Patent Description:
Conventionally, there is known a technology in which a sensor detects contact between a user and of a vehicle, and the operation of a door of the vehicle is controlled in accordance with a detection signal output from the sensor.

For example, Patent Document <NUM> describes a technology in which an in-vehicle unit controls the opening of a sliding door of a vehicle when contact between a user and a door handle of the sliding door is detected by a touch sensor installed on the door handle.

Further, Patent Document <NUM> describes a technology in which a control apparatus locks or unlocks a vehicle when contact between a user's finger and a door handle of the vehicle is detected by a capacitive sensor installed on the door handle.

<CIT> <NUM> describes a door handle immovably attached to a door panel with a gap between the inner handle and door panel and contains an electrode which capacitatively reacts to a hand grip.

<CIT> describes an inside door release mechanism for a vehicle comprising first and second input means arranged to be mounted in a mutually spaced relationship on a door inner face.

<CIT> describes a control system with contact sensing means, force sensing means and a control apparatus.

However, in the technology described in Patent Document <NUM>, the sliding door of the vehicle may malfunction if the touch sensor detects the user's unintended contact.

According to the invention, a control system includes a contact sensing means configured to detect contact between an operation body and a door handle, a force sensing means configured to detect a force applied by the operation body to the door handle, and a control means configured to control opening or closing of a door when the contact is detected by the contact sensing means and the force is detected by the force sensing means.

According to an embodiment, a control system capable of controlling the opening and closing of a door based on information from sensors in order to avoid an unintended opening/closing operation of the door is provided.

In the following, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the exterior of a door handle apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a front view of the door handle apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a rear view of the door handle apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a top view of the door handle apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment.

In the drawings, for the sake of convenience, a Z-axis direction (corresponding to the height direction of a vehicle) is referred to as a vertical direction, a Y-axis direction (corresponding to the width direction of the vehicle) is referred to as a lateral direction, and an X-axis direction (corresponding to the lengthwise direction of the vehicle) is referred to as a longitudinal direction.

The door handle apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is integrally formed with an inner panel (not illustrated) of a vehicle door by being fitted into an opening, having approximately the same shape as the door handle apparatus <NUM>, of the inner panel, and is used to allow a user to open/close the vehicle door.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door handle apparatus <NUM> includes a body 100A. The body 100A forms the external shape of the door handle apparatus <NUM>. For example, the body 100A may be formed of a resin material such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin or a polycarbonate (PC) resin. The body 100A includes a base plate <NUM>, a door handle case <NUM>, and a door handle <NUM>, which are integrally formed.

The base plate <NUM> has a flat plate shape. Further, the base plate <NUM> supports the door handle case <NUM> and the door handle <NUM>, and is fixed to the vehicle door. The door handle case <NUM> has a flat plate shape. Further, the door handle case <NUM> is disposed closer to the inside of the vehicle than the base plate <NUM>, and is coupled to the base plate <NUM>. The door handle case <NUM> is exposed to the inside of the vehicle with the door handle apparatus <NUM> being fitted into the inner panel of the vehicle door.

The door handle <NUM> has a hollow plate shape and extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (the X-axis direction). The door handle <NUM> is held by the user's hand when the user performs operations (such as opening/closing of the vehicle door and locking/unlocking of a locking mechanism of the vehicle). The rear end portion (the end portion on the negative X-side) of the door handle <NUM> is connected to the door handle case <NUM>, and is integrally formed with the door handle case <NUM>. The door handle <NUM> is not movable and is configured to slightly bend and deform in response to an operating force being applied by the user.

