JP6631310B2 - Operation input detection device for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a vehicle operation input detection device, for example, a capacitance type proximity sensor device described in Patent Document 1 is known. This device is provided with two pairs of electrodes for generating capacitance in a detection area and detection means for detecting a change in the capacitance. Then, for example, when both of the detection units have detected, the determination unit determines that the detection target (person) has been detected in the detection area. On the other hand, the judging means is used when only one of the two detecting means has detected, or when one of the two detecting means has returned after detecting and subsequently the other has returned after detecting. Determines that disturbance (water) has been detected.

JP 2008-175772 A

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

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

  A vehicle operation input detection device that solves the above-mentioned problems includes a sensor electrode of a capacitance sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes when an object comes into contact with or approaches an operation input unit provided on a surface of a vehicle; An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the detection signal, and the time differential value of the detection signal falls below the high side threshold after exceeding a predetermined high side threshold, and from the time of the fall below the high side threshold A determination unit that determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit when the value falls below a predetermined low side threshold smaller than the high side threshold within a predetermined specified time; The unit disables detection of an operation input based on the detection signal when the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit, and determines that the object is operated by the determination unit. Input section It has a water adhesion setting unit that sets any one of processing of making it difficult to detect an operation input based on the detection signal when it is determined that the operation input is not determined to be water that adheres. .

  According to this configuration, the time differential value of the detection signal falls below the high-side threshold after exceeding the predetermined high-side threshold, and the predetermined low-side threshold is set within the predetermined time from the point of the fall. If not, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water adhering to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who performs an operation input to the operation input unit, the object basically leaves after approaching the operation input unit. This is because the operation is slow and the detection signal does not suddenly increase or decrease. On the other hand, if the time differential value of the detection signal falls below the high-side threshold after exceeding the predetermined high-side threshold, and falls below the predetermined low-side threshold within the predetermined time from the point of the fall, The determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit. This is because the water adhering to the operation input unit basically flows through the operation input unit, so that the water comes close to the operation input unit and then moves away rapidly, and the detection signal suddenly increases and decreases. By focusing on the transition of the detection signal as described above, it is possible to more reliably determine the operation of a person and the adhesion of water.

  An operation input detection device for a vehicle that solves the above problem is a sensor of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually outputs a detection signal that changes when an object comes into contact with or approaches an operation input unit provided on a surface of a vehicle. An electrode, an operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals, and when a shift of a peak position between the plurality of detection signals is less than a predetermined time, the object is A determination unit that determines that the water is attached to the operation input unit, wherein the operation input detection unit is configured to determine when the determination unit determines that the object is water that is attached to the operation input unit. Disabling detection of an operation input based on a plurality of detection signals and the plurality of times when the determination unit determines that the object is not water that adheres to the operation input unit than when the object is not determined to be water Having water adhered setting unit for setting one of the process make it difficult to detect the operation input based on the detection signal.

  According to this configuration, when the shift of the peak position among the plurality of detection signals does not fall below the predetermined time, the determination unit does not determine that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit. This is because when the object is not water adhering to the operation input unit, that is, when the object is a person who performs an operation input to the operation input unit, the object basically leaves after approaching the operation input unit. This is because the operation is slow and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively large. On the other hand, when the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals is less than the predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit. This is because the water adhering to the operation input unit is basically flowing through the operation input unit, so that the operation of moving away from the operation input unit after approaching the operation input unit is sharp, and the shift of the peak position is relatively small. . By paying attention to the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals in this way, it is possible to more reliably determine the operation of a person and the adhesion of water.

  In the vehicle operation input detection device, the operation input detection unit may be configured to perform a predetermined continuation starting from the determination when the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit. It is preferable to have a duration setting unit for continuing the setting by the water adhesion setting unit for a time.

  According to this configuration, when the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit, the duration setting unit sets the setting by the water adhesion setting unit to the predetermined duration. Can only continue. In particular, when the determination unit re-determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit during the elapse of the predetermined duration, the duration setting unit performs the determination (re-determination). The setting by the water adhering time setting unit can be continued for the predetermined duration as the starting point, that is, automatically extended.

  Regarding the operation input detection device for a vehicle, the operation input detection unit is configured such that when the extension of the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times by the continuous time setting unit, It is preferable to provide a second duration setting unit that continues the setting by the water adhesion setting unit for a predetermined second duration that is also long.

  According to this configuration, when the extension of the setting by the water adhering time setting unit is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times by the duration setting unit, the predetermined second duration time is set by the second duration setting unit. Only the setting by the setting unit at the time of water adhesion can be continued. Usually, in a state with a large amount of water such as heavy rain, it is difficult to detect the operation input detection unit. However, when the extension of the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times by the duration setting unit, that is, at a stage where it can be regarded as a precursor to an increase in the amount of water, the second duration setting unit sets the Since the setting by the water adhering setting unit can be continued for a predetermined second duration, erroneous detection by the operation input detecting unit can be suppressed.

