Vehicle power window system, vehicle power window device

Abstract

To maintain a window lock function even when there is an abnormality in seat information sent from each seat to a driver seat.SOLUTION: A power window system 100 comprises: a driver seat power window device 1 installed in the driver seat; power window devices 2-4 installed in the seats other than the driver seat; and a network N that connects the devices. A control unit 10 of the driver seat power window device 1 includes a memory 12 that stores a parameter 12a necessary for controlling opening / closing of a window by the power window devices 2-4 of the other seats, and delivers the necessary parameter to the power window device of the seat, based on the seat information transmitted from the power window devices 2-4. When there is an abnormality in the seat information, the driver seat power window device 1 notifies all the power window devices 2-4, via the network N, of an effective or ineffective state of a window lock corresponding to an operation state of a window lock switch 19.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power window system that opens and closes a vehicle window by a motor based on operation of a switch. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, in a four-wheeled motor vehicle, a power window device is provided corresponding to each of the driver's seat, front passenger seat, left rear seat and right rear seat, the power window device comprising a switch for operating opening and closing of a window, a motor that opens and closes the window via an opening and closing mechanism in response to operation of the switch, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the window. The power window device provided at the driver's seat is provided with, in addition to a switch for opening and closing the driver's seat window, switches for remotely opening and closing the windows of the front passenger seat, the left rear seat and the right rear seat. Further, the power window devices provided at the front passenger seat, the left rear seat and the right rear seat are each provided with a switch for opening and closing only the window of the corresponding seat. The power window device at the driver's seat and the power window devices at the front passenger seat, the left rear seat and the right rear seat are connected via a network such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and a power window system is configured by these power window devices and the network. Specific examples of such a power window system are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5.

[0003] Further, in a four-wheeled motor vehicle or the like, if a child or infant operates the operation switch without permission in a seat other than the driver's seat, particularly in the rear seat, there is a risk that the window will close and pinch a hand, neck or the like. Therefore, in order to avoid this, a window lock switch for disabling operation of switches in seats other than the driver's seat is provided in the power window device at the driver's seat. Patent Document 6 and Patent Document 7 describe a power window device provided with such a window lock switch.

[0004] Generally, power window systems use a motor module that integrates the motor and control unit. In this case, since multiple power window systems are installed in a vehicle, multiple motor modules with the same specifications and performance are often used for a single vehicle. However, there are physical individual differences in the windows and their opening and closing mechanisms for each seat that are controlled, such as shape and friction coefficients between components. For example, the shape and weight of the front and rear window panes of a vehicle differ, and the friction coefficient between the window pane and surrounding components (such as the opening and closing mechanism and window frame) also differs. Furthermore, even between vehicles of different make and model, the shape and weight of the window panes of one vehicle differ from those of another, and the friction coefficient between the window pane and surrounding components also differs between vehicles.

[0005] Therefore, in order to operate control targets with individual differences using motor modules with identical specifications and performance, each motor module must recognize its corresponding control target and control the motor so that the control target operates correctly. For this reason, it is conceivable to pre-store the control parameters for the corresponding control target in the memory of each motor module. However, since these parameters differ for each control target, managing multiple motor modules that store these parameters would require assigning different part numbers to each motor module and managing them separately, which would make handling cumbersome.

