Patent Publication Number: US-2016222702-A1

Title: Opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application 2015-018474, filed on Feb. 2, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND DISCUSSION 
     Recently, a flush surface has been a trend in automobile design. A surface which is flush means an even surface formed without unevenness or a gap in a body surface or the like. The flush surface causes air resistance of a body to be reduced, and thus high-speed performance, low fuel consumption performance, or the like can be improved. In addition, the flush surface contributes to reduction of wind noise during driving of an automobile or improvement in design. 
     It is preferable that the flush surface is also formed on an operation handle, which performs an opening/closing operation of a door. International Publication No. WO 2012/175647, specification of US 2014/0000167A, Japanese Patent No. 3165570, and Japanese Patent No. 5191157 (References 1 to 4) disclose operation handles on which the flush surface is formed. References 1 and 2 disclose technology in which a door is locked and unlocked by using the operation handle. 
     However, with the technology disclosed in References 1 and 2, there is a concern that an operation will be incorrectly performed when an operation is performed to lock and unlock the door. 
     SUMMARY 
     Thus, a need exists for an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus which is not suspectable to the drawback mentioned above. 
     An aspect of this disclosure provides an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus including: an operation handle that includes a first section, which is thick in a normal direction to a surface on the front side and in which a turning shaft is disposed, and a grip section formed of a second section which is thinner than the first section in the normal direction to the surface on the front side, that is configured to be supported in a turning manner by a base member disposed in an opening/closing member, and that is able to shift between an accommodated position, at which the grip section is in a state of being accommodated in an accommodation section formed in the base member, and a projecting position, at which the grip section is in a state of projecting from the accommodation section; a first sensor section that detects an operation through which the opening/closing member enters into an unlocked state and that is disposed in the grip section; and a second sensor section that detects an operation through which the opening/closing member enters into a locked state and that is disposed in the operation handle so as not to be overlapped with the grip section in a side view in the normal direction to the surface on the front side of the operation handle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with the reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are a plan view and a side view of an operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a plan view and a side view of an internal configuration of the operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views illustrating a state in which the operation handle is accommodated in an accommodation section; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views illustrating the state in which the operation handle is accommodated in the accommodation section; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are plan views illustrating the state in which the operation handle is accommodated in the accommodation section; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views illustrating a state in which a grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side views illustrating the state in which the grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are plan views illustrating the state in which the grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view illustrating a state in which the grip section of the operation handle is gripped by an occupant or the like; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating still another operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are a plan view and a side view illustrating an operation handle of an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to Modification Example  1  of an embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  are a plan view and a side view illustrating an operation handle of an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to Modification Example  2  of an embodiment disclosed here; 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are plan views illustrating a state in which a grip section of the operation handle projects from an accommodation section; and 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view illustrating a state in which the grip section of the operation handle is gripped by an occupant or the like. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiment 
     An opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to an embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are a plan view and a side view of the operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment;  FIG. 2A  is the plan view and  FIG. 2B  is the side view.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are a plan view and a side view of an internal configuration of the operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment;  FIG. 3A  is the plan view and  FIG. 3B  is the side view.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views illustrating a state in which the operation handle is accommodated in an accommodation section.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side views illustrating the state in which the operation handle is accommodated in the accommodation section.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are plan views illustrating the state in which the operation handle is accommodated in the accommodation section.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views illustrating a state in which a grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side views illustrating the state in which the grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  are plan views illustrating the state in which the grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section.  FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A  illustrate a state in which the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment is attached to a vehicle and  FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B  illustrate a state in which a base member and the operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment is detached from the vehicle. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 9B , the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an operation handle  12  and a base member  10  that supports the operation handle  12  in a turning manner. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment further includes a control unit  62  that performs various types of control in response to operations performed through the operation handle  12  by an occupant or the like, particularly, an electronic control unit (ECU)  62 . 
