JPH11134986A - Apparatus for detecting object - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for detecting objects with improved detection capability and which detects the alteration of electrostatic capacity in the detection part due to contact with or approach to the detection part by a human being and transmits a prescribed output. SOLUTION: This apparatus for detecting objects comprises a detection part made of a conductor kept in the interior or the exterior of a room without being earthed, an electrostatic capacity sensor for detecting the alteration of electrostatic capacity in the detection part due to contact with or approach to the detection part by a human being or the like, a connection means 51 for electrically connecting the detection part and the electrostatic capacity sensor 1 positioned at a prescribed distance from each other, and an informing means for informing that the electrostatic capacity sensor detects alteration of electrostatic capacity in a prescribed level or higher. The safety box 81 installed in the interior of a room, a verandah, a handrail, and the likes are utilized as the detection part as they are and a human being who touches or approaches toward them can be detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an object detecting device, and more particularly, to an object for detecting a change in capacitance at a detecting portion due to a human body or the like coming into contact with or approaching the detecting portion and outputting a predetermined output. It relates to a detection device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, not only buildings and offices,
A security system using an object detection device using various sensors is adopted also in a general house or a public house. Also, systems using various sensors have been developed to make the working environment and living environment more comfortable.

[0003] For example, in houses and office buildings, various security systems for detecting intruders from outside are provided. When any abnormality is detected by an object detection device using a sensor, a method of sounding an alarm, sending a signal to a remote security center, and dispatching a security guard is employed.

Further, a system has been developed in which a user is detected by a sensor in a toilet to automatically flow water, and a faucet in a washroom is also detected by the sensor to turn the user on and off.

Further, recently, a home care system for elderly people using sensors has been proposed. In this home care system, the elderly in the home are monitored for abnormalities from a distance based on, for example, the frequency of use of toilets and the state of movement in the room.If abnormalities are detected, a doctor or the like is checked. They are to be dispatched.

In the above system, an infrared sensor, a far infrared sensor, or the like is generally used as a sensor. However, in the case of an infrared sensor,
If the surface of the light-emitting device or the light-receiving device is contaminated with dust or water droplets, the detection sensitivity is significantly reduced. Therefore, there is a problem that the detection sensitivity is reduced by prolonged use, or the device cannot be used outdoors. Further, in the case of a far-infrared sensor, there is also a problem that the detection area is limited in addition to the above problems.

[0007] The security is not limited to the security system for detecting an intruder or the like unattended, as described above. For example, when a person freely touches a specific entrance, a safe, a showcase, a picture, a picture frame, or the like. There is a need to detect this, but there is a problem that it is difficult for a system using the above-described infrared sensor or far-infrared sensor to respond only to such individual requests.

Further, recently, in order to further enhance the living environment, there has been a demand for automatically performing work that has been performed by a human being by using a sensor, and higher safety is required in a high-rise house or the like. There is a demand for living, and technologies using various sensors have been developed to meet such a demand.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems and various demands of the conventional security system using the above-described infrared sensor and the like, and can be used for various uses both indoors and outdoors. It is to provide an object detection device using a sensor.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an object detecting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a detecting section made of a conductor placed indoors or outdoors without being grounded, and a human body provided on the detecting section. A capacitance sensor for detecting a change in capacitance in the detection unit caused by contact with the like,
A connection unit for electrically connecting the detection unit and the capacitance sensor located at a predetermined distance, and a notification unit for notifying when the capacitance sensor has a capacitance of a predetermined level or more. It is configured.

Preferably, the capacitance sensor includes a detection electrode for detecting a change in capacitance, at least one charging plate provided at a predetermined distance behind the detection electrode, It has a ground electrode provided on the back side of the plate.

[0012] Preferably, the electrical connection means is constituted by a cable having at least one detection electrode wire for detecting a change in capacitance.

Further, the cable includes at least one charging line adjacent to at least one of both sides of the detection electrode line via an insulator, and at least one charging line adjacent to the charging line. A flat cable having an earth electrode wire, wherein the charging wire is located at the center between the detection electrode wire and the earth electrode wire.

Further, preferably, the electrical connection means has an attachment means for detachably fixing to the detection unit.

[0015] Further, preferably, the notifying means is constituted by a signal that emits an alarm sound.

Further, preferably, the notifying means is constituted by a signal for lighting.

[0017] More preferably, the detecting section is constituted by a safe.

