Electrostatic input device and door handle sensor system

Abstract

Provided are an electrostatic input device capable of accurately determining a position at which an operation is performed and a door handle sensor system. The door handle sensor system mounted on a vehicle includes a door handle device having an electrostatic sensor for detecting approach or contact of an operator to the door handle and a pressure sensor for detecting an operation force applied to the door handle, a control device that determines which of a first end portion region, a second end portion region, or a central region the position of the operation is in, and controls an unlock state based on the determination result and a detection value of the pressure sensor, and the electrostatic sensor has a first electrode having a plurality of first electrode portions and a second electrode having a plurality of second electrode portions alternately arranged with the plurality of first electrode portions, first electrode portions other than a first electrode portion of an end portion on the first end portion region side among the plurality of first electrode portions are arranged in the central region, and second electrode portions other than a second electrode portion of an end portion on the second end portion region side among the plurality of second electrode portions are arranged in the central region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrostatic input device and a door handle sensor system. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional touch sensors exist in which the hypotenuses of a first electrode and a second electrode, which are equal in shape when viewed from above, are aligned so that the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a rectangular configuration (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-333302 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, conventional touch sensors determine the operating position along a first axis (e.g., the X-direction) of a rectangle using two electrodes, a first electrode and a second electrode. When an operation is performed along the first axis, the electrostatic capacitance of one of the electrodes to the detected object (e.g., a hand) increases, while the electrostatic capacitance of the other electrode to the detected object decreases. Furthermore, by calculating the ratio of one electrode to the sum of the two electrodes, the operating position along the first axis (X-direction) can be determined even with slight variations in the distance from the electrodes in the vertical direction. However, for purposes such as increasing electrode output, there is a need to set a wider width for the second axis (Y-direction), which is orthogonal to the first axis. But in this case, even when an operation is performed along the second axis, the changing ratio of one electrode to the sum of the two electrodes makes it difficult to accurately determine the direction and amount of movement of the detected object along the first axis, even if the movement is considered to be a movement along the first axis. Furthermore, as a result, the position where the operation was performed cannot be accurately determined.

[0007] Therefore, the aim is to provide an electrostatic input device and a door handle sensor system that can accurately determine the location of the operation.

[0008] Means for solving technical problems

[0009] The door handle sensor system of this invention is a vehicle-mounted door handle sensor system, comprising: a door handle device installed on the door of the vehicle; and a control device for controlling the unlocking state of the door. The door handle device has: an inner housing disposed inside an outer housing disposed on the outside of the vehicle; an electrostatic sensor for detecting an operator's approach or contact with the outer housing or the inner housing; and a pressure sensor for detecting an operating force applied to the outer housing or the inner housing. The control device has a determination unit that determines whether the operator's operating position is in a first end region, a second end region, or a central region between the first end region and the second end region of the outer housing and the inner housing. The control device controls the unlocking state based on the determination result of the determination unit and the detection value of the pressure sensor. The electrostatic sensor has: a first electrode having a [missing information - likely a component or electrode] along [missing information - likely a component or electrode]. The first electrode comprises a plurality of first electrode portions arranged at intervals along a first direction connecting the first end region and the second end region, and a first connecting portion connecting the plurality of first electrode portions to a first side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when viewed from above; and a second electrode comprising a plurality of second electrode portions arranged alternately with the plurality of first electrodes along the first direction, and a second connecting portion connecting the plurality of second electrode portions to a second side in the second direction when viewed from above. The first electrode of the plurality of first electrode portions located at the end of the first end region in the first direction is disposed within the first end region, and the first electrode portions other than the first electrode at the end of the first end region are disposed within the central region. The second electrode of the plurality of second electrode portions located at the end of the second end region in the first direction is disposed within the second end region, and the second electrode portions other than the second electrode at the end of the second end region are disposed within the central region.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] Electrostatic input devices and door handle sensor systems that can accurately determine the location of an operation can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a door handle installed on a vehicle.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrostatic input device.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram representing an electrostatic sensor.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation model of an electrostatic sensor.

[0016] Figure 5A It is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitance S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed.

[0017] Figure 5B It is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitance S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed.

[0018] Figure 6A It is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed.

[0019] Figure 6B It is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an electrostatic sensor used for comparison.

[0021] Figure 8A It is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitance S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed.

[0022] Figure 8B It is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitance S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed.

[0023] Figure 9A It is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed.

[0024] Figure 9B It is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed.

[0025] Figure 10A This is a graph representing the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor.

[0026] Figure 10B This is a graph showing the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor used for comparison.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor and the electrostatic sensor used for comparison.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a modified example of an electrostatic sensor according to the implementation method.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the door handle system of embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 14It is a diagram that breaks down the door handle device in a door handle system.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the electrostatic sensor of Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a graph showing the ratio of the self-capacitance of the two electrodes relative to the position of the finger in the X direction of the door handle.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of the self-capacitance of the two comb-shaped electrodes in a door handle of an electrostatic sensor including a modified example, relative to the position of the finger in the X direction.

[0034] Figure 18 It is a flowchart representing the processing performed by the ECU.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a modified example of an electrostatic sensor according to Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a graph showing the ratio of the self-capacitance of the two electrodes relative to the finger position in the X direction of the door handle. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following describes embodiments of the electrostatic input device and door handle sensor system that utilize the present invention.

[0038] <Implementation Method 1>

[0039] Figure 1 This diagram shows a door handle 10 installed on vehicle 1. A door handle 10 is installed on the door 2 of vehicle 1. The door handle 10 has a slender shape that is easy for a person's fingers to grip. An electrostatic sensor 110 is provided inside the door handle 10. Additionally, in... Figure 1 In the middle, the length direction of the door handle 10 is the horizontal direction of the slender extension of the door handle 10.

[0040] Figure 2 This diagram shows the configuration of the electrostatic input device 100. The electrostatic input device 100 includes an electrostatic sensor 110 and a position determining unit 120. Figure 2 In the simplified diagram, the electrostatic sensor 110 and the position determination unit 120 are shown, but the two electrodes of the electrostatic sensor 110 are connected to the position determination unit 120. The position determination unit 120 determines the position (operation position) of a hand or similar device in contact with the door handle 10 based on the ratio of the electrostatic capacitances of the two electrodes. The position determination unit 120 includes an amplifier, an ADC (Analog-to-digital converter), an arithmetic unit, and a control unit, etc., but these are omitted here.

[0041] Figure 3 This diagram shows an electrostatic sensor 110. The electrostatic sensor 110 includes electrodes 110A and 110B, and a substrate 110C. Electrode 110A is an example of a first electrode, and electrode 110B is an example of a second electrode. Both electrodes 110A and 110B have a comb-like shape. Hereinafter, an XYZ coordinate system will be defined for explanation. Furthermore, the following view is a top view in the XY plane. For ease of explanation, the -Z direction side will be referred to as the lower side or down, and the +Z direction side will be referred to as the upper side or up, but this does not represent a universal top-bottom relationship. Additionally, the X-axis corresponds to the first axis.

[0042] Electrode 110A has multiple electrode portions 111A and a connecting portion 112A, and is connected to a terminal 113A. The multiple electrode portions 111A can be three or more in one example, but... Figure 3 Six electrode sections 111A are shown. The reason for having more than three is based on the following consideration: since the electrostatic sensor 110 detects the operating position in the X direction based on the change in electrostatic capacitance of the electrode sections 111A and 111B that are alternately arranged along the X direction, it is sufficient to have at least three.

[0043] The plurality of electrode portions 111A are an example of a plurality of first electrode portions, with different widths in the X direction and equal lengths in the Y direction. Furthermore, each of the plurality of electrode portions 111A is an elongated rectangular shape in the Y direction, and the width of the electrode in the Y direction is constant. Each of the plurality of electrode portions 111A has a rectangular shape with two sides extending along the Y direction. The electrode portion 111A located closest to the -X direction has the widest width in the X direction, and the electrode portion 111A located closest to the +X direction has the narrowest width in the X direction. The width of the plurality of electrode portions 111A in the X direction is set to gradually narrow from the -X direction to the +X direction. Therefore, the electrode portion 111A located closest to the -X direction has the largest area, and the electrode portion 111A located closest to the +X direction has the smallest area in the X direction. Additionally, the spacing P in the X direction of the plurality of electrode portions 111A is all equal. The spacing P is the distance between the centers of the widths of adjacent electrode portions 111A in the X direction.

