determined that the operation is not the user's operation in the third additional determination, so that the vehicle door 3 does not open.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when water splashes on the window glass 5 due to rainfall or the like, the first capacitance C1 becomes large, but the fourth capacitance C4 hardly changes. Is shown. As a result, the fourth capacitance C4 becomes less than the second absolute value determination value Ath2, and it is determined in the fourth additional determination that the operation is not the user's operation, so that the vehicle door 3 does not open.

Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The control circuit 36 is based on the first capacitance C1, the third capacitance C3, and the fourth capacitance C4, in addition to the result of the magnitude comparison between the second capacitance C2 and the approach determination value Cth. The vehicle door 3 is opened and closed in consideration of the result of the additional determination. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vehicle door 3 from being opened and closed due to an erroneous detection of the user's operation.

(2) The first additional determination is made with the ratio R21 of the second capacitance C2 and the first capacitance C1 and the ratio R23 of the second capacitance C2 and the third capacitance C3. The control circuit 36 opens and closes the vehicle door 3 when the ratios R21 and R23 are equal to or higher than the ratio determination value Rth, respectively, as a comparison with the value Rth. As described above, for example, when the user leans against the opening / closing body, the ratios R21 and R23 are unlikely to increase, while when the user is operated, the ratios R21 and R23 tend to increase. Therefore, by comparing the magnitude of the ratios R21 and R23 with the ratio determination value Rth, erroneous detection of the user's operation can be suitably suppressed.

(3) The second additional determination is the difference determination between the difference δ21 between the second capacitance C2 and the first capacitance C1 and the difference δ23 between the second capacitance C2 and the third capacitance C3. The control circuit 36 opens and closes the vehicle door 3 when the differences δ21 and δ23 are equal to or greater than the difference determination value δth, respectively, as a comparison with the value δth. As described above, for example, when the window glass 5 is opened and closed, the differences δ21 and δ23 are unlikely to be large, while when the user's operation is performed, the differences δ21 and δ23 are likely to be large. Therefore, by comparing the magnitude of the differences δ21 and δ23 with the difference determination value δth, it is possible to suitably suppress erroneous detection of the user's operation.

(4) The third additional determination is a magnitude comparison between the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 and the first absolute value determination value Ath1, and the control circuit 36 has the first capacitance C1 and When the third capacitance C3 is less than the first absolute value determination value Ath1, the vehicle door 3 is opened and closed. As described above, when water splashes on the window glass 5 due to, for example, car washing, the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 tend to increase, and when the user operates, the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 are likely to increase. The 1st capacitance C1 and the 3rd capacitance C3 are unlikely to increase. Therefore, by comparing the magnitude of the first capacitance C1 and the third capacitance C3 with the first absolute value determination value Ath1, erroneous detection of the user's operation can be suitably suppressed.

(5) The fourth additional determination is a magnitude comparison between the fourth capacitance C4 and the second absolute value determination value Ath2, and in the control circuit 36, the fourth capacitance C4 is the second absolute value determination value Ath2. When the above is exceeded, the vehicle door 3 is opened and closed. When the user's operation is performed as described above, the fourth capacitance C4 tends to increase together with the second capacitance C2, while the fourth capacitance C4 tends to be large when water splashes on the window glass 5 due to rainfall, for example. Capacitance C4 is unlikely to increase. Therefore, by comparing the magnitude of the fourth capacitance C4 and the second absolute value determination value Ath2, it is possible to suitably suppress erroneous detection of the user's operation.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
-In the above embodiment, the determination time Tth may be appropriately set according to the preference of the user, and different determination times may be set between the main determination and the first to fourth additional determinations. Further, for at least one of the main determination and the first to fourth additional determinations, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the determination time Tth is zero, that is, whether or not the determination is established over the determination time.

-In the above embodiment, the ratio determination value Rth used in the first additional determination may be different between the ratio R21 and the ratio R23. Similarly, the difference determination value δth used in the second additional determination may be different between the difference δ21 and the difference δ23, and the first absolute value determination value Ath1 used in the third additional determination may be the first capacitance. The values of C1 and the third capacitance C3 may be different.

-In the above embodiment, the second sensor electrode 32 is used as the main sensor electrode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first sensor electrode 31 may be used as the main sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode 32 may be used as the first sub sensor electrode. ..

-In the above embodiment, the magnitude comparison between the ratios R21 and R23 and the ratio determination value Rth is performed in the first additional determination, but the magnitude is not limited to this, and one of the ratios R21 and R23 and the ratio determination value Rth are used. Only the magnitude comparison may be performed. Similarly, in the second additional determination, only the magnitude comparison between the differences δ21 and δ23 and the difference determination value δth may be performed.

