Door control device

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle door control device (10) having a slide operation portion provided on an inside of a vehicle cabin of a side door, a detection unit (20) provided at least for the slide operation portion, which detects a slide operation of a hand moving along the slide operation portion, a door lock device (40) that maintains a closed state of the side door, and a control device (70) that releases the closed state of the side door by the door lock device (40) when a slide operation is detected based on a detection result of the detection unit (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle door control device. Background Technology

[0002] The door lock device described in Patent Document 1 includes a latch member that keeps the door closed, a ball member that locks the latch member, a lock release command unit that detects contact with the door handle and generates a door opening command signal, and a lock release unit that releases the lock of the latch member via the ball member in response to the door opening command signal. According to this door lock device, when a user grasps the door handle, contact with the door handle is detected, and a door opening command signal is generated. Therefore, the latch member is released, and the door can be opened by driving the door in the opening direction. Therefore, since the door opening is responsive to a person's operation to open the door, such as grasping the door handle, conscious operation is unnecessary.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP-A-S64-6480 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In the door lock device described in Patent Document 1, a single sensor electrode is arranged on the door handle to detect contact with the door handle based on changes in electrostatic capacitance. Therefore, even if the user touches the door handle without intending to open the door, the latch member is released.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present invention, the user's operating intention can be appropriately reflected in the door control device.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a door control device includes a sliding operation part disposed on the vehicle interior side of the door, a detection unit disposed at least in the sliding operation part and configured to detect a sliding operation, a door lock device configured to keep the door in a closed state, and a controller configured to release the closed state of the door through the door lock device when it is determined, based on the detection result of the detection unit, that a sliding operation has been detected.

[0011] The door control device may also include a handle portion disposed on the vehicle interior side of the door and serving as a handle when the door is opened or closed. A sliding operation portion is preferably arranged continuous with the handle portion, and the controller is preferably configured to release the closed state of the door via a door locking device when a sliding operation towards the handle portion is detected.

[0012] Furthermore, the door control device may also include a handle portion disposed on the vehicle interior side of the door and functioning as a handle when the door is opened or closed. In this case, the sliding operating portion is preferably configured to intersect with or overlap with a portion or all of the handle portion.

[0013] In addition, the door control device preferably includes a lighting unit, which is at least disposed in the sliding operation section and configured to guide the direction of the sliding operation by means of illumination.

[0014] Furthermore, the door locking device preferably includes a latch configured to hold the door in a closed state by engaging with the vehicle body. When a sliding operation is detected, the controller is preferably configured to release the latch until the door opening angle reaches or exceeds a threshold.

[0015] Furthermore, the detection unit is preferably an electrostatic capacitive sensor, configured to detect user contact by means of changes in electrostatic capacitance. Multiple electrostatic capacitive sensors are preferably arranged at intervals from upstream to downstream along the direction of the sliding operation. The controller is preferably configured to begin receiving sensor inputs from the adjacent downstream electrostatic capacitive sensor when the upstream capacitive sensor detects a sensor input.

[0016] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a door control device is provided that can appropriately reflect the user's operating intention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of a side door to which the door control device according to this embodiment is applied;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the side door;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the door control device;

[0021] Figure 4 This is an enlarged front view of the main part of the side door;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the latching unit;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the locking unit;

[0024] Figure 7 (a) to 7(d) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the locking unit;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the door control device according to this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the door control device according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following text, the door control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described as being applied to the side door 1 of a vehicle. Figure 1 This is a front view of the side door 1 to which the door control device 10 according to this embodiment is applied. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing side door 1. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the door control device 10. Figure 4 This is an enlarged front view of the main part of side door 1.

[0028] Side door 1 is a front side door that opens and closes between the front pillar and the center pillar. The front end of side door 1 is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge mechanism (not shown) and is rotatable around the hinge mechanism. Side door 1 mainly includes a door body 2 and a door trim panel 3.

[0029] The door body 2 includes an outer door panel that forms half of the door body on the exterior side of the vehicle and an inner door panel that forms half of the door body on the interior side of the vehicle. The outer door panel and the inner door panel form a closed section by connecting their peripheral portions, and a space is formed within the closed section.