[0044] Such multiple electrode portions 111A are alternately (staggeredly) arranged with multiple electrode portions 111B of electrode 110B in the X direction, which is one example of a defined direction, and are arranged in overlapping positions in the Y direction. The spacing between adjacent electrode portions 111A and electrode portions 111B in the X direction is set such that, regardless of the position of the finger in the X direction, at least one of electrode portions 111A and 111B will capacitively couple with the finger. This spacing is, for example, 0.5 mm or less, where 0.5 mm is a value obtained through simulation.

[0045] The connecting portion 112A, as an example of the first connecting portion, is a linear pattern that connects the +Y direction ends of multiple electrode portions 111A in the X direction. The width of the connecting portion 112A in the Y direction is constant in the X direction. By connecting multiple electrode portions 111A to the -Y direction side of the connecting portion 112A extending along the X direction, the electrode 110A has a comb-like shape when viewed from above. Such an electrode 110A, as an example, can be fabricated by patterning a metal foil such as copper foil provided on the upper surface of the substrate 110C through etching or other means.

[0046] Electrode 110B has a nested comb-like shape that is similar to that of electrode 110A. Electrode 110B has multiple electrode portions 111B and a connecting portion 112B, and is connected to a terminal 113B. As an example, the multiple electrode portions 111B can be three or more, just like electrode 110A.

[0047] The plurality of electrode portions 111B is an example of a plurality of second electrode portions, configured such that the arrangement of the plurality of electrode portions 111A is reversed in the X direction. The widths of the plurality of electrode portions 111B in the X direction are different from each other, while their lengths in the Y direction are equal. Furthermore, the plurality of electrode portions 111A are each elongated rectangular in the Y direction, and the width of the electrode in the Y direction is formed to be constant. The plurality of electrode portions 111B each have a rectangular shape with two sides extending along the Y direction. The electrode portion 111B located on the -X direction side has the narrowest width in the X direction, and the electrode portion 111B located on the +X direction side has the widest width in the X direction. The width of the plurality of electrode portions 111B in the X direction is set to increase sequentially from the -X direction to the +X direction in the X direction. Therefore, the electrode portion 111B located on the -X direction side has the smallest area, and the electrode portion 111B located on the +X direction side has the largest area in the X direction. Furthermore, the spacing P in the X direction of the plurality of electrode portions 111B is the same as that of the plurality of electrode portions 111A.

[0048] The connecting portion 112B, as an example of a second connecting portion, is a linear pattern in which the ends of multiple electrode portions 111B on the -Y direction side are connected in the X direction. The width of the connecting portion 112B in the Y direction is constant in the X direction. By connecting multiple electrode portions 111B on the +Y direction side of the connecting portion 112B extending along the X direction, the electrode 110B has a comb-like shape when viewed from above. Such an electrode 110B, as an example, can be fabricated by patterning a metal foil such as copper foil provided on the upper surface of the substrate 110C through etching or other means.

[0049] In addition, this section describes how the multiple electrode portions 111A and 111B extend in a direction orthogonal to the connecting portions 112A and 112B when viewed from above. However, the multiple electrode portions 111A and 111B can extend in a direction other than orthogonal to the connecting portions 112A and 112B when viewed from above (an angle less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees), and can also be in a curved shape when viewed from above.

[0050] Substrate 110C is an example of a wiring substrate conforming to the FR4 (Flame Retardant type 4) standard, and electrodes 110A and 110B are formed on the upper surface of substrate 110C, as an example. Alternatively, substrate 110C can be a flexible substrate, and electrodes 110A and 110B can be formed on the upper and lower surfaces of substrate 110C, respectively. Furthermore, electrodes 110A and 110B can be formed on two separate substrates, with the two substrates overlapped while ensuring that electrodes 110A and 110B are mutually insulated.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulation model of the electrostatic sensor 110. Figure 4 In this drawing, only the reference numerals for the electrostatic sensor 110 are shown. For the reference numerals for electrodes 110A, 110B, and electrode portions 111A, 111B, refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 . Figure 4 The simulation model shown includes 19 electrode sections 111A and 111B. In addition, the length of electrodes 110A and 110B in the X direction is 120mm and the width in the Y direction is 20mm.

[0052] In the simulation model of the electrostatic sensor 110 described above, operations (1) to (3) are performed using a finger gripper that simulates a human finger. The finger gripper is positioned, for example, 60 mm above the electrostatic sensor 110, while touching the door handle 10 (see reference). Figure 1 Simulation is performed by performing operations (1) to (3). This operation is called sliding operation.

[0053] Operation (1) involves moving the finger gripper from a position 80 mm from the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the X direction to a position of +80 mm, which is equivalent to moving the finger along the length direction (X direction) of the door handle 10. Operation (2) involves moving the finger gripper from a position 20 mm from the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the Y direction to a position of -20 mm at the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the X direction. Operation (3) involves moving the finger gripper from a position 40 mm from the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the X direction to a position 20 mm from the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the Y direction to a position of -20 mm. In addition, the circles indicating the starting points of operations (1) to (3) represent the starting points of the finger gripper, and the finger is simulated as a cylinder with a diameter of 12 mm as an example. In addition, as operation (2.5), an operation was also performed at the position between operation (2) and operation (3), that is, at a position of -20mm from the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the X direction, moving the finger gripper from a position of +20mm from the center of the electrostatic sensor 110 in the Y direction to a position of -20mm.

[0054] Figure 5A It is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitance S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed. Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitances S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper during operation (2). The self-capacitances S0 and S1 are electrostatic capacitances (pF) obtained based on the potentials of terminals 113A and 113B of the self-capacitance electrostatic sensor 110, respectively.

[0055] like Figure 5A As shown, during operation (1), the self-capacitance S0 reaches its maximum value at a position 40 mm from the center in the X direction, while the self-capacitance S1 reaches its maximum value at a position 40 mm from the center in the X direction. Thus, the self-capacitances S0 and S1 exhibit symmetrical characteristics in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 5B As shown, when operation (2) is performed, the self-capacitances S0 and S1 exhibit approximately the same characteristics, namely, the finger gripper position reaches its maximum value at the center in the Y direction, i.e., 0 mm. Thus, it can be seen that since the self-capacitances S0 and S1 exhibit completely different characteristics in operations (1) and (2), it is possible to distinguish between operations in the X direction and operations in the Y direction. In addition, the characteristics when operation (3) is performed show a similar trend to those in operation (2).

[0056] Figure 6A It is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed. Figure 6BThis is a graph showing the characteristic of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed. The ratio of self-capacitance S1 is expressed as a percentage (%) of S1 / (S0+S1).

[0057] like Figure 6A As shown, when operation (1) is performed, the ratio of self-capacitance S1 exhibits a good value from -60 mm to +60 mm relative to the center in the X direction. While the absolute value of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 decreases on the -X direction side (more than -60 mm) and the +X direction side (more than +60 mm), these are areas where electrodes 110A and 110B are absent. Therefore, by pre-correlating the ratio with the position in the X direction using an arithmetic expression or a comparison table, the electrostatic sensor 110 can detect the position of the finger gripper in the X direction within the range of -60 mm to +60 mm.

[0058] like Figure 6B As shown, when operation (2) is performed, the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 remains approximately constant within a range of -20 mm to +20 mm from the center in the Y direction. Thus, it can be seen that since the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 exhibits completely different characteristics in operations (1) and (2), it is possible to distinguish between operations in the X direction and operations in the Y direction. Moreover, since the ratio does not change in operation (2), it is not determined that an operation was performed in the X direction. In addition, the characteristics of operation (3) show a similar trend to those of operation (2). This is because each electrode has a shape with two sides extending in the Y direction, so even if the finger gripper is moved in the Y direction, the distance and area between the electrode portion capacitively coupled to the finger gripper and the finger gripper change less. In addition, as for the shape of each electrode having two sides extending in the Y direction, although it is set to a rectangular shape, any shape with two sides extending in the Y direction is acceptable, and it can also be set to have rounded corners or other shapes at the ends in the Y direction.

[0059] Figure 7 This diagram shows the electrostatic sensor 50 used for comparison. The electrostatic sensor 50 is configured such that the hypotenuses of the right-angled triangular electrodes 50A and 50B, which are equal in size when viewed from above, are aligned, and the electrodes 50A and 50B together form a rectangle. Dimensions and... Figure 4 The simulation was performed using the same first simulation model as shown, with the length of electrodes 50A and 50B in the X direction set to 120mm and the width in the Y direction set to 20mm.