     An accommodation section  18 , which can accommodate the operation handle  12 , is provided in the base member  10 . A turning shaft inserting hole (not illustrated), into which a turning shaft  64  for supporting, in a turning manner, the operation handle  12  is inserted, is formed in the top and under surfaces of the accommodation section  18 . The turning shaft inserting hole is formed at a portion between an end portion of the accommodation section  18  on one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) in its longitudinal direction and a central portion of the accommodation section  18  in the longitudinal direction. An opening  68  is formed on the back surface side on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) of the accommodation section  18  in the longitudinal direction. The opening  68  is provided to enable the operation handle  12  to turn such that one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) of the operation handle  12  in its longitudinal direction does not come into contact with the back surface side of the accommodation section  18 , when the operation handle  12  is caused to turn. As a material of the base member  10 , for example, a resin or the like is used. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the operation handle (operation lever or door handle)  12  is formed to have a stick shape as a whole. A first section (thick section)  20 , which is relatively thick in a normal direction to a surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on its front side, is formed on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. A second section (thin section)  22 , which is relatively thin in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side, is formed on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. As a material of the operation handle  12 , for example, a resin or the like is used. 
     A turning shaft inserting hole  26 , into which the turning shaft  64  is inserted, is formed in the first section  20  positioned on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The turning shaft inserting hole  26  is positioned in a portion between an end portion of the operation handle  12  on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) in the longitudinal direction and the central portion of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The position of the turning shaft inserting hole  26  formed in the operation handle  12  corresponds to the position of the turning shaft inserting hole formed in the base member  10 . 
     The second section  22  positioned on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction is a grip section  24  as a section which is gripped with a hand  66  by an occupant or the like. A boundary between the second section  22  and the first section  20  is an end portion of the grip section  24  on one side in its longitudinal direction. A portion  28 , which is thicker than the grip section  24  in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side, is formed at an end portion of the grip section  24  on the other side in the longitudinal direction. In this manner, the thickness of the operation handle  12  is changed in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side, and thereby the grip section  24  is demarcated. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the turning shaft  64  is inserted into the turning shaft inserting hole  26  formed in the operation handle  12  and the turning shaft inserting hole formed in the base member  10 . As the turning shaft  64 , for example, a bolt or the like is used. The operation handle  12  is supported in a turning manner by the base member  10  through the turning shaft  64 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , bolt inserting holes  66   a  to  66   c,  which fix the base member  10  to an opening/closing member (door)  16  using a bolt (not illustrated), are formed in the base member  10 . The base member  10  is attached to an interior side of the opening/closing member  16  provided in a vehicle (vehicle body, body)  14  using a bolt. In other words, the base member  10 , which supports the operation handle  12  in a turning manner, is disposed in the opening/closing member  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 9B , the operation handle  12  can shift between an accommodated position, at which the grip section  24  is in a state of being accommodated in the accommodation section  18 , and a projecting position, at which the grip section  24  is in a state of projecting from the accommodation section  18 . The projecting of the grip section  24  from the accommodation section  18  is referred to as popping-up. The popping-up of the operation handle  12  is performed by using a popping-up actuator  84  (refer to  FIGS. 1 to 2B ). When the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18 , the external appearance of the vehicle  14  is as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A to 6B  (accommodated position). When the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18 , the external appearance of the vehicle  14  is as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 9B  (projecting position). When the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18 , the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side is positioned substantially as an extended surface of the surface of the opening/closing member  16  on its front side. Therefore, a flush surface of the vehicle  14  can be realized. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a sensor section (detection section, detection region, and sensing area)  32  for detecting locking is disposed on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The sensor section for detecting locking (locking detection sensor section)  32  is provided to detect an operation by an occupant or the like, through which the opening/closing member  16  enters into a locked state. The operation by an occupant or the like, through which the opening/closing member  16  enters into the locked state, is performed by touching the locking detection sensor section  32  with a part of a hand  66  of the occupant or the like. The locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed in the first section  20  positioned on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed so as not to be overlapped with the grip section  24  in a side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. In other words, when the operation handle  12  is viewed in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side, the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed so as not to be overlapped with the grip section  24 . The grip section  24  and the locking detection sensor section  32  are not overlapped in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side such that a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like is prevented from touching the locking detection sensor section  32  by error, when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . The locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed to detect an operation by the occupant or the like on the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. Accordingly, when a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in a section in which the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed, a locking detection sensor  34  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) reacts. 