  In the vehicle operation input detection device, the operation input detection unit increments the number of times up to a predetermined maximum number of times each time the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit. And a counting unit that decrements the number of times each time a predetermined number of decrement times elapses in a state where the object is not determined to be water adhering to the operation input unit by the determination unit, and the water setting unit includes The setting is started when the number counted by the counting unit is equal to or more than a predetermined start number smaller than the predetermined upper limit number, and is set to be equal to or smaller than a predetermined end number equal to or smaller than the predetermined start number. Preferably, it is terminated.

  According to this configuration, the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is started when the number counted by the counting unit is equal to or more than the predetermined start number, and is ended when the number is equal to or less than the predetermined end number. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of starting and ending the setting by the water setting unit each time the determination by the determination unit is switched. In addition, by setting the counting by the counting unit to the predetermined upper limit number as an upper limit, it is possible to reduce the time required for the setting by the water adhesion setting unit to be completed.

  Regarding the operation input detection device for a vehicle, the counting unit is newly determined by the determination unit that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit during counting up of a timer counter that counts the number of times of decrement time. It is preferable that the timer counter be reset to zero.

  According to this configuration, the timer counter is reset to zero when the determination unit newly determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit while the timer counter is counting up. Therefore, even in a state where the number of times is just decremented by the counting unit and the number of times is going to be equal to or less than the predetermined end number, for example, when rainfall is sparse, it is possible to immediately postpone the number. It is possible to prevent the setting by the section from being terminated unnecessarily.

  The present invention has an effect that the operation of a person and the adhesion of water can be determined more reliably.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a rear structure of a vehicle to which a first embodiment of a vehicle operation input detection device is applied. The front view which shows the structure about the operation input detection device for vehicles of the modification. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 3A and 3B are time charts for explaining a person and water determination mode of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 6 is a time chart for explaining a control mode switching processing mode of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a person and water determination process mode of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing a control mode switching process of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a control mode switching processing mode of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation detection processing mode according to the control mode of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. 6 is a time chart for explaining a control mode switching processing mode of a second embodiment of the vehicle operation input detection device. 4 is a flowchart showing a control mode switching processing mode of the vehicle operation input detection device of the embodiment. The side view which shows the structure about the vehicle to which the modification of the operation input detection device for vehicles is applied. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12; FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a rear structure of a vehicle to which a modified embodiment of the vehicle operation input detection device is applied. FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 14; The schematic diagram explaining operation | movement of a water droplet about the operation input detection apparatus for vehicles of the modification. The perspective view showing the side part structure about the vehicle to which the modification of the operation input detection device for vehicles is applied. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the line 18-18 in FIG. 17; The front view which shows the structure about the operation input detection device for vehicles of the modification.

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

  The body 2 is provided with a door drive unit 4 at, for example, a rear portion. The door drive unit 4 mainly includes an electric drive source such as an electric motor, and is mechanically linked to the back door 3 via an appropriate door drive mechanism to open and close the back door 3. Drive. Further, a door lock drive unit 6 is installed on the back door 3, for example, adjacent to the door lock 5. The door lock drive unit 6 is mainly configured by an electric drive source such as an electric motor, and is mechanically linked to the door lock 5 via an appropriate lock drive mechanism, so that the door lock 5 Lock and unlock drive.

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

  At the center of the outer surface of the back door 3 (the center above the garnish 7), a mark 8 such as a company name is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, an upper electrode 11 and a lower electrode 12 as sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors are provided behind the mark 8 as an operation input unit. The upper electrode 11 is arranged above the mark 8 and is shaped like a boat following the upper edge of the mark 8. On the other hand, the lower electrode 12 is arranged below the mark 8 and is formed in a substantially bow shape following the lower edge of the mark 8. It goes without saying that the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction.

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

  Accordingly, the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 individually output detection signals S1 and S2 that change when an object (for example, a finger of a person) abuts or approaches the mark 8 to the capacitance detection circuit 14. I do. The capacitance detection circuit 14 is electrically connected to the door ECU 10. In the normal operation of the present embodiment, the operation of the user (person) moving his / her finger with respect to the mark 8 represents an appropriate operation for opening and closing the back door 3.

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

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

  Next, various arithmetic processes performed by the arithmetic and control circuit 10a will be described. The arithmetic and control circuit 10a detects an operation input to the mark 8 based on, for example, the detection data D1 and D2, and executes various arithmetic processes related thereto.

