Vehicle window opening device

Abstract

Vehicle window opening device, comprising: an opening-closing control device designed to control the opening and closing of a vehicle window driven by a motor (11); and a retraction determination unit designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when a characteristic value of the motor (11) is at least as large as a determination threshold value, the characteristic value of the motor (11) changes according to a change in a load applied to the vehicle window when the vehicle window opens, The opening-closing control device is designed to perform an anti-retraction control which, based on a retraction determination of the retraction determination unit, stops the opening of the vehicle window or reverses the operation of the vehicle window to a predetermined extent. characterized by the fact that The vehicle window opening device includes: a restriction unit; and an initial masking zone setting unit designed to set a predetermined zone as the initial masking zone (M) from a position at which the vehicle window begins to open, wherein the restriction unit is designed in such a way as to prevent the open-close control device from executing the anti-retraction control when the vehicle window is in the initial masking zone (M), even if the motor characteristic value (11) is at least as large as the determination threshold value, the initial masking zone setting unit is designed to set the initial masking zone (M) to a normal value (Ms), namely to a first length, when the position at which the vehicle window begins to open is outside a full closing range (Ac) that includes a fully closed position (Pc), and the initial masking zone setting unit is designed to set the initial masking zone (M) to a full closing range value (Mc), namely to a second length that is greater than the first length, when the position at which the vehicle window begins to open is within the full closing range (Ac).

Description

STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle window opening device, for example an electric window device installed in a vehicle.

[0002] Japanese patent publication JP 2011-122369A discloses an example of a conventional vehicle window opening device (an electric window device) that incorporates an anti-retraction function, limiting situations in which an object is pulled into a door when a vehicle window is opened. Such a vehicle window opening device detects an object being pulled into a door by opening a vehicle window based on parameters (e.g., changes in rotational speed) of the motor that serves as the drive source. Based on the detection result, the vehicle window opening device, for example, deactivates the motor.

[0003] When the aforementioned vehicle window opening device is activated, the motor's parameters may become unstable due to play in the drive system, which includes the motor and related components. This can lead to a false detection of an object being drawn in, meaning the detection of an object even when no such object is present. To resolve this issue, a masking zone can be set for a predetermined area starting from where the window begins to open, which overrides the anti-retraction function. In this case, the length of the masking zone must be determined.

[0004] When opening a fully closed vehicle window, not only the play in the drive system but also the friction caused by a sealing strip located on the upper window frame acts on the window opening mechanism. Therefore, when opening a fully closed window, a longer zone is required between where the operation begins and where the motor's characteristics stabilize, compared to opening a window that is not fully closed. Thus, a longer masking zone must be set to accommodate situations where the window is opened from a fully closed position. However, if the masking zone length is set according to the fully closed state, it will be longer than necessary when the window operation begins from a partially closed position.This has a negative impact on the receipt detection function.

[0005] The Japanese patent publication JP 2010-144 379 A describes another example of a conventional vehicle window opening device that performs speed control to obtain a low-speed zone in which a vehicle window is operated at a low speed and a high-speed zone in which the vehicle window is operated at a speed higher than the low speed.

[0006] The object detection function (clamp detection function and retraction detection function) can be applied to a vehicle window opening device that performs speed control as described above. However, the change in engine speed would be small if an object interrupts the operation of the vehicle window in the low-speed zone where the vehicle window speed is low. This could result in a longer time for the detection of an object.

[0007] In a vehicle window opening device such as the one described in Japanese patent publication JP 2011-122 369 A, changes to the motor's parameters are amplified by a shock caused by the closing of the vehicle door while the window is opening. This can lead to a false detection of a retracted object. Such a false detection would result in incorrect activation, i.e., the execution of the anti-retraction control (e.g., deactivation of the motor), even though no object has actually been retracted.

[0008] Further examples of state of the art include JP 2014-189 992 A, DE 10 2010 026 366 A1 and DE 10 2014 200 819 A1. SUMMARY

[0009] An objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle window opening device that correctly detects a jammed object and a retracted object.

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the first aspect of the invention is a vehicle window opening device comprising an open / close control unit, a retraction detection unit, a limiting unit, and an initial masking zone setting unit. The open / close control unit is designed to control the opening and closing of a motor-driven vehicle window. The initial masking zone setting unit is designed to define a predetermined zone as the initial masking zone from the position where the vehicle window begins to open. The retraction detection unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when a characteristic value of the motor is at least as large as a detection threshold value.

[0011] The motor's characteristic value changes according to a change in the load applied to the vehicle window when the window opens. The open / close control unit is designed to implement an anti-retraction control that, based on the retraction determination of the retraction determination unit, stops the vehicle window from opening or reverses the operation of the vehicle window to a predetermined extent. The limiting unit is designed to prevent the open / close control unit from executing the anti-retraction control when the vehicle window is in the initial masking zone, even if the motor's characteristic value is at least as high as the determination threshold.The initial masking zone adjustment unit is designed to set the initial masking zone to a normal value if the position at which the vehicle window begins to open is outside a full-closing range that includes a fully closed position. Conversely, the initial masking zone adjustment unit is designed to set the initial masking zone to a full-closing range value greater than the normal value if the position at which the vehicle window begins to open is within the full-closing range.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the second aspect of the invention is a vehicle window opening device comprising an open / close control unit, a retraction detection unit, and a threshold setting unit. The open / close control unit is designed to control the opening and closing of a motor-driven vehicle window. The retraction detection unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when a characteristic value of the motor is at least as large as a threshold value. The characteristic value of the motor changes according to a change in a load applied to the vehicle window as it opens.The open / close control unit is designed to perform an anti-retraction control that, based on the retraction determination of the retraction determination unit, stops the vehicle window from opening or reverses the vehicle window to a predetermined extent. The determination threshold adjustment unit is designed to set the determination threshold to a normal value if the position in which the vehicle window begins to open is outside a fully closed range that includes a completely closed position. The determination threshold adjustment unit is designed to set the determination threshold to a fully closed range value that is greater than the normal value if the position in which the vehicle window begins to open is within the fully closed range.