[0018] Further, preferably, the detection section comprises a window frame.

[0019] Further preferably, the detection section is constituted by a post.

[0020] Further, preferably, the detection section is constituted by a handrail of a veranda.

Further, preferably, the detection section is constituted by a cable having at least one detection electrode wire for detecting a change in capacitance.

Further, the cable has at least one charging line adjacent to at least one of both sides of the detection electrode line via an insulator, and at least one charging line adjacent to the charging line. A flat cable having an earth electrode wire, wherein the charging wire is located at the center between the detection electrode wire and the earth electrode wire.

As described above, since the object detection device of the present invention uses the capacitance sensor, various conductors provided in an ungrounded state can be used as a detection unit as it is, and an existing object can be used as a sensor as it is. .

Although a capacitance sensor has been conventionally known, it is easily affected by the surrounding environment such as temperature and humidity.
There was a problem that stable detection was not possible, but by appropriately setting the time constant of the resistance and the multi-layer electrode structure described in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-257775 filed earlier by the present applicant, the Stable detection that is not affected by is possible. The present invention has been made possible by the new capacitance sensor according to the present applicant's improvement, and goes beyond the common sense of capacitance sensors up to now, in various fields, particularly in security and living environment. It is an object of the present invention to provide an object detection device using a capacitance sensor that can be suitably used for improvement.

According to the present invention, since the capacitance sensor which can be stably detected without being affected by the surrounding environment is used, even if it is under the environment affected by rain or dust, such as outdoors, the contact or contact can be prevented. Objects can be detected by contact, and various objects that could not be detected so far can be detected.

Other objects, configurations and effects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the object detection device according to the present invention, in order to detect an object such as a person or luggage that comes into contact with or approaches the object detection device (hereinafter, referred to as an “object to be detected”), It has an object detection device using a capacitance sensor for detecting a change in capacitance at the time. By using such an object detection device, it is possible to detect an object to be detected that comes into contact with or approaches an object to be detected by a single capacitance sensor.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the object detection device. As shown in FIG. 1, the object detection device 1 includes a detection unit 2 that detects a change in capacitance, and a detection and output circuit that detects a change in capacitance in the detection unit and outputs a predetermined output. Mounted sensor circuit 6
And a power supply unit (DC power supply) 7 to constitute one capacitance sensor as a whole.

The detecting section 2 mainly includes a detecting electrode 3, a charging plate 4, and a ground electrode 5 arranged at a predetermined interval. The charging plate 4 is located between the detection electrode 3 and the ground electrode 5, and the detection electrode 3, the charging plate 4 and the ground electrode 5 are arranged so as to be insulated from each other. In this case, the detection electrode 3, the charging plate 4, and the ground electrode 5 are preferably parallel to each other. In the present invention, the detection electrode 3, the charging plate 4, and the ground electrode 5 are used.
Is provided at a predetermined distance from a conductor detection object 8 intended for, for example, a safe or a post. A conductive cable 51 that covers and insulates the periphery electrically connects the detection object 8 and the detection electrode 3. Thereby, the detection object 8 is electrically integrated with the detection electrode 3. In order to lower the sensitivity of the detection section and stabilize the sensitivity, the ground electrode 5 and the detection object 8 may be electrically connected. Here, the material of the portion that makes the electrical connection of the conductive cable is not limited, and includes all conductors such as copper and aluminum.

In the present invention, an insulating material is provided in the space between the detection electrode 3 and the charging plate 4 and in the space between the charging plate 4 and the ground electrode 5 to insulate the adjacent members from each other. . Further, the area from the detection electrode 3 to the insulating material between the ground electrode 5 and the ground electrode 5 is integrally supported by an insulating material (support member) (not shown), and is formed in a single unit as a whole. It constitutes a part of the capacitance sensor 1.

The detection electrode 3 is formed in a plate shape and is connected to one electrode of a capacitance detection section 13 of the sensor circuit 6 described later. The constituent material of the detection electrode 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a detection electrode, but various metal materials or conductive materials are usually used.
Examples of a constituent material of the detection electrode 3 include aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, conductive film, conductive rubber, and conductive vinyl.

In the present invention, the charging plate 4 is formed in an elongated flat plate shape. The constituent material of the charging plate 4 is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of charging a sufficient charge as the charging plate, but various metal materials or conductive materials are usually used. Examples of the constituent material of the charging plate 4 include aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, conductive film, conductive rubber, and conductive vinyl.