     The locking detection sensor section  32  is configured to have, for example, a sensor electrode for detecting locking (locking detection sensor electrode). Since the locking detection sensor section  32  is configured to have the locking detection sensor electrode, the same reference sign  32  is assigned to the locking detection sensor section and the locking detection sensor electrode. The locking detection sensor electrode  32  is electrically connected to the locking detection sensor  34  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). The locking detection sensor (locking detection sensor element)  34  is disposed, for example, in a circuit board  36 . The circuit board  36  is accommodated, for example, in the first section  20  positioned on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. As the locking detection sensor  34 , for example, a capacitance type sensor or, more specifically, a self-capacitance type sensor can be used. 
     The locking detection sensor section  32  is set in the operation handle  12 . When the hand  66  of the occupant or the like does not touch the locking detection sensor section  32 , but touches the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in a section in which the locking detection sensor section  32  is set, the locking detection sensor  34  can react. The locking detection sensor section  32  means a section in which the locking detection sensor  34  can react to an operation by the occupant or the like. 
     When a human appendage or an object does not come into contact with the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the locking detection sensor section  32  is set, an output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates a state of “non-detection”. When a human appendage or an object comes into contact with the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the locking detection sensor section  32  is set, the output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates a state of “detection”. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view illustrating a state in which the grip section of the operation handle is gripped by an occupant or the like. In a case where the grip section  24  and the locking detection sensor section  32  are overlapped in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side, a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like is likely to touch the locking detection sensor section  32 , when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . In the case where a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the locking detection sensor section  32 , the locked state of the opening/closing member  16  is fulfilled. In order to prevent a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like from touching the locking detection sensor section  32  by error, it is preferable that the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed at a position at which a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like is unlikely to touch the locking detection sensor section  32 , when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . Hence, in the embodiment, the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed so as not to be overlapped with the grip section  24  in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. 
     In a case where a distance L 1  between the end portion (boundary between the first section  20  and the second section  22 ) of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32  is relatively short, a thumb  66   a  of the occupant or the like is likely to touch the locking detection sensor section  32  when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . When it is taken into account that the thumb  66   a  of the occupant or the like is reliably prevented from touching the locking detection sensor section  32  when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 , it is preferable that the distance L 1  between the end portion (boundary between the first section  20  and the second section  22 ) of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32  is set to be long. Specifically, it is preferable that the distance L 1  between the end portion of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32  is, for example, equal to or greater than 30 mm. When the distance L 1  between the end portion of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32  is, for example, equal to or greater than 30 mm, there can be sufficient reduction in a possibility that the thumb  66   a  of the occupant or the like will touch the locking detection sensor section  32  when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . It is more preferable that the distance L 1  between the end portion of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32  is equal to or greater than 40 mm. It is still more preferable that the distance L 1  between the end portion of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32  is equal to or greater than 50 mm. The longer the distance L 1  between the end portion (boundary between the first section  20  and the second section  22 ) of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the locking detection sensor section  32 , the more the reduction in a possibility that the thumb  66   a  of the occupant or the like will touch the locking detection sensor section  32  when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . 
     The turning shaft inserting hole  26  and the locking detection sensor section  32  may be overlapped in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. In other words, the turning shaft  64  and the locking detection sensor section  32  may be overlapped in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. The distance between the end portion (boundary between the first section  20  and the second section  22 ) of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction and the turning shaft  64  is set to be sufficiently significant. Therefore, when the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed so as to be overlapped with the turning shaft  64  in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the possibility that the thumb  66   a  of the occupant or the like will touch the locking detection sensor section  32  when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24 . 