[0060] Here, the operation (1) related to the electrostatic sensor 50 used for comparison is to move the finger gripper from the center of the electrostatic sensor 50 in the X direction to the -X direction, and the operation (2) is to move the finger gripper at the center of the electrostatic sensor 50 in the X direction from the +Y direction side to the -Y direction side.

[0061] Figure 8A It is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitance S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed. Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the characteristics of the self-capacitances S0 and S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed. The self-capacitances S0 and S1 are electrostatic capacitances (pF) obtained based on the potentials of electrodes 50A and 50B, respectively.

[0062] like Figure 8A As shown, during operation (1), the self-capacitance S0 reaches its maximum value at a distance of -40 mm from the center in the X direction from the finger gripper position, while the self-capacitance S1 reaches its maximum value at a distance of +40 mm from the center in the X direction from the finger gripper position. Thus, the self-capacitances S0 and S1 exhibit symmetrical characteristics in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 8B As shown, during operation (2), the self-capacitance S0 reaches its maximum value at a distance of -5mm from the center in the Y direction from the finger gripper position, while the self-capacitance S1 reaches its maximum value within a range of +5mm from the center in the X direction from the finger gripper position. Thus, the self-capacitances S0 and S1 exhibit symmetrical characteristics in the Y-axis direction. This comparison is as described above. Figure 8A and Figure 8B It can be seen that the relationship between the self-capacitance S0 and S1 in operation (1) and operation (2) both show symmetrical characteristics, so they are difficult to distinguish.

[0063] Figure 9A It is a graph showing the characteristics of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (1) is performed. Figure 9B This is a graph showing the characteristic of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 relative to the position of the finger gripper when operation (2) is performed. The ratio of self-capacitance S1 is expressed as a percentage (%) of S1 / (S0+S1).

[0064] like Figure 9AAs shown, when operation (1) is performed, the ratio of self-capacitance S1 exhibits a good value from -60mm to +60mm relative to the center in the X direction. While the absolute value of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 decreases on the -X direction side (more than -60mm) and the +X direction side (more than +60mm), these are areas where electrodes 50A and 50B are absent. Therefore, by pre-correlating the ratio with the position in the X direction using an arithmetic formula or a comparison table, the electrostatic sensor 50 can detect the position of the finger gripper in the X direction within the range of -60mm to +60mm.

[0065] like Figure 9B As shown, when operation (2) was performed, the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 varied significantly within a range of -20 mm to +20 mm from the center in the Y direction. In particular, the variation around the center (0 mm) in the Y direction was very large, confirmed to be around 30%. This can be confirmed as being related to... Figure 9A The characteristics shown are similar to those shown.

[0066] Figure 10A This is a graph representing the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 110. Figure 10B This is a graph showing the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 50 used for comparison. Figure 10A , Figure 10B The figure shows the ratio of self-capacitance S1 under the conditions of operations (2), (2.5), and (3). Figure 10A The figure shows the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 110. Figure 10B The ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 50 used for comparison is shown in the figure.

[0067] like Figure 10A As shown, regarding the ratio of self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 110 under the conditions of operations (2), (2.5), and (3), a slight change was observed under operations (2.5) and (3), but it was consistent with... Figure 6A The characteristics of operation (1) shown are completely different, and it can be confirmed that operation (1) can be distinguished from operations (2), (2.5), and (3).

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 10B As shown, the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 50 used for comparison under the conditions of operations (2), (2.5), and (3) varies significantly in any case within a range of -20 mm to +20 mm from the center in the Y direction. Each characteristic is consistent with... Figure 9A The operation (1) shown is similar to the movement of the center in the Y direction.

[0069] Figure 11This is a graph showing the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the ratio of the self-capacitance S1 in the electrostatic sensor 110 and the comparison electrostatic sensor 50. Figure 11 The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the ratio of self-capacitance S1 in operations (2), (2.5), and (3) is shown. For electrostatic sensor 110, the differences in the ratio of self-capacitance S1 in operations (2), (2.5), and (3) are 1% (difference between minimum 49% and maximum 50%), 6% (difference between minimum 28% and maximum 34%), and 10% (difference between minimum 15% and maximum 25%). For comparison electrostatic sensor 50, the differences in the ratio of self-capacitance S1 in operations (2), (2.5), and (3) are 30% (difference between minimum 35% and maximum 65%), 32% (difference between minimum 26% and maximum 58%), and 13% (difference between minimum 27% and maximum 40%). Therefore, compared to comparison electrostatic sensor 50, electrostatic sensor 110 exhibits a smaller change in the ratio S1 / (S0+S1) corresponding to the position when moving along the Y direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, the XY coordinates are not determined. Instead, the position on the first axis (X-axis) is calculated based on the outputs of the two electrodes. Changes in the ratio are determined in accordance with the displacement on the first axis. However, as described above, even if a hand or other object is moved in the Y-direction in the electrostatic sensor 110, the ratio does not change significantly. Therefore, the possibility of misidentifying movement in the Y-axis direction as movement in the first axis can be reduced, or the amount of movement that is misidentified can be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, by using an electrostatic sensor 110 with comb-shaped electrodes 110A and 110B, it is possible to distinguish based on the waveforms of self-capacitances S0 and S1. Figure 6A and Figure 10A The X-direction operation (e.g., operation (1)) and the Y-direction operation (e.g., operations (2), (2.5), (3)) are shown. Therefore, based on this waveform, it is possible to determine whether the movement is in the X-direction or the Y-direction, and for example, to perform a prescribed action such as opening the door only when a sliding action in the X-axis direction is detected. Furthermore, it is also possible to lock or unlock the door when a sliding action in the Y-axis direction is detected. In addition, the sliding action in the X-axis direction can be observed based on the waveform, or the sliding action can be determined by continuously determining the position in the aforementioned X-axis direction.

[0072] As described above, an electrostatic input device 100 can be provided that can accurately determine the direction and amount of movement of the object being detected. That is, an electrostatic input device 100 can be provided that can accurately determine the position where the operation has been performed. Furthermore, the above describes the case of a sliding operation performed in contact with the door handle 10, but even without contact with the door handle 10, a finger approaching the surface of the door handle 10 and moving in the X or Y direction can also be detected distinguishably.

[0073] Furthermore, while the above describes the application of the electrostatic input device 100 to the door handle 10, the electrostatic input device 100 can also be applied beyond the door handle 10 to various devices that detect the position of living organisms such as fingers based on changes in electrostatic capacitance. Additionally, if the X-direction of the electrostatic sensor 110 is set to the depth direction and it is immersed in or placed in a liquid, the relative permittivity of the liquid portion differs from that of the air portion, resulting in a different electrostatic capacitance compared to the electrode; therefore, the height of the liquid level can be detected.

[0074] Furthermore, the above describes a method of connecting multiple electrode portions 111A of electrode 110A via connection portion 112A, but the inner layer of substrate 110C and through-holes can also be used for connection.

[0075] Figure 12 This diagram shows a modified example of the electrostatic sensor 110M according to Embodiment 1. The electrostatic sensor 110M has electrodes 110MA and 110MB. The substrate is omitted here. Electrode 110MA is an example of a first electrode, and electrode 110MB is an example of a second electrode. Electrode 110MA has multiple electrode portions 111MA and is connected to terminals 113MA. The multiple electrode portions 111MA are connected to each other via the inner layer of the substrate and through-holes. Each of the multiple electrode portions 111MA has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the Y direction. Electrode 110MB has multiple electrode portions 111MB and is connected to terminals 113MB. The multiple electrode portions 111MB are connected to each other via the inner layer of the substrate and through-holes. Each of the multiple electrode portions 111MB has a rectangular shape with two sides extending in the Y direction.

[0076] Multiple electrode portions 111MA and multiple electrode portions 111MB are alternately arranged along the X-axis, with all having equal width in the X-direction. Regarding the multiple electrode portions 111MA, the electrode portion 111MA closest to the -X direction has the longest length in the Y-direction, and the electrode portion 111MA closest to the +X direction has the shortest length in the Y-direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the multiple electrode portions 111MA decreases sequentially from the -X direction side to the +X direction side. Furthermore, regarding the multiple electrode portions 111MB, the electrode portion 111MB closest to the -X direction side has the shortest length in the Y-direction, and the electrode portion 111MB closest to the +X direction side has the longest length in the Y-direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the multiple electrode portions 111MB increases sequentially from the -X direction side to the +X direction side. An electrostatic sensor 110M can also be used instead. Figure 3 The electrostatic sensor 110 is shown.