The body 100A has a recess <NUM> that is recessed toward the outside of the vehicle (toward the negative Y-side) in the surroundings of the door handle <NUM>. With this configuration, the door handle apparatus <NUM> allows the user to reach the back side of the door handle <NUM>. Accordingly, both the front side (closer to the inside of the vehicle) and the back side (closer to the outside of the vehicle) of the door handle <NUM> can be readily held by the user's hand.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the exterior of the door handle apparatus <NUM> (from which a second case 102B is removed) according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a front view of the door handle apparatus <NUM> (from which the second case 102B is removed) according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view of the door handle apparatus <NUM> (from which the second case 102B is removed) as viewed from the front according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door handle case <NUM> of the body 100A can be divided into a first case 102A disposed closer to the outside of the vehicle, and the second case 102B disposed closer to the inside of the vehicle. The first case 102A is fixed to the base plate <NUM>. Further, the door handle case <NUM> has a hollow structure. As illustrated in <FIG>, the interior of the door handle case <NUM> can be exposed by removing the second case 102B from the first case 102A.

The door handle <NUM> is provided across the first case 102A and the second case 102B. Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the door handle case <NUM> is divided into the first case 102A and the second case 102B, the door handle <NUM> can be divided into a first handle 103A that is integrally formed with the first case 102A, and a second handle 103B that is integrally formed with the second case 102B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a contact sensing unit <NUM> and a force sensing unit <NUM> are provided in the interior of the door handle case <NUM>.

The contact sensing unit <NUM> is an example of a "contact sensing means". The contact sensing unit <NUM> includes a first capacitance sensor <NUM> and a second capacitance sensor <NUM>. Each of the first capacitance sensor <NUM> and the second capacitance sensor <NUM> is a thin, flat, rectangular shape and is elongated as viewed in the Y-axis direction in planar view. The first capacitance sensor <NUM> is stacked on the second capacitance sensor <NUM> in the Y-axis direction within the door handle <NUM>.

The first capacitance sensor <NUM> is an example of a "first contact sensor". The first capacitance sensor <NUM> is disposed on the back side (on the negative Y-side) of the door handle <NUM>, and is configured to detect contact of an operation body with the back side of the door handle <NUM>. Specifically, the first capacitance sensor <NUM> includes detection electrodes, and upon the operation body contacting the back side of the door handle <NUM>, the first capacitance sensor <NUM> outputs a current value corresponding to the capacitance between the operation body and each of the detection electrodes as a first contact detection signal.

The second capacitance sensor <NUM> is an example of a "second contact sensor". The second capacitance sensor <NUM> is disposed on the front side (on the positive Y-side) of the door handle <NUM>, and detects contact of the operation body with the front side of the door handle <NUM>. Specifically, the second capacitance sensor <NUM> includes detection electrodes, and upon the operation body contacting the front side of the door handle <NUM>, the second capacitance sensor <NUM> outputs a current value corresponding to the capacitance between the operation body and each of the detection electrodes as a second contact detection signal.

The force sensing unit <NUM> includes a metal shaft <NUM>, a holder <NUM>, a sensor base <NUM>, and a strain gauge <NUM>. The strain gauge <NUM> is connected to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. Note that the strain gauge <NUM> is difficult to be seen from the outside, and is indicated by a hidden line in <FIG>. A configuration of the strain gauge <NUM> will be described later in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The metal shaft <NUM> is an example of a "transmitting means". The metal shaft <NUM> is made of metal and has a rod shape. The metal shaft <NUM> extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (in the X-axis direction) within the door handle case <NUM>. The metal shaft <NUM> is configured to transmit a force applied to the door handle <NUM> to the strain gauge <NUM>. A middle portion of the metal shaft <NUM> is supported by the holder <NUM>, and a front end portion (on the positive X-side) of the metal shaft <NUM>, located on the front side of the vehicle relative to the middle portion, is disposed within the door handle <NUM>. Accordingly, the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is transmitted to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>, and stress occurs in the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. The stress occurring in the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> is transmitted to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> through a fulcrum (the holder <NUM>). The stress transmitted to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> is further transmitted to the strain gauge <NUM> that is connected to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the metal shaft <NUM> is a round bar, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The holder <NUM> supports the middle portion of the metal shaft <NUM> and thus functions as a fulcrum. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is fixed to the inner surface of the second case 102B (at a position in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the second handle 103B). As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the holder <NUM> has a through hole 122A that extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and has a circular shape. The inner diameter of the through hole 122A is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the metal shaft <NUM>. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the metal shaft <NUM> passes through the through hole 122A, such that the holder <NUM> supports the middle portion of the metal shaft <NUM> with the outer peripheral surface of the metal shaft <NUM> contacting the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 122A. In this manner, the holder <NUM> can support the middle portion of the metal shaft <NUM> without looseness of the metal shaft <NUM>.