     A sensor section  38  for pinching is disposed on one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The sensor section for pinching (pinching detection sensor section)  38  is provided to detect pinching when the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18  or when the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18 . It is highly possible that the pinching occurs at the edge of the operation handle  12 . Therefore, the pinching detection sensor section  38  is disposed along the edge of the operation handle  12 . More specifically, the pinching detection sensor section  38  is disposed along the top surface, the edge surface, and the under surface of the operation handle  12 . The pinching detection sensor section  38  is configured to have, for example, a sensor electrode for detecting pinching (pinching detection sensor electrode). Since the pinching detection sensor section  38  is configured to have the pinching detection sensor electrode, the same reference sign  38  is assigned to the pinching detection sensor section and the pinching detection sensor electrode. The pinching detection sensor electrode  38  is electrically connected to the pinching detection sensor (refer to  FIG. 1 )  40 . The pinching detection sensor (pinching detection sensor element)  40  is disposed, for example, in the circuit board  36 . As the pinching detection sensor  40 , for example, a capacitance type sensor or, more specifically, a self-capacitance type sensor can be used. 
     When a human appendage or an object does not come into contact with the section in which the pinching detection sensor section  38  is disposed, an output of the pinching detection sensor  40  indicates a state of “non-detection”. When a human appendage or an object comes into contact with the section in which the pinching detection sensor section  38  is disposed, an output of the pinching detection sensor  40  indicates a state of “detection”. 
     A sensor section  42  for detecting popping up is disposed on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The sensor section for detecting popping up (popping-up sensor section)  42  is provided to detect an operation by an occupant or the like, through which the operation handle  12  pops up. The popping-up sensor section  42  is disposed in the second section  22  positioned on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the grip section  24 . The popping-up sensor section  42  is disposed on the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side so as to detect the operation by the occupant or the like. Accordingly, when a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in a section in which the popping-up sensor section  42  is disposed, a popping-up sensor  44  reacts. The popping-up sensor section  42  is configured to have, for example, a sensor electrode for detecting popping up (popping-up detection sensor electrode). Since the popping-up sensor section  42  is configured to have the popping-up sensor electrode, the same reference sign  42  is assigned to the popping-up sensor section and the popping-up sensor electrode. The popping-up sensor electrode  42  is electrically connected to the popping-up sensor  44  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). The popping-up sensor (popping-up sensor element)  44  is disposed, for example, in the circuit board. As the popping-up sensor  44 , for example, a capacitance type sensor or, more specifically, a self-capacitance type sensor can be used. 
     When a human appendage or an object does not come into contact with the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the popping-up sensor section  42  is set, an output of the popping-up sensor  44  indicates a state of “non-detection”. When a human appendage or an object comes into contact with the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the popping-up sensor section  42  is set, an output of the popping-up sensor  44  indicates a state of “detection”. 
     In addition, a sensor section  46  for detecting unlocking is disposed on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle in the longitudinal direction. The sensor section for detecting unlocking (unlocking detection sensor section)  46  is provided to detect an operation by an occupant or the like, through which the opening/closing member  16  enters into an unlocked state (locking-released state). The unlocking detection sensor section  46  is disposed in the second section  22  positioned on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the grip section  24 . The unlocking detection sensor section  46  is disposed on a surface  70  of the operation handle  12  on the back side so as to detect the operation by the occupant or the like. Accordingly, when a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the surface  70  of the operation handle  12  on the back side in a section in which the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is disposed, an unlocking detection sensor  48  reacts. The unlocking detection sensor section  46  is configured to have, for example, a sensor electrode for detecting unlocking (unlocking detection sensor electrode). Since the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is configured to have the unlocking sensor electrode, the same reference sign  46  is assigned to the unlocking sensor section and the unlocking sensor electrode. The unlocking detection sensor section  46  is electrically connected to the unlocking detection sensor (unlocking detection sensor element)  48 . The unlocking detection sensor  48  is disposed, for example, in the circuit board  36 . As the unlocking detection sensor  48 , for example, a capacitance type sensor or, more specifically, a self-capacitance type sensor can be used. 
     When a human appendage or an object does not come into contact with the surface  70  of the operation handle  12  on the back side in the section in which the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is set, an output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  indicates a state of “non-detection”. When a human appendage or an object comes into contact with the surface  70  of the operation handle  12  on the back side in the section in which the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is set, an output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  indicates a state of “detection”. 
