JP6933098B2 - Foot operation input detector - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there is a foot operation input detection device that forms a foot operation input detection area below the vehicle. For example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a first electrostatic sensor electrode provided on the lower surface of the vehicle and a position located outside and above the first electrostatic sensor electrode of the vehicle are provided. A configuration including a second electrostatic sensor electrode is described. Then, for example, in Patent Document 3, by forming each of these sensor electrodes (electrostatic sensor electrodes) using a flexible electric wire, each of the sensor electrodes is an independent capacitance sensor. The configuration that forms the

That is, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in such a conventional foot detection device 70, the first electrostatic sensor electrode 80A is inserted below the vehicle 81 to perform foot operation input. It is provided at a position facing the user's foot 82 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 81. Further, at this time, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 80B is provided at a position where the user's ankle 83 is arranged in the outer direction (horizontal direction side) of the vehicle 81 (see FIG. 10A). It is desirable that the foot operation input by the user is performed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B arranged in these two rows (FIG. 10B). reference). Then, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the relationship between the sensor values of the two systems detected by using such independent first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B (capacitance and its). A method of accurately detecting a user's foot operation input by suppressing the occurrence of the false detection based on the change) is disclosed.

By the way, when opening and closing a so-called flip-up type back door based on the above-mentioned foot operation input, the vehicle uses the foot operation input detection unit (kick sensor) so that the back door does not interfere with the user. It is conceivable to set it in the rear corner.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the first and second static electricitys follow the curved shape (R shape) 85R in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set in the corner portion 85 at the rear of the vehicle. The sensor electrodes 80A and 80B are extended. Further, the user can use the direction orthogonal to the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B extending in such a curved manner, that is, from the diagonally rear outside of the vehicle 81 with respect to the corner portion 85 at the rear of the vehicle. The foot operation input is executed (in FIG. 10, diagonally upward to the right). As a result, it is possible to avoid interference of the back door with the user who inputs the foot operation.

International Publication No. 2011/113552 International Publication No. 2012/84111 International Publication No. 2014/12995

However, even when the foot operation input detection unit is set at the corner portion 85 at the rear of the vehicle as described above, the user extends his / her foot diagonally downward from the rear position facing the back door. Foot operation input may be performed for corners. Then, in the configuration of the above-mentioned prior art, in such a case, the foot operation input may not be detected accurately.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the foot operation input is performed from the rear position facing the back door, the user's foot 82 is provided with the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B. The corner portion 85 is inserted diagonally from the end position Pe side toward the apex position Pt side so as to follow the curved shape 85R of the corner portion 85. As a result, as shown in the shaded area in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the user's feet 82 and the first and second feet 82 inserted below the corner portion 85 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 81. There is a problem that the facing area ratio between the electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B is changed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the foot operation input is correctly performed from the direction orthogonal to the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B extending along the curved shape 85R of the corner portion 85. When this is performed, there is no significant difference between the facing area of the first electrostatic sensor electrode 80A with respect to the user's foot 82 and the facing area of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 80B. However, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the user inputs the foot operation diagonally from the position behind the vehicle facing the back door, the radial direction of the curved shape 85R set in the corner portion 85 The second electrostatic sensor electrode 80B located on the outer side is larger than the first electrostatic sensor electrode 80A located on the inner side in the radial direction thereof, and overlaps with the user's foot 82. As a result, there is a risk that the relationship between the sensor values (capacitance) of the two systems detected using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 80A and 80B will change when the foot operation input is executed. As a result, there was still room for improvement in this regard.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a more convenient foot operation input detection device.

The foot operation input detection device that solves the above problems forms a foot operation input detection region below the corner portion by extending along a curved shape in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set at the corner portion of the vehicle. The first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes are provided, and the second electrostatic sensor electrode is radially outside the curved shape of the first electrostatic sensor electrode and from the first electrostatic sensor electrode. Is also arranged on the upper side, and the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the lower direction of the vehicle is increased from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape in the extending direction along the curved shape. It is configured to be low.

According to the above configuration, when the user correctly inputs the foot operation in the direction orthogonal to the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes extending along the curved shape of the corner portion, the second The user's ankle is arranged in the lateral direction of the vehicle, that is, in the horizontal direction with respect to the electrostatic sensor electrode of the above. Then, as a result, the relationship between the sensor values of the two systems using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes at the time of executing the foot operation input appears accurately. That is, when the foot operation input is executed, the sensor value detected by using the first electrostatic sensor electrode that the user's foot is directly brought close to is the second sensor value for the purpose of suppressing erroneous detection. Based on the fact that the sensor value is larger than the sensor value detected by using the electrostatic sensor electrode, the foot operation input of the user can be detected with high accuracy.