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the third aspect of the invention is a vehicle window opening device comprising an open / close control unit, a retraction detection unit, a change detection unit, and an object detection unit. The open / close control unit is designed to control the opening and closing of a vehicle window. The change detection unit is designed to detect a change in the operating state of the vehicle window. The object detection unit is designed to compare a determination threshold value with a characteristic value that corresponds to the change in the operating state of the vehicle window detected by the change detection unit. The object detection unit is designed to determine that an object has interrupted the operation of the vehicle window when the characteristic value is at least as large as the determination threshold value.The open / close control device is designed to regulate the operating speed of the vehicle window, creating a low-speed zone where the window operates at a slow speed and a high-speed zone where the window operates at a higher speed than the low-speed zone. The object detection unit is designed to set the detection threshold for the high-speed zone to a first value. The object detection unit is designed to set the detection threshold for the low-speed zone to a second value that is lower than the first value.

[0014] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the fourth aspect of the invention is a vehicle window opening device comprising an open / close control unit and a retraction detection unit. The open / close control unit is designed to control the opening and closing of a motor-driven vehicle window. The retraction detection unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when a characteristic value of the motor is at least as large as a determination threshold value. The characteristic value of the motor changes according to a change in a load applied to the vehicle window as the vehicle window opens. The open / close control unit is designed to implement anti-retraction control based on the retraction determination of the retraction detection unit.The anti-retraction control prevents the vehicle window from opening or reverses its movement over a certain distance. The retraction detection unit is designed to set the threshold value according to the open / closed state of a vehicle door.

[0015] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the fifth aspect of the invention is a vehicle window opening device comprising an open / close control unit, a retraction detection unit, and a limiting unit. The open / close control unit controls the opening and closing of a motor-driven vehicle window. The retraction detection unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when a characteristic value of the motor is at least as large as a determination threshold value. The characteristic value of the motor changes according to a change in a load applied to the vehicle window as the window opens. The open / close control unit is designed to perform an anti-retraction control based on the retraction determination of the retraction detection unit.The anti-retraction control prevents the vehicle window from opening or reverses its movement over a certain distance. The limiting unit is designed to prevent the open / close control from activating the anti-retraction control when a vehicle door is open, even if the motor's characteristic value is at least as high as the threshold value.

[0016] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the basics of the invention by means of examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention, together with its aims and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the currently preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a first embodiment of an electric window device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the opening and closing of a window pane, which is in Fig. 1 is shown; Fig. 3 is a flowchart that controls the in Fig. The electric window device shown in Figure 1 is shown; Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the control of a modified example of the electric window device of the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the control of another modified example of the electric window device of the first embodiment; Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the control of another modified example of the electric window device of the first embodiment; Fig. 7 is a graph showing the speed control of a second embodiment of an electric window device according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a flowchart that controls the in Fig. The electric window device shown in section 7 is shown; Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a first embodiment of an electric window device according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a flowchart that controls the in Fig. The electric window device shown in image 9 is shown; Fig. 11 is a graph that shows changes in the engine speed in the Fig. 9 shows the electric window device when closing a vehicle door while the vehicle window is being opened; and Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the control of a modified example of the electric window device of the third embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0018] Now, a first embodiment of an electric window device is described.

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, an electric window device 10 (a vehicle window opening device) of the present embodiment is installed in a vehicle door D to open and close a window pane WG (a vehicle window). The electric window device 10 comprises a motor 11 and a window regulator (not shown) which opens and closes the window pane WG when driven by the motor 11. The window regulator can be designed as a scissor-arm window regulator. The motor 11 includes a DC motor and a geared motor, which incorporates a reduction gear and is connected to and forms a unit with the DC motor. The window regulator converts the rotation generated by the motor 11 into the opening and closing of the window pane WG.

[0020] The electric window device 10 comprises a window ECU 12, which controls the actuation of the window pane WG by controlling the motor 11, and a rotation sensing sensor 13, which detects the rotation of the motor 11. The rotation sensing sensor 13 includes, for example, a Hall-effect IC. The rotation sensing sensor 13 detects changes in the magnetic field when a sensor magnet (not shown), which is mounted on a rotating shaft of the motor 11, rotates in order to acquire rotation information such as the speed and rotational position of the motor 11.

[0021] The window ECU 12 is arranged separately from the motor 11 or integrated into the motor 11. The window ECU 12 includes a control circuit 21 and a drive circuit 22. Based on the control by the control circuit 21, the drive circuit 22 supplies power from an on-board battery 23 to the motor 11. In the first embodiment, the control circuit 21 functions as an open / close control device, as a retraction determination unit, as a limiting unit, and as an initial masking zone setting unit.

[0022] The control circuit 21 drives the motor 11 via the drive circuit 22, based on an actuation switch 24 located on the vehicle door D, to control the opening and closing of the window pane WG. The control circuit 21 also calculates information about the position of the window pane WG based on a rotation detection signal (a pulse signal) output by the rotation detection sensor 13. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 21 calculates the count of pulse edges (rising and falling edges) of the rotation detection signal from a fully closed position Pc of the window pane WG, which is a reference position (zero). The count, which serves as information about the position of the window pane WG, is increased or decreased when the window pane WG is opened or closed (i.e., when the motor 11 rotates forward or backward).The control circuit 21 also detects the direction of rotation of the motor 11 based on the rotation detection signal. Furthermore, the control circuit 21 calculates the rotational speed of the motor 11 and the magnitude of the change in the rotational speed of the motor 11 (a speed change magnitude ω) from intervals (cycles) of the pulses of the rotation detection signal.

[0023] The control circuit 21 is designed to prevent anything from becoming trapped between the window pane WG and the frame of the vehicle door D. The anti-clamping function detects the entrapment of an object caused by the window pane WG during closing, based on changes in the rotational speed of the motor 11, which are calculated from the rotation detection signal or the like. When the trapped object is detected, the anti-clamping function reverses the operation of the window pane WG in the opening direction to release the trapped object.

