JP2023066911A - door locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a door locking device capable of reducing the number of wirings.SOLUTION: An electrode 21 detects an operation on a door handle 19 by a user when locking or unlocking a door lock 12. An electrostatic detection module 27 inputs the electrostatic capacity of the electrode 21 and detects the operation of the user from changes in the electrostatic capacity. A wiring 30 for the electrostatic detection module 27 to output the detection result to a control unit 8 is constituted of only a single wire. The electrostatic detection module 27 outputs an operation detection notification Sk as the detection result to the control unit 8 via the wiring 30 no matter which electrode 21 detects the operation of the user. The control unit 8 controls at least one operation of the locking and unlocking a door 11 based on the operation detection notification Sk input from the electrostatic detection module 27.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a door lock device that controls the operation of a door lock based on changes in the capacitance of electrodes.

Conventionally, many vehicles are equipped with a smart system that locks and unlocks the vehicle door when the exterior door handle of the vehicle door is touch-operated with a finger or hand when the key has been successfully verified by wireless communication. It is installed (see Patent Document 1). In this type of smart system, a capacitive sensor is placed on the exterior door handle. When a touch operation is detected by the locking capacitive sensor, the vehicle door is locked, and the unlocking capacitive sensor When the touch operation is detected, the vehicle door is unlocked.

JP 2010-216091 A

By the way, this type of electrostatic capacitance sensor is provided with an IC (Integrated Circuit) that determines whether or not there is a touch operation from changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrodes. The IC outputs the detection result of the touch operation to the ECU, which executes locking and unlocking of the vehicle door, via the wiring of the vehicle body. For example, the IC outputs a detection signal of a touch operation detected based on a change in capacitance of a locking electrode to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle body via a wiring for locking. Also, the IC outputs a detection signal of a touch operation detected based on a change in the capacitance of the unlocking electrode to the ECU of the vehicle body via the unlocking wiring. The ECU locks and unlocks the vehicle doors based on each detection signal input from the IC via wiring.

Thus, when two electrodes for locking and unlocking are provided on the door handle outside the vehicle, a plurality of wires for connecting the IC of the door handle outside the vehicle and the ECU of the vehicle body are required for locking and unlocking. . Therefore, there is a possibility that the routing of wiring becomes troublesome and the cost of parts increases. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the number of wires as much as possible.

A door lock device that solves the above problems includes a plurality of electrodes for detecting a user's operation of bringing the user's body into contact with or close to an operation unit, and inputting the capacitance of the electrodes, and detecting the user's operation from a change in capacitance. and a controller for controlling at least one of door locking and unlocking based on the detection result of the electrostatic detection module. The wiring for outputting the detection result of the user's operation from the electrostatic detection module to the control device is composed of only one wire. The electrostatic detection module outputs an operation detection notification as a detection result of the user operation to the control device via the wiring, regardless of which electrode detects the user operation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of wires in the door lock device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram of the whole system containing the door locking device of one Embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of a digital key system; FIG. It is a perspective view of the vehicle exterior door handle seen from the surface side. It is a perspective view of the vehicle outside door handle seen from the back side. (a) is an operation diagram when a first electrode is touch-operated, and (b) is an operation diagram when a second electrode is touch-operated.

An embodiment of the door lock device will be described below.
[Overall system configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, an item 1 used by a user has a key system 3 that authenticates a key 2 possessed by the user by wireless communication. The key system 3 permits or executes the operation of the mounting device 4 of the utilization object 1 based on the authentication result of the key 2 . Key system 3 includes a smart system that performs authentication of key 2 upon communication from user 1 . The utility 1 is, for example, a vehicle 5 . Key 2 mainly includes an electronic key having a key function.

In the case of the smart system, radio waves in the LF (Low Frequency) band are used to transmit radio waves from User 1 to Key 2, and radio waves in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band are used to transmit radio waves from Key 2 to User 1. be done. That is, in the case of the smart system, when the key 2 enters a communication area formed by radio waves in the LF band around the user 1, authentication communication of the key 2 by LF-UHF communication is performed between the user 1 and the key 2. is executed.