The sensor base <NUM> is a member that supports the strain gauge <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor base <NUM> is fixed to the inner surface of the second case 102B at a position behind the rear end portion (the end portion on the negative X side) of the metal shaft <NUM>. A surface 123A of the sensor base <NUM> faces the rear end of the metal shaft <NUM>, and the strain gauge <NUM> is screwed to the surface 123A. Accordingly, the sensor base <NUM> supports the strain gauge <NUM>, such that the strain gauge <NUM> is connected to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> and can detect stress transmitted to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>.

The strain gauge <NUM> is an example of a "force sensing means". The strain gauge <NUM> detects a force applied to the door handle <NUM>. Specifically, the strain gauge <NUM> is disposed facing the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. When the force is applied to the door handle <NUM>, the strain gauge <NUM> is subjected to stress transmitted from the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. As a result, a strain is applied to a metallic resistance material of the strain gauge <NUM>, thus causing the resistance value to change. Accordingly, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a voltage value corresponding to the direction of the strain and loads applied to the strain gauge <NUM>, via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 124A. That is, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal that indicates the force applied to the door handle <NUM>. Note that the strain gauge <NUM> can detect strains in the Y-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the strain gauge <NUM> can detect a force applied to the door handle <NUM> in the Y-axis direction (which corresponds to the lateral direction of the vehicle, and is an example of a "first direction" and a "second direction"), and a force applied to the door handle <NUM> in the Z-axis direction (which corresponds to the vertical direction of the vehicle, and is an example of a "third direction"). The strain gauge <NUM> may have a structure similar to that of a pointing stick, for example.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the inner side of the second case 102B of the door handle apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, a holder portion 103C is formed on the inner surface of the second handle 103B of the second case 102B. The holder portion 103C has a through hole 103D that extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and has a circular shape. The inner diameter of the through hole 103D is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the metal shaft <NUM>. The metal shaft <NUM> passes through the through hole 103D, such that the holder portion 103C supports the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> with the outer peripheral surface of the metal shaft <NUM> contacting the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 103D. Accordingly, a force applied to the door handle <NUM> is transmitted to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> through the holder portion 103C.

<FIG> is a partially enlarged view of the metal shaft <NUM> according to the embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, a joint 121A having a circular tubular shape is provided at the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. The joint 121A has a circular opening 121B on the side closer to the strain gauge <NUM>. The strain gauge <NUM> having a circular shape is fitted into the opening 121B of the joint 121A. In this manner, the metal shaft <NUM> is connected to the strain gauge <NUM>, thus allowing a force applied to the door handle <NUM> to be transmitted to the strain gauge <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the force sensing unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment further includes an elastic member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. The elastic member <NUM> has a through hole 125A that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and has a square shape. A projection 124B of the strain gauge <NUM> is fitted into the through hole 125A of the elastic member <NUM>, and in this state, the elastic member <NUM> is fitted to the joint 121A together with the strain gauge <NUM>. Accordingly, the force sensing unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment can transmit a force applied to the door handle <NUM> to the strain gauge <NUM> through the elastic member <NUM>. With this configuration, the elastic member <NUM> of the force sensing unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment can reduce assembly error of the joint 121A of the metal shaft <NUM>, displacement of the metal shaft <NUM> due to vibrations of the vehicle, excessive displacement of the metal shaft <NUM>, and the like. Accordingly, the force sensing unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment can avoid excessive detection by the strain gauge <NUM>. Note that if the strain gauge <NUM> is provided with a cap formed of an elastic material, the cap may be used as the elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the stress directions on the metal shaft <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the middle portion of the metal shaft <NUM> is supported by the holder <NUM>, and thus, the middle portion of the metal shaft <NUM> functions as a fulcrum. Therefore, upon a force being applied to the door handle <NUM>, stress is applied to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the front end side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a direction same as the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM>, and stress is applied to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (portion on the rear end side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a direction opposite to the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM>.