  First, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines whether an object that abuts on or is close to the mark 8 based on the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) is a person who operates and inputs the mark 8 or a mark. 8 to determine whether the water adheres. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines that the object is water adhering to the mark 8 when the detection data D1 and D2 suddenly increase and decrease (determination unit). ). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the arithmetic / control circuit 10a determines that the detection signal differential value (also referred to as “sensor value acceleration variation”) ΔS2 that is a time differential value of the detection data D2 is positive. After exceeding a predetermined high-side threshold ΔSth2 (+), which is a number, the value falls below the high-side threshold ΔSth2 (+), and within a predetermined time Tth2 (here, time t If (−)) falls below a predetermined lower threshold ΔSth2 (−) that is a negative number, it is determined that the object is water adhering to the mark 8. This is because the water adhering to the mark 8 basically flows through the mark 8 and moves rapidly after approaching the mark 8 and suddenly increases and decreases the detection data D2. Note that the same applies to the detection data D1, and the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines that the detection signal differential value ΔS1, which is a time differential value, exceeds a predetermined high-side threshold value ΔSth1 (+), which is a positive number, after the high-side detection signal differential value ΔSth1 (+). If the value falls below the threshold value ΔSth1 (+) and falls below a predetermined low-side threshold value ΔSth1 (−), which is a negative number, within a predetermined time Tth1 from the time point of the fall, it is determined that the object is water adhering to the mark 8. .

  On the other hand, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines that the object is a person who operates and inputs the mark 8 because the detection data D1 and D2 do not suddenly increase or decrease. This is because, when the object is a person who performs operation input on the mark 8, basically, the movement of approaching the mark 8 and then moving away is slow, and the detection data D1 and D2 suddenly increase and decrease. Because you can't get it.

  Note that the detection signal differential values ΔS1 and ΔS2 may be actual time differential values of the detection data D1 and D2. Alternatively, the detection signal differential values ΔS1 and ΔS2 are, for example, values obtained by subtracting the detection data D1 and D2 in the previous calculation cycle (for example, the previous calculation cycle) from the detection data D1 and D2 in one calculation cycle. The value may be divided by the time difference. Alternatively, the detection signal differential values ΔS1 and ΔS2 may be, for example, values obtained by subtracting the detection data D1 and D2 in the previous calculation cycle (for example, the previous calculation cycle) from the detection data D1 and D2 in one calculation cycle. . This is because if the detection data D1 and D2 are acquired with a certain time difference, the difference includes a time element.

  Next, the above-described determination mode of the person and the water by the arithmetic and control circuit 10a will be generally described with reference to a flowchart. This process is started when, for example, the detection signal differential value ΔS1 of the upper electrode 11 and the detection signal differential value ΔS2 of the lower electrode 12 exceed the high threshold values ΔSth1 and ΔSth2, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the processing shifts to this routine, the detection signal differential value ΔS1 at the upper electrode 11 falls below the high side threshold ΔSth1 (+) after exceeding the high side threshold ΔSth1 (+), and falls below the high side threshold ΔSth1 (+). It is determined whether the value falls below the lower threshold value ΔSth1 (−) within the specified time Tth1 from the time (step S1). If the condition is denied (NO in step S1), the detection signal differential value ΔS2 of the lower electrode 12 exceeds the high threshold value ΔSth2 (+) after falling below the high threshold value ΔSth2 (+). It is determined whether or not the value falls below the lower threshold value ΔSth2 (−) within the specified time Tth2 from the time point of the drop (step S2). If the condition is denied (NO in step S2), it is determined that the object is a person who performs operation input on the mark 8 (step S3), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the detection signal differential value ΔS1 falls below the high side threshold value ΔSth1 (+) after exceeding the high side threshold value ΔSth1 (+), and falls below the low side threshold value ΔSth1 (−) within a specified time Tth1 from the point of the fall. It is determined (YES in step S1), or after the detection signal differential value ΔS2 exceeds the high side threshold value ΔSth2 (+), falls below the high side threshold value ΔSth2 (+). If it is determined that the value is below the threshold value ΔSth2 (−) (YES in step S2), it is determined that the object is water adhering to the mark 8 (step S4), and the process ends.

Thus, the determination of the person or the water based on the detection signal differential values ΔS1 and ΔS2 is completed.
Next, a description will be given of a switching mode of the control mode according to the determination result of the person and the water by the arithmetic and control circuit 10a. In the present embodiment, as the control mode, a “normal mode” in which a human operation input to the mark 8 is detected by the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12 at normal sensitivity, and a sensitivity lower than the “normal state” ( Hereinafter, it is set to be switchable between "rainfall state" detected by "touch sensitivity"). The calculation / control circuit 10a basically counts the number N of times that water is determined in the above-described manner (counting unit), and switches the control mode based on the number N (water adhesion). Time setting section).

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, in a state where the control mode is in the “normal state” and the number N is “0”, the determination of water is started / repeated by the calculation / control circuit 10a in association with, for example, rainfall. And At this time, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a switches the control mode from the "normal state" to the "rainfall state" when the number of times becomes equal to or more than the predetermined start number NSth ("2" in this embodiment) with the increment of the number N. . Thereafter, when a predetermined upper limit number Nmax (“5” in the present embodiment) is reached with the increment of the number N, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a does not increment the number N regardless of the determination of water. That is, the increment of the number N by the arithmetic and control circuit 10a is set to the predetermined upper limit number Nmax as an upper limit.