     In addition, a pinching detection sensor section  50  is disposed on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The pinching detection sensor section  50  is provided to detect pinching when the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18  or when the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18 . As described above, it is highly possible that the pinching occurs at the edge of the operation handle  12 . Therefore, the pinching detection sensor section  50  is disposed along the edge of the operation handle  12 . The pinching detection sensor section  50  is disposed along the top surface, the edge surface, and the under surface of the operation handle  12 . The pinching detection sensor section  50  is configured to have, for example, a sensor electrode for detecting pinching (pinching detection sensor electrode). Since the pinching detection sensor section  50  is configured to have the pinching detection sensor electrode, the same reference sign  50  is assigned to the pinching detection sensor section and the pinching detection sensor electrode. The pinching detection sensor electrode  50  is electrically connected to a pinching detection sensor (refer to  FIG. 1 )  52 . The pinching detection sensor  52  is disposed, for example, in the circuit board  36 . As the pinching detection sensor  52 , for example, a capacitance type sensor or, more specifically, a self-capacitance type sensor can be used. 
     When a human appendage or an object does not come into contact with the section in which the pinching detection sensor section  50  is disposed, an output of the pinching detection sensor  52  indicates a state of “non-detection”. When a human appendage or an object comes into contact with the section in which the pinching detection sensor section  50  is disposed, an output of the pinching detection sensor  52  indicates a state of “detection”. 
     In addition, an antenna  54  is disposed on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The antenna  54  can be used to transmit, toward a wireless remote controller, a low frequency (LF) signal for detecting whether or not the wireless remote controller (smart key) (not illustrated) is positioned close to the vehicle  14 . Further, the antenna  54  can be used not only to transmit a signal but to receive a signal. The wireless remote controller is used when the locking or unlocking of the opening/closing member  16  is performed from a place separated from the vehicle  14 . In addition, the wireless remote controller is used when a locking or unlocking operation of the opening/closing member  16  is performed from a place separated from the vehicle  14 . The antenna  54  is electrically connected to a transmission/reception circuit  56  disposed in the circuit board  36 . 
     In addition, an LED  58  is disposed on the other side (left-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of the operation handle  12  in the longitudinal direction. The LED  58  shows various marks. The LED  58  is electrically connected to an LED driving circuit  60  disposed in the circuit board  36 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the control unit  62  includes an input unit  72 , the central processing unit (CPU)  73 , an output unit  74 , and a memory  76 . The input unit  72 , the CPU  73 , the output unit  74 , and the memory  76  can input and output a signal (data) to and from each other through a bus line  78 . 
     A signal from the locking detection sensor  34  is input to the input unit  72  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  can detect an operation by an occupant or the like, through which the opening/closing member  16  enters into the locked state, on the basis of the signal from the locking detection sensor  34 . In addition, a signal from the popping-up sensor  44  is input to the input unit  72  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  can detect an operation by an occupant or the like, through which the operation handle  12  enters into a popped-up state, on the basis of the signal from the popping-up sensor  44 . In addition, a signal from the unlocking detection sensor  48  is input to the input unit  72  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  can detect an operation by an occupant or the like, through which the opening/closing member  16  enters into the unlocked state, on the basis of a signal from the unlocking detection sensor  48 . In addition, signals from the pinching detection sensors  40  and  52  are input to the input unit  72  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  can detect the occurrence of pinching on the basis of signals from the pinching detection sensors  40  and  52 . In addition, a signal from the transmission/reception circuit  56  is input to the input unit  72  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  can detect details of an operation performed by using the wireless remote controller, on the basis of a signal from the transmission/reception circuit  56 . 