[0030] The door trim panel 3 is an interior component that decorates the interior of the vehicle and is located on the interior side of the door body 2 to cover it. The main portion of the door trim panel 3 has a surface shape along the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the door trim panel 3, a door pocket 3a is located at the lower part of the door trim panel 3 along the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a speaker bracket 3b is located in front of the door pocket 3a. A door armrest 3c is located at the center of the door trim panel 3 along the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0031] A door auxiliary grip (handle portion) 3d, which serves as a handle when the side door 1 is opened and closed, is provided in front of the door armrest 3c. The door auxiliary grip 3d is arranged in a downward-sloping shape from the front to the rear of the vehicle. A sliding operating portion 3e, continuously formed and continuous with the door auxiliary grip 3d, is provided on the upper end of the door auxiliary grip 3d.

[0032] The sliding operation part 3e is arranged in a vertical wall shape so as to face the door panel 3 and form a gap with the door panel 3. With fingers inserted into the gap, the user can perform a sliding operation by moving their hand from the top to the bottom along the shape of the sliding operation part 3e. Furthermore, because the sliding operation part 3e is shaped to be continuous with the door auxiliary grip part 3d, the hand can move to the door auxiliary grip part 3d with a series of movements during the sliding operation. In this embodiment, the sliding operation of moving the hand along the sliding operation part 3e to the door auxiliary grip part 3d is used as the operation for opening the side door 1.

[0033] The door control device 10 mainly includes a detection unit 20, a switch unit 30, a door lock device 40, a lighting unit 50, a half-open door sensor 60, and a control device 70.

[0034] The detection unit 20 detects a sliding operation that causes a hand (human body) to contact and move along the sliding operation section 3e (including movement in a proximity state), and includes multiple electrostatic capacitance sensors, which in this embodiment are three electrostatic capacitance sensors 21 to 23. Each of the electrostatic capacitance sensors 21 to 23 detects the user's contact (including proximity) based on a change in electrostatic capacitance. Figure 4 As shown, a first electrostatic capacitive sensor 21 (hereinafter referred to as "first sensor 21" as needed) is arranged on the upper end side of the sliding operation part 3e, a second electrostatic capacitive sensor 22 (hereinafter referred to as "second sensor 22" as needed) is arranged on the lower end side of the sliding operation part 3e, and a third electrostatic capacitive sensor 23 (hereinafter referred to as "third sensor 23") is arranged on the lower end side of the door auxiliary grip part 3d. Based on the detection results from the first sensor 21 to the third sensor 23, that is, by sequentially detecting the user's contact from the first sensor 21 to the third sensor 23, the sliding operation reaching the door auxiliary grip part 3d along the sliding operation part 3e can be detected. Therefore, based on the direction of the sliding operation, the first sensor 21 is arranged at the upstream position, the second sensor 22 is arranged downstream of the first sensor 21, and the third sensor 23 is arranged further downstream (the most downstream).

[0035] The switching unit 30 includes a locking switch 31 and an unlocking switch 32. The locking switch 31 and unlocking switch 32 are arranged on a portion of the shaped surface of the door trim panel 3. The locking switch 31 is used to operate the door lock device 40 into the locked state. The unlocking switch 32 is used to operate the door lock device 40 into the unlocked state.

[0036] The door lock device 40 is a device for keeping the side door 1 in the closed state, and includes a latch 40a that engages with the vehicle body. The latch opening unit 41, the locking unit 42, and the operating handle 43 are connected to the door lock device 40 via a cable arrangement.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the latching unit 41. The latching unit 41 is a device controlled by the control device 70 to release the closed state of the side door 1 via the door lock device 40. The latching unit 41 includes a latching motor 41a and a latching lever 41b connected to the output shaft of the latching motor 41a. A first cable device 45 connecting the latching lever 41b and the door lock device 40 to each other is connected to the latching lever 41b.

[0038] The first cable assembly 45 includes an inner cable 45a and a tubular outer cable 45b. The inner cable 45a is inserted into the hollow portion of the outer cable 45b and is movable within the outer cable 45b. One end of the outer cable 45b is fixed to the cable holding portion 41c of the latch unit 41, and the other end is fixed to the door lock device 40. One end of the inner cable 45a is connected to the latch lever 41b, and the other end is connected to a movable point of the latch 40a that operates the door lock device 40.

[0039] When the latching unit 41 is not in operation, the latching lever 41b is in its initial position (not shown). With the latching lever 41b in its initial position, the internal cable 45a is not pulled, and the movable point of the door lock device 40 is not activated. In this situation, the latch 40a of the door lock device 40 is in an engaged state (latched state) with the vehicle body. Therefore, the side door 1 remains closed.