[0024] The control circuit 21 is also designed to prevent an object from being drawn into the vehicle door D when the window WG is opened (or lowered). More precisely, when the window WG is opened, the control circuit 21 compares the speed change ω of motor 11, calculated based on the rotation detection signal, with a retraction threshold ωt. If the speed change ω is at least as large as the retraction threshold ωt, the control circuit 21 determines that the window WG has drawn in an object. Based on this retraction determination, the control circuit 21 deactivates motor 11 to stop the window WG from opening.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control circuit 21 detects the fully closed position Pc, an edge position Pb that is close to the fully closed position Pc, and a fully open position Pa of the window pane WG. As described above, the fully closed position Pc is set to a pulse edge count value of zero. The window pane WG has an upper end that can be inserted to a predetermined depth into a sealing strip WS located on the upper window frame of the vehicle door D. When inserted, the sealing strip WS elastically exerts pressure on the glass surface of the upper end of the window pane WG. The edge position Pb is set to where the window pane WG comes into contact with the sealing strip WS when closing (lifting). More precisely, the edge position Pb is set to the count value (e.g.,30) set, which corresponds to a depth (approximately 5 to 6 mm) to which the upper end of the window pane WG is inserted into the sealing strip WS.

[0026] The control circuit 21 disables the anti-retraction control in a predefined zone (the initial masking zone M) from the point at which the window pane WG begins to open. Upon receiving an actuation signal corresponding to the actuation of the actuation switch 24, the control circuit 21 adjusts the initial masking zone M according to the current position of the window pane WG. More precisely, the control circuit 21 sets the initial masking zone M to a normal value Ms when the actuation signal is received and the upper edge of the window pane WG, viewed from the edge position Pb, is positioned towards the fully open position Pa (towards the opening side). At the beginning of the actuation, the rate of change ω of the motor 11 is unstable due to play in the drive system, which includes the motor 11 and the window regulator.The normal value Ms is set such that the anti-retraction function is overridden in a zone where the speed change rate ω is unstable. For example, the normal value Ms of the present embodiment is set to a pulse edge count value of 40.

[0027] When the actuation signal is received and the upper end of the window pane WG is located in a zone between the fully closed position Pc and the edge position Pb (in a full-closing area Ac), the control circuit 21 sets the initial masking zone M to a full-closing area value Mc that is greater than the normal value Ms. The full-closing area value Mc is obtained by adding a predetermined correction value Ma (a fixed value) to the normal value Ms. For example, the correction value Ma of the present embodiment is set to a pulse edge count value of 10. The full-closing area value Mc is set to 50 and is obtained by adding the correction value Ma (10) to the normal value (40).

[0028] Now, the control mechanism, which in the first embodiment is executed at the beginning of the opening operation, and its effect will be described.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control circuit 21 determines, based on the opening action of the actuating switch 24, whether or not the window pane WG is located in the fully closed area Ac, that is, whether or not the window pane WG is located between the edge position Pb and the fully open position Pa (step S2). If it is determined that the window pane WG is located outside the fully closed area Ac (i.e., located between the edge position Pb and the fully open position Pa), the control circuit 21 sets the normal value Ms for the initial masking zone M (step S3). If it is determined that the window pane WG is located in the fully closed area Ac (i.e., located at the edge position Pb or between the edge position Pb and the fully closed position Pc), the control circuit 21 sets the full-closed area value Mc for the initial masking zone M (step S4).

[0030] After setting the initial masking zone M in step S3 or step S4, the control circuit 21 drives the motor 11 to begin opening the window pane WG (step S5).

[0031] In step S6, the control circuit 21 compares the distance ΔP traveled by the window pane WG from the initial actuation position with the initial masking zone M (the normal value Ms or the full closing range value Mc), which was set in step S3 or step S4. If the distance ΔP traveled is at least as large as the initial masking zone M, the retraction determination is carried out in step S7.

[0032] If the distance traveled ΔP is less than the initial masking zone M, step S6 is repeated. More precisely, the retraction determination in step S7 is not repeated; that is, the anti-retraction function is deactivated until the window pane WG has moved beyond the initial masking zone M from the start of the actuation. Even if the speed change ω of motor 11 reaches or exceeds the retraction determination threshold ωt due to play in the drive system, including motor 11, the window regulator, and the like, motor 11 will not be deactivated as long as the window pane WG is in the initial masking zone M.

[0033] In step S7, the control circuit 21 performs the object retraction determination when the window pane WG is opened. The control circuit 21 compares the speed change ω of the motor 11 with the retraction determination threshold ωt. If the speed change ω is at least as large as the retraction determination threshold ωt, the control circuit 21 determines that the window pane WG has retracted an object. Based on the retraction determination, the control circuit 21 deactivates the motor 11 to stop the window pane WG from opening (step S8). If the speed change ω is less than the retraction determination threshold ωt, the control circuit 21 determines that the window pane WG has not retracted an object and repeats step S7.

[0034] The first embodiment has the advantages described below.

[0035] (1) When the window pane WG is in the initial masking zone M from the actuation start position, the control circuit 21 implements a limitation so that the anti-retraction control (deactivation of the motor 11) is not carried out even if the rate of change ω of the motor 11 is at least as large as the retraction determination threshold ωt. This prevents false detection, i.e., the detection of a retracted object when such a situation does not exist due to play in the drive system, which includes the motor 11 and the window regulator. As a result, the detection of retracted objects is improved.