The ground electrode 5 is also formed in an elongated flat plate shape. The constituent material of the ground electrode 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can function as a ground electrode.
Usually, various metals are used. As such a metal material, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper,
Copper alloy, stainless steel and the like can be mentioned. In addition, examples of the insulating material include insulating materials such as various resin materials.

As described above, the detection unit 2 of the capacitance sensor 1 which constitutes the object detection device of the present invention includes the charging plate 4 as described above.
Therefore, a kind of capacitor is formed between the detection electrode 3 and the charging plate 4, and this charging plate 4
Depending on the amount of charge charged on the detection electrode 3, the charge is supplied to the detection electrode 3 or the charge is absorbed from the detection electrode 3 (the charging plate 4 functions as a supply / absorption part of the charge to the detection electrode 3). . As a result, a fixed amount of electric charge is always quickly supplied and accumulated in the detection electrode 3, so that the sensitivity of the detection unit 2 itself is improved and the sensitivity is stabilized.

Further, in the capacitance sensor 1 constituting the object detecting device of the present invention having the above structure, the capacitance sensor 1 is connected in series between the detection electrode 3 and the charging plate 4 and between the charging plate 4 and the ground electrode 5. Since two connected capacitors are formed, the capacitance at that portion is reduced, thereby causing the capacitance to fluctuate due to fluctuations in the external environment (temperature, humidity, or some external environment such as vibration). Noise is reduced. That is, the ratio of the signal to noise (S / N ratio) caused by the fluctuation of the external environment is increased, and the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor is improved.

That is, the conventional capacitance sensor was susceptible to the influence of the external environment, so that only a sensor using a limited small detection electrode under a stable environment was practically useful. As described above, the charging plate 4 and the ground electrode 5 are provided in addition to the detection electrode 3, thereby providing stable detection sensitivity even under the influence of the external environment.

The sensor circuit 6 is provided on a surface 3B of the detection electrode 3 opposite to the detection surface 3A. In this case, the sensor circuit 6 is insulated from the charging plate 4. As described above, by disposing the sensor circuit 6 on the surface 3B of the detection electrode 3, the sensor circuit 6 itself forms a further capacitor between the detection surface 3A and the charging plate 4, and this capacitor is , One of a plurality of capacitors connected in series (a plurality of capacitors formed by the detection electrode 3, the charging plate 4, the ground electrode 5, and the like). Thus, the influence on the sensor circuit 6 due to the change in the external environment is reduced, and the decrease in the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor due to the change in the external environment is suppressed. Further, since the sensor circuit 6 is not provided on the detection surface 3A of the detection electrode 3, the detection surface 3A can be made flat.

The detection circuit mounted on the sensor circuit 6 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 7A and the negative terminal 7B of the power supply 7, and power is supplied from the power supply 7 to the detection circuit. Is done. Hereinafter, “electrically connected” is simply referred to as “connection”. The detection circuit will be described later in detail.

Here, in the object detection device 1, the sensitivity of the detection unit 2 (the sensitivity of the capacitance sensor) can be set by setting the distance L3 between the charging plate 4 and the ground electrode 5. In this case, as the distance L3 between the charging plate 4 and the ground electrode 5 is increased, the sensitivity of the detection unit 2 is improved.
Since the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor decreases, L3 is appropriately determined in consideration of these factors. Further, it is preferable that the areas of the detection electrode 3, the charging plate 4, and the ground electrode 5 be substantially the same.

It should be noted that the detection object 8 which is a conductor connected to the detection electrode 3 is not completely grounded to the ground, so that the detection object 8 also forms a capacitor with the ground electrode 5. Then, positive electrons can be stored in the detection object 8 as well. Therefore, the charged object changes when the object to be detected approaches or comes into contact with the object to be detected 8, so that the entire object 8 can be used as a detection electrode (touch-on switch). The sensitivity as this detection electrode is
The adjustment can be performed by appropriately changing the configuration of the attenuator described later.

Next, the sensor circuit 6 of the capacitance sensor
Will be described. Various circuits can be used for the sensor circuit 6 as long as the change in the capacitance can be detected. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of such a detection circuit.

As shown in FIG.
A pulse signal generating circuit 10, a resistor 12, and a capacitance detecting unit 1
3, a differential amplifier 14, an AC-DC converter 15 for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage, and a comparator 16.

