Door control system, door handle device, door control device and control method

Abstract

The control system comprises: a contact sensing component for sensing contact between an operating body and a door handle; a force sensing component for sensing the force applied by the operating body to the door handle; and a control component for controlling the opening and closing of the door when contact is sensed by the contact sensing component and force is sensed by the force sensing component.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the following application. The original application information is as follows:

[0002] Application date: March 5, 2019

[0003] Application number: 201980054219.0

[0004] Invention name: control system, door handle device, control device and control method Technical Field

[0005] The invention relates to a door control system, a door handle device, a door control device and a control method. Background Art

[0006] Conventionally, a technology has been proposed in which a sensor is used to sense a user's contact with a door handle of a vehicle, and an operation of the vehicle door is controlled based on a sensing signal output from the sensor.

[0007] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for controlling the door opening operation of a vehicle sliding door by a vehicle-side unit when a touch sensor provided on the door handle of the vehicle sliding door senses contact with the door handle.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a technology in which a control device locks or unlocks a vehicle when a capacity sensor provided on a door handle of a vehicle senses that a user's finger has touched the door handle.

[0009] Prior art literature

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-23620

[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-511635 Summary of the invention

[0013] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, if the touch sensor senses an unexpected contact, the vehicle sliding door may malfunction.

[0015] Solutions for solving problems

[0016] A control system according to one embodiment comprises: a contact sensing component for sensing contact between an operating body and a door handle; a force sensing component for sensing the force applied by the operating body to the door handle; and a control component for controlling the opening and closing of the door when contact is sensed by the contact sensing component and force is sensed by the force sensing component.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to one embodiment, in a control system capable of performing door opening and closing control based on information from a sensor, malfunction of the door opening and closing operation can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a door handle device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a front view of a door handle device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a rear view of a door handle device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a top view of a door handle device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the door handle device (a state in which the second case portion is removed) according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a front view of the door handle device (a state in which the second housing portion is removed) according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the door handle device (a state in which the second case portion is removed) according to one embodiment as viewed from the front.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the structure of the back side of the second case portion in the door handle device according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 9 This is a partially enlarged view showing a connection structure of a metal shaft according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the direction in which stress occurs in a metal shaft according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig.11 This is a block diagram showing a control structure of a door handle device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig.12 It is a flowchart showing a processing procedure implemented by a control module according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] [Overview of Door Handle Device 100]

[0033] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a door handle device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 It is a front view of the door handle device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 It is a rear view of the door handle device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 It is a top view of the door handle device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0034] In addition, in the following description, for convenience, the Z-axis direction in the figure (the direction corresponding to the height direction of the vehicle) is set as the up and down direction, the Y-axis direction in the figure (the direction corresponding to the width direction of the vehicle) is set as the horizontal width direction, and the X-axis direction in the figure (the direction corresponding to the length direction of the vehicle) is set as the front and back direction.

[0035] Figure 1 to Figure 4 The door handle device 100 shown is, for example, a device for integrating with an inner panel (not shown) formed on a vehicle door and having an opening portion of substantially the same shape as the door handle device 100, thereby enabling opening and closing operations of the vehicle door to be performed by a user.

[0036] like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the door handle device 100 includes a main body 100A. The main body 100A is a component that forms the overall appearance of the door handle device 100. The main body 100A is formed of a resin material such as ABS resin, PC resin, etc. The main body 100A includes a substrate portion 101, a door handle housing portion 102, and a door handle 103, and these multiple components are formed integrally.

[0037] The substrate portion 101 is a flat plate-shaped portion that supports the door handle housing portion 102 and the door handle 103 and is fixed to the door of the vehicle. The door handle housing portion 102 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is provided on the vehicle compartment side in an overlapping manner with respect to the substrate portion 101 and is coupled to the substrate portion 101. The door handle housing portion 102 is a portion that is exposed to the vehicle compartment side when the door handle device 100 is embedded in the inner panel of the vehicle door.

[0038] The door handle 103 is a hollow plate-shaped portion extending in a straight line in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the figure), and is a portion for operations based on the user's hand (opening and closing operations of the vehicle door and unlocking and locking operations of the vehicle's locking mechanism) when grasped by the user's hand. The rear end portion of the door handle 103 (the end portion on the negative side of the X-axis in the figure) is connected to the door handle housing portion 102 and the door handle 103 is formed integrally with the door handle housing portion 102. The door handle 103 is non-movable and deforms to a certain degree of bending due to the operating force applied by the user.

