Drive member control device

Abstract

To provide a drive member control device that enables suppression of wasteful power consumption.SOLUTION: A power window system 2 includes a control unit 8 that controls a motor M for driving a window glass 1 and stops supplying power to the motor M when the window glass 1 is locked. The control unit 8 changes a supply time from the start of locking until the power supply to the motor M is stopped depending on the motor temperature and the ambient temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive member control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some driving member control devices, such as power window control devices, protect the motor by restricting the amount of current flowing through the motor when the estimated heat generation temperature of the motor exceeds a regulated value (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this driving member control device, the initial temperature of the motor is estimated based on a temperature signal from a temperature sensor when the system is started, and a regulated value is determined according to the initial temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-11610 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the drive member control device, it may be necessary to continue supplying power to the motor for a certain period of time, for example, from when the drive member hits a frame or the like at the operation end position and is locked, in order to ensure the end state. For example, if the drive member is a window glass, it is necessary to continue supplying power to the motor for a certain period of time from when the window glass hits the frame at the fully closed position and is locked, in order to ensure the fully closed state.

[0005] However, in the conventional driving member control device, the power supply time from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor is set to a constant value, and it is necessary to set the power supply time long so as to guarantee the final state of the driving member regardless of the motor temperature, the ambient temperature, etc. Therefore, in the conventional driving member control device, when the driving member is locked, more power than necessary may be supplied to the motor. This causes the motor temperature to rise unnecessarily, and ultimately causes the operation of the motor to be restricted early.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drive member control device that is capable of suppressing an increase in motor temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The drive member control device (2) that solves the above problem is a drive member control device (2) that controls a motor (M) that drives a drive member (1) and is equipped with a control unit (8) that stops power supply to the motor when the drive member is locked, and the control unit changes the supply power from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor in accordance with at least one of the motor temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0008] With this configuration, the control unit changes the power supplied from the time locking begins to the time power supply to the motor is stopped in accordance with at least one of the motor temperature and the ambient temperature, thereby making it possible to suppress an increase in motor temperature while ensuring the terminal state of the driving member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power window device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 5 is a graph showing motor temperature versus time in one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a graph showing motor temperature versus time in one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a supply time setting process of a control unit according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power window control device will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Fig. 1, a motor M in a power window device 2 serving as a drive member control device is drivingly connected to a window glass 1 serving as a drive member provided in a vehicle door D via a regulator (not shown) or the like. The motor M drives the window glass 1 to open and close.

[0011] The power window device 2 includes a rotation detection sensor 3 such as a Hall IC that detects the rotation speed of a motor M. The power window device 2 also includes a control unit 8 that controls the duty ratio of a drive circuit 7 based on a signal from the rotation detection sensor 3, a signal from an operation switch 4, a signal from a temperature sensor 5, the voltage of a battery 6, and the like, to supply a drive voltage to the motor M. The temperature sensor 5 in this embodiment is, for example, an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the outside air temperature to be displayed on a vehicle display. The control unit 8 includes a memory 9. The memory 9 stores various information including various preset threshold values ​​and the like.

[0012] The control unit 8 supplies power to the motor M to drive the window glass 1 to open or close in response to, for example, operation of the operation switch 4. In addition, the control unit 8 stops the power supply to the motor M, for example, when the window glass 1 reaches a fully closed position and abuts against the frame of the vehicle door D to be locked. At this time, the control unit 8 changes the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M in response to the motor temperature and the ambient temperature. The control unit 8 detects the start of locking of the window glass 1 based on a signal from the rotation detection sensor 3.

[0013] More specifically, when the motor temperature is low, the control unit 8 reduces the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 compares the motor temperature with a preset motor temperature threshold value and changes the power supply in two stages.

[0014] Furthermore, when the ambient temperature is high, the control unit 8 reduces the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 compares the ambient temperature with a preset ambient temperature threshold value and changes the power supply in two stages.