The pulse signal generating circuit 10, the resistor 12,
Differential amplifier 14, AC-DC converter 15, and comparator 16
Are connected in this order. The capacitance detection unit 13 is connected to one end of the resistor 12. The resistor 12 and the capacitance detector 13 constitute an attenuator 19 in the sensor circuit 6.

The capacitance detecting section 13 is composed of a kind of capacitor whose capacitance changes when the object S approaches or separates from the object S. A pair of electrode pieces 13A (detection electrode pieces) and
3B (guard electrode piece). The detection electrode piece 13A is connected to the detection electrode 3 of the detection unit 2, and detects a change in capacitance caused by the object S approaching or moving away from the detection object 8 connected to the detection electrode 3. I can do it.

The capacitance detecting section 13 of the sensor circuit 6
Can be connected to the ground electrode 5 and a variable capacitor can be inserted between them. With this configuration, the detection electrode piece 13A of the capacitance detection unit 13 is connected to the detection electrode 3 of the detection unit 2, and the guard electrode 13B is connected to the ground electrode 5 of the detection unit 2. A capacitor substantially similar to the capacitance detection unit 13 is formed between the capacitor and the ground electrode 5. Therefore, the sensitivity of the detection electrode 3 is further increased, and the movement of the charge from the ground electrode 5 to the guard electrode 13B can be arbitrarily adjusted by appropriately adjusting the variable capacitor, and the sensitivity of the detection electrode 3 can be easily adjusted. I can do it.

From the pulse signal generation circuit 10, the voltage v1
Are output. An output signal from the pulse signal generation circuit 10 is supplied to an attenuator 19 and a differential amplifier 1.
4 are respectively input to the minus side terminal. The capacitance C of the capacitance detection unit 13 (the capacitance of the detection unit 2) increases when the detection target S approaches or comes into contact with the detection target 8 that conducts with the detection electrode 3. Decrease as the distance from the detection surface 3B increases. That is, the capacitance of the capacitance detection unit 13 is normally in a state where the capacitance is balanced.
When the object S approaches or separates from the object 8, the balance is lost, so that the object S can be detected.

In the attenuator 19, the output signal from the pulse signal generation circuit 10 is converted to the capacitance C of the capacitance detector 13.
The output is attenuated according to the value of. The output signal from the attenuator 19 is input to the positive terminal of the differential amplifier 14. In this case, the voltage of the output signal from the attenuator 19, that is, the voltage at one end of the capacitance detection unit 13 is defined as v2.

The differential amplifier 14 amplifies the difference (difference value) between v1 and v2 and outputs a signal of voltage v3. The output signal from the differential amplifier 14 is supplied to the AC-DC converter 1
5 and is converted from AC (AC voltage) to DC (DC voltage) in the AC-DC converter 15. In this case, the voltage of the output signal from the AC-DC converter 15 is V
4

The output signal from the AC-DC converter 15 is
The data is input to the comparator 16 and compared with a predetermined threshold value (reference voltage). When the voltage v4 is higher than the threshold, a high-level signal (H) is output from the comparator 16, and when the voltage v4 is lower than the threshold, a low-level signal (L) is output from the comparator 16. Output from

Here, when the object S approaches or comes into contact with the detection object 8 which is in a conductive state with the detection electrode 3, positive electrons charged on the detection electrode 3 and the detection object 8 are emitted, thereby detecting the capacitance. The capacitance C of the unit increases, and as a result, the voltage v2 of the output signal from the attenuator 19 decreases. When the voltage v2 decreases, the voltage v3 of the output signal from the operational amplifier 14 increases, and the voltage v4 of the output signal from the AC-DC converter 15 increases. In this case, a low-level signal (L) is output from the sensor circuit 6 until the voltage v4 exceeds the threshold value, and a high-level signal (H) is output when the voltage v4 exceeds the threshold value. Output from

In the capacitance sensor 1, the detection distance L1
Is determined by a combination of the sensitivity of the detection unit 2 and a threshold. The detection distance L1 is preferably set or adjusted by fixing the threshold value to a predetermined value and setting or adjusting the sensitivity of the detection unit 2. The reason is as follows.

