Vehicle opening and closing body control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle opening and closing body control device that suppresses vibration and sound when the opening and closing body is stopped. An ECU, serving as an opening and closing control unit, controls the movement of a movable panel, serving as the opening and closing body, located at the vehicle's sunroof opening by controlling the energization of an electric motor serving as a drive source. Furthermore, when the moving movable panel is stopped by the driving force of the electric motor, the ECU sets an idling period (α) that allows the electric motor to rotate freely. After this idling period (α), braking control is executed to generate a braking force from the electric motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening and closing body control device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are vehicle opening and closing body control devices that control the movement of an opening and closing body, such as a movable panel of a sunroof system, provided in a vehicle opening by controlling the energization of an electric motor serving as a drive source. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure for generating braking force by an electric motor by executing regenerative braking control. Furthermore, this prior art document discloses a structure for gradually increasing the gate voltage of a switching element that switches on the switching element during the execution of regenerative braking control. Furthermore, by gradually increasing the braking force generated by the electric motor, the generation of vibration and sound caused by inertia can be suppressed.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-103979

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-129454

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in a vehicle, further improvements are being made to any structural component. Furthermore, the above-mentioned vehicle opening and closing body control device cannot guarantee that it will meet the required level for the structure of the above-mentioned prior art. Therefore, there is room for improvement in this regard. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle opening and closing body control device capable of suppressing vibration and sound when the opening and closing body is stopped.

[0010] Means for solving technical problems

[0011] A vehicle opening and closing body control device that solves the above-mentioned technical problem includes an opening and closing control unit, which controls the movement of the opening and closing body provided at the opening of the vehicle by controlling the power supply to the electric motor that serves as a driving source. When the moving opening and closing body is stopped based on the driving force of the electric motor, the opening and closing control unit sets an idling period that allows free rotation of the electric motor, and after the idling period, performs braking control to cause the electric motor to generate braking force.

[0012] The above structure stabilizes the load movement of the opening and closing body caused by the braking control. Furthermore, the sliding resistance reduces the speed of movement of the opening and closing body until the braking control is executed. Furthermore, the vibration and sound generated when the opening and closing body is stopped can be suppressed.

[0013] In the vehicle opening and closing body control device that solves the above-mentioned problem, preferably, the opening and closing control unit sets the idling period based on a movement distance of the opening and closing body after stopping drive control for causing the electric motor to generate a driving force.

[0014] According to the above configuration, even when the opening and closing body moves at a high speed, the brake control can be appropriately switched to after the idle period has passed.

[0015] In the vehicle opening and closing body control device that solves the above-mentioned problem, it is preferable that the opening and closing control unit sets the idling period based on an elapsed time after stopping drive control for causing the electric motor to generate a driving force.

[0016] According to the above configuration, even when the moving speed of the opening and closing body is slow, it is possible to appropriately transition to the braking control by allowing the idle period to elapse.

[0017] In the vehicle opening and closing body control device that solves the above-mentioned technical problems, preferably, the braking control is regenerative braking control.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the motor can generate a braking force while suppressing heat generation of the motor. Furthermore, there is an advantage that braking control can be performed even if the motor is a brushed DC motor.

[0019] In the vehicle opening and closing body control device that solves the above-mentioned problem, it is preferable that the opening and closing control unit gradually increases the braking force generated by the electric motor by executing the braking control.

[0020] According to the above configuration, vibration and sound generated when the opening and closing body is stopped can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0021] In the vehicle opening and closing body control device that solves the above-mentioned technical problem, preferably, the opening and closing body is a movable panel of a sunroof device.

[0022] Specifically, the movable panel of the sunroof system has a structure that, in many cases, tends to continue moving due to inertia even after the driving control is stopped. This also tends to generate vibration and noise due to the load shift caused by the braking control. Furthermore, since the system is located close to the vehicle's occupants, the aforementioned idle period can improve quietness, thereby enhancing the vehicle's quality.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, vibration and sound generated when the opening and closing body is stopped can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a sunroof device.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a skylight device.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the sunroof device.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of setting the idling period based on the moving distance of the movable panel after stopping execution of the drive control.

[0029] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of setting the idle period based on the elapsed time after execution of the drive control is stopped.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the drive panel stop control.

[0031] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of another example of brake control.

[0032] Explanation of symbols

[0033] 1…Vehicle

[0034] 3…Door opening (opening)

[0035] 10… Movable panel (opening and closing body)

[0036] 11…Skylight device (opening and closing body control device)

[0037] 30…Electric motor

[0038] 40…ECU (opening and closing control unit)

[0039] α…Idle time DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment in which the vehicle opening and closing body control device is embodied as a sunroof device for a vehicle will be described.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a substantially flat movable panel 10 capable of opening and closing the sunroof opening 3 is provided on a sunroof panel 2 of a vehicle 1. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a sunroof device 11 that is driven by an electric motor to open and close the movable panel 10.