     The transmission/reception circuit  56  is connected to the output unit  74  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  controls the transmission/reception circuit  56  through the output unit  74 , thereby making it possible to transmit a signal from the antenna  54  to the wireless remote controller. In addition, the LED driving circuit  60  is connected to the output unit  74  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  can control the LED  58  through the output unit  74  and the LED driving circuit  60  such that the LED shows a mark. In addition, a motor (door locking mechanism motor)  80  which drives a door locking mechanism  82  is connected to the output unit  74  of the control unit  62 . The door locking mechanism  82  performs locking and unlocking of the opening/closing member  16 . The CPU  73  drives the door locking mechanism  82  through the output unit  74  such that the door locking mechanism motor  80  rotates, thereby making it possible for the opening/closing member  16  to enter into the locked state or the unlocked state. In addition, a motor (opening/closing motor)  88 , which drives an opening/closing actuator (opening/closing mechanism)  90  provided with respect to the opening/closing member  16 , is connected to the output unit  74  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  drives the opening/closing mechanism  90  by causing the opening/closing motor  88  to rotate through the output unit  74 , thereby making it possible to perform opening and closing of the opening/closing member  16 . In addition, a motor (popping-up motor)  83 , which drives a popping-up actuator  84 , is connected to the output unit  74  of the control unit  62 . The CPU  73  drives the popping-up actuator  84  by causing the popping-up motor  83  to rotate through the output unit  74 , thereby making it possible for the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  to project from the accommodation section  18 , and making it possible for the operation handle  12  to be accommodated in the accommodation section  18 . 
     Next, an operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     First, an operation performed when the operation handle  12  is caused to pop up will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
     The operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18 . The CPU  73  checks whether or not the output of the popping-up sensor  44  indicates the state of “detection” (Step  51 ). In a case where the output of the popping-up sensor  44  indicates the state of “non-detection” (NO in Step S 1 ), it is considered that an occupant or the like does not try to pop up the operation handle  12 . Accordingly, in this case, the CPU  73  does not cause the popping-up motor  83  to rotate. When a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the popping-up sensor section  42  is set, the output of the popping-up sensor  44  indicates the state of “detection”. In a case where the output of the popping-up sensor  44  indicates the state of “detection” (YES in Step S 1 ), it is considered that an occupant or the like tries to pop up the operation handle  12 . Accordingly, in this case, the CPU  73  causes the popping-up motor  83  to rotate (Step S 2 ). When the popping-up motor  83  is caused to rotate, the popping-up actuator  84  is driven and the operation handle  12  turns. 
     In a procedure of turning the operation handle  12 , the CPU  73  checks whether or not the outputs of the pinching detection sensors  40  and  52  indicate the state of “detection” (Step S 3 ). In a case where the outputs of the pinching detection sensors  40  and  52  indicate the state of “non-detection” (NO in Step S 3 ) and the popping-up is not completed (NO in Step S 4 ), the CPU  73  continue to rotate the popping-up motor (Step S 2 ). In a case where the outputs of the pinching detection sensors  40  and  52  indicate the state of “detection” (YES in Step S 3 ), it is considered that the pinching occurs. Therefore, the CPU  73  stops rotating the popping-up motor  83  (Step S 5 ). In addition, in a case where the popping-up is completed (YES in Step S 4 ), the CPU  73  stops rotating the popping-up motor  83  (Step S 5 ). Thus, the popping-up of the operation handle  12  is performed. 
     Next, another operation performed when the lock of the opening/closing member  16  is released, that is, when the opening/closing member  16  enters into the unlocked state, will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
     In a case where the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18  (NO in Step S 11 ), the CPU  73  does not cause the process to proceed to a step (Step S 12 ) in which the output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  is checked. In a case where the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18  (YES in Step S 11 ), the CPU  73  checks whether or not the output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  indicates the state of “detection” (Step S 12 ). In a case where the output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  indicates the state of “non-detection” (NO in Step S 12 ), the CPU  73  does not cause the process to proceed to a step (Step S 13 ) in which the locked state of the opening/closing member  16  is checked. 
     An occupant or the like grips the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  and touch the surface  70  of the operation handle  12  on the back side in the grip section  24 , thereby performing an operation for releasing the lock. When a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is set, the output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  indicates the state of “detection”. In a case where the output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  indicates the state of “detection” (YES in Step S 12 ), the CPU  73  checks whether or not the opening/closing member  16  is in the locked state (Step S 13 ). In a case where the opening/closing member  16  is not in the locked state (NO in Step S 13 ), the lock is already released and the opening/closing member is in the unlocked state. Therefore, an operation of unlocking is not further operated. In a case where the opening/closing member  16  is in the locked state (YES in Step S 13 ), the CPU  73  drives the door locking mechanism  82  by causing the door locking mechanism motor  80  to rotate and causes the opening/closing member  16  to enter into the unlocked state (Step S 14 ). Thus, the unlocking of the opening/closing member  16  is performed. 