For example, when a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in a direction toward the inside of the vehicle, stress is applied to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the front side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a direction D1a toward the inside of the vehicle, and stress is applied to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the rear side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a direction D1b toward the outside of the vehicle as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, a strain is produced in the strain gauge <NUM> in the direction D1b. Accordingly, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal corresponding to the strain produced in the direction D1b. That is, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal indicating that the force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the direction toward the inside of the vehicle.

Further, when a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in a direction toward the outside of the vehicle, stress is applied to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the front side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a direction D2a toward the outside of the vehicle, and stress is applied to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the rear side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a direction D2 toward the inside of the vehicle as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, a strain is produced in the strain gauge <NUM> in the direction D2b. Accordingly, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal corresponding to the strain produced in the direction D2b. That is, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal indicating that the force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the direction toward the outside of the vehicle.

Further, when a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in a downward direction, stress is applied to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the front side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a downward direction D3a, and stress is applied to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the rear side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in an upward direction D3b as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, a strain is produced in the strain gauge <NUM> in the upward direction D3b. Accordingly, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal corresponding to the strain produced in the upward direction D3b. That is, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal indicating that the force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the downward direction.

Further, when a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in an upward direction, stress is applied to the front end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the front side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in an upward direction D4a, and stress is applied to the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> (the portion on the rear side of the metal shaft <NUM> relative to the holder <NUM>) in a downward direction D4b as illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, a strain is produced in the strain gauge <NUM> in the downward direction D4b. Accordingly, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal corresponding to the strain produced in the downward direction D4b. That is, the strain gauge <NUM> outputs a force detection signal indicating that the force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the upward direction.

The force sensing unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment can adjust the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge <NUM> by changing the position of the holder <NUM> with respect to the metal shaft <NUM> (that is, position of the fulcrum of the metal shaft <NUM>). For example, by providing the holder <NUM> at a position closer to the rear end of the metal shaft <NUM>, the displacement of the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> can be decreased. Accordingly, the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge <NUM> can be lowered. Conversely, by providing the holder <NUM> at a position closer to the front end of the metal shaft <NUM>, the displacement of the rear end portion of the metal shaft <NUM> can be increased. Accordingly, the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge <NUM> can be enhanced.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the door handle apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the control system <NUM> includes the door handle apparatus <NUM> and a control module <NUM>.

The control module <NUM> is an example of a "control means" and a "control apparatus". The control module <NUM> includes a first acquiring unit <NUM>, a second acquiring unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>.

The first acquiring unit <NUM> acquires a first contact detection signal (a current value corresponding to the capacitance), indicating that the operation body has contacted the back side of the door handle <NUM>, from the first capacitance sensor <NUM>. Further, the first acquiring unit <NUM> acquires a second contact detection signal (a current value corresponding to the capacitance), indicating that the operation body has contacted the front side of the door handle <NUM>, from the second capacitance sensor <NUM>.

The second acquiring unit <NUM> acquires a force detection signal (a voltage value corresponding to the direction of the strain and loads), indicating that a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> by the operation body, from the strain gauge <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> controls the opening/closing of the vehicle door and the operation (locking and unlocking) of the locking mechanism of the vehicle, based on the first contact detection signal and the second contact detection signal acquired by the first acquiring unit <NUM> and the force detection signal acquired by the second acquiring unit <NUM>.

Specifically, when the first contact detection signal and the second contact detection signal are acquired by the first acquiring unit <NUM> and also the force detection signal is acquired by the second acquiring unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls the opening/closing of the vehicle door and the operation (locking and unlocking) of the locking mechanism of the vehicle in accordance with the direction of a force applied to the door handle <NUM> identified by the force detection signal.

That is, the control unit <NUM> controls the opening/closing of the vehicle door and the operation (locking and unlocking) of the locking mechanism of the vehicle, when the user's hand contacts both sides (the front and back sides) of the door handle <NUM> and also a force is applied by the user's hand to the door handle <NUM>.