The key system 3 comprises a control device 8 which performs authentication of the key 2 . The control device 8 is, for example, a collation ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that verifies whether the key 2 is correct or not by ID collation. Authentication information Did of the key 2 registered in the utility 1 is registered in a memory (not shown) of the control device 8 . This authentication information Did is also registered in the memory (not shown) of the key 2 . The authentication information Did includes, for example, an ID code assigned to each key 2 and an encryption key used in encrypted communication during authentication.

The control device 8 performs wireless communication for authentication with the key 2 via the communication unit 9 . The communication unit 9 includes, for example, a transmission unit that transmits radio waves from the control device 8 and a reception unit that receives radio waves from the key 2 . In addition, when the utility 1 is divided into indoor and outdoor, the transmission unit includes an outdoor use that transmits radio waves to the outdoors and an indoor use that transmits radio waves indoors. The control device 8 confirms the correctness of the key 2 by authenticating the authentication information Did of the key 2 by wireless communication.

The control device 8 is connected to the mounting device 4 via a communication line 10 provided on the utilization object 1 . The mounting device 4 includes, for example, a door lock control device that controls the operation of the door lock 12 that locks and unlocks the door 11, a steering lock device, an engine control device, and the like. The communication line 10 is, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

In the case of the smart system, the control device 8 periodically transmits radio waves in the LF band from the communication unit 9 and monitors whether or not the key 2 exists. When the key 2 receives the radio waves transmitted from the control device 8, it transmits a response using radio waves in the UHF band. When the communication (smart communication) between the key 2 and the control device 8 is established in this manner, verification (smart verification) for confirming the authentication information Did of the key 2 is executed. When the control device 8 authenticates the authentication information Did of the key 2 , it permits or executes the operation of the mounting device 4 .

The control device 8 permits locking/unlocking of the door 11 when smart verification (outdoor smart verification) executed upon receiving a response from the key 2 with radio waves transmitted from the outdoor transmission unit is established. That is, if the proper key 2 exists outside the room, the locking/unlocking operation of the door lock 12 is permitted. In this way, the control device 8 uses the successful authentication of the key 2 as one condition for permitting the operation of the door lock 12 . Further, the control device 8 permits the vehicle power supply transition operation when smart verification (indoor smart verification) executed upon receiving a response from the key 2 with radio waves transmitted from the indoor transmission unit is established. This makes it possible to start the engine.

As shown in FIG. 2, key system 3 comprises, for example, a digital key system using mobile terminal 15 as key 2 . The mobile terminal 15 is preferably, for example, a highly functional mobile phone (multifunctional terminal). The digital key system is a system that uses the mobile terminal 15 as a key for the usage 1 by registering the digital key Dk in the mobile terminal 15 from the outside.

The digital key Dk is preferably, for example, a one-time key that is permitted to be used only once or for a certain period of time. The digital key Dk is preferably downloaded to the mobile terminal 15 by various methods such as download from a server, wireless acquisition from a master key, and image reading of code information. The digital key Dk may be externally downloaded to the mobile terminal 15 in the market, or may be pre-written at the time of shipment.

The control device 8 authenticates the mobile terminal 15 by short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication may be either PAN (Personal Area Network) communication or close proximity wireless communication. Personal area network communication includes, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication. Also, the Bluetooth communication is preferably BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Proximity wireless communication is a type of RFID, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication).

In the case of the digital key system, the control device 8 periodically transmits advertisements from the communication unit 9 by short-range wireless communication, and monitors whether or not the mobile terminal 15 is present. Upon receiving the advertisement transmitted from the communication unit 9 , the mobile terminal 15 executes scanning processing and transmits a connection request to the control device 8 . As a result, the short-range wireless communication between the control device 8 and the mobile terminal 15 shifts to a communication connection state.