[0042] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment includes a pair of left and right guide rails 20, 20 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction at both ends of the sunroof opening 3 in the width direction. Furthermore, the sunroof device 11 includes a pair of left and right front tracks 21, 21 and rear tracks 22, 22. The left and right front tracks 21, 21 and rear tracks 22, 22 slide along the extending directions of the guide rails 20, 20 when engaged with the guide rails 20, 20. Furthermore, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment includes a pair of left and right support brackets 23, 23. The left and right support brackets 23, 23 support the movable panel 10 from above while connected to the front tracks 21, 21 and rear tracks 22, 22.

[0043] The sunroof device 11 of this embodiment also includes an actuator 31 driven by an electric motor 30. In the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment, the actuator 31 is fixed to the inner side of the sunroof opening 3 at a position in front of the sunroof panel 2 of the vehicle. Furthermore, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment includes a pair of left and right drive cables 32, 32 arranged along the left and right guide rails 20, 20. Furthermore, each of these drive cables 32, 32 is connected to the rear tracks 22, 22 engaged with the left and right guide rails 20, 20, respectively.

[0044] Specifically, in the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment, the rear tracks 22, 22, which are connected to the actuator 31 via drive cables 32, 32, slide in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction based on the driving force generated by the motor 30. Furthermore, the front tracks 21, 21, and the rear tracks 22, 22 slide in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction in conjunction with each other. Furthermore, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment thus has a structure in which the movable panel 10, supported by the support brackets 23, 23, moves, specifically, tilting and sliding.

[0045] In detail, Figure 3 As shown, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment includes an ECU 40 that controls the power supply to the electric motor 30, which serves as the driving source for the actuator 31. Specifically, the electric motor 30 of this embodiment rotates by receiving driving power from the ECU 40. Furthermore, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment is configured to thereby control the movement of the movable panel 10.

[0046] Specifically, the actuator 31 of this embodiment is provided with a pulse sensor 41 that outputs a pulse signal Sp synchronized with the rotation of the motor 30. The ECU 40 of this embodiment detects the position and speed of the movable panel 10 driven by the actuator 31 based on the pulse output of the pulse sensor 41.

[0047] Furthermore, the ECU 40 of this embodiment receives input of an operation input signal Scr indicating a request for the movement of the movable panel 10. Furthermore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, this operation input signal Scr is output, for example, by an occupant of the vehicle 1 operating an operation switch located within the vehicle cabin or on a portable device. Furthermore, the ECU 40 of this embodiment is configured to control the movement of the movable panel 10 based on this operation input signal Scr.

[0048] More specifically, the ECU 40 of this embodiment includes a motor control unit 45 that generates a motor control signal, and a drive circuit 50 that supplies drive power to the motor 30 based on the motor control signal output by the motor control unit 45. Furthermore, in the actuator 31 of this embodiment, a brushed DC motor is employed as the motor 30, serving as the drive source. Furthermore, the drive circuit 50 of this embodiment utilizes a well-known PWM inverter, which utilizes a plurality of switching elements (FETs: field effect transistors) connected in a bridge configuration to switch on and off based on the motor control signal.

[0049] Specifically, the drive circuit 50 of this embodiment has a so-called H-bridge structure in which a first switching arm 61 and a second switching arm 62 are connected in parallel. The first switching arm 61 includes a pair of FETs 60a and 60b connected in series, and the second switching arm 62 includes a pair of FETs 60c and 60d connected in series. In addition, in the drive circuit 50, the upper side ( Figure 3 The power supply voltage Vb of the vehicle power supply 65 is applied to each FET60a, 60c on the upper side, and the lower side ( Figure 3 The FETs 60b and 60d on the lower side (in the middle) are grounded. Furthermore, the connection point 61x of the FETs 60a and 60b in the first switching arm 61 and the connection point 62x of the FETs 60c and 60d in the second switching arm 62 serve as connection points with the motor 30, that is, as motor connection terminals.

[0050] Specifically, when rotating the motor 30 in the first direction, the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment outputs a motor control signal to turn on the upper FET 60a and off the lower FET 60b in the first switching arm 61, and turns on the lower FET 60d and off the upper FET 60c in the second switching arm 62. Furthermore, when rotating the motor 30 in the second direction, the motor control signal outputs the upper FET 60c and off the lower FET 60d in the second switching arm 62, and turns on the lower FET 60b and off the upper FET 60a in the first switching arm 61. Furthermore, the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment controls the on-duty ratio of each of the FETs 60a to 60d by outputting the motor control signal, thereby varying the driving force generated by the motor 30.