Further, for example, even when the user diagonally inputs the foot operation from the position facing the wall surface of the vehicle, the extension direction and the end portion of the second electrostatic sensor electrode along the curved shape of the corner portion. Due to the difference in the detection sensitivity in the lower direction set from the position side to the apex position side, the relationship between the two sensor values detected using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes as described above is maintained. NS. As a result, even when such an irregular foot operation input is performed, the user's foot operation input can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience when the user performs foot operation input.

In the foot operation input detection device that solves the above problems, the second electrostatic sensor electrode has the directivity of the detection sensitivity on the lower side of the vehicle from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape. It is preferable that the structure changes from the direction to the horizontal direction.

That is, the magnitude of the capacitance formed by the user's foot approaching each electrostatic sensor electrode is proportional to the area of the foot facing each of these electrostatic sensor electrodes, and each static electricity thereof. It is inversely proportional to the distance between the feet and the electrodes of the electric sensor. Then, according to the above configuration, the vehicle is located between the user's foot inserted below the corner portion and the second electrostatic sensor electrode from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape. The facing area in the vertical direction can be reduced.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, in the extending direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode along the curved shape set in the corner portion, from the end position side to the apex position side, in the lower direction of the vehicle. The detection sensitivity of the foot operation input can be set low. As a result, even when the user makes an irregular foot operation input such as inserting the foot diagonally from the position facing the wall surface of the vehicle with respect to the corner portion, the user's foot is accurately performed. Operation input can be detected.

In the foot operation input detection device that solves the above problems, the second electrostatic sensor electrode is configured so that the arrangement position becomes higher from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape. preferable.

According to the above configuration, between the user's foot inserted below the corner portion and the second electrostatic sensor electrode from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape set in the corner portion. The separation distance in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be increased. As a result, even when the user makes an irregular foot operation input such as inserting the foot diagonally from the position facing the wall surface of the vehicle with respect to the corner portion, the user's foot is accurately performed. Operation input can be detected.

In the foot operation input detection device that solves the above problems, the second electrostatic sensor electrode is preferably configured by using a flexible electric wire.
According to the above configuration, based on the flexibility of the electric wire, the second electrostatic sensor electrode can be easily extended along the curved shape in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set at the corner portion of the vehicle. .. Further, the height of the arrangement of the second electrostatic sensor electrode can be easily changed in the extending direction. Further, by bending the electric wire into an elongated loop shape, the directivity of the detection sensitivity can be set in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement surface including the loop shape. Then, by bending (twisting) the arrangement surface of the loop shape, the direction of the directivity can be easily changed at an arbitrary position along the extending direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode. can. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is easy to input the foot operation in the lower direction of the vehicle from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape in the extending direction along the curved shape of the corner portion. The second electrostatic sensor electrode can be configured so that the detection sensitivity is low.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience when the user performs foot operation input.

A perspective view of the rear part of the vehicle provided with a back door. Schematic diagram of the foot operation input detection device. A flowchart showing a processing procedure of door opening / closing control based on detection of foot operation input. The perspective view of the 1st and 2nd electrostatic sensor electrodes constituting a kick sensor. Explanatory drawing of an electrostatic sensor electrode configured by using an electric wire. Explanatory drawing (horizontal cross section) of the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes provided in the corners of a vehicle. Explanatory drawing (vertical cross section) of the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes provided in the corners of a vehicle. A flowchart showing a detection determination of a foot operation input. (A) to (c) are explanatory views (vertical cross section, a: corner portion end position, b: corner portion intermediate) showing the configuration of the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes provided at the corner portion of the vehicle. Position, c: corner apex position). (A) and (b) are explanatory views (a: side view, b: plan view) of the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes provided in the vehicle. (A) is an explanatory diagram when the foot operation input is correctly performed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram when the irregular foot operation input is performed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the foot operation input detection device provided in the vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the door opening 3 formed at the rear end 2r of the vehicle body 2 has a so-called flip-up back that opens and closes with the upper end as the center of rotation. A door 5 is provided. Further, each corner portion 10 at the rear of the vehicle is provided with a kick sensor 20 having a detection region below the corner portion 10. Then, based on the sensor output of the kick sensor 20, a foot operation input detection device 30 that detects a foot operation input performed by the user to open / close the back door 5 is formed.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the output signal of the kick sensor 20 is input to the door ECU 31. That is, the sensor value CH shown in the output signal of the kick sensor 20 changes when the user's foot is inserted below the corner portion 10 provided with the kick sensor 20. Then, the door ECU 31 of the present embodiment is configured to detect the foot operation input of the user who intends to open / close the back door 5 based on the change of the sensor value CH.