[0006] As a countermeasure, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it is conceivable to store the control parameters for the controlled objects of each seat in the memory of the driver's seat power window device. In Patent Document 1, the driver's seat power window device reads the parameters corresponding to the controlled object of each seat from its memory based on the seat information sent from the power window devices of each seat, i.e., the information for identifying that seat, and distributes these to the power window devices of each seat. In this way, it is not necessary to store the parameters in the memory of each motor module, so even when using multiple motor modules with the same specifications and performance, it is not necessary to manage each module separately with a different part number. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-47413 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-47414 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-48663 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-135493 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-150194 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-161132 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-352268 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As described in Patent Documents 1-3, in a system in which the driver's seat power window device distributes control parameters to each seat based on seat information sent from each seat, if there is an error or other abnormality in the seat information, the driver's seat power window device cannot identify the seat to which the parameters should be distributed, making distribution impossible. Conventionally, in such cases, communication between the driver's seat and the other seats would fail, rendering all functions, including window locking, inoperable.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a power window system that can maintain the window lock function even if there is an abnormality in the seat information sent from each seat to the driver's seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The power window system of the present invention comprises a first power window device provided for the driver's seat of a vehicle, a second power window device provided for seats other than the driver's seat of a vehicle, and a network connecting the first power window device and the second power window device. The first power window system includes a driver's side switch for operating the driver's side window, other side switches for operating the other side windows, a first motor for operating the driver's side window based on the operation of the driver's side switch, and a first control unit for controlling the operation of the first power window system and communicating bidirectionally with the second power window system via a network. The second power window device includes a seat switch for operating the opening and closing of the window of the seat corresponding to the device, a second motor for opening and closing the window of the seat based on the operation of the seat switch, and a second control unit for controlling the operation of the second power window device and communicating bidirectionally with the first power window device via a network. The first control unit has a memory in which parameters necessary for controlling the opening and closing of windows by the second power window device are pre-stored. The second control unit transmits seat information for seats corresponding to the second power window device to the first control unit via the network. When the first control unit receives seat information from the second control unit, it reads the parameters corresponding to the seat information from the memory and transmits these parameters via the network to the second control unit that sent the seat information. In the power window system described above, the first power window device has a window lock switch for enabling or disabling the operation of the seat switch in the second power window device. When the first control unit receives abnormal seat information from the second control unit, it notifies the second power window device, which corresponds to all seats other than the driver's seat, via the network whether to enable or disable the window lock according to the operation status of the window lock switch.

[0011] In this configuration, if there is an abnormality in the seat information transmitted from the second power window device located in a seat other than the driver's seat to the first power window device located in the driver's seat, all second power window devices are notified whether the window lock is enabled or disabled according to the operation status of the window lock switch. Therefore, when a second power window device receives notification that the window lock is disabled, it can perform the predetermined window opening and closing operation based on the operation of the switch in its own seat. As a result, all functions do not become disabled as in the conventional system, and the window lock function necessary for ensuring safety can be maintained.

[0012] In the present invention, the second control unit prohibits the opening and closing of the window based on the operation of the seat switch when the window lock is enabled, and when the window lock is disabled, If an automatic operation is performed using the seat switch for a seat with abnormal seat information, the automatic window opening and closing function will be disabled. You may do so.

[0013] In the present invention, if the window lock is disabled, the second control unit may permit manual operation to open and close the window manually based on the fact that manual operation has been performed using the seat switch.

[0015] In the present invention, when the window lock is disabled, the second control unit, when an automatic operation is performed using the seat switch, Instead of the prohibited automatic operation, Manual operation, allowing the windows to be opened and closed manually, may be permitted.

[0016] In the present invention, when the window lock is disabled, the second control unit, when an automatic operation is performed using the seat switch, Instead of the prohibited automatic operation, You may allow a small, precise movement to open and close the window.

[0017] In the present invention, the first control unit may not send parameters to the second control unit that sent abnormal seat information, but may send parameters to the second control unit that sent normal seat information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, a power window system capable of maintaining a window lock function can be provided even when there is an abnormality in seat information transmitted from each seat to the driver's seat. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle power window system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing parameters stored in a memory. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a seat determination method. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining transmission and reception of seat information and parameters performed between a driver's seat and other seats. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transmission / reception state when seat information is abnormal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of measures taken when seat information is abnormal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of measures taken when seat information is abnormal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a power window device for a driver's seat. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of a power window device for other seats. [MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts throughout the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, "PW" in the drawings is an abbreviation for "power window device", and "WL" is an abbreviation for "window lock".

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle power window system according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as the "power window system"). The power window system 100 is installed in a vehicle consisting of four wheels. The power window system 100 comprises a driver's seat power window device 1 provided for the driver's seat of the vehicle, other seat power window devices 2 to 4 provided for seats other than the driver's seat, and a network N connecting these power window devices 1 to 4.

[0022] The rear power window system consists of a passenger-side power window system 2, a rear left-side power window system 3, and a rear right-side power window system 4, corresponding to the rear right-side seat. Each power window system 1-4 is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 50 via a network N. The ECU 50 is an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the vehicle and is a higher-level device for each power window system 1-4. The network N consists of the LIN (Local Interconnect Network) and other components, as mentioned at the beginning.

[0023] The driver's side power window system 1 is equipped with a control unit 10, individual seat switches 13, a motor 18, and a window lock switch 19. The control unit 10 has a CPU 11 and memory 12, and controls the operation of the driver's side power window system 1, as well as communicating bidirectionally with the other seat power window systems 2-4 via the network N. The memory 12 stores in advance the parameters 12a necessary for controlling the opening and closing of each seat window. Details of these parameters 12a will be described later. The control unit 10 is also provided with a port P1 to which the individual seat switches 13 are connected.