In order to be able to change the threshold value, a variable resistor for adjusting the threshold value (the variable resistor has a relatively large capacitance) must be provided in the comparator 16. In this case, the fluctuation of the capacitance of the variable resistor becomes a noise due to the fluctuation of the external environment, which may adversely affect the detection of the capacitance C of the capacitance detecting unit 13, but the threshold value is set to a predetermined value. In the case of fixing, the variable resistor of the comparator 16 can be omitted, so that the generation of noise as described above can be suppressed, and the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor 1 is improved.

As described above, according to the capacitance sensor 1, since the detecting section 2 has the charging plate 4, the sensitivity of the detecting section 2 itself is improved, and the detecting section 2 due to the fluctuation of the external environment is improved.
, The ratio of the signal to noise (S / N ratio) increases, and the detection accuracy of the capacitance sensor 1 improves.

The sensor circuit 6 can be variously improved as described in FIGS. 3 to 9 of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-257775 filed by the applicant of the present invention, and the detection sensitivity is thereby improved. Can be increased to increase the detection distance, and the effect of external factors can be reduced to perform stable detection. In the present invention, the capacitance sensor 1
The structure of the detection circuit 6 is not limited to those examples, and any structure may be used as long as a predetermined output is made when a predetermined change in capacitance is detected. Needless to say.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in which the above-mentioned capacitance sensor 1 is installed in a safe. In the figure, reference numeral 81 denotes a safe made of a conductor, and a conduction cable 51 electrically connects the safe 81 and the capacitance sensor 1 so as to be conductive. This capacitance sensor 1 has a detection unit 2 that detects a change in capacitance, and a detection and output circuit that detects a change in capacitance in the detection unit and outputs a predetermined output. It has a sensor circuit (not shown) as shown, and a power supply unit (DC power supply) (not shown).

Here, the safe 81 exists without being grounded to the ground, and the safe 81 itself forms a part of the detection electrode 3 as shown in FIG. As a result, plus electrons exist on the surface of the safe 81,
When an object to be detected, such as a human body, comes into contact with the object, positive electrons move and the capacitance balance in the detection electrode 3 is lost. And
When such an object is detected, a predetermined output is output from the sensor circuit, and the output can sound an alarm, for example. Note that the effect of the predetermined output is not limited to an alarm or the like, but includes any object that appeals to the human senses, such as a lighted or blinking signal.

As a result, when an object comes into contact with a part of the safe, the capacitance of the detection electrode 3 changes based on the above-described principle, and its presence can be detected through the capacitance detection unit of the sensor circuit. Becomes

In some safes, the bottom of the safe is grounded to the building side (ground). In this case, an insulating layer such as paint is provided on the bottom surface side, and the safe, which is a conductor, is installed without being grounded, so that the safe can be used as a detection electrode.

Attachment of the remote electrode 31 to the safe 81 may be by magnetic force of a magnet other than a screw or the like. That is, the remote electrode 31 is attached to the safe 8
Any device may be used as long as a conduction state between the device 1 and the substance detection device 20 is ensured.

However, when the entire surface of the safe 81 is coated with anticorrosive paint or the like, conduction between the safe 81 and the substance detection device 20 cannot be ensured by means for fixing the remote electrode 31 by a magnet. This is because the surface of the safe 81 is insulated by painting. In such a case, it is effective to increase the sensitivity of the sensor by adjusting the sensitivity of the detection electrode described above. It is also possible to configure a non-contact type object detection device by increasing the sensitivity of the detection electrode. In addition, the coating of the place where the remote electrode 31 is fixed may be peeled off to expose the conductor layer.

In FIG. 3, the remote electrode 31 is formed of an aluminum plate provided with a permanent magnet, and is fixed to the safe 81 by magnetic force. In addition, the conduction cable 51
A connector is provided at the end of the (not shown),
The socket for receiving the connector is a remote electrode 31.
It is provided in. The attachment of the remote electrode 31 is facilitated by such a fixing means using a magnet, and an attachment means that is easy to attach and detach is provided. Note that the attachment means that is easily detachable is not limited to this. For example, if there is a gap on the bottom surface of the safe 81, it may be inserted into such a gap. On the other hand, the remote electrode 3 is attached to the detection object by the connector at the end of the conduction cable 51 and the socket of the remote electrode 31.
The conductive cable can be attached and detached while keeping 1 fixed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows an aluminum sash 82 which is a conductive window frame and the capacitance sensor 1, and the remote electrode 31 is fixed to the aluminum sash 82 by screws as described above. According to the second embodiment, the aluminum sash itself can be used as the object detection device. Therefore, when a person comes into contact with such an aluminum sash, the capacitance is changed, and furthermore, the person is grounded and charged electrons flow in the window frame 82. When an object to be detected is detected, a predetermined output is output from the sensor circuit. In this case, since the aluminum sash 82 is insulated from the ground through an insulator such as wood, the change in capacitance due to contact or non-contact with the window can be detected by the object detection device of the present invention. Can be. In this case, the detection object is not limited to the aluminum sash. That is, a capacitance sensor may be attached to a sash window frame, a sash shutter, a door frame, or the like as a window frame barrier. As a result, the aluminum sash itself becomes a sensor, so that a suspicious person can be shut out at the window before a crime occurs.