[0036] If the window pane WG begins to open in a position outside the fully closed range Ac, the control circuit 21 sets the initial masking zone M to the normal value Ms. If the window pane WG begins to open in a position within the fully closed range Ac, the control circuit 21 sets the initial masking zone M to the fully closed range value Mc, which is greater than the normal value Ms. If the window pane WG begins to open while it is within the fully closed range Ac or touching the sealing strip WS, not only the play in the drive system but also the friction generated by the sealing strip affects the window pane WG.Therefore, the zone from the actuation start position until the speed change ω of motor 11 stabilizes must be longer than when actuation starts from a position outside the full-closing range Ac. In the present embodiment, the initial masking zone M is set to the value Mc, which is larger than the normal value Ms, when the opening start position of the window pane WG is within the full-closing range Ac. The value Mc is determined taking into account the effect of the sealing strip WS. This prevents the false detection of a retracted object when the window pane WG begins to open from the full-closing range Ac. If the opening start position of the window pane WS is outside the full-closing range Ac, the initial masking zone M is set to the normal value Ms, which is determined without considering the effect of the sealing strip WS.Thus, the initial masking zone M is set to a suitable value without being extended longer than necessary.

[0037] If the opening starting position of the window pane WG is outside the full closing range Ac, the initial masking zone M is set to an appropriate value that is no larger than necessary. If the window pane WG is opened from within the full closing range Ac, the initial masking zone M is set to a length (a full closing range value Mc) that ensures that the false detection of a retracted object is prevented. This can improve the retracted object detection function.

[0038] (2) The full closing area Ac is set according to the depth to which the window pane WG is inserted into the sealing strip WS, which is located on the upper window frame. More precisely, the window pane WG does not touch the sealing strip WS when it is outside the full closing area Ac. If the opening start position is outside the full closing area Ac, the initial masking zone M is set to the value (the normal value Ms) determined without taking the effect of the sealing strip WS into account. In this case, the false detection of a retracted object can also be prevented in the initial masking zone M.

[0039] The first embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the full closure range value Mc is obtained by adding the fixed correction value Ma to the normal value Ms. However, the correction value Ma does not necessarily have to be fixed. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the correction value Ma can be changed, for example, according to the position of the window pane WG in the fully closed area Ac. As shown in Figure 4. Fig. As shown in Figure 4, if in step S2 it is determined that the window pane WG is in the fully closed position Ac, the control circuit 21 sets the correction value Ma to a value corresponding to the position of the window pane WG (step S11). More precisely, the control circuit 21 sets the correction value Mc to a maximum value (e.g., a pulse edge count of 10) when the window pane is in the fully closed position Pc. The control circuit 21 sets the correction value Mc to a smaller value, lower than the maximum value, when the window pane WG moves away from the fully closed position Pc and towards the fully open position Pa. The control circuit 21 sets the initial masking zone M by adding the correction value Ma and the normal value Ms to a value that was set in step S11 (step S12).

[0041] In this configuration, the initial masking zone M is set longer the closer the window pane WG is to the fully closed position Pc, that is, the larger the section of the window pane WG that touches the sealing strip SW. This allows the initial masking zone M to be set to an even more suitable value.

[0042] Alternatively, the correction value Ma can be set according to a voltage value V that was applied to motor 11 during the previous closing of the window pane WG (when it was last positioned in the fully closed position Ac). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, if in step S2 it is determined that the window pane WG is in the fully closed position Ac, the control circuit 21 sets the correction value Ma, for example, to a value corresponding to the voltage value V that was applied when the window pane WG was last closed (step S21). More precisely, the control circuit 21 stores, for example, the voltage value V that is applied when the window pane WG is closed and passes through the edge position Pb in its memory (not shown). In step S21, the control circuit 21 refers to the memory to retrieve the stored applied voltage value V. The higher the applied voltage value V, the higher the correction value Ma is set by the control circuit 21.

[0043] In this configuration, the position of the window pane WG in the fully closed range Ac and the state of play in the drive system, including the motor 11 and the window regulator, change depending on the voltage value V applied during the previous closing operation. Thus, the correction value Ma is set based on the applied voltage value V. This adjusts the initial masking zone M to an even more suitable value.

[0044] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, the control circuit 21, following actuation of the actuating switch 24 (step S1), sets the correction value Ma to a value corresponding to the applied voltage value V. Alternatively, for example, when the closing of the window pane WG is stopped, the initial masking zone M (the correction value Ma) for the next opening actuation can be preset based on the applied voltage value V.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the initial masking zone M differs in the case where the opening start position of the vehicle window is within the fully closed area, compared to the case where the opening start position of the vehicle window is outside the fully closed area. This limits negative effects on the detection function for retracted objects caused by the sealing strip. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the initial masking zone can also be omitted. If the masking zone is omitted, the effect of the sealing strip can be reduced by lowering the sensitivity for the retraction determination when the opening start position of the vehicle window is within the fully closed range, compared to when the opening start position of the vehicle window is outside the fully closed range. In this modified example, the control circuit 21 serves as an open / close control device, a retraction determination unit, and a threshold setting unit.

[0046] More precisely, the control circuit 21, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the retraction determination threshold ωt is set to a normal value ω1 (step S3) if, in step S2, it has been determined that the window pane WG is located outside the fully closed range Ac (between the edge position Pb and the fully open position Pa). If it is determined that the window pane WG is located within the fully closed range Ac (i.e., at the edge position Pb or between the edge position Pb and the fully closed position Pc), the control circuit 21 sets the retraction determination threshold ωt to a fully closed range value ω2, which is greater than the normal value ω1 (step S4).

[0047] If the opening start position of the window pane WG is within the fully closed range Ac, the retraction determination threshold ωt is set to the fully closed range value ω2 in this configuration. This value is determined taking into account the effects of play in the drive system, including the motor 11 and the window regulator, and the friction generated by the sealing strip. Therefore, when the window pane WG is in the fully closed range, no retraction is detected until the speed change ω of the motor 11 reaches the fully closed range value ω2, which is greater than the normal value ω1. This reduces the effect of the sealing strip during retraction determination.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the control circuit 21 detects the drawn-in object based on the amount of change in rotational speed ω of the motor 11. Alternatively, a drawn-in object can also be detected based on other parameters than the amount of change in rotational speed ω of the motor 11 (based on parameters of the motor 11 that vary according to changes in a load acting on the window pane WG).