Further, when the door ECU 31 of the present embodiment detects the foot operation input of the user based on the sensor value CH of the kick sensor 20, the back door is provided on the condition that a predetermined security requirement (wireless authentication or the like) is satisfied. By opening the door lock device 32 provided in 5, the restraint of the back door 5 held in the fully closed state (or fully opened state) is released. Further, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a power back door device 33 using a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The door ECU 31 of the present embodiment is configured to open and close the back door 5 by controlling the operation of the power back door device 33 when the user's foot operation input is detected. ..

Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the door ECU 31 of the present embodiment determines the user's foot operation input detection determination for the corner portion 10 at the rear of the vehicle based on the sensor value CH of the kick sensor 20. Execute (step 101). Further, when the door ECU 31 detects the foot operation input of the user (step 102: YES), the door ECU 31 releases the restraint of the back door 5 by the door lock device 32 (door lock release, step 103). Then, after that, the back door 5 is configured to execute the opening / closing drive control (door opening / closing drive, step 104).

When the back door 5 is in the fully closed position, the door ECU 31 of the present embodiment executes the open drive control of the back door 5 in order to move the back door 5 to the fully open position. When the back door 5 is in the fully open position, the closing drive control of the back door 5 is executed in order to move the back door 5 to the fully closed position.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment includes first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B. That is, in the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment, the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B form independent capacitance sensors 41 and 42, respectively. Then, the door ECU 31 is detected by using the two sensor values CH1 and CH2 shown in the output signals of the respective capacitance sensors 41 and 42, that is, the first and second capacitance sensor electrodes 40A and 40B. Based on the relationship of each capacitance (and its change), it is configured to detect the foot operation input of the user who inserts the foot below the corner portion 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 (40A, 40B) of the present embodiment is formed by bending a flexible electric wire 45 into an elongated loop shape. It is formed. That is, each of these electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 has the directivity of its detection sensitivity in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement surface α including the loop shape of the electric wire 45 (the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 5). doing. Further, each of these electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 can bend (twist) its loop-shaped arrangement surface α based on the flexibility of the electric wire 45. And, by this, the high degree of freedom of arrangement is secured.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B constituting the kick sensor 20 are the rear wall surface 51 and the side portions of the vehicle 1, respectively. It extends along a curved shape (R shape) 10R in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set at a corner portion 10 (see FIG. 1) at the rear of the vehicle where the wall surface 52 intersects. Specifically, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is arranged outside the curved shape 10R set at the corner portion 10 of the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A in the radial direction. The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is arranged above the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A has a directivity of detection sensitivity in the lower direction and the substantially vertical direction (lower side in FIG. 7) of the vehicle 1 and is a corner of the vehicle. It is arranged in the part 10. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 shown below, the direction of directivity of each electrostatic sensor electrode 40 (40A, 40B) is indicated by a alternate long and short dash line. Then, the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A is set in the outer direction (left side, horizontal direction side in FIG. 7) of the vehicle 1 with respect to the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A, that is, in the corner portion 10. The curved shape 10R is arranged at the corner portion 10 in a state where the detection sensitivity is directional on the outer side in the radial direction (see FIG. 6).

That is, the foot operation input detection device 30 of the present embodiment executes the foot operation input to the corner portion 10 at the rear of the vehicle from the diagonally rear outside of the vehicle 1 (in FIG. 6, toward the diagonally upward right direction). Specifically, the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B curved and extend along the curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10 with respect to the detection region β set below the corner portion 10. Insert the foot 60 in the direction orthogonal to the. Then, in this state, the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment detects the user's foot 60 in the vicinity of the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A by the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A, and is above the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A. The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B located is configured to detect the vicinity of the user's ankle 61.

More specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, in the door ECU 31 of the present embodiment, the sensor value CH1 of the capacitance sensor 41 formed by the first capacitance sensor electrode 40A is the second. It is determined whether or not it is larger than the sensor value CH2 of the capacitance sensor 42 formed by the electrostatic sensor electrode 40B of 2 (step 201). In the door ECU 31 of the present embodiment, the sensor value CH2 detected by using the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is such that the user's ankle 61 faces the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B. It is a prerequisite for executing the process of this step 201 that the value is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value indicating. Then, the establishment of the determination condition shown in step 201 is set as one requirement (CH1> CH2, step 201: YES), and the foot operation input by the user is detected (detection requirement establishment, step 202). ..