[0040] Then, when the latching unit 41 operates, the latching motor 41a rotates forward by a predetermined amount. When the latching lever 41b rotates from its initial position to the latched position via the rotation of the latching motor 41a, the internal cable 45a connected to the latching lever 41b is pulled (…). Figure 5 (as shown in the diagram). Therefore, the movable point of the door lock device 40 connected to the other end of the internal cable 45a is operated. Through this operation, the engagement state between the latch 40a and the vehicle body is released (latch open state). That is, by operating the latch open unit 41 and inputting an operating force into the door lock device 40, the closed state of the side door 1 through the door lock device 40 is released.

[0041] On the other hand, when the latching unit 41 stops operating, the latching motor 41a rotates in the opposite direction by a predetermined amount. When the latching lever 41b rotates from the latching position to the initial position by the rotation of the latching motor 41a, the internal cable 45a connected to the latching lever 41b is returned. Therefore, the movable point of the door lock device 40 connected to the other end of the internal cable 45a is operated to the initial state. Through this operation, the latch 40a enters the latched state, in which the latch 40a can engage with the vehicle body. Therefore, when the side door 1 is in the closed state, its closed state is maintained.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the locking unit 42. Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (d) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the locking unit 42. The locking unit 42 is a device controlled by the control device 70 to switch between the unlocked state and the locked state of the door lock device 40. The unlocked state of the door lock device 40 is a state in which an operating force is input to the door lock device 40 by the latching unit 41 is effective, and the closed state of the side door 1 can be released. On the other hand, the locked state of the door lock device 40 is a state in which an operating force is input to the door lock device 40 by the latching unit 41 is ineffective, and the closed state of the side door 1 is prohibited from being released.

[0043] The locking unit 42 includes a locking motor 42a, a motor rod 42b connected to the output shaft of the locking motor 42a, and a locking lever 42c, which is different from the motor rod 42b and is pivotally supported by a rotation shaft. The end of the motor rod 42b is formed as a generally U-shaped movable member 42b1 and is configured to rotate the locking lever 42c by engaging with an engagement pin 42c1 arranged on the locking lever 42c.

[0044] A second cable assembly 46, connecting the locking lever 42c and the door lock device 40 to each other, is connected to the locking lever 42c. The second cable assembly 46 includes an internal cable 46a and a tubular external cable 46b. The internal cable 46a is inserted into the hollow portion of the external cable 46b and is movable within the external cable 46b. One end of the external cable 46b is fixed to the cable holding portion 42d of the locking unit 42, and its other end is fixed to the door lock device 40. One end of the internal cable 46a is connected to the locking lever 42c, and its other end is connected to the door lock device 40.

[0045] When motor rod 42b is in the initial position ( Figure 7 (a)) Locking lever 42c is in the locked position. In this case, door lock device 40 is locked. In the locked state, the opening of side door 1 is restricted because the operation of door lock device 40 by latching unit 41 is canceled.

[0046] First, the switching operation from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described. When the locking unit 42 is operated, the locking motor 42a rotates forward by a predetermined amount. The rotation of the locking motor 42a causes the motor rod 42b to move in a first direction ( Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (d) Rotate counterclockwise to the first rotation position. Figure 7(b)). At this time, one end of the movable part 42b1 of the motor rod 42b engages with the engagement pin 42c1 of the locking rod 42c, causing the engagement pin 42c1 to be pushed and the locking rod 42c to rotate to the unlocked position. Figure 7 (b) When the locking lever 42c is rotated to the unlocked position, the internal cable 46a connected to the locking lever 42c is pulled. When the internal cable 46a is pulled, the door lock device 40 connected to the other end of the internal cable 46a is operated, and the door lock device 40 enters the unlocked state. In the unlocked state, since the operation of the door lock device 40 by the latch unit 41 is effective, the side door 1 can be opened.

[0047] Then, the locking motor 42a rotates a constant amount in the opposite direction. The rotation of the locking motor 42a causes the motor rod 42b to rotate in the second direction (…). Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (d) Rotates clockwise to the initial position. Since the movable part 42b1 of the motor rod 42b rotates without engaging with the engagement pin 42c1 of the locking rod 42c, only the motor rod 42b returns to the initial position. Figure 7 (c)). Therefore, the locking lever 42c remains in the unlocked position.