For example, if the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> identified by the force detection signal is the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (the negative Y-direction), the control unit <NUM> controls the opening of the vehicle door. For example, when the vehicle door is closed, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the vehicle door automatically opens. Further, for example, when the vehicle door is automatically closing, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the closing of the door is stopped.

Further, if the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> identified by the force detection signal is the direction toward the inside of the vehicle (the positive Y-direction), the control unit <NUM> controls the closing of the vehicle door. For example, when the vehicle door is open, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the vehicle door is automatically closed. Further, for example, when the vehicle door is automatically opening, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the opening of the door is stopped.

For example, the control unit <NUM> may include a control section (not illustrated) configured to control a door opening and closing mechanism (such as a motor), and the control unit <NUM> may cause the control section to control the door opening and closing by transmitting a control signal to the control section. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit <NUM> may directly control the opening and closing of the door by transmitting a control signal to the door opening and closing mechanism.

Further, if the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> identified by the force detection signal is the downward direction (the negative Z-direction), the control unit <NUM> performs control for locking the locking mechanism of the vehicle. For example, when the locking mechanism of the vehicle is unlocked, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the locking mechanism of the vehicle is automatically locked.

Further, if the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> identified by the force detection signal is the upward direction (the positive Z-direction), the control unit <NUM> performs control for unlocking the locking mechanism of the vehicle. For example, when the locking mechanism of the vehicle is locked, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the locking mechanism of the vehicle is automatically unlocked.

For example, the control unit <NUM> may include a control section (not illustrated) configured to control the locking mechanism (such as a motor), and the control unit <NUM> may cause the control section to control the locking mechanism of the vehicle by transmitting a control signal to the control section. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit <NUM> may directly control the operation of the locking mechanism of the vehicle by transmitting a control signal to the locking mechanism of the vehicle.

In the door handle apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, each of the first capacitance sensor <NUM> and the second capacitance sensor <NUM> includes a plurality of (four, for example) detection electrodes that are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and each of the detection electrodes is configured to output a contact detection signal. For example, the control unit <NUM> may control the opening or closing of the door or the operation (locking or unlocking) of the locking mechanism of the vehicle, when first contact detection signals are acquired from a predetermined number or more (two or more, for example) of detection electrodes of the first capacitance sensor <NUM>, second contact detection signals are acquired from a predetermined number or more (two or more, for example) of detection electrodes of the second capacitance sensor <NUM>, and a force detection signal is acquired from the strain gauge <NUM>.

Further, if the strain gauge <NUM> detects that a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the control unit <NUM> may perform other control (such as controlling a power window) instead of controlling the locking mechanism of the vehicle. For example, if the strain gauge <NUM> detects that a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the upward direction, the control unit <NUM> may control the closing of the power window. Conversely, if the strain gauge <NUM> detects that a force is applied to the door handle <NUM> in the downward direction, the control unit <NUM> may control the opening of the power window.

For example, the control module <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU), a readonly memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), and an external interface (I/F). For example, the control module <NUM> may implement the functions illustrated in <FIG> by causing the CPU to execute a program stored in the ROM. The control module <NUM> may be a microcomputer.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a process performed by the control module <NUM> according to the embodiment.

First, the control module <NUM> determines whether the first acquiring unit <NUM> has acquired a first contact detection signal from the first capacitance sensor <NUM> (step S201). In step S201, if the control module <NUM> determines that a first contact detection signal has not been acquired (no in step S201), the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

Conversely, if the control module <NUM> determines that a first contact detection signal has been acquired (yes in step S201), the control module <NUM> determines whether the first acquiring unit <NUM> has acquired a second contact detection signal from the second capacitance sensor <NUM> (step S202). In step S202, if the control module <NUM> determines that a second contact detection signal has not been acquired (no in step S202), the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

Conversely, in step S202, if the control module <NUM> determines that a second contact detection signal has been acquired (yes in step S202), the control module <NUM> determines whether the second acquiring unit <NUM> has acquired a force detection signal from the strain gauge <NUM> (step S203). In step S203, if the control module <NUM> determines that a force detection signal has not been acquired (no in step S203), the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

Conversely, in step S203, if the control module <NUM> determines that a force detection signal has been acquired (yes in step S203), the control unit <NUM> determines whether the direction of a force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the direction toward the outside of the vehicle, based on the force detection signal acquired by the second acquiring unit <NUM> (step S204).