[0039] In addition, the main body 100A has a recessed portion 104 that is recessed toward the vehicle outer side (the negative side of the Y axis in the figure) around the door handle 103. As a result, the door handle device 100 allows the user's hand to be wrapped around the back side of the door handle 103, so that the user can easily grasp both the front side (the side on the vehicle compartment side) and the back side (the side on the vehicle outer side) of the door handle 103.

[0040] [Internal Structure of Door Handle Device 100]

[0041] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the door handle device 100 according to one embodiment (a state in which the second case portion 102B is removed). Figure 6 It is a front view of the door handle device 100 (a state where the second case portion 102B is removed) according to one embodiment. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the door handle device 100 according to one embodiment (a state in which the second case portion 102B is removed) as viewed from the front.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the door handle housing portion 102 of the main body 100A is configured to be divisible into a first housing portion 102A on the vehicle exterior side and a second housing portion 102B on the vehicle interior side. The first housing portion 102A is fixed to the base plate portion 101. In addition, the door handle housing portion 102 has a hollow structure. Figure 5 As shown, in the door handle housing portion 102, the internal space can be exposed by removing the second housing portion 102B from the first housing portion 102A.

[0043] In addition, the door handle 103 is arranged across the first housing portion 102A and the second housing portion 102B. Figure 5 As shown, when the first housing portion 102A and the second housing portion 102B are separated from each other, the door handle 103 is separated into a first handle portion 103A integrally provided with the first housing portion 102A and a second handle portion 103B integrally provided with the second housing portion 102B.

[0044] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, a contact sensing unit 110 and a force sensing unit 120 are disposed in the inner space of the door handle housing 102 .

[0045] The contact sensing unit 110 is an example of a "contact sensing member". The contact sensing unit 110 includes a first electrostatic sensor 111 and a second electrostatic sensor 112. The first electrostatic sensor 111 and the second electrostatic sensor 112 are both thin flat plates and have a horizontally long rectangular shape in a plan view observed from the Y-axis direction. The first electrostatic sensor 111 and the second electrostatic sensor 112 are arranged to overlap each other in the Y-axis direction inside the door handle 103.

[0046] The first electrostatic sensor 111 is an example of a "first contact sensing unit". The first electrostatic sensor 111 is provided inside the door handle 103 on the back side of the door handle 103 (the side on the negative side of the Y axis in the figure) to sense the contact between the operating body and the back side of the door handle 103. Specifically, the first electrostatic sensor 111 has a detection electrode, and when the operating body contacts the back side of the door handle 103, the current value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance between the operating body and the detection electrode is output as a first contact sensing signal.

[0047] The second electrostatic sensor 112 is an example of a "second contact sensing unit". The second electrostatic sensor 112 is provided inside the door handle 103 on the front side of the door handle 103 (the side on the positive side of the Y axis in the figure) to sense the contact between the operating body and the front side of the door handle 103. Specifically, the second electrostatic sensor 112 has a detection electrode, and when the operating body contacts the front side of the door handle 103, the current value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance between the operating body and the detection electrode is output as a second contact sensing signal.

[0048] The force sensing unit 120 includes a metal shaft 121, a holder 122, a sensor base 123, and a strain gauge 124. In addition, the strain gauge 124 is connected to the rear end of the metal shaft 121, and is difficult to identify from the outside in this state. Figure 7 In addition, regarding the specific structure of the strain gauge 124, the Fig. 9 This will be described later.

[0049] The metal shaft 121 is an example of a "transmission member". The metal shaft 121 is a metal and rod-shaped component that extends linearly in the internal space of the door handle housing portion 102 along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction in the figure). The metal shaft 121 is configured to transmit the force applied to the door handle 103 to the strain gauge 124. The middle portion of the metal shaft 121 is supported by the bracket 122, and the portion closer to the front end side (X-axis positive side in the figure) than the middle portion is arranged inside the door handle 103. As a result, the force applied to the door handle 103 is transmitted to the portion on the front end side of the metal shaft 121, and stress is generated in the portion on the front end side of the metal shaft 121. In addition, the stress generated in the portion on the front end side of the metal shaft 121 is transmitted to the portion on the rear end side of the metal shaft 121 via the fulcrum (bracket 122). Furthermore, the stress transmitted to the portion on the rear end side of the metal shaft 121 is transmitted to the strain gauge 124 connected to the portion. In addition, in the present embodiment, a round bar is used as the metal shaft 121, but it is not limited to this.