[0049] In the first embodiment, the control circuit 21 deactivates the motor 11 based on the retraction determination in order to stop the opening of the window pane WG. Furthermore, the window pane WG can, for example, be operated in reverse over a predetermined distance in the closing direction based on the retraction determination.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the edge position Pb, which defines the dimension of the fully closed area Ac, is set to a position where the window pane WG comes into contact with the sealing strip WS when closing. Alternatively, the edge position can be set, for example, between the position where the window pane WG comes into contact with the sealing strip WS and the fully closed position Pc. That is, the fully closed area Ac can be set shorter than a length corresponding to the depth of the window pane WG to which the sealing strip WS is inserted.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which includes the scissor-arm window lifter. Alternatively, the invention can also be applied to an electric window device that has a cable-operated, a single-arm window lifter, or the like.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which opens and closes the window pane WG contained in the vehicle door D. Furthermore, the invention can be applied to a sunroof device that opens and closes a glass cover contained in a vehicle roof.

[0053] The technical concepts that can be derived from the first embodiment and the modified examples of the first embodiment are as follows.

[0054] (A) A vehicle window opening device comprising: an opening-closing control device designed to control the opening and closing of a motor-driven vehicle window; a collection determination unit; a restriction unit; and an initial masking setting unit designed to set a predetermined zone as the initial masking zone from the point where the vehicle window begins to open, wherein the drawing determination unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has drawn in an object when a characteristic value of the motor is at least as large as a determination threshold value, wherein the characteristic value of the motor changes according to a change in a load that is applied to the vehicle window when the vehicle window is opened, The opening-closing control device is designed to perform an anti-retraction control which, based on the retraction determination of the retraction determination unit, stops the opening of the vehicle window or reverses the operation of the vehicle window to a predetermined extent. the restriction unit is designed in such a way that it prevents the open-close control device from executing the anti-retraction control when the vehicle window is in the initial masking zone, even if the motor characteristic value is at least as large as the determination threshold value, and The initial masking zone setting unit is designed to set the length of the initial masking zone to be used the next time the vehicle window opens, based on a value of the voltage applied to the motor when the vehicle window is closed.

[0055] In this configuration, the amount of play in the drive system, including the motor (i.e., the length of the freewheel zone during startup), varies according to the voltage applied to the motor when the vehicle window is closed. Thus, the length of the initial masking zone is adjusted according to the applied voltage value. This allows the initial masking zone to be set to an even more suitable value.

[0056] A second embodiment of a vehicle window opening device is now described. The second embodiment of the electric window device 10 has the same configuration as the electric window device 10 of the first embodiment, which is described in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. The same configuration is not described in detail here; the focus is primarily on the differences. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its anti-pinch and anti-retraction functions.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the control circuit 21 functions as an open / close control device, a change detection unit, and an object detection unit. The control circuit 21 is designed to detect a jamming between the window pane WG and a frame of the vehicle door D. More precisely, when the window pane WG is closed (raised), the control device 21 compares the change in rotational speed ω of the motor 11, which is calculated based on the rotation detection signal, with a jamming threshold value n. If the change in rotational speed ω is at least as large as the jamming threshold value n, the control circuit 21 determines that an object has been jammed by the window pane. Based on this jamming determination, the control circuit 21 reverses the movement of the window pane WG over a predetermined distance in the opening direction to release the jammed object.

[0058] The control circuit 21 is also designed to detect a retracted object, that is, an object that is pulled into the vehicle door D when the window WG is opened (or lowered). More precisely, when the window WG is opened, the control circuit 21 compares the speed change ω of the motor 11, which is calculated based on the rotation detection signal, with a retraction threshold value m. If the speed change ω is at least as large as the retraction threshold value m, the control circuit 21 determines that the window WG has retracted an object and deactivates the motor 11 based on the retraction determination to stop the window WG from opening.

[0059] The control circuit 21 subjects the speed of the motor 11 to a duty cycle control (a PWM control) in order to control the speed of the window pane WG. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the control circuit 21 performs a slow-start control, which operates the window pane WG at a low speed immediately after the window pane WG begins to open or close within a predefined zone (a low-speed zone LS). More precisely, when the window pane WG is set in motion, it transitions from the low-speed zone LS to a normal-speed zone HS.

[0060] In the normal speed zone HS, the control circuit 21 supplies a constant power output to the motor 11 with a fixed duty cycle (e.g., 100). This causes the window pane WG to be operated at normal speed VE. In the low speed zone LS, where the distance traveled by the window pane WG from an actuation start position P0 reaches a predetermined value ΔA, the control circuit 21 supplies power to the motor 11 with a duty cycle lower than the fixed value. This causes the window pane WG to be operated at a speed lower than normal speed VE.In the present embodiment, the speed of the window pane WG is controlled such that it increases in the low-speed zone LS relative to the speed of the window pane WG, for example, in a linear manner, and reaches the normal speed VE immediately before transitioning to the normal-speed zone HS. Preferably, the range (the predetermined value ΔA) of the low-speed zone LS is set to the count value of the pulse edges in the rotation detection signal, which corresponds to the actual distance traveled by the window pane of 20 mm to 30 mm. In the present embodiment, the closing actuation and the opening actuation have the same range of the low-speed zone LS.

[0061] When the window pane WG closes in the normal speed zone HS (i.e., when the distance traveled by the window pane WG from the actuation start position P0 is at least as large as the preset value ΔA), the control circuit 21 sets the clamping determination threshold n to a normal speed threshold nH. When the window pane WG closes in the low speed zone LS (i.e., when the distance traveled by the window pane WG from the actuation start position P0 is less than the preset value ΔA), the control circuit 21 sets the clamping determination threshold n to a low speed threshold that is less than the normal speed threshold nH.

[0062] Similarly, the control circuit sets the retraction threshold m to a normal-speed threshold mH when the window pane WG is opened in the normal-speed zone HS (i.e., the distance traveled by the window pane WG from the actuation start position P0 is at least as large as the preset value ΔA). When the window pane WG is closed in the low-speed zone LS (i.e., the distance traveled by the window pane WG from the actuation start position P0 is less than the preset value ΔA), the control circuit 21 sets the retraction threshold m to a low-speed threshold mL, which is less than the normal-speed threshold mH.