  Thereafter, when water is no longer determined due to the end of rainfall, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a decrements the number N every time a predetermined number of times decrement time Td (30 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses. At this time, when the number of times N is decremented and the number of times of completion becomes equal to or less than a predetermined end number of times NEth (“1” in the present embodiment), the arithmetic and control circuit 10a switches the control mode from “rainy state” to “normal state”. (return). Note that, when water is newly determined during counting up of the timer counter (TCd) that counts the number-of-times decrement time Td, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a resets the timer counter to zero.

As described above, the mutual control mode switching between the “normal state” and the “rainy state” is realized.
Next, the switching mode of the control mode by the arithmetic / control circuit 10a will be generally described with reference to a flowchart. The process such as incrementing the number N is started when the above-described water determination is performed, and the process such as decrement is started when the decrement flag is turned on. This decrement flag is a flag that is turned on when the timer counter TCd matches the number-of-times decrement time Td.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when a process such as incrementing the number N is started, it is determined whether the number N matches the upper limit number Nmax (step S11). Here, if it is determined that the number N matches the upper limit number Nmax, the process is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that they do not match, the number N is incremented by "1" (step S12).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the number N is equal to or greater than the start number NSth (step S13). Here, if it is determined that the number N is equal to or greater than the start number NSth, the control mode is switched to the "rainy state" (step S14), and the process is terminated thereafter. Will be terminated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when a process such as the decrement of the number N is started, it is determined whether or not the number N matches “0” (step S15). Here, when it is determined that the number N matches “0”, the process is terminated as it is, and when it is determined that they do not match, the number N is decremented by “1” (step S16), and furthermore, the decrement flag is set. Is set to off (step S17). Then, it is determined whether the number N is equal to or smaller than the end number NEth (step S18). If it is determined that the number N is equal to or less than the end number NEth, the control mode is switched to the "normal state" (step S19), and the process is thereafter terminated. If it is determined that the number N is larger than the end number NEth, the control mode remains unchanged. The process ends.

As described above, the count of the number N and the switching of the control mode based on the count are realized.
Next, the timing mode of the timer counter TCd relating to the decrement of the number N by the arithmetic / control circuit 10a will be described in general with reference to a flowchart. This processing is repeatedly executed by a periodic interruption every predetermined time, for example, on the assumption that there is no new water determination.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the process proceeds to this routine, it is determined whether or not the number N matches “0” (step S21). Here, when it is determined that the number of times N does not match “0”, this is operated (started or continued) to count up the timer counter TCd (step S22). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer counter TCd is equal to the number-of-times decrement time Td (step S23).

  If it is determined that the timer counter TCd matches the number-of-times decrement time Td, the decrement flag is set to ON (step S24), and the timer counter TCd is set to "0" (step S26). The process returns to S21. As described above, the processing such as the decrement of the number N is started when the decrement flag is set to ON (see FIG. 7B).

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

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

  As described above, time counting of the timer counter TCd related to the decrement of the number N is realized. In particular, the reset when there is a new water determination during the count-up of the timer counter TCd corresponds to the processing of steps S25 to S26.

  Next, a detection mode of the operation input to the mark 8 according to the control mode (“normal state” or “rainy state”) by the arithmetic / control circuit 10a will be described with reference to a flowchart. This process is repeatedly executed, for example, by a periodic interruption every predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the process proceeds to this routine, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines the current control mode in step S31. When the control mode is determined to be the “normal state”, the arithmetic and control circuit 10 a determines in step S 32 the threshold Th <b> 1 related to the detection of the operation input at the upper electrode 11 and the detection of the operation input at the lower electrode 12. The threshold value Th2 is set to predetermined relatively small threshold values TL1 and TL2, respectively. On the other hand, when the control mode is determined to be “rainy”, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a sets the thresholds Th1 and Th2 to predetermined relatively large thresholds TB1 and TB2 in step S33.

  Subsequently, in step S34, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines whether the detection data D1 is larger than the threshold Th1 and whether the detection data D2 is larger than the threshold Th2. When it is determined that the detection data D1 is larger than the threshold Th1 and the detection data D2 is larger than the threshold Th2, the operation / control circuit 10a performs an operation input to the mark 8 by an appropriate method in step S35. Is performed, and the subsequent processing ends. At this time, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a outputs a control signal C to the drive circuit 10b to drive and control the door drive unit 4 or the door lock drive unit 6 according to the detection result of the operation input. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the detection data D1 is equal to or less than the threshold Th1 or if the detection data D2 is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold Th2, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines in step S36 that the mark 8 Then, the non-detection processing of the operation input is performed, and the subsequent processing ends.