[0050] The bracket 122 is a component that supports the middle portion of the metal shaft 121 and functions as a fulcrum of the metal shaft 121. Specifically, Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , the bracket 122 is fixed to the back side of the second housing portion 102B (a position near the rear end of the second handle portion 103B). Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, a through hole 122A is formed in the bracket 122. The through hole 122A penetrates the bracket 122 in the front-to-back direction (the X-axis direction in the figure) and has a circular opening shape. The through hole 122A has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the metal shaft 121. Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the metal shaft 121 passes through the through hole 122A, and thus the bracket 122 supports the middle portion of the metal shaft 121 in a state where the inner circumference of the through hole 122A is in close contact with the outer circumference of the metal shaft 121. Thus, the bracket 122 can support the middle portion of the metal shaft 121 without causing the metal shaft 121 to wobble.

[0051] The sensor base 123 is a component that supports the strain gauge 124. Specifically, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor base 123 is fixed to the rear side of the second housing portion 102B, at a position behind (in the negative direction of the X axis in the figure) the rear end face (the end face on the negative side of the X axis in the figure) of the metal shaft 121. In addition, the strain gauge 124 is screwed and fixed to the surface 123A of the sensor base 123 facing the rear end face of the metal shaft 121. Thus, the sensor base 123 supports the strain gauge 124 in such a manner that the strain gauge 124 is connected to the rear end portion of the metal shaft 121 so that the strain gauge 124 can sense the stress transmitted to the rear end portion of the metal shaft 121.

[0052] The strain gauge 124 is an example of a "force sensing member". The strain gauge 124 senses the force applied to the door handle 103. Specifically, the strain gauge 124 is arranged opposite to the rear end surface of the metal shaft 121. When the force is applied to the door handle 103, the strain gauge 124 is subjected to the stress transmitted to the rear end portion of the metal shaft 121, and the strain of the metal resistance material is generated, so that the resistance value changes. Therefore, the strain gauge 124 outputs the direction of the strain generated in the strain gauge 124 and the voltage value corresponding to the load as a force sensing signal representing the force applied to the door handle 103 via the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits: Flexible Circuit) 124A. In addition, the strain gauge 124 can sense the strain in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction of the strain gauge 124, respectively, thereby being able to sense the force applied to the door handle 103 in the Y-axis direction (vehicle width direction. An example of the "first direction" and the "second direction") and the force applied to the door handle 103 in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction. An example of the "third direction") respectively. As the strain gauge 124 , for example, the same configuration as a pointing stick or the like can be used.

[0053] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the back side of the second housing portion 102B of the door handle device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, a bracket portion 103C is formed on the back side of the second handle portion 103B of the second housing portion 102B. A through hole 103D is formed in the bracket portion 103C, which penetrates the bracket portion 103C along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction in the figure) and has a circular opening shape. The through hole 103D has an inner diameter that is substantially the same size as the outer diameter of the metal shaft 121. The metal shaft 121 penetrates the through hole 103D, whereby the bracket portion 103C supports the portion on the front end side of the metal shaft 121 in a state where the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 103D is tightly attached to the outer circumferential surface of the metal shaft 121. As a result, the force applied to the door handle 103 is transmitted to the portion on the front end side of the metal shaft 121 via the bracket portion 103C.

[0054] [Connection structure of metal shaft 121]

[0055] Fig. 9 This is a partially enlarged view showing the connection structure of the metal shaft 121 according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 As shown, a cylindrical joint portion 121A is provided at the rear end of the metal shaft 121. The joint portion 121A has a circular opening 121B at the end surface on the strain gauge 124 side. The metal shaft 121 is connected to the strain gauge 124 by inserting the strain gauge 124 having a circular outer shape into the opening 121B of the joint portion 121A, so that the force applied to the door handle 103 can be transmitted to the strain gauge 124.

[0056] like Fig. 9As shown, the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment further includes an elastic member 125. The elastic member 125 is formed using an elastic material such as rubber or silicon. The elastic member 125 has a through hole 125A that penetrates the elastic member 125 in the front-rear direction and has a rectangular opening shape. In a state where the through hole 125A is embedded in the protrusion 124B of the strain gauge 124, the elastic member 125 is embedded in the joint 121A together with the strain gauge 124. Thus, the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment can transmit the force applied to the door handle 103 to the strain gauge 124 via the elastic member 25. Therefore, the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment can absorb, for example, an assembly error at the joint 121A of the metal shaft 121, a displacement of the metal shaft 121 caused by the vibration of the vehicle, an excessive displacement of the metal shaft 121, etc. through the elastic member 125. Therefore, according to the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the excessive detection by the strain gauge 124. Furthermore, when a cap made of an elastic material is provided on the strain gauge 124 , the cap may be used as the elastic member 125 .