[0015] Furthermore, the control unit 8 changes the power supply time to change the power supply. That is, the control unit 8 changes the power supply time from when the locking starts to when the power supply to the motor M is stopped to change the power supply.

[0016] In addition, the control unit 8 estimates the motor temperature. More specifically, the control unit 8 in this embodiment estimates the motor temperature based on the drive voltage supplied to the motor M, the number of rotations corresponding to the signal from the rotation detection sensor 3, and the elapsed time.

[0017] In addition, the control unit 8 acquires the ambient temperature from a temperature sensor 5 for other purposes. In detail, the control unit 8 in this embodiment acquires the ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 5, which is an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the outside air temperature.

[0018] Next, the specific operation and function of the power window device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when the operation switch 4 is operated to close the window glass 1, the control unit 8 supplies a drive voltage to the motor M and performs a supply time setting process in steps S1 and thereafter for each extremely short control period.

[0019] In step S1, the control unit 8 estimates the motor temperature and acquires the ambient temperature, and then proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the control unit 8 determines whether the estimated motor temperature is greater than a preset motor temperature threshold Z1, and if it determines that the estimated motor temperature is greater than the motor temperature threshold Z1, it proceeds to step S3, and if it determines that the estimated motor temperature is equal to or less than the motor temperature threshold Z1, it proceeds to step S4.

[0020] In step S3, the control unit 8 determines whether the acquired ambient temperature is greater than a preset ambient temperature threshold, and if it determines that the ambient temperature is greater than the ambient temperature threshold, it proceeds to step S5, and if it determines that the ambient temperature is equal to or less than the ambient temperature threshold, it proceeds to step S6.

[0021] Also, in step S4, the control unit 8 determines whether the acquired ambient temperature is greater than a preset ambient temperature threshold, and if it determines that the ambient temperature is greater than the ambient temperature threshold, it proceeds to step S7, and if it determines that the ambient temperature is equal to or less than the ambient temperature threshold, it proceeds to step S8.

[0022] In step S5, the control unit 8 sets the supply time from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M to the first supply time T1, and ends the process. Furthermore, in step S6, the control unit 8 sets the supply time from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M as the second supply time T2, and ends the process.

[0023] Furthermore, in step S7, the control unit 8 sets the supply time from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M to a third supply time T3, and ends the process. Furthermore, in step S8, the control unit 8 sets the supply time from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M to a fourth supply time T4, and ends the process.

[0024] Here, the first supply time T1 is set to a time shorter than the second supply time T2 in order to reduce the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M when the ambient temperature is high.

[0025] Moreover, the third supply time T3 is set to a time shorter than the fourth supply time T4 in order to reduce the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M when the ambient temperature is high.

[0026] Moreover, the third supply time T3 is set to a time shorter than the first supply time T1 in order to reduce the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M when the motor temperature is low.

[0027] Moreover, the fourth supply time T4 is set to a time shorter than the second supply time T2 in order to reduce the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M when the motor temperature is low.

[0028] In addition, the first supply time T1, the second supply time T2, the third supply time T3, and the fourth supply time T4 are each set to a time that can guarantee the terminal state of the driving member, more specifically, a time that can guarantee the fully closed state of the window glass 1.

[0029] Then, when the window glass 1 reaches the fully closed position and hits the frame of the vehicle door D, power supply to the motor M continues for the supply time set by the above-mentioned supply time setting process, and then power supply to the motor M is stopped.

[0030] Next, the effects of the above embodiment will be described below. (1) The control unit 8 changes the power supplied from the time locking begins to the time power supply to the motor M is stopped in accordance with the motor temperature and the ambient temperature. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption and prevent the motor temperature from rising while ensuring that the window glass 1 remains fully closed.

[0031] In detail, when the motor temperature is low, the control unit 8 reduces the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M, thereby making it possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption and suppress an increase in motor temperature while ensuring the fully closed state of the window glass 1. That is, due to the characteristics of the motor M, when the motor temperature is low, the torque is higher than when the motor temperature is high, so that the fully closed state of the window glass 1 can be guaranteed even if the power supply from the start of locking is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption and suppress an increase in motor temperature.