[0077] <Implementation Method 2>

[0078] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the door handle system 200 according to embodiment 2. Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the door handle device 200A in the door handle system 200. The door handle system 200 includes the door handle device 200A, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 250, and a latching mechanism 2A. The door handle device 200A is mounted on the vehicle 1 in the same manner as the door handle 10 in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 Door 2. Use Figure 14 The details of the door handle device 200A will be described later.

[0079] A latching mechanism 2A is located near the door handle assembly 200A. The latching mechanism 2A is a locking element for the door 2, and is a mechanism that keeps the door 2 closed relative to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1. The state in which the door 2 is closed by the latching mechanism 2A is called the latched state, and the state in which the latched state is released and the door 2 can be opened is called the unlocked state. When the door handle 201 of the door handle assembly 200A is pulled, the latching mechanism 2A is switched to the unlocked state by the door handle system 200. For example, if a switching command from the latched state to the unlocked state is input from the ECU 250, the electric actuator driving the latching mechanism 2A switches to the unlocked state. Furthermore, when the door 2 is closed, the latching mechanism 2A keeps the door 2 closed. In this state, the latching mechanism 2A is in the latched state.

[0080] like Figure 14As shown, the door handle device 200A includes an electrostatic sensor 210, a strain sensor 220, an inner housing 230, and an outer housing 240. The strain sensor 220 is an example of a pressure sensor. The inner housing 230 and the outer housing 240 constitute the door handle 201 of the door handle device 200A. Therefore, in Figure 14 In the figure, the inner shell 230 and the outer shell 240 are marked with brackets and reference numeral 201.

[0081] The electrostatic sensor 210, strain sensor 220, inner housing 230, and ECU 250 in the door handle system 200 constitute the door handle sensor system 200B. The door handle sensor system 200B is mounted on vehicle 1 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0082] Here, the inner housing 230 and the outer housing 240 will be described first. The door handle 201, formed by the inner housing 230 and the outer housing 240, is as follows: Figure 13 The door handle 201, shown as being installed on door 2, is the part that an operator attempting to open door 2 grasps and pulls with their hand. The door handle 201 has a length direction extending along the X direction.

[0083] Here, as an example, the door handle 201 itself does not have a movable part and does not move when it is fixed relative to the door 2. That is, the door handle 201 does not have a part that moves relative to the door 2 even if the operator pulls it by hand.

[0084] The outer housing 240 is the portion of the door handle 201 located on the outside of the vehicle 1, and has a length direction extending along the X direction. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the outer housing 240 has a base 241 on the -X direction side, a base 242 on the +X direction side, and a bridging portion 243. The bridging portion 243 is located between the bases 241 and 242 and bends towards the -Z direction side (the direction of separation from the surface of the door 2) compared to the bases 241 and 242. The outer housing 240 is mounted to the door 2 via the base 241 on the -X direction side and the base 242 on the +X direction side, thereby fixing it to the door 2.

[0085] The inner housing 230 is the portion located inside the outer housing 240 within the door handle 201. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the inner housing 230 has a length direction extending along the X direction. The inner housing 230 has a base 231 on the -X direction side, a base 232 on the +X direction side, and a bridging portion 233. With its base 231, base 232, and bridging portion 233 respectively housed inside the base 241, base 242, and bridging portion 243 of the outer housing 240, the inner housing 230 is mounted to the door 2 via the base 231 on the -X direction side and the base 232 on the +X direction side, thereby being fixed to the door 2 together with the outer housing 240.

[0086] The bridging portion 243 of the outer housing 240 and the bridging portion 233 of the inner housing 230 are separated from the surface of the door 2, and are the part where the operator can hold his hand between the door 2 and the surface of the door 2.

[0087] like Figure 14 As shown, the bridging portion 233 of the inner housing 230 has a groove 233A extending in the X direction from the center of its width in the Y direction, and an end face 233B that is substantially parallel to the YZ plane at its end on the -X direction side. The length in the X direction and the width in the Y direction of the groove 233A are the same as the length in the X direction and the width in the Y direction of the electrostatic sensor 210, and the electrostatic sensor 210 is housed in a substantially gapless state. As an example, the electrostatic sensor 210 is housed in the groove 233A with its electrodes facing the +Z direction side.

[0088] Between the bottom surface of the groove 233A of the bridging portion 233, which is parallel to the XY plane, and the surface of the base 231 in the -Z direction, there is a step with a length equivalent to that in the Z direction of the end face 233B. A strain sensor 220 is installed on this step. That is, the strain sensor 220 is installed on the -X direction side of the door handle 201.

[0089] When an operator attempting to open the door 2 grasps the door handle 201 and pulls it, the strain sensor 220 detects the strain generated in the inner housing 230 and / or outer housing 240 by the force applied to the inner housing 230 and / or outer housing 240. The ECU 250 then drives the electric actuator of the latch mechanism 2A to the unlocked state, thereby setting the door 2 to a state where it can be opened.

[0090] The strain sensor 220 is disposed across the base 231 and the bridging portion 233 of the inner housing 230. For example... Figure 14 As shown in the enlarged view, the strain sensor 220 has a base 221, a rod 222, and a strain element 223.

[0091] When viewed in the XZ plane, the base 221 is L-shaped and has a plate-shaped portion 221A that is approximately parallel to the XY plane and is fixed to the surface of the +Z direction side of the end of the electrostatic sensor 210 in the -X direction. It also has a plate-shaped portion 221B that is approximately parallel to the YZ plane and is disposed on the surface of the end face 233B of the bridging portion 233 of the inner housing 230.

[0092] The rod portion 222 protrudes in the -X direction from the center of the surface of the plate-shaped portion 221B of the base portion 221. The rod portion 222 is a slender rod-shaped component integrally provided in the base portion 221. The front end of the rod portion 222 in the -X direction is fixed to the surface of the base portion 231 of the inner housing 230 in the -Z direction.

[0093] As an example, strain element 223 is provided at the center of the surface of the plate-shaped portion 221B of the base 221 in the +X direction direction. As an example, strain element 223 and rod portion 222 are arranged overlapping when viewed in the YZ plane.

[0094] Here, when the door 2 is closed and the latching mechanism 2A is in the latched state, if the door handle 201 is pulled in the -Z direction, the bridging portion 233 of the inner housing 230 flexes (deforms) relative to the base 231 and 232 by the force (operating force) of pulling the door handle 201 in the -Z direction.

[0095] More specifically, a force (pressure) is applied to the base 231 to deform the end face 233B of the bridging portion 233. This applies a force that tilts the rod portion 222 in the XZ plane and a force that bends the plate-shaped portion 221B. Because of this force, the plate-shaped portion 221B deforms, and the force (pressure) applied to the bridging portion 233 can be detected by the strain sensor 220. When the detected value of the strain sensor 220 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is detected that the door handle has been pulled relative to the operator. The strain element described here is only one example; as a concept, any method can be used as long as the operating force on the door handle 201 can be detected.

[0096] The strain sensor 220 is located at the end of the inner housing 230 on the -X direction side. Therefore, if the position where the operator pulls the door handle 201 is different in the X direction, the detection value of the strain sensor 220 will be different even if the operator's operating force is the same. In the lever principle, the position of the operator pulling the door handle 201, which becomes the point of force application, changes relative to the end of the bridging part 233 on the -X direction side, which serves as both the fulcrum and the point of application.

[0097] Therefore, the door handle system 200 detects the position where the operator contacts the door handle 201, and adjusts the threshold for the ECU 250 to determine whether the door handle 201 has been pulled based on the position of the contact point in the X direction. This is to ensure that the operator can release the latch state with the same operating force on the door handle 201 regardless of the position of the operator's contact with the door handle 201.

[0098] To achieve this distinction, the door handle 201 is divided into three regions in the X direction. These three regions are a first end region 201A, a central region 201B, and a second end region 201C. Figure 13 The diagram shows the sections of the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C extending in the X direction.

[0099] The first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C are three-dimensional regions including the door handle 201, defined in this order from the -X direction side to the +X direction side. That is, the first end region 201A is the region located closest to the -X direction side, the second end region 201C is the region located closest to the +X direction side, and the central region 201B is the region located between the first end region 201A and the second end region 201C.