In step S204, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (yes in step S204), the control unit <NUM> controls the opening of the vehicle door (step S205). Then, the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

In step S204, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is not the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (no in step S204), the control unit <NUM> determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the direction toward the inside of the vehicle, based on the force detection signal acquired by the second acquiring unit <NUM> (step S206).

In step S206, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the direction toward the inside of the vehicle (yes in step S206), the control unit <NUM> controls the closing of the vehicle door (step S207). Then, the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

Conversely, in step S206, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is not the direction toward the inside of the vehicle (no in step S206), the control unit <NUM> determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the downward direction (step S208).

In step S208, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the downward direction (yes in step S208), the control unit <NUM> controls locking of the vehicle door (step S209). Then, the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

Conversely, in step S208, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is not the downward direction (no in step S208), the control unit <NUM> determines whether the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the upward direction (step S210).

In step S210, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is the upward direction (yes in step S210), the control unit <NUM> controls the unlocking of the vehicle door (step S211). Then, the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

Conversely, in step S210, if the control unit <NUM> determines that the direction of the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is not the upward direction (no in step S210), the control module <NUM> ends the process illustrated in <FIG>.

As described above, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the contact sensing unit <NUM> configured to detect contact between a user's hand (an operation body) and the door handle <NUM>, the strain gauge <NUM> configured to detect a force applied by the user's hand (the operation body) to the door handle <NUM>, and the control module <NUM> configured to control the opening or closing of a door when the contact applied to door handle <NUM> is detected by the contact sensing unit <NUM> and the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is detected by the strain gauge <NUM>. Accordingly, if the door handle <NUM> is unintentionally touched, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment does not perform the opening or closing of the door unless the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is detected at the same time. Therefore, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment can avoid an unintended opening/closing operation of the door.

Further, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes the rod-shaped metal shaft <NUM>. The rod-shaped metal shaft <NUM> is disposed in the door handle <NUM>, includes the holder <NUM> (fulcrum) between one end portion and the other end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>, and transmits the force from the one end portion to the other end portion. The strain gauge <NUM> detects the force transmitted to the other end portion of the metal shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, although the door handle <NUM> is not configured to be movable, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment can securely detect the force applied to the door handle <NUM>. Further, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment can readily and appropriately adjust the detection sensitivity of the strain gauge <NUM> in accordance with the required specifications by changing the design of the metal shaft <NUM> (such as the length, the diameter, the position of the fulcrum, or the material) of the metal shaft <NUM>.

Further, in the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the contact sensing unit <NUM> includes the first capacitance sensor <NUM> disposed on the back side of the door handle <NUM> and the second capacitance sensor <NUM> disposed on the front side of the door handle <NUM>. The control module <NUM> controls the opening or closing of the door when the contact with the door handle <NUM> is detected by the first capacitance sensor <NUM> and by the second capacitance sensor <NUM> and the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is detected by the strain gauge <NUM>. Accordingly, the control system <NUM> according to the present invention controls the opening or closing of the door when the user holds the door handle <NUM> and the contact between the user and the door handle <NUM> is detected by both the first capacitance sensor <NUM> and the second capacitance sensor <NUM>. That is, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment does not perform the opening or closing of the door when the contact between the user and the door handle <NUM> is detected by either the first capacitance sensor <NUM> or the second capacitance sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment can avoid an unintended opening and closing operation of the door.