The fourth embodiment shown in FIG.
A capacitance sensor and conduction cable 51 is shown.
The post 83 is kept insulated from the ground,
A conduction cable 51 electrically connects the capacitance sensor 1 and the post 83. Further, an output device 35 is connected to the capacitance sensor 1 to enable a predetermined output from the capacitance sensor 1 to emit a blink signal or the like. According to such an invention, the presence / absence of mail delivery can be confirmed by notifying means such as a blinking signal without visually confirming the post box 83.

As another mode of the fourth embodiment, there is a post box 84 for a condominium such as an apartment or an apartment, as shown in FIG. Thus, the signal output by detecting the postal matter inserted into the posts 84, 84,... Is identified by the controller 36 as a signal for each room, and the identified signal is distributed to each room by the output device 35. It becomes possible to do. That is, in a high-rise house or the like, it is free from the trouble of actually checking the inside of the post. Further, such an unmanned post monitoring system can prevent mischief of a child or a suspicious person. Further, it is also effective in preventing the mail from being stolen.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 7 shows a flat cable 52 having a flat shape.
FIG. 7A is an overall perspective view of the flat cable.
(B) is a sectional view of the flat cable. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), a detection electrode wire 3 'is provided at the center of the flat cable, and a charging wire 4' is provided so as to sandwich the detection electrode wire 3 '. Ground electrode wires 5 'are provided at both ends of the flat cable. By making the cable like this,
Compared to the case of a single detection line, it is possible to adjust the detection capability of the cable structure itself. Therefore, it becomes possible to adjust the detection sensitivity of the conductive cable. Further, since a capacitor is formed on the flat cable 52 in the same manner as the detection unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, the flat cable 52 itself can be used as the detection unit.
That is, the flat cable 52 has the detection electrode wire 3 ′
A type of capacitor is formed between the charging line 4 ′ and the charging line 4 ′. The charging line 4 ′ supplies a charge to the detection electrode line 3 ′ according to the amount of charge charged on the detection electrode 3, or The electric charge is absorbed from the detection electrode line 3 '. In addition, such a configuration of the flat cable 52 is assumed to be only the detection electrode wire 3 ′,
It goes without saying that the configuration of the conduction cable 51 described above can be adopted.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the flat cable as a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9C shows a usage pattern in which the flat cable 52 itself is used as a code sensor. In (c), the flat cable 52 electrically connects the detection electrode wire 3 ', the charging wire 4', and the ground electrode wire 5 'to the detection electrode 3, the charging plate 4, and the ground electrode 5 of the capacitance sensor 1, respectively. doing. That is, in this case, the flat cable 52 itself forms a capacitor and has a function as a detection unit. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the flat cable 52 of the present embodiment is used instead of the conductive cable 51.
May be used.

(D) shows a state in which the flat cable of (c) is further extended in two directions via the branch socket 91. Thus, a larger area can be monitored by the code sensor. In the embodiment of (d), the number of branches of the flat cable is not limited to two directions, and may extend in three or more directions, for example.

FIG. 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in which a flat cable 52 is provided for a mat 92. The flat cable 52 is
As described above, since the mat is electrically connected to the capacitance sensor, the mat itself constitutes a detection object via the flat cable. By arranging the flat cable 52 inside the mat 92 in this way, it becomes possible to provide a sensor that can withstand the outdoor environment. Furthermore, it becomes possible to provide a sensor that is less expensive than a conventional pressure-sensitive sensor. The object detected by the object detection device provided under the floor is not limited to the mat, and may be provided on a stone floor, for example.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Crime prevention systems are indispensable to deal with crimes that have been increasing in recent years. However, there are few apartments and apartments, etc., which are homes for ordinary citizens, provided with such a system. Further, security systems currently on the market are expensive, the systems themselves are complicated, and there are many cases where malfunctions occur. On the other hand, in the current situation where unmarried women are living alone, it is strongly desired to provide apartments equipped with a security system.