[0100] The first end region 201A is the region in the X direction that includes the base 241 of the outer housing 240 and the -X direction end of the bridging portion 243. The second end region 201C is the region in the X direction that includes the base 242 of the outer housing 240 and the +X direction end of the bridging portion 243. The central region 201B is the region in the X direction that includes the central portion excluding the -X direction end and the +X direction end of the bridging portion 243 of the outer housing 240.

[0101] Next, the electrostatic sensor 210 will be described. Besides... Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 In addition to using Figure 15 The electrostatic sensor 210 will be described. Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the electrostatic sensor 210 of Embodiment 2. The electrostatic sensor 210 is provided to detect the approach or contact of an operator with respect to the outer housing 240 or the inner housing 230.

[0102] The electrostatic sensor 210 includes electrodes 210A and 210B, and a substrate 210C. Electrode 210A is an example of a first electrode, and electrode 210B is an example of a second electrode. Both electrodes 210A and 210B have a comb-like shape. The XYZ coordinate system is the same as in Embodiment 1. The X direction is an example of a first direction, and the Y direction is an example of a second direction.

[0103] Electrode 210A has multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 and a connecting portion 212A, and is connected to a terminal 213A. The multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 can be two or more in one example. Figure 15 Two electrode sections 211A1 and 211A2 are shown. There may be more than three electrode sections 211A1 and 211A2, but two are most preferred.

[0104] The plurality of electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 are examples of a plurality of first electrode portions, with different widths in the X direction and equal lengths in the Y direction. The plurality of electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. Each of the plurality of electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 has a rectangular shape with two sides extending along the Y direction. As an example, the width in the X direction of the electrode portion 211A1 located on the -X direction side is wider than the width in the X direction of the electrode portion 211A2 located on the +X direction side. Therefore, the area of ​​the electrode portion 211A1 located on the -X direction side is larger than the area of ​​the electrode portion 211A2 located on the +X direction side. Alternatively, an additional electrode portion 211A1 can be provided closer to the +X direction side than the electrode portion 211A2 located on the +X direction side. Figure 15 The electrode portions shown are either the same size as the electrode portions 211A2 on the +X direction side, or have a different width in the X direction than the electrode portions 211A2 on the +X direction side. In this case, the distance P in the X direction between the electrode portions 211A2 on the +X direction side and the additional electrode portions can all be set to be equal.

[0105] These multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 are alternately (staggeredly) arranged with the multiple electrode portions 211B1, 211B2 of electrode 210B in the X direction, which is an example of the first direction, and are arranged in overlapping positions in the Y direction. The X-direction spacing between adjacent electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 and electrode portions 211B1, 211B2 is set such that, regardless of the position of the finger in the X direction, at least one of electrode portion 211A1 or 211A2, or electrode portion 211B1 or 211B2, is capacitively coupled to the finger. This spacing is, for example, 0.5 mm or less, where 0.5 mm is a value obtained through simulation.

[0106] The connecting portion 212A is an example of a first connecting portion, and is a linear pattern that connects the +Y direction side ends of multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 in the X direction. The connecting portion 212A also extends in the X direction within the area where the electrode portion 211B1 exists on the +X direction side of the electrode 210B. The +Y direction side is an example of a first side. The width of the connecting portion 212A in the Y direction is constant in the X direction. By connecting multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 on the -Y direction side of the connecting portion 212A extending in the X direction, the electrode 210A has a comb-like shape when viewed from above. This electrode 210A, as an example, can be fabricated by patterning a metal foil such as copper foil provided on the upper surface of the substrate 210C through etching or other means.

[0107] Electrode 210B has multiple electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 and a connecting portion 212B, and is connected to a terminal 213B. The multiple electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 can be two or more in one example. Figure 15 Two electrode sections 211B1 and 211B2 are shown. There may be more than three electrode sections 211B1 and 211B2, but two are most preferred.

[0108] The plurality of electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 are examples of a plurality of second electrode portions, with different widths in the X direction and equal lengths in the Y direction. The plurality of electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. Each of the plurality of electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 has a rectangular shape with two sides extending along the Y direction. As an example, the width in the X direction of the electrode portion 211B1 located on the +X direction side is wider than the width in the X direction of the electrode portion 211B2 located on the -X direction side. Therefore, the area of ​​the electrode portion 211B1 located on the +X direction side is larger than the area of ​​the electrode portion 211B2 located on the -X direction side. Alternatively, an additional electrode portion 211B1 can be provided closer to the -X direction side than the electrode portion 211B2 located on the -X direction side. Figure 15 The electrode portions shown are one or more electrode portions that have the same size as the electrode portions 211B2 on the -X direction side, or whose width in the X direction is different from that of the electrode portions 211B2 on the -X direction side. In this case, the distance P in the X direction between the electrode portions 211B2 on the -X direction side and the additional electrode portions can all be set to be equal.

[0109] These multiple electrode portions 211B1, 211B2 are alternately (staggeredly) arranged with the multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 of electrode 210A in the X direction, which is an example of the first direction, and are arranged in overlapping positions in the Y direction. The X-direction spacing between adjacent electrode portions 211B1, 211B2 and electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 is set such that, regardless of the position of the finger in the X direction, at least one of electrode portion 211B1 or 211B2 and electrode portion 211A1 or 211A2 is capacitively coupled to the finger. As an example, this spacing is 0.5 mm or less, as described above; 0.5 mm is a value obtained through simulation.

[0110] The connecting portion 212B is an example of a second connecting portion, and is a linear pattern in which the ends of multiple electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 on the -Y direction side are connected in the X direction. The connecting portion 212B also extends in the X direction within the area where the electrode portion 211A1 exists on the -X direction side of the electrode 210A. The -Y direction side is an example of a second side. The width of the connecting portion 212B in the Y direction is constant in the X direction. By connecting multiple electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 on the +Y direction side of the connecting portion 212B extending in the X direction, the electrode 210B has a comb-like shape when viewed from above. This electrode 210B, as an example, can be fabricated by patterning a metal foil such as copper foil provided on the upper surface of the substrate 210C through etching or other means.

[0111] In addition, this section describes how the multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2, 211B1, and 211B2 extend in a direction orthogonal to the connecting portions 212A and 212B when viewed from above. However, the multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2, 211B1, and 211B2 may extend in a direction other than orthogonal to the connecting portions 212A and 212B when viewed from above (an angle less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees), or they may be in a curved shape when viewed from above.

[0112] As an example, substrate 210C is a wiring substrate conforming to the FR4 standard, and electrodes 210A and 210B are formed on the upper surface of substrate 210C. Alternatively, substrate 210C can be a flexible substrate, and electrodes 210A and 210B can be formed on the upper and lower surfaces of substrate 210C, respectively. Furthermore, electrodes 210A and 210B can be formed on two separate substrates, with the two substrates overlapped while ensuring that electrodes 210A and 210B are insulated from each other.

[0113] The relationship between this electrostatic sensor 210 and the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C is as follows: Figure 15 As shown, the first end region 201A is a region where the position of operation can be detected by the electrostatic sensor 210 on the -X direction side in the X direction. Therefore, the end of the first end region 201A on the -X direction side is located further on the -X direction side than the ends of the electrodes 210A and 210B on the -X direction side, and the boundary between the first end region 201A and the central region 201B is located at the middle of the electrode portion 211A1 on the -X direction side of the electrode 210A in the X direction. That is, the first end region 201A includes at least the end on the -X direction side of the electrode portion 211A1 on the -X direction side.

[0114] Similarly, the second end region 201C is a region that can be detected by the electrostatic sensor 210 on the +X direction side in the X direction. Therefore, the end of the second end region 201C on the +X direction side is located further on the +X direction side than the ends of the electrodes 210A and 210B on the +X direction side, and the boundary between the central region 201B and the second end region 201C is located at the middle of the electrode portion 211B1 on the +X direction side of the electrode 210B in the X direction. The second end region 201C includes at least the end on the +X direction side of the electrode portion 211B1 on the +X direction side.