[0051] Furthermore, when the moving movable panel 10 is stopped by the driving force of the motor 30, the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment executes braking control to generate a braking force from the motor 30. Specifically, the motor control unit 45 performs regenerative braking control by turning on the upper FETs 60a and 60c, or the lower FETs 60b and 60d, of the drive circuit 50. This allows the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment to quickly stop the moving movable panel 10.

[0052] Furthermore, when the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment switches from drive control for generating driving force by the motor 30 to the regenerative braking control described above, it executes motor release control to disconnect all of the FETs 60a to 60d that constitute the drive circuit 50. This establishes an idling period for the movable panel 10 that allows free rotation of the motor 30. Furthermore, the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment is configured to thereby suppress vibration and sound when the movable panel 10 is stopped.

[0053] In detail, Figure 4 As shown, after stopping drive control, the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment counts the edges of the pulse signal Sp synchronized with the rotation of the motor 30, i.e., the movement of the movable panel 10, specifically, the falling edges, thereby measuring the movement distance X of the movable panel 10. The period from when the count number N reaches the predetermined number N1 is set as the idling period α of the movable panel 10.

[0054] In addition, if Figure 5As shown, the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment measures the elapsed time t after stopping the drive control, and sets the period from the elapsed time t to the predetermined time t1 as the idling period α of the movable panel 10 .

[0055] Specifically, in the sunroof device 11 of this embodiment, the idling period α of the movable panel 10 is set based on the movement distance X of the movable panel 10 after the drive control for generating the driving force of the electric motor 30 is stopped, and the time t that has elapsed since the drive control was stopped. Furthermore, the device is configured such that regenerative braking control is executed after the idling period α has elapsed.

[0056] That is, Figure 6 As shown in the flowchart, when the moving movable panel 10 is stopped by the driving force of the motor 30 (step 101: Yes), the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment first stops the drive control that generates the driving force for the movable panel 10 by the motor 30 (step 102). Next, the motor control unit 45 reads the predetermined number N1 and the predetermined time t1 from a storage area (not shown) and thereby sets the idle period α after the drive control is stopped (step 103). Furthermore, the motor control unit 45 provides a counter that measures the number N of counts of the pulse signal Sp after the drive control is stopped and a timer that measures the elapsed time t (N=0, t=0, step 104). The motor control unit 45 then executes motor release control to turn off all FETs 60a-60d of the drive circuit 50, thereby allowing the motor 30 to rotate freely (step 105).

[0057] The motor control unit 45 of this embodiment then determines whether the count number N of the pulse signal Sp, which is synchronized with the rotation of the motor 30, i.e., the movement of the movable panel 10, has reached a predetermined number N1 (step 106), and also determines whether the elapsed time t has reached a predetermined time t1 (step 107). If the count number N is less than the predetermined number N1 (N < N1, step 106: No), and the elapsed time t has not reached the predetermined time t1 (t < t1, step 107: No), the motor release control of step 105 is executed again.

[0058] Furthermore, if the motor control unit 45 of this embodiment determines in step 106 that the count number N has reached the predetermined number N1 (N ≥ N1, step 106: Yes), it determines that the idling period α has elapsed (step 108). Furthermore, if the motor control unit 45 determines in step 107 that the elapsed time t has reached the predetermined time t1 (t ≥ t1, step 107: Yes), it also determines in step 108 that the idling period α has elapsed. The motor control unit 45 of this embodiment then switches the currently executed control mode of the electric motor 30 to regenerative braking control (step 109).

[0059] In the sunroof device 11 of the present embodiment, the regenerative braking control is continued until a predetermined time period has elapsed, and the sunroof device 11 of the present embodiment can thereby reliably stop the movable panel 10 .

[0060] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0061] Specifically, by setting the idle period α, the load shift of the movable panel 10 caused by the reversal of the load direction during the transition from drive control to braking control is stabilized. Furthermore, even during the idle period α, the movement speed of the movable panel 10 is reduced due to sliding resistance. This also suppresses the generation of vibration and noise associated with the execution of regenerative braking control.

[0062] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0063] (1) The ECU 40, serving as an opening and closing control unit, controls the movement of the movable panel 10, serving as an opening and closing member, provided in the sunroof opening 3 of the vehicle 1 by controlling the energization of the electric motor 30, which serves as a driving source. Furthermore, when the moving movable panel 10 is stopped by the driving force of the electric motor 30, the ECU 40 sets an idling period α that allows free rotation of the electric motor 30. After the idling period α has elapsed, braking control is executed to generate a braking force by the electric motor 30.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the load movement generated by the movable panel 10 can be stabilized by executing the braking control. Furthermore, the moving speed of the movable panel 10 can be reduced based on the sliding resistance until the braking control is executed. Furthermore, the vibration and sound generated when the movable panel 10 is stopped can be suppressed.