[0057] [Direction of Stress Generation in Metal Shaft 121]

[0058] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the direction in which stress is generated in the metal shaft 121 according to one embodiment. Fig.10 As shown, the metal shaft 121 is supported by the bracket 122 in the middle portion, thereby having a fulcrum in the middle portion. Therefore, if a force is applied to the door handle 103, a stress is generated in the same direction as the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 at the portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the front end side than the bracket 122, and a stress is generated in the opposite direction to the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 at the portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the rear end side than the bracket 122.

[0059] For example, if a force is applied to the door handle 103 in the direction of the vehicle compartment, Fig.10 As shown, a stress is generated in the vehicle compartment direction D1a at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the front end side than the bracket 122, and conversely, a stress is generated in the vehicle exterior direction D1b at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the rear end side than the bracket 122. In this case, the strain gauge 124 generates strain in the vehicle exterior direction D1b, and can output a force sensing signal corresponding to the strain in the vehicle exterior direction D1b as a force sensing signal indicating that a force is applied to the door handle 103 in the vehicle compartment direction.

[0060] In addition, for example, if a force is applied to the door handle 103 in the direction outward from the vehicle, Fig.10As shown, a stress is generated in the vehicle exterior direction D2a at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the front end side than the bracket 122, and conversely, a stress is generated in the vehicle interior direction D2b at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the rear end side than the bracket 122. In this case, the strain gauge 124 generates strain in the vehicle interior direction D2b, and can output a force sensing signal corresponding to the strain in the vehicle interior direction D2b as a force sensing signal indicating that a force is applied to the door handle 103 in the vehicle exterior direction.

[0061] In addition, for example, if a force is applied downward to the door handle 103, Fig.10 As shown, a stress is generated downward D3a at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the front end than the bracket 122, and conversely, a stress is generated upward D3b at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the rear end than the bracket 122. In this case, the strain gauge 124 generates strain upward D3b, and can output a force sensing signal corresponding to the strain upward D3b as a force sensing signal indicating that a force is applied downward to the door handle 103.

[0062] In addition, for example, if a force is applied upward to the door handle 103, Fig.10 As shown, a stress is generated upward D4a at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the front end than the bracket 122, and conversely, a stress is generated downward D4b at a portion of the metal shaft 121 closer to the rear end than the bracket 122. In this case, the strain gauge 124 generates a strain toward the downward D4b, and can output a force sensing signal corresponding to the strain toward the downward D4b as a force sensing signal indicating that a force is applied upward to the door handle 103.

[0063] In addition, the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment can adjust the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge 124 by changing the position of the bracket 122 (i.e., the fulcrum) on the metal shaft 121. For example, the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment can make the displacement at the rear end of the metal shaft 121 smaller by arranging the bracket 122 at the rear end side of the metal shaft 121, thereby further reducing the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge 124. Conversely, the force sensing unit 120 of the present embodiment can make the displacement at the rear end of the metal shaft 121 larger by arranging the bracket 122 at the front end side of the metal shaft 121, thereby further improving the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge 124.

[0064] [Control Structure of Control System 10]

[0065] Fig.11 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control structure of a door handle device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the control system 10 includes a door handle device 100 and a control module 130 .

[0066] The control module 130 is an example of a “control means” and a “control device.” The control module 130 includes a first acquisition unit 131 , a second acquisition unit 132 , and a control unit 133 .

[0067] The first acquisition unit 131 acquires a first contact sensing signal (a current value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance) from the first electrostatic sensor 111, indicating that the operating body has come into contact with the back of the door handle 103. In addition, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires a second contact sensing signal (a current value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance) from the second electrostatic sensor 112, indicating that the operating body has come into contact with the front of the door handle 103.

[0068] The second acquisition unit 132 acquires, from the strain gauge 124 , a force sensing signal (a voltage value corresponding to the direction of strain and load) indicating that a force is applied to the door handle 103 by the operating body.

[0069] The control unit 133 controls the opening and closing actions of the vehicle door and the actions (unlocking and locking actions) of the vehicle's locking mechanism based on the first contact sensing signal and the second contact sensing signal acquired by the first acquisition unit 131 and the force sensing signal acquired by the second acquisition unit 132 .

[0070] Specifically, when both the first contact sensing signal and the second contact sensing signal are acquired by the first acquisition unit 131 and the force sensing signal is acquired by the second acquisition unit 132, the control unit 133 controls the opening and closing action of the vehicle door or the action (unlocking action or locking action) of the vehicle's locking mechanism according to the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 determined by the force sensing signal acquired by the second acquisition unit 132.