[0115] The central region 201B is a region that can be detected by the electrostatic sensor 210 in the middle part of the X direction, located between the first end region 201A and the second end region 201C in the X direction. The central region 201B includes an electrode portion 211A2 on the +X direction side of electrode 210A and an electrode portion 211B2 on the -X direction side of electrode 210B. The electrode portion 211A2 on the +X direction side of electrode 210A is the electrode portion other than the electrode portion 211A1 at the end of the first end region 201A side (first end region side) of the two electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 of electrode 210A. The electrode portion 211B2 on the -X direction side of electrode 210B is the electrode portion other than the electrode portion 211B1 at the end of the second end region 201C side (second end region side) of the two electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2 of electrode 210B. Furthermore, the range of the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C in the X direction varies depending on the length of the electrostatic sensor 210 in the X direction, the width and position of the electrode portions 211A1, 211A and 211B1, 211B2 in the X direction, etc.

[0116] ECU 250 is an example of a control device, implemented via a computer that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), input / output interfaces, and an internal bus. ECU 250 can also be connected to an ECU that controls various electronic devices in vehicle 1 via in-vehicle networks such as CAN (Controlled Area Network) or ETHERNET (registered trademark).

[0117] The ECU 250 includes a main control unit 251, a decision unit 252, a switching control unit 253, and a memory 254. The main control unit 251, the decision unit 252, and the switching control unit 253 represent the functions of the programs executed by the ECU 250 as functional modules. Furthermore, the memory 254 represents the memory functions of the ECU 250.

[0118] The main control unit 251 is a processing unit that manages the control of the ECU 250 and performs processing other than that performed by the decision unit 252 and the switching control unit 253.

[0119] The determination unit 252 determines, based on the ratio of the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B of the electrostatic sensor 210, whether the operator's operation on the door handle 201 occurs in the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, or the second end region 201C of the door handle 201 (outer housing 240 and inner housing 230). The ratio of the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B is the ratio of the self-capacitance of one electrode to the self-capacitance of the other. The electrostatic sensor 210 is a self-capacitance type, and the self-capacitance is the electrostatic capacitance obtained by the self-capacitance type electrostatic sensor.

[0120] The switching control unit 253 switches the door 2 from a latched state to an unlocked state when the detection value of the strain sensor 220 reaches or exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, the switching control unit 253 switches the threshold based on the determination result of the determination unit 252. Specifically, when the determination unit 252 determines that the operator's position is within the central region 201B, the switching control unit 253 sets a larger threshold value compared to when the operator's position is determined to be within the first end region 201A. Similarly, when the determination unit 252 determines that the operator's position is within the second end region 201C, the switching control unit 253 sets a larger threshold value compared to when the operator's position is determined to be within the central region 201B. This design takes into account the lever principle.

[0121] In addition to storing the programs and data used by the ECU 250 to perform the above-mentioned processing, the memory 254 also stores, at least temporarily, data such as self-capacitance generated by the processing.

[0122] However, even if the actual position of the operator's hand relative to the door handle 201 in the X direction is the same, if the distance from the surface of the door handle 201 to the operator's hand changes, the self-capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 210 will change. Therefore, there is a concern that even if the actual position of the operator's hand relative to the door handle 201 in the X direction is the same, the operator's hand position may be determined to have changed in the X direction due to the different distance from the surface of the door handle 201 to the operator's hand.

[0123] For example, when an operator touches the door handle 201 with bare hands versus with gloved hands, the distance from the electrostatic sensor 210 to the hand differs, raising concerns about potential changes in the hand position detection result in the X direction. Furthermore, regarding the reason why the self-capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 210 changes when the distance from the surface of the door handle 201 to the operator's hand changes, the following explanation is provided: Figure 16 To be described later.

[0124] The deviation in the X-direction of this detection result is more significant when the self-capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of electrodes 210A and 210B of the electrostatic sensor 210 is large. This is because the voltage between electrodes 210A and 210B and the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B are inversely proportional.

[0125] Therefore, in order to reduce the deviation in the X direction of the detection result, it is only necessary to reduce the self-capacitance between electrodes 210A and 210B. Since electrodes 210A and 210B are nested in a comb-like configuration when viewed from above, the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B can be reduced by shortening the length of the interval in which electrodes 210A and 210B are respectively arranged close together.

[0126] From this perspective, electrodes 210A and 210B each have two electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 and electrode portions 211B1 and 211B2, respectively, as follows: Figure 15 The number of electrode sections 211A1, 211A2 and 211B1, 211B2, which are configured in a nested manner, has been reduced.

[0127] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the ratio of the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B relative to the position of a finger in the X direction in the door handle 201. Figure 16 The characteristics shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. The case where an operator contacts the door handle 201 with two adjacent fingers in the X direction was investigated. Two rod-shaped dielectrics, each 11 mm thick, were used to simulate the two fingers. Hereinafter, the finger position in the X direction (finger position) refers to the X coordinate of the position between two adjacent fingers in the X direction.

[0128] Regarding the finger position in the X direction of the door handle 201, the center position of the electrostatic sensor 210 in the X direction is set to 0mm, the -X direction side is represented by a negative value, and the +X direction side is represented by a positive value.

[0129] also, Figure 16 The ratio of self-capacitance in the determination unit 252 is different from the ratio of self-capacitance used when the determination operation is located in the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, or the second end region 201C (the ratio of the self-capacitance of the other of the electrodes 210A and 210B to the self-capacitance of one of them). Figure 16The ratio of self-capacitance is obtained by dividing the smaller self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B by the larger self-capacitance (smaller self-capacitance / larger self-capacitance). The self-capacitance ratio is 100% when the operating position is at the center (0 mm) of the electrostatic sensor 210 in the X direction. At this point, since the self-capacitances of electrodes 210A and 210B are equal, the numerator and denominator are set to the same value. Furthermore, as an example, the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B is the value obtained by digitally converting the value (analog value) detected by mutual capacitance.

[0130] Furthermore, the characteristics of the self-capacitance ratio were determined for three Z-direction positions: 0mm, 3mm, and 6mm, at a distance of 201 from the surface of the door handle. The solid line represents the characteristic at 0mm, the dashed line represents the characteristic at 3mm, and the dotted line represents the characteristic at 6mm.

[0131] like Figure 16 As shown, the self-capacitance ratio varies depending on the height from the surface of the door handle 201, generally showing a trend where the self-capacitance ratio is smallest at a distance of 0 mm from the surface and largest at a distance of 6 mm from the surface. The self-capacitance ratio varies depending on the height of the finger from the surface of the door handle 201 because, for the self-capacitance between electrode 210A and the finger, the ratio of the distance between the +X direction electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 and the finger, and the distance between the -X direction electrode portions 211A1 and 211A2 and the finger changes depending on the height of the finger from the surface of the door handle 201. Furthermore, for the self-capacitance between electrode 210B and the finger, the ratio of the distance between the +X direction electrode portion 211B1 and the finger, and the distance between the -X direction electrode portion 211B2 and the finger changes depending on the height of the finger from the surface of the door handle 201.

[0132] As an example, the finger position in the X direction is X = -11.5 mm, and the self-capacitance ratio at a position 0 mm from the surface is 37%. Furthermore, the self-capacitance ratio at a position 6 mm from the surface is 37% when the finger position in the X direction is X = -13 mm, a difference of 1.5 mm. That is, it can be seen that when operating the door handle 201 with bare hands versus operating it with a 6 mm thick glove, an error of approximately 1.5 mm may occur in the detection of the finger position in the X direction.

[0133] Figure 17This is a graph showing the characteristic of the ratio of the self-capacitance of the two comb-shaped electrodes in a door handle, including the electrostatic sensor of the modified embodiment 1, relative to the position of a finger in the X direction. The two comb-shaped electrodes of the electrostatic sensor of the modified embodiment are compared with those of the one in embodiment 1. Figure 4 The simulation models are the same, each containing 19 electrode portions. Because each of the two comb-shaped electrodes contains 19 electrode portions, the length of the interval between the two comb-shaped electrodes arranged close to each other is significantly longer than that of electrodes 210A and 210B of the electrostatic sensor 210 in Embodiment 2, resulting in a significant increase in the self-capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of the two comb-shaped electrodes. Furthermore, Figure 17 The ratio of self-capacitance in Figure 16 The ratio of self-capacitance in the two comb-shaped electrodes is the same, and is obtained by dividing the smaller self-capacitance of the two comb-shaped electrodes by the larger self-capacitance (smaller self-capacitance / larger self-capacitance).

[0134] Figure 17 The characteristics shown are Figure 16 The characteristics shown are the same, obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. The positions of the fingers in the X and Z directions of the door handle are... Figure 16 The characteristics shown are the same. Solid lines represent the characteristics at 0mm, dashed lines represent the characteristics at 3mm, and single-dot lines represent the characteristics at 6mm.