[0063] The object detection control of the second embodiment and its effect will now be described with reference to Fig. 8 described. When the window pane WG is opened and closed, only the direction of rotation of the motor 11 differs, and the control is essentially the same. The following description focuses on opening the window pane WG with reference to Fig. 8. The closing of the window pane WG is not described in detail.

[0064] The control circuit 21 supplies power to the motor 11 via the drive circuit 22 based on the actuation of the operating switch 24 to open the window pane WG (step S1). The control circuit 21 calculates the amount of change in speed ω of the motor 11 based on the rotation detection signal output by the rotation detection sensor 13 (step S2).

[0065] In step S3, the control circuit 21 determines whether or not the distance traveled by the window pane WG from the actuation start position P0 is less than the specified value ΔA, that is, whether or not the window pane WG is actuated in the low-speed zone LS.

[0066] When the window pane WG is actuated in the low-speed zone LS, the control circuit 21 sets the retraction determination threshold m to the low-speed threshold mL (step S4). Conversely, when the window pane WG is not actuated in the low-speed zone LS (i.e., when the window pane WG is actuated in the normal-speed zone HS), the control circuit 21 sets the retraction determination threshold m to the normal-speed threshold mH (step S5).

[0067] In step S6, the control circuit 21 performs the object retraction determination when the window pane WG is opened. More precisely, the control circuit 21 compares the speed change ω of motor 11 with the retraction determination threshold m, which is set to the low-speed threshold mL or the normal-speed threshold mH. If the speed change ω is at least as large as the retraction determination threshold m, the control circuit 21 determines that the window pane WG has retracted an object. Based on this retraction determination, the control circuit 21 deactivates motor 11 to stop the window pane WG from opening. If the speed change ω is less than the retraction determination threshold m, the control circuit 21 determines that the window pane WG has not retracted an object and returns to step S2.

[0068] The control action that is executed when the window pane WG is closed is essentially the same as the action that is executed when the window pane WG is opened, except that in the Fig. In steps S4, S5, and S6, as shown in the 8 examples, the thresholds for determining the infeed (the infeed determination threshold m, the low-speed threshold mL and the normal-speed threshold mH) are replaced by the thresholds for determining the clamping (the clamping determination threshold n, the low-speed threshold nL and the normal-speed threshold nH).

[0069] The second embodiment has the advantages described below.

[0070] (3) In the low-speed zone LS, the control circuit 21 sets the intake determination threshold m to the low-speed threshold mL, which is lower than the normal-speed threshold mH, and sets the clamping determination threshold n to the low-speed threshold nL, which is lower than the normal-speed threshold nH. That is, the control circuit 21 sets the determination thresholds (the low-speed thresholds mL, nL) for the low-speed zone LS to values ​​that are lower than the determination thresholds (the normal-speed thresholds mH, mL) for the normal-speed zone HS.This reduces the time required to determine object detection in the low-speed zone LS compared to when the incursion determination threshold m and the clamping determination threshold n are constant, independent of the low-speed zone LS and the normal-speed zone HS. Thus, the object detection function can be improved.

[0071] (4) The low-speed zone LS is set to the predefined zone from the window pane WG's initial operating position P0. This causes the window pane WG to begin opening and closing at a low speed. This reduces the operating noise that can be generated in the entire window regulator, including the motor 11, during opening and closing operations. Because the window pane WG begins opening and closing at a low speed, fine-tuning its position can be simplified.

[0072] The second embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the control circuit 21 detects objects; that is, it performs clamping detection and retraction detection based on the speed change ω of the motor 11. Alternatively, objects can be detected based on other parameters than the speed change ω of the motor 11 (e.g., parameters corresponding to changes in the actuation state of the window pane WG).

[0074] In the second embodiment, the control circuit 21 performs acceleration control in the low-speed zone LS, whereby the actuation of the window pane WG is accelerated by increasing the duty cycle in accordance with the movement of the window pane WG. Alternatively, in the low-speed zone LS, the control circuit 21 can control the speed to a constant speed that is lower than the normal speed VE by setting a fixed duty cycle.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the opening actuation and the closing actuation have the same low-speed zone dimension LS (the predetermined value ΔA). Alternatively, the opening actuation and the closing actuation can have different dimensions.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the low-speed zone LS is set to a predefined zone starting from the actuation start position P0 of the window pane WG. Alternatively, the low-speed zone can be set to a predefined zone starting from a mechanical end position (a fully closed position or a fully open position) of the window pane WG. In this case, speed control (deceleration control) is implemented in the low-speed zone, so that the window pane WG gradually decelerates from its normal speed. This configuration limits the noise generated when the window pane WG reaches its end position.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the control circuit 21 actuates the window pane WG in the opposite direction over the predetermined distance in the opening direction based on the clamping determination. Alternatively, the motor 11 can also be deactivated based on the clamping determination.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the control circuit 21 deactivates the motor 11 based on the retraction determination in order to stop the opening of the window pane WG. Instead, the window pane WG can, for example, be operated in reverse in the closing direction over a predetermined distance based on the retraction determination.

[0079] In the second embodiment, during clamping and retraction determination, the determination threshold values ​​(the low-speed threshold values ​​mL, nL) for the low-speed zone LS are set to values ​​that are lower than the determination threshold values ​​(the normal-speed threshold values ​​mH, mL) for the normal-speed zone HS. Alternatively, either only during clamping determination or only during retraction determination, the determination threshold value for the low-speed zone LS can be set lower than the determination threshold value for the normal-speed zone HS.

[0080] In the second embodiment, the speed of motor 11 is controlled via the duty cycle. However, the speed of motor 11 can also be regulated in ways other than via the duty cycle.

[0081] In the second embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which is designed to detect a jammed object and a retracted object. Alternatively, the invention can be applied to an electric window device designed to detect either a jammed object or a retracted object.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which includes the scissor-arm window lifter. Alternatively, the invention can be applied to an electric window device that includes a cable-operated window lifter.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which opens and closes the window pane WG contained in the vehicle door D. Furthermore, the invention can, for example, be applied to a sunroof device that opens and closes a glass cover contained in a vehicle roof.