[0024] Each seat switch 13 is equipped with a driver's seat switch 14 for operating the driver's side window, a passenger seat switch 15 for operating the passenger side window, a rear left seat switch 16 for operating the rear left seat window, and a rear right seat switch 17 for operating the rear right seat window.

[0025] The motor 18 is connected to an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the driver's seat window. Rotation in one direction opens the window via the opening / closing mechanism, and rotation in the other direction closes the window via the opening / closing mechanism. In this embodiment, the motor 18 is integrated with the control unit 10 to form a motor module.

[0026] The window lock switch 19 is a switch that enables or disables the operation of the window opening and closing switches in each seat other than the driver's seat. When the window lock switch 19 is ON, the window lock is enabled, and the operation of the passenger seat switch 23, rear left seat switch 33, and rear right seat switch 43 (described later) is disabled, preventing the opening and closing of the windows. When the window lock switch 19 is OFF, the window lock is disabled, and the operation of switches 23, 33, and 43 is enabled, allowing the opening and closing of the windows.

[0027] The passenger-side power window device 2 is equipped with a control unit 20, a passenger-side switch 23, and a motor 24. The control unit 20 has a CPU 21 and a memory 22, and controls the operation of the passenger-side power window device 2, as well as communicating bidirectionally with the control unit 10 of the driver-side power window device 1 via the network N. The memory 22 does not have the aforementioned parameters pre-stored, but it has an area for storing parameters distributed from the driver-side power window device 1 via the network N. The control unit 20 is also provided with a port P2 to which the passenger-side switch 23 is connected.

[0028] The passenger-side switch 23 is a switch that operates the opening and closing of the passenger-side window and has the same function as the passenger-side switch 15 located in the driver's seat. The motor 24 is connected to an opening and closing mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the passenger-side window. Rotation in one direction opens the window via the opening and closing mechanism, and rotation in the other direction closes the window via the opening and closing mechanism. This motor 24 is also integrated with the control unit 20 to form a motor module.

[0029] The rear left seat power window device 3 is equipped with a control unit 30, a rear left seat switch 33, and a motor 34. The control unit 30 has a CPU 31 and a memory 32, and controls the operation of the rear left seat power window device 3, and communicates bidirectionally with the control unit 10 of the driver's seat power window device 1 via the network N. The memory 32 does not have the aforementioned parameters stored in it beforehand, but it has an area for storing parameters distributed from the driver's seat power window device 1 via the network N. The control unit 30 is also provided with a port P3 to which the rear left seat switch 33 is connected.

[0030] The rear left seat switch 33 is a switch that operates the opening and closing of the rear left seat window and has the same function as the rear left seat switch 16 located in the driver's seat. The motor 34 is connected to an opening and closing mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the rear left seat window. Rotation in one direction opens the window via the opening and closing mechanism, and rotation in the other direction closes the window via the opening and closing mechanism. This motor 34 is also integrated with the control unit 30 to form a motor module.

[0031] The rear right seat power window device 4 is equipped with a control unit 40, a rear right seat switch 43, and a motor 44. The control unit 40 has a CPU 41 and a memory 42, and controls the operation of the rear right seat power window device 4, and communicates bidirectionally with the control unit 10 of the driver's seat power window device 1 via the network N. The memory 42 does not have the aforementioned parameters pre-stored, but it has an area for storing parameters distributed from the driver's seat power window device 1 via the network N. The control unit 40 is also provided with a port P4 to which the rear right seat switch 43 is connected.

[0032] The rear right seat switch 43 is a switch that operates the opening and closing of the rear right seat window and has the same function as the rear right seat switch 17 located in the driver's seat. The motor 44 is connected to an opening and closing mechanism (not shown) for opening and closing the rear right seat window. Rotation in one direction opens the window via the opening and closing mechanism, and rotation in the other direction closes the window via the opening and closing mechanism. This motor 44 is also integrated with the control unit 40 to form a motor module.