[0135] like Figure 17 As shown, the difference in the ratio of self-capacitance caused by the height of the surface from the door handle is... Figure 16 The characteristics shown are large, generally exhibiting high values. Overall, it shows a trend where the self-capacitance ratio is lowest at a distance of 0 mm from the surface and highest at a distance of 6 mm from the surface, which is consistent with... Figure 16 The characteristics shown are the same.

[0136] As an example, when the finger position in the X direction is X = -11.5 mm, the self-capacitance ratio at a position 0 mm from the surface is 61%. Furthermore, when the self-capacitance ratio at a position 6 mm from the surface is 61%, the finger position in the X direction is X = -14 mm, a difference of 2.5 mm. That is, it can be seen that when operating a door handle containing a comparison electrostatic sensor with bare hands, versus operating it while wearing a 6 mm thick glove, an error of approximately 2.5 mm may occur in the detection of the finger position in the X direction.

[0137] This means that compared to the case where the door handle 201 includes the electrostatic sensor 210 of Embodiment 2, the detection error in the X direction increases by approximately 67%. In other words, it means that the door handle system 200 and the door handle sensor system 200B of Embodiment 2 can reduce the detection error in the X direction by 40% compared to the door handle system including the electrostatic sensor for comparison.

[0138] In addition, actual production Figure 17 The simulation uses a modified electrostatic sensor, and Figure 16 The electrostatic sensor 210 used in the simulation disposed two rod-shaped dielectrics simulating two fingers in the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C, and measured the self-capacitance, obtaining the following results. The self-capacitance shown here is a count value obtained by digitally converting the self-capacitance (analog value) obtained according to the modified electrostatic sensor and electrostatic sensor 210. Both the modified electrostatic sensor and electrostatic sensor 210 are self-capacitance type, and since the self-capacitance is expressed as a count value, it has no unit.

[0139] The self-capacitance obtained in the first end region of the modified electrostatic sensor is 213, while the self-capacitance obtained in the first end region 201A of the electrostatic sensor 210 is 263. The self-capacitance obtained in the central region of the modified electrostatic sensor is 235, while the self-capacitance obtained in the central region 201B of the electrostatic sensor 210 is 311. The self-capacitance obtained in the second end region of the modified electrostatic sensor is 212, while the self-capacitance obtained in the second end region 201C of the electrostatic sensor 210 is 263. It can be seen that the self-capacitance in the first end region 201A and the second end region 201C increases by approximately 23%, and the self-capacitance in the central region 201B increases by approximately 32%. Compared with the electrostatic sensor of the comparative example, the self-capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of the electrodes 210A and 210B of the electrostatic sensor 210 is smaller, therefore it is believed that the detection value is increased when two rod-shaped dielectrics simulating two fingers are arranged.

[0140] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes executed by ECU 250. When ECU 250 receives power from a power source such as a battery in vehicle 1, it executes... Figure 18 The processing shown.

[0141] The determination unit 252 obtains the ratio of the self-capacitance of the two electrodes 210A and 210B of the electrostatic sensor 210 (step S1).

[0142] The determination unit 252 determines which of the following regions the operation is located in: the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C (step S2).

[0143] If the determination unit 252 determines in step S2 that the operation position is in the first end region 201A, the switching control unit 253 reads the threshold value for the first end region 201A from the memory 254 and sets it as the threshold value (step S3A).

[0144] Furthermore, if the determination unit 252 determines in step S2 that the operation position is in the central region 201B, the switching control unit 253 reads the threshold value for the central region 201B from the memory 254 and sets it as the threshold value (step S3B).

[0145] Furthermore, if the determination unit 252 determines in step S2 that the operation position is in the second end region 201C, the switching control unit 253 reads the threshold value for the second end region 201C from the memory 254 and sets it as the threshold value (step S3C).

[0146] When the switching control unit 253 finishes processing steps S3A, S3B, or S3C, it determines whether the detection value of the strain sensor 220 is above the set threshold (step S4).

[0147] If the switching control unit 253 determines that the threshold is above (S4: Yes), it outputs a command to switch the latch mechanism 2A to the unlocked state (step S5). If the processing of step S5 is completed, the processing of one cycle of the control cycle is completed, and it returns to the beginning. The ECU 150 repeats the above process.

[0148] As described above, in the door handle system 200 and door handle sensor system 200B of Embodiment 2, two electrode portions 211A1, 211A2, 211B1, and 211B2 of the electrostatic sensor 210 and 210B are respectively provided. In this electrostatic sensor 210, by reducing the self-capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of the electrodes 210A and 210B, the detection error of the finger position in the X direction relative to the difference in finger height with respect to the surface of the door handle 201 is reduced. Therefore, the accuracy of determining which of the door handle 201's first end region 201A, central region 201B, or second end region 201C was operated on can be improved.

[0149] Therefore, a door handle sensor system 200B that can accurately determine the location where an operation has been performed can be provided.

[0150] Furthermore, at least one end of the electrode portion 211A1 on the X-direction side of the first end region 201A (-X direction side) of the multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 is disposed within the first end region 201A, and at least one end of the electrode portion 211B1 on the X-direction side of the second end region 201C (+X direction side) of the multiple electrode portions 211B1, 211B2 is disposed within the second end region 201C. Therefore, in the X direction, the multiple electrode portions 211A1, 211A2 and the multiple electrode portions 211B1, 211B2, which are alternately arranged, can be appropriately allocated as the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C, and the unlocking state can be appropriately controlled based on the determination result of the determination unit 252 and the detection value of the strain sensor 220.

[0151] Furthermore, since multiple electrode sections 211A1 and 211A2 are each composed of two electrode sections, and multiple electrode sections 211B1 and 211B2 are each composed of two electrode sections 211B1 and 211B2, the self-capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of electrodes 210A and 210B can be reduced. This reduces the detection error in the X-direction of the finger's position relative to the difference in finger height relative to the surface of the door handle 201. As a result, the accuracy of determining which of the three regions of the door handle 201—the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, and the second end region 201C—was operated on can be improved.

[0152] Furthermore, the area of ​​electrode 211A2 disposed in the central region 201B of the two electrode sections 211A1 and 211A2 is equal to the area of ​​electrode 211B2 disposed in the central region 201B of the two electrode sections 211B1 and 211B2, thus achieving a balance in the self-capacitance of electrodes 210A and 210B when operation is performed in the central region 201B. Therefore, the ratio of self-capacitance when operation is performed in the central region 201B can be set to a value close to 1:1, making it easy to construct a determination logic for determining which of the operator's hand positions the operation is performed in the first end region 201A, the central region 201B, or the second end region 201C.

[0153] Furthermore, the ECU 250 includes a switching control unit 253 that switches the door 2 from a latched state to an unlocked state when the detection value of the strain sensor 220 exceeds a threshold. The switching control unit 253 changes the threshold based on the determination result of the determination unit 252. Therefore, even if the detection value of the strain sensor 220 differs depending on the position in the X direction where the door handle 201 is operated from the X-direction end of the door handle 201, the presence or absence of operation can be appropriately determined based on the position of operation.

[0154] Furthermore, on the side where the electrode portion 211A1 of the strain sensor 220 is located in the first end region 201A (first end region side) in the X direction, the switching control unit 253 sets a larger threshold value compared to the case where the determination unit 252 determines that the operator's operation position is within the central region 201B, and a larger threshold value compared to the case where the operator's operation position is within the first end region 201A, and a larger threshold value compared to the case where the determination unit 252 determines that the operator's operation position is within the second end region 201C, and a larger threshold value compared to the case where the operator's operation position is within the central region 201B. Therefore, the operation position can be accurately determined in accordance with the difference in the detection value of the strain sensor 220 generated by the lever principle based on the difference in the operation position in the X direction.

[0155] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a modified example of embodiment 2, specifically the electrostatic sensor 210M. The electrostatic sensor 210M can replace... Figure 15 The electrostatic sensor 210 shown is used in the door handle sensor system 200B.

[0156] The electrostatic sensor 210M includes electrodes 210AM, 210BM, and a substrate 210C. Electrode 210AM is an example of a first electrode, and electrode 210BM is an example of a second electrode. Both electrodes 210AM and 210BM have a comb-like shape. The XYZ coordinate system is the same as in Embodiment 1. The X direction is an example of a first direction, and the Y direction is an example of a second direction.