[0032] Furthermore, when the ambient temperature is high, the control unit 8 reduces the power supply from when locking starts until power supply to the motor M is stopped, so that it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption and suppress an increase in motor temperature while ensuring the fully closed state of the window glass 1. In other words, when the ambient temperature is high, the sliding resistance of each part such as the glass run is smaller than when the ambient temperature is low, so that it is possible to ensure the fully closed state of the window glass 1 even if the power supply from when locking starts is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption and suppress an increase in motor temperature.

[0033] This makes it possible to prevent the motor temperature from increasing unnecessarily, and therefore to prevent the operation of the motor M from being restricted prematurely. Specifically, for example, as shown by the characteristic X1 in Fig. 2, in the power window device 2 of this embodiment, the time until the operation of the motor M is limited and the number of times it is driven are increased compared to the conventional characteristic X2 in the case where the power supply time is set to a constant value. That is, Fig. 2 shows the characteristic X1 of the embodiment when the operation of fully closing the window glass 1 is repeated, and the conventional characteristic X2 in the case where the power supply time is set to a constant value.

[0034] In the conventional characteristic X2, for example, when locking of the window glass 1 starts at time t1, the power supply time until power supply to the motor M is stopped is long despite the low motor temperature, and the rapid temperature rise at the time of locking continues for a relatively long time. In contrast, in the characteristic X1 of the present embodiment, for example, when locking of the window glass 1 starts at time t1, the motor temperature is equal to or lower than the motor temperature threshold Z1, so the power supply time until power supply to the motor M is stopped is short, and the rapid temperature rise at the time of locking ends relatively quickly. Note that the motor temperature threshold Z1 is a preset value used by the control unit 8 to determine the supply time until power supply to the motor M is stopped, as described above.

[0035] As a result, when the operation of fully closing the window glass 1 is repeated, in the conventional characteristic X2, if the full closing is repeated three times, the new operation prohibition threshold Z2 is exceeded and a new operation is restricted. In addition, in the characteristic X1 of this embodiment, if the full closing is repeated four times, the new operation prohibition threshold Z2 is exceeded and a new operation is restricted, so that the operation of fully closing can be performed one more time than in the conventional characteristic X2 and can be performed one time longer in terms of time. Note that the new operation prohibition threshold Z2 is a threshold for prohibiting the start of a new operation. Also, FIG. 2 shows an operation prohibition threshold Z3 that forcibly stops the supply of power to the motor M and stops the operation even in the middle of the operation, for example.

[0036] Of course, depending on the set values ​​of the new operation prohibition threshold Z2 and the operation prohibition threshold Z3, the operation timing of the motor M, etc., the waveform may differ from the characteristic X1 of this embodiment and the conventional characteristic X2.

[0037] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the operation of fully closing the window glass 1 is repeated, the conventional characteristic X4 reaches the operation prohibition threshold Z3 after four full closing operations, and the operation is stopped even in the middle of the operation. Moreover, in the characteristic X3 of the present embodiment, the operation prohibition threshold Z3 is reached after five full closing operations, and the operation is stopped even in the middle of the operation. Even in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, the characteristic X3 of the present embodiment can perform the fully closing operation one more time than the conventional characteristic X4, and can perform the fully closing operation one time longer in terms of time. Of course, if various conditions are different, in the present embodiment, the fully closing operation can be performed two or more times more than the conventional one, and can be performed two or more times longer in terms of time.

[0038] (2) The control unit 8 changes the supply power by changing the power supply time from when locking begins to when power supply to the motor M is stopped. This makes it possible to ensure that the window glass 1 is fully closed with simple control while reducing unnecessary power consumption and suppressing the rise in motor temperature.

[0039] (3) Because the control unit 8 estimates the motor temperature, a motor temperature sensor is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced, compared to a configuration using a dedicated motor temperature sensor that directly detects the motor temperature.