[0033] In the power window system 100 described above, the driver's side power window device 1 corresponds to the "first power window device" of the present invention, the passenger side power window device 2, the rear left side power window device 3, and the rear right side power window device 4 correspond to the "second power window device" of the present invention. Furthermore, the control unit 10 corresponds to the "first control unit" of the present invention, and the control units 20, 30, and 40 correspond to the "second control unit" of the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the passenger seat switch 15, the rear left seat switch 16, and the rear right seat switch 17 in the driver's seat correspond to the "other seat switches" of the present invention. Also, the passenger seat switch 23, the rear left seat switch 33, and the rear right seat switch 43 in seats other than the driver's seat correspond to the "own seat switches" of the present invention. In addition, motor 18 corresponds to the "first motor" of the present invention, and motors 24, 34, and 44 correspond to the "second motor" of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an example of control parameters 12a stored in the memory 12 of the driver's side power window device 1. The parameters 12a are stored in memory 12 in a table format, associated with vehicle information. The control unit 10 obtains this parameter table from the ECU 50 via the network N.

[0036] In Figure 2, "Vehicle 01, Vehicle 02, ... Vehicle 12" in the vehicle information column represent the vehicle type. "Front seats" represent the driver's seat and passenger seat, and "rear seats" represent the rear left seat and rear right seat. Parameters are set for the front seats and rear seats for each vehicle type. Here, it is assumed that there is no difference in the window mechanism between the left and right front seats (driver's seat and passenger seat), so the parameters are not distinguished between the driver's seat and passenger seat. Similarly, it is assumed that there is no difference in the window mechanism between the left and right rear seats (rear left seat and rear right seat), so the parameters are not distinguished between the rear left seat and rear right seat. Therefore, two types of parameters are set for each vehicle: one for the front seats and one for the rear seats.

[0037] Specific examples of parameters 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. include, for example, the weight of the window glass, the coefficient of friction between the window glass and the surrounding components, the amount of movement of the window glass, the speed of movement of the window glass, and the threshold required for detecting foreign object entrapment.

[0038] Next, the procedure for when the driver's side power window device 1 distributes the parameter 12a stored in memory 12 to the other power window devices 2 to 4 will be described. This distribution of parameter 12a is performed during the initial setup of the power window system 100.

[0039] During initial setup, the motor module and switches are connected in each power window device 1 to 4. Specifically, in the driver's side power window device 1, each seat switch 13 is connected to port P1 of the control unit 10 that constitutes the motor module. At this time, a voltage determined according to the type of voltage divider circuit (not shown) that spans the motor module and each seat switch 13, and the type of harness (not shown) connected to port P1 is applied. This voltage value is in the range from Va to Vb (DR) as shown in Figure 3, which indicates that the seat on which the power window device 1 is installed is the driver's seat. Specific examples of the above-mentioned voltage divider circuit and harness are described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0040] In addition, in the passenger-side power window device 2, the passenger-side switch 23 is connected to port P2 of the control unit 20 that constitutes the motor module. At this time, a voltage determined according to the type of voltage divider circuit (not shown) that spans the motor module and the passenger-side switch 23, and the type of harness (not shown) connected to port P2 is applied. This voltage value is in the range of Vc to Vd (AS) as shown in Figure 3, which indicates that the seat on which the power window device 2 is installed is the passenger seat.

[0041] Furthermore, in the rear left seat power window device 3, the rear left seat switch 33 is connected to port P3 of the control unit 30 that constitutes the motor module. At this time, a voltage determined according to the type of voltage divider circuit (not shown) that spans the motor module and the rear left seat switch 33, and the type of harness (not shown) connected to port P3 is applied. As shown in Figure 3, this voltage value is in the range from Ve to Vf (RL), which indicates that the seat on which the power window device 3 is installed is the rear left seat.

[0042] Furthermore, in the rear right seat power window device 4, the rear right seat switch 43 is connected to port P4 of the control unit 40 that constitutes the motor module. At this time, a voltage determined according to the type of voltage divider circuit (not shown) that spans the motor module and the rear right seat switch 43, and the type of harness (not shown) connected to port P4 is applied. As shown in Figure 3, this voltage value is in the range of Vg to Vh (RR), which indicates that the seat on which the power window device 4 is installed is the rear right seat.

[0043] In this way, the control units 10, 20, 30, and 40 of each power window unit 1 to 4 determine which seat their respective power window unit is installed in based on the applied voltage values ​​of ports P1 to P4. Therefore, this voltage value is a form of seat information for identifying a seat. The control units 20, 30, and 40 of the passenger-side power window unit 2, the rear left-side power window unit 3, and the rear right-side power window unit 4 transmit their respective seat information to the control unit 10 of the driver's side power window unit 1 via the network N.