As described above, the operation detection on the premise that both the detection data D1 and D2 have reached the level corresponding to the control mode is realized.
Next, the operation of the present embodiment and the effect thereof will be described.

  (1) In the present embodiment, when judging water (or a person), attention is paid to the transition of each of the detection signals S1 and S2 (detection data D1 and D2) (sudden increase and decrease of the detection data D1 and D2). And adhesion of water can be determined more reliably.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the setting of the “rainfall state” is started when the counted number N becomes equal to or more than the start number NSth, and is ended when the counted number N becomes equal to or less than the end number NEth. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of starting and ending the setting of the “rainy state” every time the determination of water or person is switched. Further, by setting the upper limit Nmax as the upper limit of the number N, it is possible to reduce the time required to end the setting of the “rainfall state”. In particular, the ability to quickly return to the “normal state” in response to weather such as sudden stop of rain can mitigate the effect on user operations.

  (3) In the present embodiment, when it is newly determined that the object is water adhering to the mark 8 while the timer counter TCd is counting up, the timer counter TCd is reset to zero. Therefore, even in a state where the number N is just decremented and the number of times N is about to be equal to or less than the end number NEth, for example, when the rain is sparse, this can be immediately postponed. Can be suppressed.

  (4) In the present embodiment, since it is possible to determine a person and water with an extremely simple configuration using only the capacitance sensors (the upper electrode 11, the lower electrode 12, and the like), the vehicle state (for example, the vehicle stop state and the vehicle stop state). And the power consumption thereof can be reduced. In particular, since there are two sensor electrodes (the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 12) and, for example, a grounded ground electrode is unnecessary, the space for disposing them can be reduced, or the number of parts and the cost can be further reduced. it can.

  (5) In the present embodiment, the detection sensitivity of the operation input to the mark 8 is reduced (the thresholds Th1 and Th2 are increased) when the control mode is “rainy”, so that the erroneous detection of the operation input or Malfunction of the back door 3 and the like accompanying this can be prevented.

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

  As shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the determination is switched from the person to the water at the time t1 due to, for example, rainfall by the determination processing of the person and the water (see FIG. 6) by the arithmetic and control circuit 10a. At this time, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a switches the control mode from the "judgment output possible state" before the time t1 to the "judgment output impossible state" (the setting unit when water adheres). The arithmetic and control circuit 10a permits (executes) detection of an operation input to the mark 8 based on, for example, the detection data D1 and D2 in the "determination output enabled state". On the other hand, in the “judgment output disabled state”, the arithmetic / control circuit 10a invalidates (non-executes) the detection of the operation input to the mark 8 based on the detection data D1 and D2, or switches to the “judgment output enabled state”. The switching of the control mode is invalidated (not executed).

  Then, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a maintains the “judgment output disabled state” for a cancel period (standard) Tc1 as a predetermined continuation time starting from time t1 (at the time of judgment) (duration time setting unit). Further, at time t2 during which the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has elapsed, if it is determined that water is present (re-determination), the arithmetic and control circuit 10a cancels from time t2 (at the time of re-determination). The “judgment output disabled state” is maintained for a period (standard) Tc1 (duration setting unit). Similarly, at time t3 during which the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has elapsed, when it is determined (re-determined) that water is present, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a starts at time t3 (when re-determined). The “judgment output disabled state” is maintained for the cancellation period (standard) Tc1. In other words, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a automatically extends the “judgment output disabled state” by being re-determined as water during one cancel period (standard) Tc1.

  Note that during the cancellation period (standard) Tc1, even if it is determined that the person is a person in the determination process (see FIG. 6), the "determination output disabled state" is maintained. The control mode at this time is particularly referred to as “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)”.

  The cancellation period (standard) is a state in which the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” is sequentially repeated for a predetermined number of times (twice in the present embodiment) with the sequential advance of the starting point of the cancellation period (standard) Tc1. If it is determined (re-determined) that the water is present at time t4 during the passage of Tc1, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a is longer than the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 starting at time t4 (when re-determined). The “judgment output disabled state” is maintained for the cancellation period (long time) Tc2 as the second predetermined duration (second duration setting unit). Further, at time t5 during which the cancellation period (long time) Tc2 has elapsed, when it is determined that the water is present (redetermined), the arithmetic and control circuit 10a starts at time t5 (when redetermined). The “judgment output disabled state” is maintained for the cancellation period (long time) Tc2 (second duration setting unit). The same applies to the case where the water is determined (re-determined) during the elapse of the subsequent cancellation period (long time) Tc2. That is, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a automatically extends the “judgment output disabled state” by being re-determined as water during the elapse of one cancellation period (long time) Tc2.

  Note that during the cancellation period (long time) Tc2, even if it is determined that the person is a person in the determination process (see FIG. 6), the "determination output disabled state" is maintained. The control mode at this time is particularly referred to as a “judgment output disabled state (long time mode)”.