     Next, still another operation performed when the opening/closing member  16  is in the locked state will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
     In a case where the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18  (NO in Step S 21 ), the CPU  73  does not cause the process to proceed to a step (Step S 22 ) in which the output of the unlocking detection sensor  48  is checked. In a case where the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18  (YES in Step S 21 ), the CPU  73  checks whether or not the output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates the state of “detection” (Step S 22 ). In a case where the output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates the state of “non-detection” (NO in Step S 22 ), the CPU  73  does not cause the process to proceed to a step (Step S 23 ) in which it is checked whether or not the opening/closing member  16  is in the unlocked state. 
     When a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like touches the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side in the section in which the locking detection sensor section  32  is set, the output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates the state of “detection”. In a case where the output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates the state of “detection” (YES in Step S 22 ), the CPU  73  checks whether or not the opening/closing member  16  is in the unlocked state (Step S 23 ). In a case where the opening/closing member  16  is not in the unlocked state (NO in Step S 23 ), the lock is already released and the operation of the locking is not further performed. In a case where the opening/closing member  16  is in the unlocked state (YES in Step S 23 ), the CPU  73  drives the door locking mechanism  82  by causing the door locking mechanism motor  80  to rotate and causes the opening/closing member  16  to enter into the locked state (Step S 24 ). Thus, the locking of the opening/closing member  16  is performed. 
     In this manner, according to the embodiment, the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is disposed in the grip section  24 , the locking detection sensor section  32  is not overlapped with the grip section  24  in the side view in the normal direction to the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. Therefore, when the occupant or the like performs the operation for the unlocked state, it is possible to prevent a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like from touching the locking detection sensor section  32 . Accordingly, it is possible to provide the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus which can prevent an incorrect operation. 
     In addition, according to the embodiment, the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed on the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side and the unlocking detection sensor section  46  is positioned on the surface  70  of the operation handle  12  on the back side. Therefore, when the occupant or the like performs the operation for the locked state, the hand  66  of the occupant or the like does not touch the unlocking detection sensor section  46 . Accordingly, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus which can prevent an incorrect operation. 
     Moreover, according to the embodiment, when the operation handle  12  is accommodated in the accommodation section  18 , the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side is positioned substantially as an extended surface of the surface of the opening/closing member  16  on the front side. Therefore, it is possible to realize the flush surface, thereby making it possible to provide the vehicle  14  which is good in designability. 
     Modification Example 1 
     Next, a modification example of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 14A and 14B .  FIGS. 14A and 14B  are a plan view and a side view illustrating an operation handle of an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the modification example;  FIG. 14A  is the plan view and  FIG. 14B  is the side view. 
     When the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18 , the operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus of the modification example sets the position of the locking detection sensor section  32  such that at least a part of the locking detection sensor section  32  is positioned in the accommodation section  18 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , in the modification example, the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed in the vicinity of the end portion of the operation handle  12  on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 14A and 14B ) in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the modification example, when the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18 , at least a part of the locking detection sensor section  32  is positioned in the accommodation section  18 . 
     The portion of the operation handle  12 , which is accommodated in the accommodation section  18  when the grip section  24  projects from the accommodation section  18 , is sufficiently separated from the end portion (boundary between the first section  20  and the second section  22 ) of the grip section  24  on the one side in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like is unlikely to touch the portion of the operation handle  12 , which is positioned in the accommodation section  18  when the grip section  24  projects from the accommodation section  18 . Accordingly, when the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed in this manner, a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like is unlikely to touch the locking detection sensor section  32 . Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the locking detection sensor section  32  from being touched by the hand  66  of the occupant or the like. 
     In this manner, when the grip section  24  of the operation handle  12  projects from the accommodation section  18 , at least a part of the locking detection sensor section  32  may be positioned in the accommodation section  18 . 