The control device 8 executes authentication of the mobile terminal 15 when transitioning to a state of communication connection with the mobile terminal 15 . In this example, the mobile terminal 15 transmits the digital key Dk registered therein to the control device 8 by short-range wireless communication. When receiving the digital key Dk from the mobile terminal 15, the control device 8 authenticates the digital key Dk. If the control device 8 succeeds in authenticating the digital key Dk by correctly decrypting the digital key Dk, for example, the valid period of the digital key Dk, the session key to be used in subsequent short-range wireless communication, the mobile terminal 15 Get the ID of These pieces of information are written and stored in a memory (not shown) of the control device 8 .

When the digital key Dk is authenticated, the control device 8 and the mobile terminal 15 enter an authentication completion state recognizing that the authentication has been established. The authentication complete state means a state in which both the control device 8 and the mobile terminal 15 know the common session key and the ID of the mobile terminal 15 from each other. Specifically, in the case of the vehicle 5, the door 11 can be locked/unlocked, the steering lock device can be unlocked, and the engine can be started.

[Configuration of door lock device 18]
As shown in FIG. 1 , the key system 3 includes a door lock device 18 that controls the locking operation of the door 11 based on user's manipulation of the utility 1 . When the door lock device 18 detects a user operation to the utility 1 under the condition that the key 2 is authenticated, the door lock device 18 locks the door 11 with the detection of the user operation as a trigger. In this manner, the door lock device 18 realizes a so-called smart entry function (registered trademark), which is a function of automatically locking the door 11 in the process of boarding without operating the key 2.

In the case of this example, the smart entry function causes the door 11 to be locked when the door handle 19 provided on the door 11 is touch-operated. That is, when a predetermined position of the door handle 19 is touched with a finger or the door handle 19 is gripped by hand, the door 11 is automatically locked. The door handle 19 is preferably an exterior door handle, for example. The locking operation may be at least one of locking and unlocking of the door 11 . In this example, the locking operation is both locking and unlocking of the door 11 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the door lock device 18 includes a plurality of electrodes 21 that detect user's operation of touching or approaching the operation unit 20 with the user's body. In the case of this example, the electrodes 21 are provided with a total of two, a first electrode 22 and a second electrode 23 . The electrode 21 may be any of a capacitance type, a resistance film type, an ultrasonic type, and an optical type. Each of the plurality of electrodes 21 is preferably formed with a different size. In the case of this example, the operation unit 20 is a door handle 19 that is operated when opening and closing the door 11 .

A plurality of operation surfaces 24 for user operation in the operation unit 20 are provided at different locations. In this example, the operation surfaces 24 are the surface 19 a and the back surface 19 b of the plurality of outer surfaces of the door handle 19 . Each of the multiple electrodes 21 is arranged on a different operation surface 24 . Specifically, the first electrode 22 is arranged on the surface 19 a of the door handle 19 , and the second electrode 23 is arranged on the back surface 19 b of the door handle 19 .

The switching operation of the door lock 12 includes an operation of touching the front surface 19 a of the door handle 19 near the first electrode 22 and an operation of touching the rear surface 19 b of the door handle 19 near the second electrode 23 . That is, each time the front surface 19a and the back surface 19b of the door handle 19 are touch-operated, the locking/unlocking of the door lock 12 is alternately switched.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the door lock device 18 includes an electrostatic detection module 27 that detects user operations from changes in the capacitance of the electrodes 21 . The electrostatic detection module 27 is preferably a one-chip IC (Integrated Circuit). In this example, the static detection module 27 is located inside the door handle 19 . The electrostatic detection module 27 inputs the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode 21 and detects a user's operation from the electrostatic capacitance change. In the case of this example, the user operation is a touch operation on the door handle 19 (either physical contact or approach).