[0048] Next, the switching operation from the unlocked state to the locked state will be described. When the locking unit 42 is operated, the locking motor 42a rotates in the opposite direction by a predetermined amount. The rotation of the locking motor 42a causes the motor rod 42b to rotate in the second direction ( Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (d) rotate clockwise to the second rotation position. Figure 7 (d)). At this time, the other end of the movable part 42b1 of the motor rod 42b engages with the engagement pin 42c1 of the locking rod 42c, causing the engagement pin 42c1 to be pushed and the locking rod 42c to rotate to the locked position. Figure 7 (d) When the locking lever 42c is rotated to the locked position, the internal cable 46a connected to the locking lever 42c is actuated. When the internal cable 46a is actuated, the door lock device 40 connected to the other end of the internal cable 46a is activated, and the door lock device 40 enters the locked state. In the locked state, the opening of the side door 1 is restricted because the operation of the door lock device 40 by the latching unit 41 is canceled.

[0049] Then, the locking motor 42a rotates a constant amount in the forward direction. The rotation of the locking motor 42a causes the motor rod 42b to rotate in the second direction (…). Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (d) Rotates counterclockwise to the initial position. Since the movable part 42b1 of the motor rod 42b rotates without engaging with the engagement pin 42c1 of the locking rod 42c, only the motor rod 42b returns to the initial position. Figure 7 (a) Therefore, locking lever 42c remains in the locked position.

[0050] With the user's manual operation, the operating handle 43 releases the closed state of the side door 1 by operating the door lock device 40. As described above, the release of the closed state of the side door 1 is performed by operating the door lock device 40 through the latching unit 41. However, the operating handle 43 for manual operation is provided assuming that the latching unit 41 may malfunction. The operating handle 43 is provided on the upper surface of the door armrest 3c near the door auxiliary grip portion 3d. When viewed from inside the vehicle, the operating handle 43 is covered by the door auxiliary grip portion 3d, so the operating handle 43 can be arranged in an inconspicuous manner.

[0051] The rear end of the operating handle 43 is pivotally supported by a pin (not shown), and the front end is configured to rotate about its rear end. The operating handle 43 rotates within a range between a closed position flush with the door handle 3c and an open position where its front end is pulled up from the door handle 3c. The operating handle 43 is connected to the door lock device 40 via a third cable arrangement including internal and external cables.

[0052] When the operating handle 43 is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the third cable device connected to the operating handle 43 is pulled. Therefore, the movable point of the door lock device 40 connected to the other end of the third cable device is operated. Through this operation, the engagement state between the latch 40a and the vehicle body is released (latch open state). That is, by pulling up the operating handle 43 and inputting operating force into the door lock device 40, the closed state of the opposite door 1 of the door lock device 40 is released.

[0053] The lighting unit 50 is configured to guide the direction of the sliding operation through illumination. The lighting unit 50 includes multiple LEDs (light-emitting diodes), specifically seven LEDs 51 to 57 in this embodiment. As described above, the sliding operation corresponds to a continuous movement along the sliding operation section 3e from top to bottom towards the door auxiliary grip section 3d. Figure 4 As shown, seven LEDs 51 to 57 are arranged at predetermined intervals from the upper end of the sliding operation section 3e to the lower end of the door auxiliary grip section 3d. Specifically, three LEDs 51 to 53 are arranged from the upper end to the lower end of the sliding operation section 3e, and four LEDs 54 to 57 are arranged from the upper end to the lower end of the door auxiliary grip section 3d. By sequentially turning on the LEDs 51 to 57 from the upper end of the sliding operation section 3e to the lower end of the door auxiliary grip section 3d, the direction of the sliding operation can be guided.

[0054] The half-open door sensor 60 is a sensor that detects whether the side door 1 is half-open. Specifically, the half-open door sensor 60 detects whether the opening angle of the side door 1 is equal to or greater than a threshold used to detect the half-open door.

[0055] The control device 70 is a device for controlling the door control device 10. The control device 70 mainly includes a controller 71, an electrostatic capacitance sensor input circuit 72, a door switch input circuit 73, a motor drive circuit 74, an LED drive circuit 75, and a half-open door sensor input circuit 76.

[0056] The control unit 71 outputs control signals to each drive circuit 74, 75 based on information input from each input circuit 72, 73, and 76. These control signals control the operating state of the latching unit 41, the operating state of the locking unit 42, and the lighting state of the LEDs 51 to 57 constituting the lighting unit 50. A microcomputer, mainly comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O interfaces, can be used as the control unit 71. The CPU executes various types of control according to the control program (processor). The ROM stores the program executed by the CPU or the necessary data for executing the program. The RAM is the working area when the CPU executes the program.