[0065] In particular, the movable panel 10 of the sunroof device 11 has a structure that, in many cases, tends to continue moving due to inertia even after the driving control is stopped. This structure also tends to generate vibration and noise due to the load shift caused by the braking control. Furthermore, since it is positioned close to the occupants of the vehicle 1, this structure improves quietness and, consequently, enhances the quality of the vehicle.

[0066] (2) The ECU 40 sets the idling period α based on the movement distance X of the movable panel 10 after stopping execution of the drive control for causing the electric motor 30 to generate the drive force.

[0067] According to the above configuration, even when the rotation of the motor 30 is fast and the moving speed of the movable panel 10 is fast, the idle period α can be appropriately passed to transition to the braking control, thereby suppressing the deviation of the stop position.

[0068] (3) The ECU 40 sets the idle period α based on the time t that has elapsed since the execution of the drive control for generating the driving force by the motor 30. Thus, even when the rotation of the motor 30 is slow and the moving speed of the movable panel 10 is slow, the idle period α can be appropriately used to shift to the braking control.

[0069] (4) The ECU 40 executes the regenerative braking control after the idling period α has elapsed.

[0070] According to the above configuration, the motor 30 can generate a braking force while suppressing heat generation of the motor 30. Furthermore, there is an advantage that braking control can be performed even if the motor 30 is a brushed DC motor.

[0071] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be implemented with modifications as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a range that does not technically conflict.

[0072] In the above embodiment, a sunroof device 11 is embodied, using a movable panel 10 provided in the sunroof opening 3 of a vehicle 1 as the opening and closing body. However, this is not limited to this embodiment, and the present invention can also be applied to other vehicle opening and closing body control devices, such as a power sliding door device, which uses a sliding door provided in a vehicle door opening as the opening and closing body. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this vehicle opening and closing control device, and can also be applied to motor control devices that can be used in other applications.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a brushed DC motor is used as the motor 30 serving as the drive source for the actuator 31. However, a brushless motor may also be used as the motor 30 for the actuator 31. Furthermore, in this case, the braking control is not limited to regenerative braking control; electromagnetic braking control using so-called phase-fixed energization, in which the energized phase is fixed, may also be performed.

[0074] Alternatively, it may be, for example, Figure 7 As shown, during the execution of the braking control, the duty ratio D of the switching element that turns on is gradually increased as time T passes, thereby gradually increasing the braking force generated by the motor 30. This can more appropriately suppress vibration and sound when the movable panel 10 is stopped.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the distance X moved by the movable panel 10 after the drive control is stopped is measured by counting the edges of the pulse signal Sp synchronized with the rotation of the motor 30. However, this is not limiting. The pulse signal Sp used to measure the distance X may also be synchronized with the movement of other components, such as the rotation of a reduction gear, as long as it is synchronized with the movement of the movable panel 10. Furthermore, the distance X moved by the movable panel 10 after the drive control is stopped may be measured by a method other than counting the pulse signal Sp.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the idling period α of the movable panel 10 is set based on the moving distance X of the movable panel 10 after the execution of the drive control is stopped and the elapsed time t after the execution of the drive control is stopped, but it can also be configured so that the idling period α is set based on either the moving distance X or the elapsed time t.

Claims

1. A vehicle opening and closing body control device, wherein: An opening and closing control unit is provided for controlling the operation of an opening and closing body provided at an opening of a vehicle by controlling the energization of an electric motor serving as a driving source. When the moving opening and closing body is stopped by the driving force of the motor, the opening and closing control unit sets an idling period that allows free rotation of the motor. When the movement distance of the opening and closing body reaches a predetermined movement distance after the drive control for generating the driving force of the motor is stopped, the opening and closing control unit determines that the idling period has elapsed. When the movement distance of the opening and closing body after the drive control is stopped does not reach the prescribed movement distance, but the time elapsed after the drive control is stopped reaches the prescribed time, the opening and closing control unit also determines that the idling period has passed. After the idling period has elapsed, the switching control unit performs braking control to cause the electric motor to generate a braking force.

2. The vehicle opening and closing body control device according to claim 1, wherein: The braking control is regenerative braking control.

3. The vehicle opening and closing body control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The opening and closing control unit gradually increases the braking force generated by the electric motor by executing the braking control.

4. The vehicle opening and closing body control device according to claim 1, wherein: The opening and closing body is a movable panel of the sunroof device.

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