[0071] That is, when the user's hands are in contact with both sides (front and back) of the door handle 103 and force is applied to the door handle 103 by the user's hands, the control unit 133 controls the opening and closing action of the vehicle door or the action of the vehicle's locking mechanism (unlocking action or locking action).

[0072] For example, when the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 determined by the force sensing signal is the direction outside the vehicle (the negative direction of the Y axis in the figure), the control unit 133 performs the opening action control of the vehicle door. For example, when the vehicle door is in a closed state, the control unit 133 performs the opening action control so that the vehicle door automatically opens. In addition, for example, when the vehicle door is in the process of automatically closing, the control unit 133 performs the opening action control in a manner of stopping the action.

[0073] In addition, for example, when the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 determined by the force sensing signal is the direction of the vehicle compartment (the positive direction of the Y axis in the figure), the control unit 133 performs the closing action control of the vehicle door. For example, when the vehicle door is open, the control unit 133 performs the closing action control so that the vehicle door automatically closes. In addition, for example, when the vehicle door is automatically opening, the control unit 133 performs the closing action control to stop the action.

[0074] Here, for example, the control unit 133 sends a control signal to a control unit (not shown) that controls the opening and closing mechanism (e.g., a motor, etc.) of the vehicle door, thereby causing the control unit to control the opening and closing action of the vehicle door. However, this is not limited to this, and the control unit 133 may directly control the opening and closing action of the vehicle door by sending a control signal to the opening and closing mechanism of the vehicle door.

[0075] In addition, for example, when the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 determined by the force sensing signal is downward (negative direction of the Z axis in the figure), the control unit 133 performs locking control of the vehicle's locking mechanism. For example, when the vehicle's locking mechanism is unlocked, the control unit 133 performs locking control to automatically lock the vehicle's locking mechanism.

[0076] In addition, for example, when the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 determined by the force sensing signal is upward (the positive direction of the Z axis in the figure), the control unit 133 performs unlocking control of the vehicle's locking mechanism. For example, when the vehicle's locking mechanism is locked, the control unit 133 performs unlocking control to automatically unlock the vehicle's locking mechanism.

[0077] Here, for example, the control unit 133 sends a control signal to a control unit (not shown) that controls a locking mechanism (e.g., a motor, etc.) of the vehicle, thereby causing the control unit to control the operation of the locking mechanism of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit 133 may directly control the operation of the locking mechanism of the vehicle by sending a control signal to the locking mechanism of the vehicle.

[0078] In addition, in the door handle device 100 of the present embodiment, the first electrostatic sensor 111 and the second electrostatic sensor 112 each have a plurality of (for example, four) detection electrodes arranged in a front-to-rear direction, and the plurality of detection electrodes are each configured to output a contact detection signal. Accordingly, the control unit 133 may control the opening and closing action of the vehicle door or the action (unlocking action or locking action) of the vehicle locking mechanism when the control unit 133 obtains the first contact detection signal from the detection electrodes of the first electrostatic sensor 111 or more (for example, more than two) of the prescribed number, obtains the second contact detection signal from the detection electrodes of the second electrostatic sensor 112 or more (for example, more than two) of the prescribed number, and obtains the force sensing signal from the strain gauge 124.

[0079] In addition, the control unit 133 may perform other control (for example, control of the vehicle's power window) instead of controlling the vehicle's locking mechanism when the strain gauge 124 senses that a force in the up-down direction is applied to the door handle 103. In this case, for example, when the strain gauge 124 senses that a force in the up-down direction is applied to the door handle 103, control may be performed to close the power window, and conversely, when the strain gauge 124 senses that a force in the down-down direction is applied to the door handle 103, control may be performed to open the power window.

[0080] The control module 130 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an external I / F (Interface). For example, the control module 130 is implemented by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM. Fig.11 As the control module 130, for example, a microcomputer can be used.

[0081] [Processing sequence implemented by the control module 130]

[0082] Fig.12 It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure implemented by the control module 130 according to one embodiment.

[0083] First, it is determined whether the first acquisition unit 131 has acquired the first contact sensing signal from the first electrostatic sensor 111 (step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that the first contact sensing signal has not been acquired (step S201: No), the control module 130 ends. Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the first contact sensing signal is obtained (step S201: Yes), it is determined whether the first acquisition unit 131 has obtained the second contact sensing signal from the second electrostatic sensor 112 (step S202). If it is determined in step S202 that the second contact sensing signal is not obtained (step S202: No), the control module 130 ends. Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the second contact sensing signal is obtained (step S202: Yes), it is determined whether the second acquisition unit 132 obtains the force sensing signal from the strain gauge 124 (step S203). If it is determined in step S203 that the force sensing signal is not obtained (step S203: No), the control module 130 ends. Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0086] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that a force contact sensing signal is obtained (step S203: yes), the control unit 133 determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is in the direction outside the vehicle based on the force sensing signal obtained by the second acquisition unit 132 (step S204).