The electrostatic detection module 27 includes an electrostatic detection unit 28 that detects the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode 21, and a signal processing unit 29 that generates and outputs an operation detection notification Sk based on the detection signal of the electrostatic detection unit 28. ing. The electrostatic detector 28 detects electrostatic capacitance in each of the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 23 . The signal processing unit 29 generates and outputs a notification based on the detection signal of the electrostatic detection unit 28, that is, an operation detection notification Sk corresponding to whether or not the user's operation has been detected.

A wiring 30 used for notifying the control device 8 of the detection result of the electrostatic detection module 27 is connected between the control device 8 and the electrostatic detection module 27 . In this example, the wiring 30 is composed of only one line. The wiring 30 may be a pattern wiring provided on a substrate, or may be a single electric wire.

The electrostatic detection module 27 (signal processing unit 29 ) outputs an operation detection notification Sk according to whether or not a user operation has been detected to the control device 8 via the wiring 30 . The operation detection notification Sk is preferably a pulse signal Spl made up of a combination of a Hi level signal and a Lo level signal. Thus, the operation detection notification Sk is preferably a voltage signal having a predetermined pulse waveform (rectangular wave).

The electrostatic detection module 27 (signal processing unit 29 ) outputs an operation detection notification Sk to the control device 8 each time it detects a user operation with either the first electrode 22 or the second electrode 23 . The control device 8 activates at least one (in this example, both) of locking and unlocking the door 11 based on the operation detection notification Sk (pulse signal Spl) input from the electrostatic detection module 27 via the wiring 30. Control.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the door lock device 18 of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5( a ), when the user switches the locked/unlocked state of the door lock 12 , the user touches the door handle 19 . At this time, the touch operation on the door handle 19 by the user may be either a touch operation on the surface 19 a of the door handle 19 or a touch operation on the back surface 19 b of the door handle 19 .

Here, it is assumed that the user attempts to lock the unlocked door lock 12 by touching a predetermined position on the surface 19a of the door handle 19 with the tip of a finger or the like. A touch operation on the surface 19 a of the door handle 19 is detected by the first electrode 22 . When the electrostatic detection module 27 detects that the capacitance detected by the first electrode 22 has changed, it recognizes that the door handle 19 has been operated to switch the door lock.

When the signal processing unit 29 detects a change in the capacitance of the first electrode 22 , the signal processing unit 29 outputs an operation detection notification Sk notifying that the door lock switching operation has been performed to the control device 8 via the wiring 30 . The operation detection notification Sk is, for example, a pulse signal Spl in which the time width of the Hi level signal is set to a prescribed width.

When receiving the operation detection notification Sk from the electrostatic detection module 27, the control device 8 permits the switching operation of the door lock 12 on condition that the key 2 is authenticated. At this time, if the door lock 12 is in the unlocked state, the control device 8 sends a lock operation request for switching the door lock 12 to the locked state to the mounting device 4 (door lock control device) that executes door lock control. , through the communication line 10 . As a result, the door 11 of the utility 1 in the unlocked state can be switched to the locked state.

Subsequently, after the door 11 is switched to the locked state, it is assumed that the user touches the surface 19a of the door handle 19 again. At this time, when the signal processing unit 29 detects a change in the capacitance of the first electrode 22, the signal processing unit 29 sends an operation detection notification Sk notifying that the door lock switching operation has been performed to the control device 8 via the wiring 30 again. Output. This operation detection notification Sk is the same signal as the notification output at the time of unlock→lock.

When receiving the operation detection notification Sk from the electrostatic detection module 27, the control device 8 permits the switching operation of the door lock 12 on condition that the key 2 is authenticated. At this time, if the door lock 12 is in the locked state, the control device 8 sends an unlock operation request for switching the door lock 12 to the unlocked state. , is output via the communication line 10 . As a result, the door lock 12 returns to the unlocked state. In this manner, each time a touch operation is detected by the first electrode 22, locking and unlocking of the door lock 12 are alternately switched.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the door lock 12 is in the unlocked state, it is assumed that the user performs a touch operation so as to grip the door handle 19. As shown in FIG. A touch operation on the back surface 19 b of the door handle 19 is detected by the second electrode 23 . When the electrostatic detection module 27 detects that the capacitance detected by the second electrode 23 has changed, it recognizes that the door handle 19 has been operated to switch the door lock.