FIG. 10 shows a veranda 93 of an apartment or the like.
The conductive cable 51 and the capacitance sensor 1 are shown.
The veranda 93 is made of a conductive material, and a portion indicated by reference numeral 99 is subjected to insulation treatment. The veranda 99 connects the conductive cable 51 to the capacitance sensor 1.
Are electrically connected via Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, the veranda 99 can constitute a detection object and detect contact or approach to the contact object. Thus, by attaching the object detection device of the present invention to the veranda, a security system with less malfunction can be easily attached. That is, the configuration of the capacitance sensor capable of adjusting the sensitivity according to the present invention makes it possible not only to respond to the headlights and fallen leaves of the car but also to adjust the sensitivity so as not to respond to small animals such as crows. .

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention for a veranda 93 that cannot be subjected to the insulation treatment as shown in FIG. In such a case, the flat cable 52 described above may be inserted into, for example, a tubular handrail, or the flat cable 52 may be wound around the surface of the handrail. In other words, even when the handrail is in a state of earth ground to the ground and cannot be insulated, the substance detection device can be attached to the handrail of the veranda.

As a result, in high-rise houses such as condominiums, accidents of infants and the elderly falling from the veranda can be prevented. In addition, when used on the veranda of the office, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of a suspicious person.

The present invention employs an electrode structure and a sensor circuit having a charging plate as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to provide a large detection capable of performing stable detection without being affected by changes in the external environment. This is due to the development of a capacitance sensor that can use electrodes, but an application example of an object detection device using such a capacitance sensor is as follows.
Many applications are possible without being limited to the embodiments described above.

Other industrially usable embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. First, in the field related to the life of the general public, for example, a capacitance sensor may be provided on a kitchen table or a sink, and the sink itself may be used as the object detection device. As an analogy to this, there has been an unmanned monitoring system using a water meter or the like, but it has been difficult to monitor the living conditions of the elderly only by monitoring with a water flow. By detecting the use condition of the sink in this way, for example, a monitoring system of the living rhythm of the elderly living alone can be easily provided. Further, it may be installed in a restroom and used in place of an infrared sensing system which is a well-known technique.

Further, in an aging society that is approaching in recent years and in the future, a decrease in the number of people who take care of the elderly is becoming a serious problem. Therefore, it is necessary to promote mechanization to cope with such an aging society. Therefore, for example, a capacitance sensor may be installed on a bed in an elderly care facility or the like, and the presence of an elderly person may be monitored by the sensor. In addition, it is also possible to prevent an elderly person or a child from entering a dangerous area such as a cliff or a landslide by installing a capacitance sensor in a dangerous area existing around such a nursing care facility.

Further, a sensor may be provided on the back side of the wall to provide a touchless wide lighting wall switch. That is, for example, when returning home at night, it is difficult to find a lighting switch, but walking in such darkness involves a risk of falling over. However, by providing such a sensor, the lighting can be turned on by touching the wall without searching for the place where the switch is located, so that the lighting can be easily turned on at night. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a commonly used convex switch on the wall, the beauty of the room is not impaired. Further, a sensor may be attached to a painting or the like hung on a wall, and the painting itself may be used as a lighting switch. In addition, a wide switch to be contacted may be provided on the back surface of the tile, for example, as a tile switch.

Next, as for use in crime prevention and maintenance / management, for example, by installing a capacitance sensor in a parking lot, unauthorized parking vehicles in public facilities and offices may be detected. This not only prevents unauthorized parking but also prevents mischief on the vehicle. Furthermore, it is also effective in managing high-end vehicles on display.

Further, a capacitance sensor may be provided on the bulletin board to detect when a human touches the bulletin board. This makes it possible to prevent tampering with public posters to be posted in, for example, elections.

Recent crimes are becoming more vicious and technically sophisticated. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a complete security system simply by providing a warning alarm, security camera, or security sensor. That is, the above-described capacitance sensor may be provided for the alarm, the security camera, and the security sensor for the purpose of preventing such destruction of the security system function.