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 (a) to 9 (c), in the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B has a curved shape set at the corner portion 10 of the vehicle 1. It is configured so that the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the downward direction decreases from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R in the extending direction along the 10R toward the apex position Pt side.

More specifically, the directivity of the detection sensitivity of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is downward (from the end position Pe side to the apex position Pt side of the curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10). It is configured to change from the lower direction in FIG. 9) to the outer direction (left side direction in the figure) which is the horizontal direction side.

Specifically, in FIG. 9, when the angle formed by the directional direction shown by the alternate long and short dash line is a lateral angle with respect to the vertical downward direction, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The lateral angle θt at the apex position Pt shown in FIG. 9C is larger than the lateral angle θe at the end position Pe on the rear side of the vehicle shown in (a). Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the lateral angle θm of the intermediate position Pm from the end position Pe to the apex position Pt is from the lateral angle θe at the end position Pe to the lateral angle θt at the apex position Pt. It is configured to gradually increase along the extending direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10 (θe <θm <θt).

Further, in the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment, the arrangement position of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is located from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10 toward the apex position Pt side. It is configured to be high.

Specifically, in FIG. 9, when a horizontal plane γ as a height reference is set below the corner portion 10, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 9A. The height Ht from the horizontal plane γ at the apex position Pt shown in FIG. 9C is higher than the height He at the end position Pe. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the height Hm at the intermediate position Pm from the end position Pe to the apex position Pt is from the height He at the end position Pe to the height Ht at the apex position Pt. It is configured to gradually increase along the extending direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10 (He <Hm <Ht).

In the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is also in the direction (Pe'→ Pm'→ Pt) from the end position Pe'on the vehicle side to the apex position Pt. , The lateral angle is gradually increased (θe <θm <θt), and the height of the arrangement position is gradually increased (He <Hm <Ht). The direction of directivity (downward in the vertical direction) and the height of arrangement of the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A are substantially constant over the entire extension direction.

That is, as described above, the directivity of the detection sensitivity is changed from the lower side to the outer side from the lower side toward the apex position Pt side from the end position Pe side along the curved shape 10R of the corner part 10. As a result, the facing area S between the user's foot 60 and the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 becomes smaller toward the apex position Pt side of the curved shape 10R. In FIG. 9, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is projected onto the reference horizontal plane γ set on the lower side of the vehicle 1 so as to be inserted below the corner portion 10. The size of the area S facing the person's foot 60 is expressed (Se> Sm> Sp). Further, by gradually increasing the arrangement position of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R toward the apex position Pt side, the corner portion 10 is closer to the apex position Pt side. The separation distance d (height from the reference horizontal plane γ) with respect to the user's foot 60 inserted below is increased. The size of the capacitance C formed by the user's foot 60 approaching each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 (40A, 40B) is the size of the foot 60 with respect to each of these electrostatic sensor electrodes 40. It is proportional to the facing area S and inversely proportional to the distance d of the foot 60 with respect to each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 (C = ε × S / d, ε: permittivity).

In the kick sensor 20 of the present embodiment, by using this, the foot operation input in the downward direction from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10 toward the apex position Pt side is input. The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is formed so that the detection sensitivity gradually decreases. The foot operation input detection device 30 of the present embodiment is configured to improve convenience when the user performs foot operation input.

That is, when the user diagonally inputs the foot operation from the rear position facing the back door 5, the foot 60 is the corner portion 10 provided with the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B. The curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10 is inserted diagonally downward from the end position Pe side toward the apex position Pt side (see FIG. 11B). As a result, in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B located on the radial outer side of the curved shape 10R set at the corner portion 10 is located on the radial inner side. It is larger than the electrostatic sensor electrode 40A of the above and overlaps with the user's foot 60.

However, even in such a case, with respect to the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B extending along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10, the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the lower direction is increased toward the apex position Pt side. By lowering it, the relationship between the sensor values CH1 and CH2 of the two systems using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B is maintained at the time of foot operation input. That is, when the foot operation input is executed, the sensor value CH1 detected by using the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A to which the user's foot is directly brought closer is the second sensor value CH1 for the purpose of suppressing erroneous detection. The sensor value becomes larger than the sensor value CH2 detected by using the electrostatic sensor electrode 40B (CH1> CH2). The foot operation input detection device 30 of the present embodiment also accurately performs the foot operation input of the user even when the user obliquely inputs the foot operation from the rear position facing the back door 5. It is possible to detect the operation input.