[0040] (4) Since the control unit 8 obtains the ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 5 for other purposes, a dedicated ambient temperature sensor is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced, compared to a configuration that uses, for example, a dedicated ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature.

[0041] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 changes the power supply from the start of locking to the stop of power supply to the motor M in accordance with the motor temperature and the ambient temperature. However, the power supply may be changed in accordance with only either the motor temperature or the ambient temperature.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 changes the supply power by changing the power supply time from when the locking starts until the power supply to the motor M is stopped, but this is not limited to the above, and for example, the supply power may be changed by changing the drive voltage. That is, the control unit 8 may change the drive voltage by controlling the duty ratio of the drive circuit 7 from when the locking starts until the power supply to the motor M is stopped, depending on the motor temperature and the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 8 may change the supply power during locking by changing the power supply time and the drive voltage.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 estimates the motor temperature based on the drive voltage supplied to the motor M, the number of rotations corresponding to the signal from the rotation detection sensor 3, and the elapsed time, but this is not limiting and the motor temperature may be estimated based on other information. For example, an ammeter that detects the drive current of the motor M may be provided in the power window device 2, and the motor temperature may be estimated based on the current value obtained from the ammeter and the elapsed time.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 estimates the motor temperature, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the power window device 2 may be provided with a dedicated motor temperature sensor that directly detects the motor temperature, and the motor temperature may be obtained from the motor temperature sensor.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 acquires the ambient temperature from the temperature sensor 5, which is an outside air temperature sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this and may acquire the ambient temperature from a temperature sensor for other purposes. For example, the control unit 8 may acquire the ambient temperature from a temperature sensor of a door ECU provided in the vehicle door D.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 acquires the ambient temperature from a temperature sensor 5 for other purposes. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the power window device 2 may be provided with a dedicated ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature, and the ambient temperature may be acquired from the ambient temperature sensor.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 compares the motor temperature with a preset motor temperature threshold Z1 and changes the power supply during locking, more specifically the supply time, in two stages, but multiple motor temperature thresholds may be set and the power supply during locking may be changed in three or more stages. Also, the control unit 8 may be configured to input the motor temperature into a pre-stored calculation formula to calculate the power supply during locking, without comparing the motor temperature with the preset motor temperature threshold Z1.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 compares the ambient temperature with a preset ambient temperature threshold and changes the supply power, more specifically the supply time, in two stages, but multiple ambient temperature thresholds may be set and the supply power during locking may be changed in three or more stages. Also, the control unit 8 may be configured to input the ambient temperature into a pre-stored arithmetic expression to calculate the supply power during locking, without comparing the ambient temperature with a preset ambient temperature threshold.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 performs control to change the power supply from the start of locking when the window glass 1 reaches the fully closed position. However, this is not limited to this, and the control may also be performed to change the power supply from the start of locking when the window glass 1 reaches the fully open position.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the driving member is the power window device 2 in which the window glass 1 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be embodied in another driving member control device that drives another driving member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1...window glass (driving member), 2...power window device (driving member control device), 5...temperature sensor, 8...control unit, M...motor.

Claims

A drive member control device (2) comprising a control unit (8) that controls a motor (M) for driving a window glass (1) and stops power supply to the motor when the window glass reaches a fully closed position and hits against a frame of a vehicle door, wherein the control unit changes supply power from the start of locking until power supply to the motor is stopped according to at least one of a motor temperature and a surrounding temperature. **Claim 2** The drive member control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reduces the supply power from the start of locking until power supply to the motor is stopped when the motor temperature is low. **Claim 3** The drive member control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit reduces the supply power from the start of locking until power supply to the motor is stopped when the surrounding temperature is high. **Claim 4** The drive member control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit changes the supply power by changing a power supply time. **Claim 5** The drive member control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit changes the supply power by changing a drive voltage. **Claim 6** The drive member control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit estimates the motor temperature. **Claim 7** The drive member control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit obtains the surrounding temperature from a temperature sensor (5) for other uses.

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