     Modification Example 2 
     Next, another modification example of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 15A to 17 .  FIGS. 15A and 15B  are a plan view and a side view illustrating an operation handle of an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the modification example;  FIG. 15A  is the plan view and  FIG. 15B  is the side view.  FIGS. 16A and 16B  are plan views illustrating a state in which the grip section of the operation handle projects from the accommodation section;  FIG. 16A  illustrates a state in which the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the modification example is attached to the vehicle and  FIG. 16B  illustrates a state in which the base member and the operation handle of the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the modification example.  FIG. 17  is a plan view illustrating a state in which the grip section of the operation handle is gripped by an occupant or the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15A , in the opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus according to the modification example, the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed on the upper side of the first section  20 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed on the upper side of the first section  20  in a portion disposed on the outer side of the accommodation section  18  when the operation handle  12  pops up. When a human appendage or an object comes into contact with the surface of the first section  20  on the upper surface side in the portion in which the locking detection sensor section  32  is set, the output of the locking detection sensor  34  indicates the state of “detection”. 
     Since the locking detection sensor section  32  is disposed on the upper side of the first section  20 , a part of the hand  66  of the occupant or the like does not touch the locking detection sensor section  32  when the occupant or the like grips the grip section  24  (refer to  FIG. 17 ). Accordingly, according to the modification example, it is possible to reliably prevent the hand  66  of the occupant or the like from touching the locking detection sensor section  32  by error. 
     Modified Embodiment 
     Various modifications can be performed without limiting to the embodiment described above. 
     For example, in the embodiment described above, the case where a self-capacitance type sensor is used as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52  is described as an example; however, the sensors are not limited thereto. For example, as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52 , a mutual capacitance type sensor may be used. 
     In addition, in the embodiment described above, the case where a capacitance type sensor is used as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52  is described as an example; however, the sensors are not limited thereto. For example, as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52 , a piezoelectric element or the like may be used. 
     In addition, in the embodiment described above, the case where the sensor sections  32 ,  38 ,  42 ,  46 , and  50  are configured to have a sensor electrode is described as an example; however, the sensors are not limited thereto. For example, a sensor element may be disposed in the sensor sections  32 ,  38 ,  42 ,  46 , and  50 . 
     In addition, in the embodiment described above, the case where the sensor sections  32 ,  38 ,  42 ,  46 , and  50  are configured to have a sensor electrode is described as an example; however, the sensors are not limited thereto. For example, as the sensor sections  32 ,  38 ,  42 ,  46 , and  50 , a push-button switch, or the like may be used. 
     In addition, in the embodiment described above, the case where the contact sensor is used as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52  is described as an example; however, the sensors are not limited thereto. For example, as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52 , a proximity sensor may be used. In addition, as the sensors  34 ,  40 ,  44 ,  48 , and  52 , an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like may be used. 
     In addition, in the embodiment described above, the state in which the circuit board  36  is accommodated in the portion between the grip section  24  and the locking detection sensor section  32  is described as an example; however, a place in which the circuit board  36  is accommodated is not limited to the portion between the grip section  24  and the locking detection sensor section  32 . For example, the circuit board  36  may be accommodated in the operation handle  12  in the vicinity of the end portion of the operation handle  12  on the one side (right-hand side on the paper surface in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) in the longitudinal direction. 
     In addition, an obstacle detecting sensor section may be further provided on the surface  30  of the operation handle  12  on the front side. 
     In addition, the case in which the popping-up motor  83  is caused to rotate such that the popping-up actuator  84  is driven is described as an example; however, the driving is not limited thereto. For example, as the popping-up actuator  84 , a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator may be used. 
     In addition, a switch or a sensor for monitoring a state of the operation handle  12  may be provided in the operation handle  12  or on the periphery of the operation handle  12 . 
     According to the aspect of this disclosure, the first sensor section detects the operation, through which the opening/closing member enters into the unlocked state, and is disposed in the grip section, and the second sensor section detects the operation through which the opening/closing member enters into the locked state and is not overlapped with the grip section in the side view in the normal direction to the surface on the front side of the operation handle. Hence, according to this disclosure, when an occupant or the like performs the operation for the unlocked state, it is possible to prevent the second sensor section from being touched with a hand by the occupant or the like. Therefore, according to this disclosure, there can be provided an opening/closing member opening/closing apparatus which can prevent an incorrect operation. 
     The principles, preferred embodiment and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.