[0084] The technical concepts that can be derived from the second embodiment and the modified examples of the second embodiment are as follows.

[0085] (B) The object detection unit functions as a retrieval detection unit, The intrusion detection unit is designed to compare an intrusion determination threshold value with a characteristic value that corresponds to a change in the opening state of the vehicle window, and The retraction determination unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when opened if the characteristic value is at least as large as the retraction determination threshold value.

[0086] When this configuration is applied to an electric window device designed to detect a retracted object, the time required to determine a retracted object in the low-speed zone can be reduced.

[0087] (C) The object detection unit functions as a clamp detection unit, The clamping detection unit is designed to compare a clamping threshold value with a characteristic value that corresponds to a change in the closing state of the vehicle window, and The clamping detection unit is designed to determine that the vehicle window has clamped an object when the characteristic value is at least as large as the clamping determination threshold.

[0088] When this configuration is applied to an electric window device with the jamming detection function, the time required to determine jamming in the low-speed zone can be reduced.

[0089] (D) The low-speed zone is set to a predetermined zone before reaching a final position through the vehicle window.

[0090] This configuration limits noise generated when the window pane WG reaches its final position.

[0091] A third embodiment of a vehicle window opening device is now described. The third embodiment of the electric window device 10 has the same configuration as the electric window device 10 of the first embodiment, which is described in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. The same configuration is not described in detail here; the focus is primarily on the differences. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its anti-retraction function.

[0092] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the electric window device 10 of the third embodiment includes a door open / close detection switch 25 (contact switch) that detects the opening and closing of the vehicle door D. The door open / close detection switch 25 sends a signal to the control circuit 21. The door open / close detection switch 25 sends a door open signal to the control circuit 21 when the vehicle door D is open, and a door closed signal when the vehicle door D is closed. The control circuit 21 of the third embodiment functions as an open / close control device, a retraction determination unit, and a limiting unit.

[0093] Now the control system, which is implemented by the electric window device 10 of the third embodiment, and its effect will be described.

[0094] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the control circuit 21 supplies power to the motor 11 via the drive circuit 22 to open the window pane WG based on the opening action of the actuating switch 24 (step S1).

[0095] In step S2, the control circuit 21 determines whether the vehicle door D is open or closed based on a signal received from the door open / closed sensing switch 25. If the door-closed signal is received from the door open / closed sensing switch 25, the control circuit 21 determines that the vehicle door D is closed and sets a retraction threshold T to a normal value TL (step S3). If the door-open signal is received from the door open / closed sensing switch 25, the control circuit 21 determines that the vehicle door D is open and sets the retraction threshold T to a door-open value TH that is greater than the normal value (step S3).

[0096] After setting the retraction threshold T in step S3 or S4, the control circuit 21 performs the retraction determination in step S5. In step S5, the control circuit 21 compares the speed change ω of motor 11 with the retraction threshold T. If the speed change ω is at least as large as the retraction threshold T, the control circuit 21 determines that the window pane WG has retracted an object. Based on this retraction determination, the control circuit 21 deactivates motor 11 to stop the window pane WG from opening. If the speed change ω is less than the retraction threshold T, the control circuit 21 determines that the window pane WG has not retracted an object and repeats step S5.

[0097] As described above, the retraction determination threshold T is set to the door-open value TH when it is determined that the vehicle door D is open, and the retraction determination is carried out using the value TH. Fig. Figure 11 shows changes in the speed of motor 11 when the vehicle door D is open and the opening operation of the actuating switch 24 is performed to open the window pane WG from the fully closed position to the fully open position. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, when the vehicle door D closes while the window WG is opening, the impact generated by the closing vehicle door D causes the speed of motor 11 to temporarily decrease. More precisely, the rate of change ω of motor 11 increases. In this case, the retraction detection threshold T is set to the door-open value TH. The door-open value TH is set higher than the normal value TL, so that no retraction is detected when the impact generated by the closing vehicle door D increases the rate of change ω of motor 11. This limits false detections of a retracted object that can be caused by the impact of the vehicle door D during closing.

[0098] The third embodiment has the advantages described below.

[0099] (5) The control circuit 21 sets the retraction threshold T based on the open / closed state of the vehicle door D. Thus, the retraction threshold T is set according to the open / closed state of the vehicle door D. This ensures that the retraction threshold T is set appropriately when the vehicle door D is open. Consequently, false detections of a retracted object when the vehicle door D is closed while the window WG is opening can be limited. Therefore, when the vehicle door D is closed while the window WG is opening, false activations can be limited, in which the anti-retraction control (deactivation of the motor 11) is executed when no object has been retracted.

[0100] (6) When the vehicle door D is closed, the control circuit 21 sets the retraction determination threshold T to the normal value TL (the first value). When the vehicle door D is open, the control circuit 21 sets the retraction determination threshold T to the door-open value TH (the second value), which is greater than the normal value TL. In this configuration, the retraction determination threshold T is set to the normal value TL when the vehicle door D is closed. When the vehicle door D is open, the retraction determination threshold T is also set to a suitable value (a value greater than the normal value TL) that prevents retraction determination if the shock caused by the closed vehicle door D significantly alters the speed change ω of the motor 11.This sufficiently limits false detections of a retracted object, which can occur if the vehicle door D is closed while the window pane WG is being opened.

[0101] The third embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0102] In the third embodiment, the control circuit 21 determines whether the vehicle door D is open or closed (step S2) after the window pane WG has been opened (after step S1). Alternatively, the control circuit 21 can open the window pane based on the opening action of the actuating switch 24, after it has been determined whether the vehicle door D is open or closed.