When the signal processing unit 29 detects a change in the capacitance of the second electrode 23 , the signal processing unit 29 outputs an operation detection notification Sk notifying that the door lock switching operation has been performed to the control device 8 via the wiring 30 . That is, when the touch operation is detected on the second electrode 23, the signal processing unit 29 outputs the operation detection notification Sk to the control device 8 using the same wiring 30 as when the touch operation is detected on the first electrode 22. do. Further, the operation detection notification Sk is the same signal as when the touch operation is detected on the first electrode 22 .

When receiving the operation detection notification Sk from the electrostatic detection module 27, the control device 8 permits the switching operation of the door lock 12 on condition that the key 2 is authenticated. At this time, if the door lock 12 is in the unlocked state, the control device 8 sends a lock operation request for switching the door lock 12 to the locked state to the mounting device 4 (door lock control device) that executes door lock control. , through the communication line 10 . As a result, the door 11 of the utility 1 in the locked state can be switched to the locked state.

Switching between locking and unlocking may be performed by either a touch operation on the surface 19a of the door handle 19 or a touch operation on the back surface 19b of the door handle 19. FIG. Thus, in the case of this example, the locked/unlocked state of the door lock 12 is alternately switched each time a touch operation is detected on either the first electrode 22 or the second electrode 23 . Therefore, it is possible to switch between locking and unlocking of the door lock 12 by touching either the front surface 19a or the back surface 19b of the door handle 19, so that the convenience of the switching operation of the door lock 12 can be improved.

[effect]
According to the door lock device 18 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The door locking device 18 comprises a control device 8 , a plurality of electrodes 21 and an electrostatic detection module 27 . A plurality of electrodes 21 detect a user's operation of touching or approaching the operation unit 20 with the user's body. The electrostatic detection module 27 inputs the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode 21 and detects a user's operation from the electrostatic capacitance change. The control device 8 controls at least one of locking and unlocking of the door 11 based on the detection result of the electrostatic detection module 27 . The wiring 30 through which the electrostatic detection module 27 outputs the detection result of the user's operation to the control device 8 is composed of only one wire. The electrostatic detection module 27 outputs an operation detection notification Sk as a detection result of the user operation to the control device 8 via the wiring 30 regardless of which electrode 21 detects the user operation.

According to this configuration, the operation unit 20 is provided with a plurality of electrodes 21 , and when a user operation is detected by one of the plurality of electrodes 21 , the operation detection notification Sk notifying that effect is sent from the electrostatic detection module 27 . It is output to the control device 8 and the locking operation of the door 11 is executed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the operation compared to the case where the user operation can be detected at only one location. In addition, regardless of which electrode 21 detects the user's operation, the electrostatic detection module 27 notifies the controller 8 of a common operation detection notification Sk via the one-line wiring 30 . In this manner, only one wiring 30 is required for outputting the operation detection notification Sk. Therefore, the number of wirings 30 can be reduced.

(2) The control device 8 alternately switches between locking and unlocking each time an operation detection notification Sk is input from the electrostatic detection module 27 . According to this configuration, even if the locking and unlocking of the door 11 cannot be executed as intended, the same part can be operated again, which contributes to the improvement of the convenience of operation.

(3) A plurality of operation surfaces 24 of the operation unit 20 are provided by arranging them at different locations. Each of the multiple electrodes 21 is arranged on a different operation surface 24 . According to this configuration, since one input operation is assigned to the operation surface 24, it is possible to make it difficult for an operation error to occur.