[0087] If it is determined in step S204 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is in the direction outside the vehicle (step S204: Yes), the control unit 133 controls the opening action of the vehicle door (step S205). Then, the control module 130 ends Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0088] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S204 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is not in the direction outside the vehicle (step S204: No), the control unit 133 determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is in the direction of the vehicle compartment based on the force sensing signal acquired by the second acquisition unit 132 (step S206).

[0089] If it is determined in step S206 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is in the direction of the vehicle compartment (step S206: Yes), the control unit 133 controls the closing action of the vehicle door (step S207). Then, the control module 130 ends Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0090] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S206 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is not in the direction of the vehicle compartment (step S206: No), the control unit 133 determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is downward based on the force sensing signal acquired by the second acquisition unit 132 (step S208).

[0091] If it is determined in step S208 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is downward (step S208: Yes), the control unit 133 performs locking control of the vehicle door (step S209). Then, the control module 130 ends Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0092] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S208 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is not downward (step S208: No), the control unit 133 determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is upward based on the force sensing signal acquired by the second acquisition unit 132 (step S210).

[0093] If it is determined in step S210 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is upward (step S210: Yes), the control unit 133 performs unlocking control of the vehicle door (step S211). Then, the control module 130 ends Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S210 that the direction of the force applied to the door handle 103 is not upward (step S210: No), the control module 130 ends. Fig.12 A series of processing shown.

[0095] As described above, the control system 10 of the present embodiment includes: a contact sensing unit 110 for sensing contact between the user's hand (operating body) and the door handle 103; a strain gauge 124 for sensing the force applied to the door handle 103 by the user's hand; and a control module 130 for controlling the opening and closing of the door when the contact sensing unit 110 senses the contact with the door handle 103 and the strain gauge 124 senses the force applied to the door handle 103. Therefore, even if the control system 10 of the present embodiment accidentally contacts the door handle 103, the opening and closing of the door will not be controlled as long as the force applied to the door handle 103 is not sensed at the same time. Therefore, according to the control system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the opening and closing action of the door.

[0096] In addition, the control system 10 of the present embodiment has a rod-shaped metal shaft 121, which is provided on the door handle 103, and has a bracket 122 (fulcrum) between one end and the other end, and transmits the force applied to one end to the other end, and the strain gauge 124 is configured to sense the force transmitted to the other end of the metal shaft 121. Therefore, the control system 10 of the present embodiment can more reliably sense the force applied to the door handle 103 without making the door handle 103 movable. In addition, the control system 10 of the present embodiment can easily adjust the detection sensitivity achieved by the strain gauge 124 to an appropriate detection sensitivity corresponding to the required specifications by changing the design of the metal shaft 121 (for example, the length, diameter, position of the fulcrum, material, etc.).

[0097] In addition, in the control system 10 of the present embodiment, the contact sensing unit 110 has a first electrostatic sensor 111 and a second electrostatic sensor 112 disposed on the front and back sides of the door handle 103, and the control module 130 performs the door opening and closing control when the first electrostatic sensor 111 and the second electrostatic sensor 112 respectively sense the contact of the door handle 103 and the strain gauge 124 senses the force applied to the door handle 103. Therefore, the control system 10 of the present embodiment can perform the door opening and closing control when the user grasps the door handle 103 and makes the hand contact with the first electrostatic sensor 111 and the second electrostatic sensor 112 respectively. That is, for the control system 10 of the present embodiment, if only one of the first electrostatic sensor 111 or the second electrostatic sensor 112 senses the contact of the door handle 103, the door opening and closing control is not performed. Therefore, according to the control system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the door opening and closing action.

[0098] Furthermore, in the control system 10 of the present embodiment, the control module 130 performs the door opening control when the strain gauge 124 senses the force toward the vehicle exterior side relative to the door handle 103 (the force toward the first direction corresponding to the direction of opening the door), and performs the door closing control when the strain gauge 124 senses the force toward the vehicle compartment side relative to the door handle 103 (the force toward the second direction corresponding to the direction of closing the door). Therefore, according to the control system 10 of the present embodiment, the door opening and closing control can be performed through the intuitive user operation with respect to the door handle 103.