Further, it may be provided in a guarded area or door of a general house, office or public facility. This prevents intrusion of a suspicious person. It may be provided in a part of the office where no entry is allowed. This prevents intrusion into a danger area or leakage of company secrets. Further, it may be provided at a place for personal use such as a locker or a drawer of a desk. This makes it possible to protect the privacy of each individual.

As another mode of use of the present invention in the maintenance / management aspect, the present invention may be provided at the entrance of a guard area to detect entry / exit. In this case, it is not limited to the entrance, and may be provided at an emergency exit or the like. Further, it may be detected that the user touches a showcase such as a luxury ornament. Furthermore, it may be detected that it comes into contact with an ornament such as a picture, a picture frame, and a sculpture that is being displayed in an art museum or the like.

Further, the capacitance sensor of the present invention may be used as a countermeasure against water intrusion. That is, there are many companies that use computers to manage information. In such offices, flooding of the computer room poses a risk of causing a failure of the computer and its peripheral devices, and furthermore, a risk of damage to accumulated data.

When an infrared sensor or the like is used, dirt and dust adhere to the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface, and a normal detection cannot be performed. However, when a capacitance sensor using the principle of the present invention is used, contamination on the detection surface has almost no effect on detection accuracy.
An object detection device very suitable for these examples.

[0085]

As described above, the present invention uses a capacitance sensor which can be stably detected without being affected by the surrounding environment. Therefore, even in an environment such as outdoors, which is affected by rain and dust, Objects can be detected by contact or contact, and various objects that could not be detected so far can be detected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an object detection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the object detection device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention using a safe, showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an overall view using a window frame as an object to be detected by the object detection device of the present invention, and shows a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an overall view using a post as a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention, showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an overall view in which a post for an apartment house is used as a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention, and shows a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an overall view and a cross-sectional view of a detection object of the object detection device according to the present invention using a flat cable, showing a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view using a flat cable as a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention, and shows a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an overall perspective view using a mat and a flat cable as a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention, and shows a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view using a veranda as a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention, showing a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of a detection object of the object detection device of the present invention using a non-insulated veranda, showing a seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capacitance sensor 2 Detecting part 3 Detecting electrode 3 'Detecting electrode wire 4 Charging plate 4' Charging wire 5 Ground electrode 5 'Ground wire 7 Power supply part 8 Detected object 31 Remote electrode 35 Output device 36 Controller 51 Conducting cable 52 Flat cable 81 safe 82 aluminum sash 83 post 84 apartment house post 91 branch socket 92 mat 93 veranda 99 insulator

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A detection section comprising a conductor placed indoors or outdoors without being grounded; and detecting a change in capacitance in the detection section caused by contact of a human body or the like with the detection section. A capacitance sensor; connection means for electrically connecting the detection unit located at a predetermined distance to the capacitance sensor; and a capacitance sensor having a capacitance of a predetermined level or more. And an informing means for informing the user of an object. 2. The capacitance sensor includes: a detection electrode for detecting a change in capacitance; at least one charging plate provided at a predetermined interval on the back side of the detection electrode; 2. An object detection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a ground electrode provided on the back side of the object. 3. The electric connection means according to claim 1, wherein the electric connection means comprises a cable having at least one detection electrode wire for detecting a change in capacitance.
An object detection device according to claim 1. 4. The cable further comprises: at least one charging line adjacent to at least one of both sides of the detection electrode line via an insulator; and at least one charging line adjacent to the charging line. 4. The grounding electrode wire according to claim 3, wherein the charging wire is a flat flat cable located at the center of the detection electrode wire and the grounding electrode wire. 5. Object detection device. 5. The object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the electric connection means has an attachment means for detachably fixing the electric connection means to the detection unit. 6. The object detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit is configured by a signal that emits an alarm sound. 7. The object detecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit includes a signal for lighting. 8. The object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured by a safe. 9. The object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a window frame. 10. The object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a post. 11. The object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a handrail of a veranda. 12. The object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a cable having at least one detection electrode line for detecting a change in capacitance. 13. The at least one charge line adjacent to at least one of both sides of the detection electrode wire via an insulator; and at least one charge line adjacent to the charge line. 13. The grounding electrode wire according to claim 12, wherein the charging wire is a flat flat cable positioned at the center of the detection electrode wire and the grounding electrode wire. Object detection device.