(4) The operation unit 20 is the door handle 19 that is operated when the door 11 is opened and closed. With this configuration, whether or not the door handle 19 is operated by the user can be detected based on the change in the capacitance of the electrode 21 . In addition, in the door lock device 18 that uses the user's manipulation of the door handle 19 as a trigger for locking operation, the number of wirings 30, which are components of the device, can be reduced.

(5) The plurality of electrodes 21 are formed with different sizes. According to this configuration, each electrode 21 can be appropriately set to a required size.
(6) The control device 8 authenticates the key 2 of the door by wireless communication, and makes the establishment of the authentication one condition for permitting the operation of the door lock 12 . According to this configuration, since the door lock 12 does not operate unless the authorized key is at hand, the security of the operation of the door lock 12 can be improved.

[Modification]
In addition, this embodiment can be changed and implemented as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- The first electrode 22 and the second electrode 23 are not limited to being connected to the electrostatic detection module 27 by different lines (electrical connection lines), but are connected to the electrostatic detection module 27 by a common line (electrical connection line). may be connected to

- The number of electrodes 21 provided in plurality is not limited to two, and may be three or more.
The operation detection notification Sk is not limited to notifying whether it is a lock operation or an unlock operation based on the difference in pulse time width. For example, a data string constructed by a combination of Hi/Lo signals may be used to notify whether the operation is a lock operation or an unlock operation.

- The 1st electrode 22 and the 2nd electrode 23 may be formed in the same size.
- The 1st electrode 22 and the 2nd electrode 23 may be arrange|positioned at the same operation surface 24. FIG.
The operation unit 20 is not limited to the door handle 19, and may be any member that the user touches when opening and closing the door 11.

- The operation unit 20 is not limited to being a component of the door 11 . For example, the operation unit 20 may be arranged on a wall of a building, or other locations other than the components of the door 11 .
- The door lock device 18 is not limited to vehicle use, and may be used for other devices and systems.

The controller 8 and the electrostatic detection module 27 may be configured by [1] one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), or [2] such a processor and at least It may be configured in combination with one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs some processing. A processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, which stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory (computer-readable media) includes any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Alternatively, instead of a computer including the above processor, a processing circuit configured by one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform all of the various types of processing may be used.

- The control device 8 and the electrostatic detection module 27 may be configured from independent processors, or may be configured from a processor that shares some functions. In this way, the control device 8 and the electrostatic detection module 27 are not limited to independent functional blocks, but may be configured from one functional block, or may be configured from a partially shared functional block.

- Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to examples, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples or structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and configurations, as well as other combinations and configurations, including single elements, more, or less, are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

2... Key, 3... Key system, 8... Control device, 11... Door, 12... Door lock, 19... Door handle, 20... Operation unit, 21... Electrode, 22... First electrode, 23... Second electrode, 24 Operation surface 27 Electrostatic detection module 30 Wiring Sk Operation detection notification Spl Pulse signal.

Claims (6)

a plurality of electrodes for detecting a user operation that causes the user's body to touch or approach the operation unit;
an electrostatic detection module that inputs the capacitance of the electrode and detects the user operation from a change in capacitance;
a control device for controlling at least one of locking and unlocking of the door based on the detection result of the electrostatic detection module;
The wiring for outputting the detection result of the user operation from the electrostatic detection module to the control device is composed of only one wire,
The electrostatic detection module outputs an operation detection notification as a detection result of the user's operation to the control device via the wiring, regardless of which electrode detects the user's operation. 2. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein said control device alternately switches between locking and unlocking each time said operation detection notification is input from said electrostatic detection module. A plurality of operation surfaces of the operation unit are provided by being arranged at different locations,
3. The door lock device according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of electrodes is arranged on said different operation surface. 4. The door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating portion is a door handle operated when opening and closing the door. The door lock device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of electrodes are formed in different sizes. 6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device authenticates the key of the door by wireless communication, and uses the establishment of the authentication as a condition for permitting operation of the door lock. door locking device.

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