[0057] In this embodiment, when it is determined from the detection results from the first sensor 21 to the third sensor 23 that the user's contact is a sliding operation along the sliding operation part 3e to the door auxiliary grip part 3d, the control unit 71 releases the closed state of the side door 1 through the door lock device 40.

[0058] The sensor signals from the first sensor 21, the second sensor 22, and the third sensor 23 are input to the electrostatic capacitance sensor input circuit 72. The sensor signals input to the electrostatic capacitance sensor input circuit 72 are output to the control unit 71.

[0059] The switching signals from the locking switch 31 and the unlocking switch 32 are input to the door switch input circuit 73. The switching signals input to the door switch input circuit 73 are output to the control unit 71.

[0060] The motor drive circuit 74 rotatably drives the latching motor 41a of the latching unit 41 and the locking motor 42a of the locking unit 42 in response to the control signal from the control unit 71.

[0061] LED driver circuit 75 turns on and drives seven LEDs 51 to 57 in response to a control signal from control unit 71.

[0062] The sensor signal from the half-open door sensor 60 is input to the half-open door sensor input circuit 76. The sensor signal input to the half-open door sensor input circuit 76 is output to the control unit 71.

[0063] The operation of the door control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described here. Figure 8 and Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the door control device 10 according to this embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart is executed by the control device 70. At the beginning of this flowchart, only the sensor input (sensor signal) of the first sensor (the electrostatic capacitive sensor at the upstream position along the sliding operation direction) 21 of the three electrostatic capacitive sensors 21 to 23 of the detection unit 20 can be received.

[0064] First, in step S10, the control device 70 waits for the input of the sensor signal from the first sensor 21 and the input of the switch signal from the unlock switch 32. If the signal is input, the waiting process terminates, and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0065] In step S11, the control device 70 determines whether an unlocking operation for operating the unlocking switch 32 has been performed. The presence or absence of the unlocking operation is determined by the presence or absence of the switch signal input to the unlocking switch 32. When the unlocking operation is performed, a positive determination is made in step S11, and the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the unlocking operation is not performed, a negative determination is made in step S11, and the process proceeds to step S16.

[0066] In step S12, the control device 70 initiates guide lighting by turning on and driving the LEDs 51 to 57 of the lighting unit 50. The guide lighting guides the direction of the sliding operation by sequentially turning on the LEDs 51 to 57 from the upper end of the sliding operation part 3e toward the lower end of the door auxiliary grip part 3d. Each of the illuminated LEDs 51 to 57 turns off after a certain period based on its lighting timing, and then lights up again after the same period, repeating this operation until the guide lighting ends.

[0067] In step S13, the control device 70 starts the timer.

[0068] In step S14, the control device 70 determines whether the timer's count value exceeds the upper limit time. The upper limit time in step S14 represents the effective time from the operation of the unlock switch 32 to the execution of a contact operation at the upper end of the sliding operation section 3e (the location of the first sensor 21), and an optimal value is set through experimentation or simulation. When the timer's count value exceeds the upper limit time, a positive judgment is made in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S15. Conversely, when the timer's count value does not exceed the upper limit time, a negative judgment is made in step S14, and the process proceeds to step S16.

[0069] In step S15, the control device 70 terminates the guiding lighting.

[0070] In step S16, the control device 70 determines whether the first sensor 21 located at the upper end of the sliding operation part 3e has detected contact. When the first sensor 21 detects contact, a positive judgment is made in step S16, and the process proceeds to step S17. When the first sensor 21 does not detect contact, a negative judgment is made in step S16, and the process proceeds to step S14.

[0071] In step S17, the control device 70 begins to receive sensor signals from the second sensor 22.

[0072] In step S18, the control device 70 resets the count value of the timer and then restarts the timer.

[0073] In step S19, the control device 70 determines whether the timer's count value exceeds the upper limit time. The upper limit time in step S19 represents the effective time for the sliding operation from the upper end of the sliding operation section 3e (the location of the first sensor 21) to the lower end of the sliding operation section 3e (the location of the second sensor 22), and an optimal value is set through experimentation or simulation. When the timer's count value exceeds the upper limit time, a positive judgment is made in step S19, and the process proceeds to step S15. Conversely, when the timer's count value does not exceed the upper limit time, a negative judgment is made in step S19, and the process proceeds to step S20.