Further, when the user correctly inputs the foot operation from the diagonally rear outside of the vehicle 1 in the direction orthogonal to the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B (FIG. 11A). (See), as described above, the user's ankle 61 faces the outer side (horizontal side) of the vehicle 1 with respect to the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B (see FIG. 7). In particular, as described above, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B in the present embodiment has a directivity of detection sensitivity on the apex position Pt side along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10 in the outer direction (horizontal direction). It is configured to face the side). Therefore, the relationship between the sensor values CH1 and CH2 of the two systems using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B appears more accurately. Then, the foot operation input detection device 30 of the present embodiment can detect the foot operation input of the user more accurately even when the user correctly inputs the foot operation input. ing.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
(1) The foot operation input detection device 30 detects the foot operation input below the corner portion 10 by extending along the curved shape 10R in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set in the corner portion 10 of the vehicle 1. The first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B forming the region β are provided. The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is located outside the curved shape 10R set at the corner 10 of the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A in the radial direction and above the first electrostatic sensor electrode 40A. Be placed. Then, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B has a foot in the downward direction from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R in the extending direction along the curved shape of the corner portion 10 toward the apex position Pt side. It is configured so that the detection sensitivity of the operation input is low.

According to the above configuration, when the user correctly inputs the foot operation in the direction orthogonal to the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B extending along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10. Is arranged with the user's ankle 61 in the outer direction (horizontal direction side) of the vehicle 1 with respect to the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B. As a result, the relationship (CH1> CH2) between the sensor values CH1 and CH2 of the two systems using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B at the time of executing the foot operation input appears accurately. , The user's foot operation input can be detected with high accuracy.

Further, even when the user diagonally inputs the foot operation from the rear position facing the back door 5, the extension direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is from the end position Pe side to the apex position Pt side. The relationship between the sensor values CH1 and CH2 using the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B as described above is maintained due to the difference in the detection sensitivity in the downward direction set toward the side. As a result, even when such an irregular foot operation input is performed, the user's foot operation input can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience when the user performs foot operation input.

(2) The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B has a directivity of detection sensitivity from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R set at the corner portion 10 of the vehicle 1 toward the apex position Pt side of the vehicle 1. It is configured to change from the lower side to the horizontal side.

That is, the size of the capacitance C formed by the user's foot 60 approaching each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 (40A, 40B) is the size of the foot 60 with respect to each of these electrostatic sensor electrodes 40. It is proportional to the facing area S and inversely proportional to the distance d of the foot 60 with respect to each of the electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 (C = ε × S / d, ε: permittivity). Then, according to the above configuration, the user's foot 60 and the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B inserted below the corner portion 10 from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R toward the apex position Pt side. The facing area S of the vehicle 1 in the vertical direction between the vehicle and the vehicle 1 can be reduced.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is extended in the extending direction along the curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10, and is downward from the end position Pe side to the apex position Pt side. The detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the lateral direction can be set low. As a result, even when the user makes an irregular foot operation input to the corner portion 10 such that the foot is inserted diagonally from the rear position facing the back door, the user can accurately perform the foot operation input. The foot operation input can be detected.

Further, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B has a large directivity of the detection sensitivity at the position on the apex position Pt side along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10 and faces the outer direction, that is, the horizontal direction side. As a result, when the user correctly inputs the foot operation in the direction orthogonal to the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is subjected to the correct foot operation input. Based on the ankle 61 of the user facing the vehicle 1 in the outer direction (horizontal direction side), the foot operation input can be detected more accurately.

(3) The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is configured so that its arrangement position becomes higher from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R set in the corner portion 10 of the vehicle 1 toward the apex position Pt side. Will be done.

According to the above configuration, the user's foot 60 and the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B inserted below the corner portion 10 from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R toward the apex position Pt side. The separation distance d in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 between them can be increased. As a result, the same effect as in (2) above can be obtained.

(4) The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is configured by using a flexible electric wire 45.
According to the above configuration, based on the flexibility of the electric wire 45, the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B is easily set along the curved shape 10R in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set at the corner portion 10 of the vehicle 1. It can be extended. Further, the height of the arrangement of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B can be easily changed in the extending direction. Further, by bending the electric wire 45 into an elongated loop shape, the directivity of the detection sensitivity can be set in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement surface α including the loop shape. Then, by bending (twisting) this loop-shaped arrangement surface α, the direction of directivity can be easily changed at an arbitrary position along the extending direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B. be able to. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the vehicle 1 can be easily moved downward from the end position Pe side of the curved shape 10R in the extending direction along the curved shape of the corner portion 10 toward the apex position Pt side. The second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B can be configured so that the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the above is low.