Further, in the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the control module <NUM> controls the opening of the door when the strain gauge <NUM> detects a force applied to the door handle <NUM> in the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (a force in a first direction corresponding to the direction of opening the door). In addition, the control module <NUM> controls the closing of the door when the strain gauge <NUM> detects a force in the direction toward the inside of the vehicle (a force in a second direction corresponding to the direction of closing the door). Accordingly, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment can control the opening or closing of the door in accordance with the user's intuitive operation with respect to the door handle <NUM>.

In addition, in the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the strain gauge <NUM> can detect a force applied to the door handle <NUM> in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When the strain gauge <NUM> detects a force applied to the door handle <NUM> in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the control module <NUM> can control the locking and unlocking the door. Accordingly, with a relatively simple configuration, the control system <NUM> according to the present embodiment can detect the user's operations for opening/closing the door and also for locking/unlocking the door, and can control the opening/closing of the door and also the locking/unlocking of the door.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Variations and modifications may be made to the described subject matter without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, the door handle <NUM> extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the rear end portion of the door handle <NUM> is connected to the door handle case <NUM>; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. A door handle whose front end portion is connected to the door handle case, a door handle whose front end portion and rear end portion are connected to the door handle case, or a door handle extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle may be used. Further, the present invention can be applied to a hinged door, a sliding door, a gull-wing door, and a door of any other type. Further, the present invention can be applied to a door handle inside the vehicle and a door handle outside the vehicle. Further, the present invention can be applied to any door other than the vehicle door. In any case, it is preferable to control the opening/closing of the door when a force is applied to a door handle in a direction corresponding to the direction of opening/closing of the door. For example, a door handle that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle may be used for a sliding door that slides backward. In this case, when a force applied to the door handle in the backward direction is detected, the opening of the sliding door may be controlled, and when a force in the forward direction is detected, the closing of the sliding door may be controlled.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, two force sensing units <NUM> may be vertically arranged in parallel. In this case, the control unit <NUM> may detect the twisting of the door handle <NUM> based on a force detection signal output from a strain gauge <NUM> (a first strain gauge) of one of the force sensing units <NUM> and a force detection signal output from a strain gauge <NUM> (a second strain gauge) of the other force sensing unit <NUM>. Then, if the twisting of the door handle <NUM> is detected, the control unit <NUM> may control the vehicle door (such as controlling the locking mechanism or controlling a power window). For example, if the door handle <NUM> is twisted, the force detection signal output from the one force sensing unit <NUM> and the force detection signal output from the other force sensing unit <NUM> indicate different horizontal directions. Therefore, if the second acquiring unit <NUM> acquires force detection signals indicating different directions, the twisting of the door handle <NUM> can be detected.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the control system <NUM> may further include an authentication means that uses a known authentication method to authenticate a smart key possessed by a user. In this case, the control unit <NUM> may control the door when the contact with the door handle <NUM> is detected, the force applied to the door handle <NUM> is detected, and the smart key is successfully authenticated by the authentication means.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, the control system <NUM> may further include a communication means configured to notify the user that the opening/closing of the door starts to be controlled by sound, light, or vibration when the control system <NUM> starts to control the opening/closing of the door.

Claim 1:
A control system (<NUM>) comprising:
a contact sensing means (<NUM>) configured to detect contact between an operation body and a door handle (<NUM>);
a force sensing means (<NUM>) configured to detect a force applied by the operation body to the door handle (<NUM>); and
a control apparatus (<NUM>) configured to control opening or closing of a door when the contact is detected by the contact sensing means (<NUM>) and the force is detected by the force sensing means (<NUM>)
wherein the contact sensing means (<NUM>) includes a first contact sensor (<NUM>) disposed on a back side of the door handle and a second contact sensor (<NUM>) disposed on a front side of the door handle, and
the control apparatus (<NUM>) controls the opening or the closing of the door when the contact is detected by the first contact sensor (<NUM>) and by the second contact sensor (<NUM>) and the force is detected by the force sensing means (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the control apparatus (<NUM>) controls the opening of the door when the force detected by the force sensing means (<NUM>) is in a first direction corresponding to a direction of opening the door, and controls the closing of the door when the force detected by the force sensing means (<NUM>) is in a second direction corresponding to a direction of closing the door.