[0074] In step S20, the control device 70 determines whether the second sensor 22 located at the lower end of the sliding operation part 3e has detected contact. When the second sensor 22 detects contact, a positive judgment is made in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S21. When the second sensor 22 does not detect contact, a negative judgment is made in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S19.

[0075] In step S21, the control device 70 begins to receive sensor signals from the third sensor 23.

[0076] In step S22, the control device 70 resets the count value of the timer and then restarts the timer.

[0077] In step S23, the control device 70 determines whether the timer's count value exceeds the upper limit time. The upper limit time in step S23 represents the effective time of the sliding operation from the lower end of the sliding operation part 3e (the location of the second sensor 22) to the lower end of the door auxiliary grip part 3d (the location of the third sensor 23), and an optimal value is set through experimentation or simulation. When the timer's count value exceeds the upper limit time, a positive judgment is made in step S23, and the process proceeds to step S15. Conversely, when the timer's count value does not exceed the upper limit time, a negative judgment is made in step S23, and the process proceeds to step S24.

[0078] In step S24, the control device 70 determines whether the third sensor 23 located at the lower end of the door auxiliary grip 3d has detected contact. When the third sensor 23 detects contact, a positive judgment is made in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S25. When the third sensor 23 does not detect contact, a negative judgment is made in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0079] In step S25, the control device 70 determines whether the door lock device 40 is in the unlocked state. When the door lock device 40 is in the unlocked state, a positive determination is made in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, when the door lock device 40 is in the locked state, a negative determination is made in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S26.

[0080] In step S26, the control device 70 operates the locking unit 42 to switch the door lock device 40 to the unlocked state.

[0081] In step S27, the control device 70 operates the latching unit 41 to switch the door lock device 40 to the latching state. That is, the closed state of the door lock device 40 on the opposite side door 1 is released.

[0082] In step S28, the control device 70 refers to the sensor signal from the half-open door sensor 60 and determines whether the opening angle of the side door 1 is equal to or greater than a threshold for detecting a half-open door. When the opening angle of the side door 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold, a positive judgment is made in step S28, and the process proceeds to step S29. When the opening angle of the side door 1 is less than the threshold, a negative judgment is made in step S28, and the process proceeds to step S28.

[0083] In step S29, the control device 70 stops the operation of the latching unit 41.

[0084] As described above, the door control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a sliding operation part 3e provided on the vehicle interior side of the side door 1, a detection unit 20 provided at least in the sliding operation part 3e and detecting a sliding operation for moving a hand (human body) along the sliding operation part 3e, a door lock device 40 for keeping the side door 1 in a closed state, and a control device 70 for releasing the closed state of the side door 1 through the door lock device 40 when a sliding operation is detected based on the detection result of the detection unit 20.

[0085] According to this structure, by performing a sliding operation on the sliding operation part 3e, the closed state of the door lock device 40 is released, and the side door 1 can be opened. During the sliding operation, a certain range needs to be traced by hand, thus requiring a clear operational intention from the user. Therefore, even if the sliding operation part 3e or the door auxiliary grip part 3d is simply touched, the side door 1 remains closed. Therefore, since control is performed by the user's intentional sliding operation, the user's operational intention can be appropriately reflected.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door control device 10 also includes a door auxiliary grip portion 3d, which is disposed on the vehicle interior side of the side door 1 and serves as a handle when the door is opened or closed. In this case, the sliding operation portion 3e is shaped to be continuous with the door auxiliary grip portion 3d. Then, when it is determined that the operation is a sliding operation along the sliding operation portion 3e to the door auxiliary grip portion 3d, the control device 70 releases the closed state of the door via the door lock device 40.

[0087] According to this structure, the hand moves from the sliding operation part 3e to the door auxiliary grip part 3d through a sliding operation. Therefore, when the side door 1 is opened with the release operation (sliding operation) of the door lock device 40 from the closed state, the hand naturally moves to the door auxiliary grip part 3d, which serves as a handle. Thus, the release operation of the door lock device 40 from the closed state and the opening operation of the side door 1 can be performed continuously with only a simple movement of one hand.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, the door control device 10 also includes an illumination unit 50, which is disposed in the sliding operation part 3e and the door auxiliary grip part 3d, and guides the direction of the sliding operation by means of illumination.