[0099] In addition, the control system 10 of the present embodiment can sense the force applied to the door handle 103 in the up-down direction through the strain gauge 124. Furthermore, the control system 10 of the present embodiment can control the locking and unlocking of the vehicle's locking mechanism through the control module 130 when the force applied to the door handle 103 in the up-down direction is sensed. Therefore, according to the control system 10 of the present embodiment, both the user operation for the door opening and closing action and the user operation for the control of the vehicle's locking mechanism can be sensed through a relatively simple structure, and both the door opening and closing control and the vehicle's locking mechanism control can be controlled.

[0100] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0101] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example of applying the present invention to the door handle 103 extending in the front-back direction and connected to the door handle housing portion 102 at the rear end is described, but it is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a door handle whose front end is connected to the door handle housing, a door handle whose front end and rear end are respectively connected to the door handle housing, a door handle extending in the up-down direction, etc. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to various types of doors such as hinged, sliding, and gull-wing. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to any of the door handles on the side of the vehicle compartment and the door handles on the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to doors other than the doors of the vehicle. In any case, the door opening and closing control is preferably performed when a force is applied to the door handle in the direction corresponding to the opening and closing direction of the door. For example, in a sliding door with the rear direction set as the opening direction, when the present invention is applied to the door handle extending in the up-down direction, the opening action of the sliding door can be controlled when a force toward the rear relative to the door handle is sensed, and the closing action of the sliding door can be controlled when a force toward the front relative to the door handle is sensed.

[0102] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, two sets of force sensing units 120 may be arranged in parallel vertically, and the control unit 133 may sense the twisting of the door handle 103 based on the force sensing signal output from the strain gauge 124 (first strain gauge) of one force sensing unit 120 and the force sensing signal output from the strain gauge 124 (second strain gauge) of the other force sensing unit 120. Furthermore, when the twisting of the door handle 103 is sensed, the control unit 133 may control the door of the vehicle (for example, control of the door locking mechanism, control of the electric window, etc.) according to the direction of the twisting. For example, when the door handle 103 is twisted, the force sensing signal of the strain gauge 124 of one side and the force sensing signal of the strain gauge 124 of the other side indicate directions different from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the control unit 133 may sense the twisting of the door handle 103 when such a force detection signal 2 is acquired by the second acquisition unit 132.

[0103] In addition, in the control system 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, an authentication component can be further provided for authenticating a smart key held by a user by a known authentication method. In addition to sensing contact with the door handle 103 and sensing force applied to the door handle 103, the control unit 133 controls the door when the authentication of the smart key performed by the authentication component is successful.

[0104] Furthermore, in the control system 10 of the above embodiment, when the door opening and closing control is started, a notification means for notifying the user of the start of the door opening and closing control by sound, light, vibration, etc. may be further provided.

[0105] Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined with each other, and features in different embodiments can be combined with each other, unless they are contradictory.

[0106] Description of Reference Numerals

[0107] 10 Control System

[0108] 100 Door handle assembly

[0109] 100A main body

[0110] 101 Substrate Department

[0111] 102 Door handle housing

[0112] 102A First housing part

[0113] 102B Second housing part

[0114] 103 Door handle

[0115] 103A First Command

[0116] 103B Second in Command

[0117] 104 recess

[0118] 110 contact sensing unit (contact sensing member)

[0119] 111 First electrostatic sensor (first contact sensing unit)

[0120] 112 second electrostatic sensor (second contact sensing unit)

[0121] 120 force sensing unit

[0122] 121 Metal shaft (transmission component)

[0123] 122 bracket (fulcrum)

[0124] 123 Sensor base

[0125] 124 Strain gauge (force sensing component)

[0126] 130 control module (control component, control device)

[0127] 131 First Acquisition Department

[0128] 132 Second Acquisition Section

[0129] 133 Control Department

Claims

1. A door control system, characterized in that: have: A contact sensing member having a first contact sensing portion and a second contact sensing portion disposed on the front and back sides of the vehicle door handle, and sensing contact between the operating body and the vehicle door handle; a force sensing member for sensing a force applied by the operating body to the vehicle door handle; as well as a control member for controlling the opening and closing of the door when the first contact sensing portion and the second contact sensing portion respectively sense the contact and the force sensing member senses the force; The control system of the above door also has: a rod-shaped transmission member, the transmission member being provided on the vehicle door handle, having a fulcrum between one end and the other end, and transmitting the force applied to the one end to the other end; and an elastic component, embedded in the transmission component together with the force sensing component, The transmission member transmits the force applied to the vehicle door handle to the force sensing member via the elastic member. The force sensing member senses the force transmitted to the other end portion.

2. The door control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The force sensing member is a strain gauge that senses the force transmitted to the other end portion.

