Device for opening/closing an opening element by detecting movement of a user's limb, and associated opening/closing method

A method for opening/closing an opening element of a motor vehicle by detecting movement of a limb of a user, using an opening/closing device including an approach and/or contact detection sensor including a single electrode and one or more processors configured to analyze variations in capacitance of the single electrode, and an opening element opening/closing controller, said opening/closing device including a sealed housing including at least one first metal surface and at least one second metal surface, the at least one first metal surface and the at least one second metal surface being separate, the at least one first metal surface being disposed inside the sealed housing, and a detector configured to detect a predetermined form of said variations a of the single electrode, exhibiting succession of a predetermined number of peaks of predetermined amplitude within a predetermined period, said single electrode being located outside the sealing housing such that said single electrode is respectively coupled electrically to the at least one first surface disposed inside the sealing housing and to the at least one second surface to create at least two separate approach and/or contact detection areas, said method comprising:

• detecting a predetermined form of said variations of the single electrode, exhibiting a succession of a predetermined number of peaks of predetermined amplitude within a predetermined period when the single electrode is respectively coupled electrically to the at least one first surface disposed inside the sealed housing and to the at least one second surface to create the at least two separate approach and/or contact detection areas;
• and
• opening/closing the opening element according to the detected predetermined form of the variations of the single electrode.