[0103] In the third embodiment, the control circuit 21 sets the retraction threshold value T to either the normal value TL or the door-open value TH, based on the open / closed state of the vehicle door D at the beginning of the window WG opening process. During the opening of the window WG, the retraction is determined based on the retraction threshold value T that was set at the beginning of the opening operation, regardless of the current open / closed state of the vehicle door D during the opening of the window WG. Alternatively, the control circuit 21 can switch the retraction threshold value T between the normal value TL and the door-open value TH based on the current open / closed state of the vehicle door D during the opening of the window WG.Alternatively, if the vehicle door D is opened while the window WG is being opened, the control circuit 21 can set the retraction threshold value T from the normal value TL to the door-open value TH. In this case, the control circuit 21 sets the retraction threshold value T to the door-open value TH while the window WG is being opened, regardless of the open / closed state of the vehicle door D.

[0104] When the vehicle door D is open, the control circuit 21 in its third iteration sets the retraction determination threshold value T to the door-open value TH (the second value), which is greater than the normal value TL. Furthermore, the control circuit 21 can execute a control function as described in Fig. 12 is shown. In the flowchart of Fig.12. Control circuit 21 overrides the anti-retraction function during the current opening operation (step S11) if it has determined in step S2 that the vehicle door D is open. More precisely, control circuit 21 does not deactivate motor 11 in this case; that is, it does not perform anti-retraction control, even if the speed change ω of motor 11 during the opening operation reaches or exceeds the retraction determination threshold T. If control circuit 21 determines in step S2 that the vehicle door D is closed, it performs the retraction determination based on the retraction determination threshold T (the normal value TL).

[0105] In this configuration, the control circuit 21 performs the retraction determination when the vehicle door D is closed. When the vehicle door D is open, the control circuit 21 implements a limitation such that the anti-retraction control is not executed even if the speed change ω of the motor 11 reaches or exceeds the retraction determination threshold T. Therefore, if the vehicle door D is closed while the window WG is being opened, no anti-retraction control is performed even if the speed change ω of the motor 11 changes significantly. This limits false activations that can occur when the vehicle door D is closed.

[0106] In the third embodiment, the control circuit 21 detects a retracted object based on the amount of change in rotational speed ω of the motor 11. Alternatively, a retracted object can also be detected based on other parameters than the amount of change in rotational speed ω of the motor 11 (based on parameters of the motor 11 that vary according to changes in a load applied to the window pane WG).

[0107] In the third embodiment, the control circuit 21 deactivates the motor 11 based on the retraction determination in order to stop the opening of the window pane WG. Furthermore, the control circuit 21 can, for example, actuate the window pane WG in the closing direction over a predetermined distance based on the retraction determination.

[0108] In the third embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which includes the scissor-arm window lifter. Alternatively, the invention can also be applied to an electric window device that has a cable-operated, single-arm window lifter, or the like.

[0109] In the third embodiment, the invention is applied to the electric window device 10, which opens and closes the window pane WG contained in the vehicle door D. Furthermore, the invention can be applied to a sunroof device that opens and closes a glass cover contained in a vehicle roof.

[0110] The technical concepts that can be derived from the third embodiment and the modified examples of the third embodiment are as follows.

[0111] (E) The intake determination unit is designed to set the threshold for determining that the vehicle window is open to a first value when the vehicle door is closed, and The insertion determination unit is designed to set the threshold for determining that the vehicle window is open to a second value that is greater than the first value when the vehicle door is open.

[0112] In this configuration, the retraction detection unit sets the detection threshold to the normal value when the vehicle door is closed and the vehicle window begins to open. Furthermore, the retraction detection unit sets the detection threshold to an appropriate value when the vehicle door is open and the vehicle window begins to open. This appropriate value is higher than the normal value, so that the retraction is not detected even if a sudden movement of the vehicle door during closing significantly alters the motor's characteristic value. This limits false detections of a retracted object when the vehicle door D is closed while the vehicle window is opening.

[0113] (F) The restriction unit is designed so that when the vehicle window begins to open, it will also carry out the restriction if a characteristic value of the engine is at least as large as the threshold value when the vehicle window opens.

[0114] In this configuration, the anti-retraction control (deactivation or reverse operation over a predetermined distance) is not executed while the vehicle window is being opened, even if the motor's characteristic value changes significantly when the vehicle door is closed. This limits false activations that would otherwise occur when the vehicle door is closed.

[0115] The examples and embodiments presented here are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Vehicle window opening device comprising: an opening-closing control device designed to control the opening and closing of a vehicle window driven by a motor (11); and a retraction determination unit designed to determine that the vehicle window has retracted an object when a characteristic value of the motor (11) is at least as large as a determination threshold value, the characteristic value of the motor (11) changes according to a change in a load applied to the vehicle window when the vehicle window opens, The opening-closing control device is designed to perform an anti-retraction control which, based on a retraction determination of the retraction determination unit, stops the opening of the vehicle window or reverses the operation of the vehicle window to a predetermined extent. characterized by , that The vehicle window opening device includes: a restriction unit; and an initial masking zone setting unit designed to set a predetermined zone as the initial masking zone (M) from a position at which the vehicle window begins to open, wherein the restriction unit is designed in such a way as to prevent the open-close control device from executing the anti-retraction control when the vehicle window is in the initial masking zone (M), even if the motor characteristic value (11) is at least as large as the determination threshold value, the initial masking zone setting unit is designed to set the initial masking zone (M) to a normal value (Ms), namely to a first length, when the position at which the vehicle window begins to open is outside a full closing range (Ac) that includes a fully closed position (Pc), and the initial masking zone setting unit is designed to set the initial masking zone (M) to a full closing range value (Mc), namely to a second length that is greater than the first length, when the position at which the vehicle window begins to open is within the full closing range (Ac). [2] Vehicle window opening device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the full closing area (Ac) is set according to a depth to which the vehicle window is inserted into a sealing strip (WS) which is arranged on a window frame. [3] Vehicle window opening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the initial masking zone adjustment unit is designed to set the second length based on the position of the vehicle window in the fully closed area (Ac). [4] Vehicle window opening device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the initial masking zone setting unit is designed to set the second length based on a voltage applied to the motor (11) when the vehicle window is closed.

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