3. The door control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control component controls the opening of the door when the force sensing component senses the force in a first direction, and controls the closing of the door when the force sensing component senses the force in a second direction, wherein the first direction corresponds to a direction for opening the door, and the second direction corresponds to a direction for closing the door.

4. The door control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control member performs other control than the opening and closing control of the door when the force sensing member senses the force in a third direction, and the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

5. The door control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The other control is the control of locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism provided in the door.

6. The door control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The other control is the opening and closing control of the power window provided in the door.

7. The door control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: have: a pair of the above-mentioned transmission members, the pair of the above-mentioned transmission members are arranged up and down; a first strain gauge for sensing the force transmitted to the other end portion of one of the pair of transmission members; as well as The second strain gauge senses the force transmitted to the other end portion of the other one of the pair of transmission members.

8. The door control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises an authentication component for authenticating the smart key held by the user. The control member controls opening and closing of the door when the first contact sensing portion and the second contact sensing portion respectively sense the contact, the force sensing member senses the force, and the authentication member successfully authenticates the smart key.

9. The door control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention further comprises a notification means for notifying a user of the start of the opening and closing control of the door when the control means starts the opening and closing control of the door.

10. The door control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle door handle is of a non-movable type and is deformed by bending due to a force applied by the operation body.

11. A door handle device, characterized in that: have: Door handles for vehicles; a contact sensing member having a first contact sensing portion and a second contact sensing portion disposed on the front and back sides of the vehicle door handle, sensing contact between the operating body and the vehicle door handle, and outputting a first contact sensing signal and a second contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed to a control device; as well as a force sensing member for sensing a force applied by the operating body to the vehicle door handle and outputting a force sensing signal indicating that the force has been sensed to the control device, When the first contact sensing portion and the second contact sensing portion respectively sense the contact and the force sensing member senses the force, the door handle device enables the control device to control the opening and closing of the door by outputting the first contact sensing signal, the second contact sensing signal and the force sensing signal. The door handle device further comprises: a rod-shaped transmission member, the transmission member being provided on the vehicle door handle, having a fulcrum between one end and the other end, and transmitting the force applied to the one end to the other end; and an elastic component, embedded in the transmission component together with the force sensing component, The transmission member transmits the force applied to the vehicle door handle to the force sensing member via the elastic member. The force sensing member senses the force transmitted to the other end portion.

12. A door control device, characterized in that: have: a first acquisition unit, acquiring a contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed from a contact sensing member that senses the contact between the operating body and the vehicle door handle, the contact sensing member having a first contact sensing portion and a second contact sensing portion disposed on the front and back sides of the vehicle door handle, the first acquisition unit acquiring a first contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed from the first contact sensing portion, and acquiring a second contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed from the second contact sensing portion; a second acquiring unit, acquiring, from a force sensing member that senses a force applied by the operating body to the vehicle door handle, a force sensing signal indicating that the force has been sensed; as well as The control unit controls the opening and closing of the door when the first acquisition unit acquires the first contact sensing signal and the second contact sensing signal and the second acquisition unit acquires the force sensing signal. The control device of the above door also has: a rod-shaped transmission member, the transmission member being provided on the vehicle door handle, having a fulcrum between one end and the other end, and transmitting the force applied to the one end to the other end; and an elastic component, embedded in the transmission component together with the force sensing component, The transmission member transmits the force applied to the vehicle door handle to the force sensing member via the elastic member. The force sensing member senses the force transmitted to the other end portion.

13. A door control method, characterized in that: Include: A first acquisition step, acquiring a contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed from a contact sensing member that senses the contact between the operating body and the vehicle door handle, wherein the contact sensing member has a first contact sensing portion and a second contact sensing portion that are disposed on the front and back sides of the vehicle door handle, and in the first acquisition step, acquiring a first contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed from the first contact sensing portion, and acquiring a second contact sensing signal indicating that the contact has been sensed from the second contact sensing portion; a second acquisition step of acquiring, from a force sensing member that senses a force applied by the operating body to the vehicle door handle, a force sensing signal indicating that the force has been sensed; as well as a control step of performing door opening and closing control when the first contact sensing signal and the second contact sensing signal are acquired in the first acquisition step and the force sensing signal is acquired in the second acquisition step, In the second acquisition process, the rod-shaped transmission member transmits the force applied to the vehicle door handle to the force sensing member via the elastic member, and the force sensing member senses the force transmitted to the other end of the transmission member. The transmission member is provided on the vehicle door handle, has a fulcrum between one end and the other end of the transmission member, transmits the force applied to the one end to the other end, and the elastic member is embedded in the transmission member together with the force sensing member.

Images