The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

-In the above embodiment, the foot operation input detection device 30 for opening / closing the back door 5 provided at the rear end portion 2r of the vehicle is embodied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the foot operation input detection device 30 for operating the vehicle opening / closing body control device may be configured with the trunk lid, side door, or the like as the operation target. The positions where the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B are arranged are not limited to the corner portion 10 at the rear portion of the vehicle, but may be the corner portion 10 at the front portion of the vehicle.

In the above embodiment, the direction of directivity and the height of arrangement are changed in the extending direction of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B along the curved shape 10R set at the corner portion 10 of the vehicle 1. The curved shape is configured so that the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the downward direction decreases from the end position Pe side to the apex position Pt side. However, not limited to this, the configuration in which the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input is set along the curved shape 10R of the corner portion 10 by changing only one of the direction of directivity and the height of the arrangement is very good. .. Then, a configuration may be adopted in which the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input is changed as described above by another method or a combination thereof.

-In the above embodiment, the lateral angle is gradually increased in the direction (Pe'→ Pm'→ Pt) from the end position Pe'on the side of the vehicle to the apex position Pt (θe <θm). It was decided to configure the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B so that <θt) and the height of the arrangement position gradually increased (He <Hm <Ht). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle side side may be configured so as not to change the detection sensitivity of the second electrostatic sensor electrode 40B.

-In the above embodiment, each electrostatic sensor electrode 40 (40A, 40B) is configured by using a flexible electric wire 45, but each of these electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 (40A, 40B). ) May be configured to use other materials for one or both of them.

-In the above embodiment, the kick sensor 20 is configured to include two electrostatic sensor electrodes 40 in total, including the first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as it includes such first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes 40A and 40B, even if it is configured to include three or more electrostatic sensor electrodes 40. good.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified example will be described.
(A) A vehicle opening / closing body control device including the foot operation input detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Thereby, the convenience when operating the opening / closing body can be improved.

1 ... Vehicle, 5 ... Back door, 10 ... Corner, 10R ... Curved shape, 20 ... Kick sensor, 30 ... Foot operation input detection device, 31 ... Door ECU, 32 ... Door lock device, 33 ... Power back door device, 40 ... electrostatic sensor electrode, 40A ... first electrostatic sensor electrode, 40B ... second electrostatic sensor electrode, 41, 42 ... electrostatic capacity sensor, 45 ... electric wire, 51 ... rear wall surface, 52 ... side wall surface , 60 ... foot, 61 ... ankle, 70 ... foot detector, 80A ... first electrostatic sensor electrode, 80B ... second electrostatic sensor electrode, 81 ... vehicle, 82 ... foot, 83 ... ankle, 85 ... corner Part, 85R ... Curved shape, CH, CH1, CH2 ... Sensor value, Pe ... End position, Pm ... Intermediate position, Pt ... Apex position, θe, θm, θt ... Lateral angle, He, Hm, Ht ... Height, α ... arrangement surface, β ... detection region, γ ... horizontal plane, C ... capacitance, ε ... dielectric constant, d ... separation distance, S ... facing area.

Claims (4)

Provided with first and second electrostatic sensor electrodes that form a detection region for foot operation input below the corner portion by extending along a curved shape in the horizontal cross-sectional direction set at the corner portion of the vehicle. ,
The second electrostatic sensor electrode is
It is arranged radially outside the curved shape of the first electrostatic sensor electrode and above the first electrostatic sensor electrode, and is also arranged.
A foot operation configured so that the detection sensitivity of the foot operation input in the lower direction of the vehicle decreases from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape in the extending direction along the curved shape. Input detector. In the foot operation input detection device according to claim 1,
The second electrostatic sensor electrode is configured such that the directivity of the detection sensitivity changes from the lower side of the vehicle to the horizontal direction side from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape. A foot operation input detection device characterized by that. In the foot operation input detection device according to claim 1 or 2.
The foot operation input detection device is characterized in that the second electrostatic sensor electrode is configured so that the arrangement position becomes higher from the end position side to the apex position side of the curved shape. In the foot operation input detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The second electrostatic sensor electrode is configured by using a flexible electric wire.
A foot operation input detection device characterized by.

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