  Thereafter, at time t6 at which one cancellation period (long time) Tc2 ends without being re-determined as water, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a changes the control mode from the "judgment output disabled state (long time mode)". Switch to “judgment output enabled state”.

  Next, the switching mode of the control mode by the arithmetic / control circuit 10a will be generally described with reference to a flowchart. This process is started upon completion of the human and water determination process (see FIG. 6) on the assumption that the control mode is not the “judgment output disabled state (long time mode)”, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the process proceeds to this routine, it is determined whether or not the determination is water (step S41). Here, if it is determined that the determination is not water, it is determined whether or not the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress (step S42). If it is determined that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has not elapsed, the control mode is set to the "determination output enabled state" (step S43).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination is water (YES in step S41), it is determined whether the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 is in progress (step S44). If it is determined that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has not elapsed, the control mode is set to the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” (step S48). At this time, the count-up of the cancel time counter TCc1 for measuring the cancel period (standard) Tc1 is executed (started).

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

  If it is determined in step S44 that the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 has elapsed, the cancellation time counter TCc1 is cleared to restart the counting of the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 (step S45). Then, the number of extensions Nc indicating the number of times the extension of the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” is continuously repeated is counted up (step S46). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of extensions Nc is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times Ncth ("2" in the present embodiment) (step S47). Here, if it is determined that the number of extensions Nc is less than the predetermined number of times Ncth, the control mode is set (maintained) to the “determination output disabled state (standard mode)” (step S48), and it is determined that the number of extensions Nc is equal to or more than the predetermined number of times Ncth. Then, the control mode is set to the “judgment output disabled state (long time mode)” (step S49).

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

As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1), (4), and (5) of the first embodiment.
(1) In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the object is water adhering to the mark 8, the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” can be continued for the cancellation period (standard) Tc1. In particular, when it is determined again that the object is water adhering to the mark 8 during the elapse of the cancellation period (standard) Tc1, only the cancellation period (standard) Tc1 starting from the time of the determination (re-determination) is " The judgment output disabled state (standard mode) "can be continued, that is, automatically extended.

  (2) In the present embodiment, when the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times (two times), the “judgment output disabled state (long mode)” is canceled for a cancellation period (long time) Tc2. Time mode) ”can be continued. Normally, in a state with a large amount of water such as heavy rain, it is difficult to detect an operation input to the mark 8 and to determine the above-mentioned person and water. However, when the extension of the “judgment output disabled state (standard mode)” is repeated continuously for a predetermined number of times, that is, at a stage where it can be regarded as a precursor to an increase in the amount of water, the “judgment output disabled state (long time) Tc2” Long time mode) "can be prevented from erroneously detecting an operation input or the like on the mark 8.

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

  As shown in FIG. 4, the arithmetic and control circuit 10a determines whether an object that is in contact with or in proximity to the mark 8 is based on a shift in the peak position between the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2). It may be determined whether a person inputs an operation to the mark 8 or water adheres to the mark 8. That is, the arithmetic / control circuit 10a determines that the object is water adhering to the mark 8 when the deviation (ΔTP) of the peak position between the detection data D1 and D2 is small and does not exceed the predetermined time (ΔTPth). . This is because the water adhering to the mark 8 basically flows through the mark 8 and moves rapidly after approaching the mark 8 and the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively small. On the other hand, if the deviation (ΔTP) of the peak position between the detection data D1 and D2 is large and does not fall below the predetermined time (ΔTPth), the arithmetic and control circuit 10a does not determine that the object is water adhering to the mark 8. . This is because, when the object is not water adhering to the mark 8, that is, when the object is a person who performs an operation input on the mark 8, the operation of approaching the mark 8 and then moving away is basically slow. Yes, because the deviation of the peak position becomes relatively large.

  In this way, by paying attention to the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals S1 and S2 (detection data D1 and D2) in determining the water (or the person), the operation of the person and the adhesion of the water are more reliably performed. Can be determined.

  The determination of water based on the shift of the peak position between the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) is based on the fact that the detection data D1 rapidly increases and decreases (step S1) and the detection data D2 May be calculated by the logical sum of the sudden increase and decrease (step S2), or by at least one logical product.

  -As shown in FIG. 12, the vehicle 20 may be equipped with a slide door 22 that opens and closes an opening 21a formed in a side portion of the body 21 in the front-rear direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors are provided inside a side skirt (also referred to as a “rocker cover”) 23 extending in the front-rear direction along the lower edge of the opening 21a. Upper electrode 24 and lower electrode 25 may be provided. Further, inside a side mud guard (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction along the lower edge of the slide door 22, an upper electrode 24 and a lower electrode 25 as sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors are installed. You may. Both the upper electrode 24 and the lower electrode 25 have a substantially band shape extending in the front-rear direction, and have the same shape. The lower electrode 25 is arranged below the upper electrode 24 at a substantially constant interval. The upper electrode 24 and the lower electrode 25 output a detection signal that changes when an object (for example, a human foot F or the like) contacts or approaches the surface (operation input unit) of the side skirt 23. As a result, a person and water determination process and the like are executed according to the first and second embodiments.