[0089] According to this structure, since the sliding operation can be performed along the illumination of the illumination unit 50, the user's operation can be guided. Therefore, a device that is easy for the user to understand can be provided.

[0090] Although the detection unit 20 is provided in the door auxiliary grip portion 3d in this embodiment, the detection unit 20 may be provided in at least the sliding operation portion 3e. In this case, when it is determined that the operation is a sliding operation along the sliding operation portion 3e to move to the door auxiliary grip portion 3d, the control device 70 releases the closed state of the door via the door lock device 40. Similarly, the lighting unit 50 may be provided in at least the sliding operation portion 3e.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door lock device 40 is configured to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state according to the user's operation. When the door lock device 40 is operated from the locked state to the unlocked state, the control device 70 controls the lighting unit 50 to guide the direction of the sliding operation through illumination (guide lighting).

[0092] According to this structure, guidance through the lighting unit 50 is performed based on whether the side door 1 is open. Therefore, guidance can be performed appropriately and at appropriate times according to the user's operation.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door locking device 40 includes a latch 40a that holds the door in a closed state by engaging with the vehicle body. In this case, when a sliding operation is detected, the control device 70 releases the latch 40a.

[0094] According to this structure, the closed state of side door 1 is appropriately released.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 70 continues to release the latch 40a until the opening angle of the side door 1 reaches or exceeds the threshold.

[0096] According to this structure, the latch 40a is continuously released until it is completely disengaged from the vehicle body. Therefore, the user can properly perform the opening operation of the side door 1.

[0097] Furthermore, the door control device 10 according to this embodiment also includes an operating handle 43, which is disposed on the interior side of the side door 1 and can be operated by a user. The operating handle 43 is connected to the door lock device 40, and the latch 40a is released according to the operation of the handle.

[0098] According to this structure, the latch 40a can be released by using the operating handle 43. Therefore, since the release operation can be performed manually, an operation method for emergency situations can be provided.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 20 is constructed using an electrostatic capacitance sensor, which detects the user's contact state by measuring changes in electrostatic capacitance.

[0100] Based on this structure, the contact state with the sliding operation part 3e can be properly detected.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 70 sequentially switches between a situation where it can receive sensor input from the upstream electrostatic capacitance sensor 21 along the direction of the sliding operation and a situation where it can receive sensor input from the downstream electrostatic capacitance sensors 22 and 23, depending on the detection state of the user's sliding operation.

[0102] Based on this structure, the sliding operation can be appropriately determined only from the upper end of the sliding operation section 3e. Therefore, since such operations can be eliminated, a highly reliable device can be provided.

[0103] In this embodiment, the detection unit 20 for detecting sliding operations includes multiple electrostatic capacitance sensors 21 to 23. However, the detection unit 20 can be widely used in structures for detecting sliding operations accompanying the movement of a user's hand, and a single electrostatic capacitance sensor can be used instead of multiple electrostatic capacitance sensors. Sensors other than electrostatic capacitance sensors can also be used.

[0104] The door control device according to embodiments of the present invention has been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while the device applied to a side door has been described in the above embodiments, the door control device according to this embodiment can be applied to various doors, including rear doors, etc.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding operation part is shaped to be continuous with the door auxiliary grip part. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, as long as the sliding operation part is shaped to be continuous with the handle part for opening the side door.

[0106] For example, in vehicles where the handle portion is located at the rear of the door armrest, the sliding operating part can be formed at the front of the door armrest. In this case, the sliding operating part can be formed as a dedicated part of the door armrest, or it can be part of the shape of the door armrest.

[0107] In addition, the recessed, bag-shaped portion (in) is provided on the upper surface of the door handle. Figure 2 The portion indicated by reference numeral "3c1" in the accompanying drawings can be used as a handle portion, and the sliding operating portion can be combined with this bag-shaped portion. For example, when the door auxiliary grip portion is formed to be continuous with the bag-shaped portion, the door auxiliary grip portion can be used as a sliding operating portion. Furthermore, in the case of a door handrail with a structure that does not have a door auxiliary grip portion or a door handrail with a structure in which the door auxiliary grip portion is separated, the sliding operating portion can be provided in front of the bag-shaped portion in the door handrail. In this case, the sliding operating portion can be formed as a dedicated part of the door handrail, or it can be a part of the shape of the door handrail.