[0157] Electrode 210AM has multiple electrode portions 211AM1, 211AM2, and a connecting portion 212AM, and is connected to terminal 213A. Electrode 210AM and Figure 15 Compared to the electrode 210A shown, the electrode portion 211AM2 on the +X direction side has a wider width in the X direction, while the electrode portion 211AM1 on the -X direction side has a narrower width in the X direction.

[0158] Electrode 210BM has multiple electrode portions 211BM1, 211BM2, and a connecting portion 212BM, and is connected to terminal 213B. Electrode 210BM and Figure 15Compared to the electrode 210B shown, the electrode portion 211BM2 on the -X direction side has a wider width in the X direction, while the electrode portion 211BM1 on the +X direction side has a narrower width in the X direction.

[0159] In addition, substrate 210C and Figure 15 The substrate 210C shown is the same. Furthermore, based on the widths in the X direction of the plurality of electrode portions 211AM1, 211AM2 and the widths in the X direction of the plurality of electrode portions 211BM1, 211BM2, the first end region 201AM and the second end region 201CM are... Figure 15 Compared to the first end region 201A and the second end region 201C, the width in the X direction of the central region 201BM is narrower, while compared to the central region 201B, the width in the X direction of the central region 201BM is wider.

[0160] Figure 20 This is a graph showing the ratio of the self-capacitance of electrodes 210AM and 210BM relative to the finger position in the X direction of the door handle 201. Figure 20 The characteristics shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. The finger position in the X direction and... Figure 16 "Same" refers to the X coordinates of the positions of two adjacent fingers in the X direction.

[0161] The finger position in the X direction of the door handle 201 and Figure 16 Similarly, the center position of the electrostatic sensor 210 in the X direction is set to 0mm, the -X direction side is represented by a negative value, and the +X direction side is represented by a positive value.

[0162] also, Figure 20 The ratio of self-capacitance in Figure 16 The ratio of self-capacitance in the two electrodes 210AM and 210BM is the same, and is obtained by dividing the smaller self-capacitance of the two electrodes 210AM and 210BM by the larger self-capacitance (smaller self-capacitance / larger self-capacitance). Furthermore, as an example, the self-capacitance of electrodes 210AM and 210BM is the value obtained by digitally converting the value (analog value) detected by mutual capacitance.

[0163] In addition, with Figure 16 Similarly, for the three Z-direction positions of the finger on the surface 201 away from the door handle (0mm, 3mm, and 6mm), the characteristics of the self-capacitance ratio were determined. The characteristics at 0mm are represented by a solid line, the characteristics at 3mm by a dashed line, and the characteristics at 6mm by a single-dot dashed line.

[0164] like Figure 20As shown, although the self-capacitance ratio varies depending on the height from the surface of the door handle 201, it exhibits approximately the same value at X = 0 mm, independent of the finger's Z-direction position. In the intervals X = -16.5 mm to X = 0 mm and X = 0 mm to X = 16.5 mm, the self-capacitance ratio is highest when the finger height is 0 mm, and equal when the finger height is 3 mm and 6 mm. Furthermore, in the intervals further towards the -X direction than X = -16.5 mm and further towards the +X direction than X = 16.5 mm, a trend is shown where the self-capacitance ratio is lowest at a finger height of 0 mm and highest at a position 6 mm from the surface.

[0165] Thus, it can be confirmed that if the widths of the electrode portions 211AM1, 211AM2, 211BM1, and 211BM2 in the X direction are different, the characteristic of the self-capacitance ratio relative to the position of the finger in the X direction changes. Even if replacing Figure 15 The electrostatic sensor 210 shown above, and the door handle sensor system 200B that can accurately determine the position of the operation can also be provided by using such an electrostatic sensor 210M.

[0166] The above describes an exemplary embodiment of the electrostatic input device and door handle sensor system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments and can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the claims.

[0167] Furthermore, embodiments can be combined with each other without contradiction, and features in different embodiments can also be combined with each other.

[0168] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0169] 100 Electrostatic Input Device

[0170] 110 Electrostatic Sensor

[0171] 110A and 110B electrodes

[0172] Electrode sections 111A and 111B

[0173] 112A and 112B connecting parts

[0174] 120 Position Determination Department

[0175] 200 door handle system

[0176] 200A Door Handle Assembly

[0177] 200B Door Handle Sensor System

[0178] 201 Door Handle

[0179] 201A First End Region

[0180] 201B Central Region

[0181] 201C Second End Region

[0182] 210, 210M electrostatic sensors

[0183] 210A, 210AM electrodes (an example of the first electrode)

[0184] 210B, 210BM electrodes (an example of a second electrode)

[0185] Electrode sections 211A1, 211A2, 211AM1, and 211AM2 (an example of the first electrode section)

[0186] Electrode sections 211B1, 211B2, 211BM1, and 211BM2 (an example of a second electrode section)

[0187] 212A, 212AM Connecting Part (An Example of the First Connecting Part)

[0188] 212B, 212BM Connecting Part (An Example of a Second Connecting Part)

[0189] 220 Strain sensor (an example of a pressure sensor)

[0190] 230 Inner shell

[0191] 240 Outer shell

[0192] 250 ECU (an example of a control unit)

[0193] 251 Main Control Unit

[0194] 252 Judgment Department

[0195] 253 Switching Control Unit

[0196] 254 memory

Claims

1. A door handle sensor system, which is a door handle sensor system mounted on a vehicle, comprising: A door handle assembly, installed on the door of the vehicle; and The control device controls the unlocking state of the door. The door handle device has: The inner housing is located inside the outer housing located on the outside of the vehicle; An electrostatic sensor is used to detect an operator's approach to or contact with the outer housing or the inner housing; as well as A pressure sensor is used to detect the operating force applied to the outer housing or the inner housing. The control device has a determination unit that determines whether the operator's position is located in the outer housing and the inner housing, in the first end region, the second end region, or the central region between the first end region and the second end region. The control device controls the unlocking state based on the determination result of the determination unit and the detection value of the pressure sensor. The electrostatic sensor has the following characteristics: The first electrode has a plurality of first electrode portions arranged at intervals along a first direction connecting the first end region and the second end region, and a first connecting portion connecting the plurality of first electrode portions to a first side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when viewed from above. as well as The second electrode has a plurality of second electrode portions arranged alternately with the plurality of first electrodes along the first direction, and a second connecting portion connecting the plurality of second electrode portions to a second side in the second direction when viewed from above. The first electrode portions, excluding the first electrode portions at the ends on the first end region side in the first direction, are disposed within the central region. The second electrode portions, excluding the second electrode portions at the ends on the second end region side in the first direction, are disposed within the central region. From the first electrode portion at the end of the first end region to the first electrode portion in the central region, the width in the first direction or the length in the second direction of the first electrode portion decreases sequentially. From the second electrode portion at the end of the second end region to the second electrode portion in the central region, the width in the first direction or the length in the second direction of the second electrode portion decreases sequentially. The first electrode portion is not disposed in the second end region. The second electrode portion is not disposed in the first end region. A second electrode portion is provided between the two first electrode portions. A first electrode portion is provided between the two second electrode portions.

2. The door handle sensor system as described in claim 1, Of the plurality of first electrode portions, at least one end portion of the first electrode portion located on the side of the first end region in the first direction is disposed within the first end region. The end of the second electrode portion of the plurality of second electrode portions on the side of the second end region in the first direction, at least on the side where the second end region is located in the first direction, is disposed in the second end region.

3. The door handle sensor system as described in claim 1, The plurality of first electrode portions constitutes two first electrode portions. The plurality of second electrode portions constitutes two second electrode portions.

4. The door handle sensor system as described in claim 3, The area of ​​the first electrode portion disposed in the central region of the two first electrode portions is equal to the area of ​​the second electrode portion disposed in the central region of the two second electrode portions.

5. The door handle sensor system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, The control device also includes a switching control unit that switches the door from a latched state to an unlocked state when the pressure sensor's detection value exceeds a threshold value. The switching control unit changes the threshold according to the determination result of the determination unit.

6. The door handle sensor system as described in claim 5, The pressure sensor is located on the side of the first electrode portion at the end of the first end region in the first direction. When the determination unit determines that the operator's position is within the central region, the switching control unit sets the threshold to a larger value compared to when the position is determined to be within the first end region. When the determination unit determines that the operator's position is within the second end region, the switching control unit sets the threshold to a larger value compared to when the position is determined to be within the central region.

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