  The number of the sensor electrodes provided on the side skirt 23 may be one, or three or more may be provided in parallel in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the sensor electrodes provided on the side skirt 23 may be a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. In the normal operation of this modified example, the operation of moving the foot F of the user (person) with respect to the side skirt 23 (operation input unit) represents an appropriate operation related to opening and closing the slide door 22. The slide door 22 is opened and closed by the door ECU (10) being driven and controlled by the door ECU (10) and the door lock drive unit (6) in accordance with the back door 3.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when a rear bumper 31 extending in the width direction of the vehicle below the back door 3 is attached to the rear portion of the body 2, a plurality of capacitances installed on the rear bumper 31 The upper electrode 36 and the lower electrode 37 as sensor electrodes of the sensor may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the rear bumper 31 has, for example, a metal reinforcement 32 and a resin bumper cover 33. The reinforcement 32 has a substantially elongated shape extending in the width direction of the vehicle over substantially the entire length of the rear bumper 31, and the bumper cover 33 covers the entire reinforcement 32 from behind.

  As shown in FIG. 14, both the upper electrode 36 and the lower electrode 37 have a substantially band shape extending in the width direction of the vehicle over substantially the entire length of the rear bumper 31, and have the same shape as each other. . The lower electrode 37 is arranged below the upper electrode 36 at a substantially constant interval. The bumper cover 33 has a substantially rectangular operation input section 34 that covers the upper electrode 36 and the lower electrode 37 on its surface (outer surface). The upper electrode 36 and the lower electrode 37 output a detection signal that changes when an object (for example, a human foot F) comes into contact with or approaches the operation input unit 34.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the water adhering to the rear bumper 31 (operation input unit 34) basically flows through the rear bumper 31, so that the water quickly approaches and then moves away. This makes it possible to perform a determination process of a person and water according to the first and second embodiments.

  In addition, the number of sensor electrodes provided in the operation input unit 34 may be one, or three or more sensor electrodes may be arranged in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the sensor electrodes installed in the operation input unit 34 may be a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals in the width direction of the vehicle. In the normal operation of this modification, the operation of moving the foot F of the user (person) with respect to the rear bumper 31 (operation input unit 34) represents an appropriate operation related to opening and closing the back door 3.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the window glass 42 moves up and down in the vertical direction from the substantially bag-shaped door panel 41 constituting the lower part of the slide door 22, a substantially strip-like shape installed near the door panel 41 of the window glass 42. Sensor body 45 may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, a door trim 43 that forms a design in the vehicle interior is attached to the door panel 41, and the upper end of the door panel 41 is attached to an outer surface of a window glass 42 that moves up and down in the vertical direction. A belt molding 44 for draining, which is in sliding contact with, is attached. The sensor body 45 is mounted on the door trim 43 that is closer to the vehicle compartment than the window glass 42. As shown in FIG. 19, the sensor body 45 has a first electrode 46, a second electrode 47, and a third electrode 48 that are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, and has a substrate 49 on which they are formed. The first to third electrodes 46 to 48 generate a detection signal that changes when an object (for example, a finger H of a person) abuts on or comes close to the surface (operation input unit) of the window glass 42 near the sensor body 45. Output. As a result, a person and water determination process and the like are executed according to the first and second embodiments.

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

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

In the first embodiment, the setting of the number-of-times decrement time Td is an example, and can be arbitrarily changed.
In the first embodiment, the timer counter TCd need not be reset to zero even if it is newly determined that the object is water adhering to the mark 8 while the timer counter TCd is counting up.

  In the first embodiment, when the control mode is “rainy”, the operation detection is performed by setting the thresholds Th1 and Th2 and determining the threshold of the detection data D1 and D2 based on the thresholds (steps S33 to S34). Reduced sensitivity. On the other hand, the sensitivity may be reduced in such a manner that it is difficult to detect the operation in the category of the appropriate method itself of the operation detection (step S35).

  In the first embodiment, when the control mode is “rainy”, detection of an operation input based on the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) may be invalidated (masked). That is, when the control mode is “rainy”, the operation input detection process (see FIG. 9) itself may not be executed.

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

  In the second embodiment, the operation based on the detection data D1 and D2 (detection signals S1 and S2) is more performed when the control mode is in the “judgment output impossible state” than in the “judgment output possible state”. You may make it difficult to detect an input (see FIG. 9).