[0108] Furthermore, preferably, the sliding operating part is arranged relative to the handle part on the front or upper side of the vehicle. Therefore, the hand moves naturally from the sliding operating part to the handle part. Thus, a series of movements, such as releasing the door lock mechanism from the closed state and opening the side door, can be performed with good operability.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding operation part is independently formed so as to be continuous with the handle portion for opening the side door. However, the sliding operation part does not have to be completely dedicated and can be configured to intersect some or all of the shape of the handle portion. Furthermore, the sliding operation part can use the shape of the handle portion and can be configured to overlap some or all of the shape. Even with this structure, the hand naturally moves to the handle portion for opening the side door, or moves to a state of gripping the handle portion as the door lock device releases from the closed state. Therefore, the release operation of the door lock device from the closed state and the opening operation of the side door can be performed continuously by a simple movement of only one hand. Therefore, in this invention, the handle portion and the sliding operation part do not have to be separate in shape and can be provided on the vehicle interior side of the door such that the corresponding functions of the handle portion and the sliding operation part are adjacent to or overlap each other.

[0110] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-092002, filed on May 11, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 1. Side door

[0113] 2 Doors

[0114] 3 Door trim panels

[0115] 3a Door Bag

[0116] 3b Speaker bracket

[0117] 3C door handle

[0118] 3D door auxiliary grip

[0119] 3e Sliding Operation Unit

[0120] 10. Door control device

[0121] 20 detection units

[0122] 21-23 Electrostatic Capacitive Sensors (First Sensor, Second Sensor, Third Sensor)

[0123] 30 Switch section

[0124] 31 Locking switch

[0125] 32 Unlock Switch

[0126] 40 Door Locking Device

[0127] 40a latch

[0128] 41. Latch opening unit

[0129] 41a Latch Opening Motor

[0130] 41b Opening latch

[0131] 41c Cable holding section

[0132] 42 Locking Unit

[0133] 42a Locking Motor

[0134] 42b motor rod

[0135] 42b1 Movable component

[0136] 42c locking lever

[0137] 42c1 Connecting Pin

[0138] 42d Cable holding section

[0139] 43 Operating handle

[0140] 45 First cable assembly

[0141] 46 Second cable device

[0142] 50 lighting units

[0143] 51-57 LED

[0144] 60 Half-open door sensor

[0145] 70 Control device (controller)

[0146] 71 Control Unit

[0147] 72 Electrostatic Capacitive Sensor Input Circuit

[0148] 73 Door switch input circuit

[0149] 74 Motor drive circuit

[0150] 75 LED driver circuit

[0151] 76. Half-open door sensor input circuit.

Claims

1. A door control device, comprising: A sliding operating part is located on the inside side of the door on the vehicle side; A detection unit is provided at least in the sliding operation part and is configured to detect the sliding operation; A door locking device, designed to keep the door in the closed position; as well as The controller is configured to release the closed state of the door via the door lock device when a sliding operation is detected based on the detection result of the detection unit. The detection unit is an electrostatic capacitance sensor, which is configured to detect the user's contact by detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance. Among them, multiple electrostatic capacitive sensors are arranged at certain intervals from the upstream side to the downstream side along the direction of sliding operation, and The controller is constructed as follows: Perform a waiting process, wherein the waiting process is to enable only the upstream electrostatic capacitive sensor to receive sensor input, and to disable all other electrostatic capacitive sensors from receiving sensor input; and After the waiting process begins, if the electrostatic capacitive sensor that is set to receive sensor input receives sensor input, a switching process is performed. The switching process is to switch the downstream electrostatic capacitive sensor adjacent to the electrostatic capacitive sensor from being unable to receive sensor input to being able to receive sensor input.

2. The door control device according to claim 1 further includes: The handle portion is located on the inside side of the door and functions as a handle when the door is opened or closed. The sliding operating part is arranged to be continuous with the handle portion, and The controller is configured to release the closed state of the door via the door lock device when it detects a sliding operation moving toward the handle portion.

3. The door control device according to claim 1 further includes: The handle portion is located on the inside side of the door and functions as a handle when the door is opened or closed. A portion of the detection unit is located on the handle portion.

4. The door control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: An illumination unit is provided at least in the sliding operation section and is configured to guide the direction of the sliding operation through illumination.

5. The door control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The door locking device includes a latch configured to hold the door in a closed position by engaging with the vehicle body, and Specifically, when a sliding operation is detected, the controller is configured to release the latch until the door opening angle reaches or exceeds a threshold.

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