-In the above embodiment, the detection device 30 includes a first sensor electrode 31, a second sensor electrode 32, a third sensor electrode 33, and a fourth sensor electrode 34, but the detection device 30 is not limited to this, and is a sensor electrode serving as a main sensor electrode. And, if at least one sensor electrode serving as a sub sensor electrode is provided, the number and arrangement of the sensor electrodes can be appropriately changed. Specifically, for example, the detection device 30 may have only the first sensor electrode 31 and the second sensor electrode 32.

-In the above embodiment, in addition to the magnitude comparison between the second capacitance C2 and the approach determination value Cth, the vehicle door 3 is opened and closed based on the results of the first to fourth additional determinations, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, in addition to the magnitude comparison between the second capacitance C2 and the approach determination value Cth, the vehicle door 3 may be opened and closed based on at least one result of the first to fourth additional determinations. In other words, the control circuit 36 may open and close the vehicle door 3 without performing any of the first to fourth additional determinations.

-In the above embodiment, the installation location of the detection device 30 can be changed as appropriate, and may be provided on the body 2, for example.
-In the above embodiment, the vehicle door 3 is used as an example of the opening / closing body, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a swing door, a back door, or a window glass 5 that opens / closes by driving an actuator may be opened / closed. In this case, it is preferable that the first sensor electrode 31, the second sensor electrode 32, and the third sensor electrode 33 are arranged so as to be aligned in the opening / closing direction of the opening / closing body.

-In the above embodiment, the control circuit 36 is one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), and dedicated hardware that executes at least a part of various processes (integrated circuit for specific applications: ASIC). It may be configured as one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as, or a circuit including a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. Memory, or storage medium, includes any available medium accessible by a general purpose or dedicated computer.

1 ... Vehicle, 3 ... Vehicle door, 10 ... Door ECU, 11 ... Door drive unit, 30 ... Vehicle operation detection device, 31 ... 1st sensor electrode, 32 ... 2nd sensor electrode, 33 ... 3rd sensor electrode, 34 ... 4th sensor electrode, 35 ... Detection circuit, 36 ... Control circuit, 41 ... Control unit, Ath1 ... 1st absolute value judgment value, Ath2 ... 2nd absolute value judgment value, C1 ... 1st capacitance, C2 ... 1st 2 Capacitance, C3 ... 3rd capacitance, C4 ... 4th capacitance, δ21, δ23 ... Difference, δth ... Difference judgment value, Cth ... Approach judgment value, R21, R23 ... Ratio, Rth ... Ratio judgment value ..

Claims (5)

The main sensor electrode, whose capacitance increases as the detection target approaches,
A sub-sensor electrode, which is provided adjacent to the main sensor electrode and whose capacitance increases as the detection target approaches,
It is equipped with a control unit that controls the actuator to open and close the opening and closing body of the vehicle.
The control unit is based on the result of the main determination of comparing the capacitance of the main sensor electrode with the preset approach determination value and the result of the additional determination based on the capacitance of the sub sensor electrode. , An operation detection device for a vehicle that opens and closes the opening / closing body. In the vehicle operation detection device according to claim 1,
The sub-sensor electrode includes a first sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the main sensor electrodes in the horizontal direction while mounted on the vehicle.
The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the ratio of the capacitance of the main sensor electrode to the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and a preset ratio determination value.
The control unit is a vehicle operation detection device that opens and closes the opening / closing body when the capacitance of the main sensor electrode is equal to or greater than the approach determination value and the ratio is equal to or greater than the ratio determination value. In the vehicle operation detection device according to claim 1 or 2.
The sub-sensor electrode includes a first sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the main sensor electrodes in the horizontal direction while mounted on the vehicle.
The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the difference between the capacitance of the main sensor electrode and the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and a preset difference determination value.
The control unit is a vehicle operation detection device that opens and closes the opening / closing body when the capacitance of the main sensor electrode is equal to or greater than the approach determination value and the difference is equal to or greater than the difference determination value. In the vehicle operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The sub-sensor electrode includes a first sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to at least one of the main sensor electrodes in the horizontal direction while mounted on the vehicle.
The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the capacitance of the first sub-sensor electrode and a preset first absolute value determination value.
The control unit opens and closes the opening / closing body when the capacitance of the main sensor electrode is equal to or greater than the approach determination value and the capacitance of the first sub sensor electrode is less than the first absolute value determination value. Operation detection device for vehicles to be activated. In the vehicle operation detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The sub-sensor electrode includes a second sub-sensor electrode provided so as to be adjacent to the main sensor electrode in the vertical direction while being mounted on the vehicle.
The additional determination includes a magnitude comparison between the capacitance of the second sub-sensor electrode and a preset second absolute value determination value.
The control unit opens and closes the opening / closing body when the capacitance of the main sensor electrode exceeds the approach determination value and the capacitance of the second sub sensor electrode exceeds the second absolute value determination value. Operation detection device for vehicles.