  In the above embodiments, the monitoring of the elapsed time in comparison with the specified times Tth1 and Tth2 is performed after the detection signal differential values ΔS1 and ΔS2 exceed the high-side thresholds ΔSth1 (+) and ΔSth2 (+). Alternatively, the count may be started by starting counting up of a timer counter that counts the elapsed time on condition that the side thresholds ΔSth1 (+) and ΔSth2 (+) are below. Alternatively, the timer counter may be constantly counted up, and the timer counter may be reset when the detection signal differential values ΔS1 and ΔS2 match the high-side thresholds ΔSth1 (+) and ΔSth2 (+).

  In each of the above embodiments, water is determined by the logical sum of the sudden increase and decrease of the detection data D1 (step S1) and the sudden increase and decrease of the detection data D2 (step S2). On the other hand, water may be determined by ANDing them.

Alternatively, water may be determined by omitting any one of the determinations in steps S1 and S2.
In each of the above embodiments, the operation input unit may be arranged arbitrarily as long as the operation input unit is on the surface of the exterior component of the vehicle and does not bother the user. For example, when the operation target is the back door 3, it may be the surface of the garnish 7. When the operation target is the slide door 22, the operation target may be a surface of a pillar or an outside door handle. The point is that the sensor electrode may be arranged on the back of the operation input unit in accordance with the arrangement of the operation input unit.

  In the above embodiments, the operations related to opening and closing the back door 3 or the slide door 22 include, for example, opening and unlocking the door (unlocking), closing the door, locking (locking), setting an operation prohibition period, and setting a reservation lock / door. It suffices to change the closing and opening / closing speed.

  In the above embodiments, the operation target (opening / closing body) related to opening and closing may be, for example, a window glass 42 (window regulator), a swing door, a hood, a trunk lid, a fuel lid, a sunroof, and the like. Alternatively, it may be a rotatable seat that can be rotated to support getting on and off, or an elevating seat that can be raised and lowered.

  1, 20: vehicle, 7: garnish, 8: mark (operation input unit), 10: door ECU, 10a: calculation / control circuit (operation input detection unit, determination unit, setting unit when water adheres, duration setting unit , A second duration setting unit, a counting unit), 11, 24, 36... Upper electrode (sensor electrode of the capacitance sensor), 12, 25, 37. 23: side skirt (operation input unit), 31: bumper cover, 34: operation input unit, 42: window glass (operation input unit), 44: belt molding, 46: first electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor) , 47 ... second electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor), 48 ... third electrode (sensor electrode of capacitance sensor).

Claims (6)

A sensor electrode of a capacitance sensor that outputs a detection signal that changes when an object contacts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the detection signal,
The time differential value of the detection signal falls below the high side threshold after exceeding a predetermined high side threshold, and falls below a predetermined low side threshold smaller than the high side threshold within a predetermined time from the point of the fall. And a determining unit that determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling detection of an operation input based on the detection signal when the object is determined to be water adhering to the operation input unit by the determination unit; and A water adhering setting unit for setting one of the processes of making it more difficult to detect an operation input based on the detection signal when it is determined that the water is not adhering than when it is not determined that the water is adhering. Vehicle operation input detection device. Sensor electrodes of a plurality of capacitance sensors that individually output detection signals that change when an object abuts or approaches an operation input unit provided on the surface of the vehicle,
An operation input detection unit that detects an operation input to the operation input unit based on the plurality of detection signals,
When the shift of the peak position between the plurality of detection signals is less than a predetermined time, comprising a determination unit that determines that the object is water adhered to the operation input unit,
The operation input detection unit,
Disabling detection of an operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit; and Making it more difficult to detect an operation input based on the plurality of detection signals when it is determined that the water is not water that adheres to the part. A vehicle operation input detection device having a setting unit. The operation input detection device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,
The operation input detection unit,
When the determination unit determines that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit, a duration setting that continues the setting by the water adhesion setting unit for a predetermined duration starting from the time of the determination. A vehicle operation input detection device having a unit. The vehicle operation input detection device according to claim 3,
The operation input detection unit,
When the extension of the setting by the water adhesion setting unit is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times by the duration setting unit, the water adhesion setting unit has a predetermined second duration longer than the predetermined duration. A vehicle operation input detection device having a second duration setting unit for continuing the setting according to (1). The operation input detection device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,
The operation input detection unit,
Each time the object is determined to be water adhering to the operation input unit by the determination unit, the number is incremented up to a predetermined upper limit, and the object adheres to the operation input unit by the determination unit. A counting unit that decrements the number every time a predetermined number of times decrement time elapses in a state where it is not determined to be water,
The setting by the water adhesion setting unit is started when the number counted by the counting unit is equal to or more than a predetermined start number smaller than the predetermined upper limit number, and is set to a predetermined end equal to or less than the predetermined start number. An operation input detection device for a vehicle, which is terminated when the number of times becomes equal to or less than the number of times. The operation input detection device for a vehicle according to claim 5,
The counting unit sets the timer counter to zero when it is newly determined that the object is water adhering to the operation input unit by the determination unit during the count-up of the timer counter that counts the number of times decrement time. A vehicle operation input detection device to be reset.

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