[0044] Next, the control unit 10 of the driver's side power window device 1 obtains vehicle information from the ECU 50 via the network N. Then, the control unit 10 refers to the parameter table (Figure 2) in the memory 12 and reads the front and rear seat parameters from the parameters 12a that correspond to the relevant vehicle information. Subsequently, the control unit 10 transmits the read front seat parameters to the control unit 20 of the passenger side power window device 2 via the network N, and transmits the read rear seat parameters to the control units 30 and 40 of the rear left side power window device 3 and the rear right side power window device 4, respectively, via the network N.

[0045] When the control unit 20 of the passenger-side power window device 2 receives parameters for the front seat from the driver-side power window device 1, it stores these parameters in a predetermined area of ​​the memory 22. Then, the control unit 20 controls the motor 24 based on these parameters and performs a predetermined window opening and closing operation.

[0046] Furthermore, when the control unit 30 of the rear left power window device 3 receives rear seat parameters distributed from the driver's side power window device 1, it stores these parameters in a predetermined area of ​​the memory 32. The control unit 30 then controls the motor 34 based on these parameters to perform a predetermined window opening and closing operation.

[0047] Furthermore, when the control unit 40 of the rear right power window device 4 receives rear seat parameters distributed from the driver's side power window device 1, it stores these parameters in a predetermined area of ​​the memory 42. Based on these parameters, the control unit 40 controls the motor 44 to perform a predetermined window opening and closing operation.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 10 of the driver's side power window device 1 reads the front seat parameter corresponding to the relevant vehicle information from the parameters 12a stored in the memory 12, and controls the motor 18 based on this parameter to perform a predetermined window opening and closing operation.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 show the transmission and reception of seat information and parameters between the driver's side power window unit 1 and the other power window units 2-4. Figure 4 shows the case where all the seat information received by the driver's side power window unit 1 from the other power window units 2-4 is normal, i.e., the applied voltages of ports P2-P4 are within the AS, RL, and RR ranges shown in Figure 3. In this case, parameters are transmitted from the driver's side power window unit 1 to all of the other power window units 2-4.

[0050] In contrast, Figure 5 shows a case where the seat information received by the driver's side power window device 1 from the rear right side power window device 4 is abnormal, that is, when the applied voltage at port P4 is outside the range of RR in Figure 3. Possible causes of such an abnormality include a break in the resistor of the voltage divider circuit mentioned above or a short circuit. If the seat information is abnormal, parameter transmission from the driver's side power window device 1 to the rear right side power window device 4 will not occur. On the other hand, parameter transmission will occur to the passenger side power window device 2 and the rear left side power window device 3, which have transmitted normal seat information.

[0051] Thus, in the case of Figure 5, even if some of the seat information is abnormal, the system does not stop distributing parameters to all power window devices 2-4 other than the driver's seat. Instead, it continues to distribute parameters to power window devices 2 and 3 that have transmitted normal seat information, thus continuing a degraded operation with limited system functionality.

[0052] Figures 6 and 7 show examples of degraded operation in the present invention. Figure 6(a) is an example corresponding to Figure 5 described above, in which, in the driver's seat power window device 1, when switches 15 to 17 of the other seats among the seat switches 13 other than the driver's seat are operated, if the seat information is normal, parameters are sent to the operated other seat and the power window device of that other seat is driven. On the other hand, if the seat information is abnormal, parameters are not sent to the other seat and the power window device of that other seat is not driven. However, parameters are sent to other seats with normal seat information and the power window device of that other seat is driven.

[0053] Figures 6(b) to 6(d) show examples where the degraded operation does not occur. As mentioned above, if the seat information is abnormal, the parameters will not be delivered to that seat. However, the cessation of parameter delivery is different from a communication interruption where the communication line is physically cut and bidirectional communication becomes impossible. Therefore, it is possible for the driver's seat power window device 1 to communicate with the power window devices 2 to 4 of the other seats. Thus, in Figures 6(b) to 6(d), even if the seat information of the other seats is abnormal, the same functionality as in normal operation is guaranteed for predetermined functions based on communication from the driver's seat to the other seats. This will be explained in detail below.

[0054] Figure 6(b) shows an example where the operation of the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats is permitted depending on the operating state of the window lock switch 19 of the driver's side power window device 1. When the window lock switch 19 is ON, the window lock is enabled, and when the window lock switch 19 is OFF, the window lock is disabled. Therefore, if the window lock switch 19 is OFF, this is notified to the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats, and the operation of each device is permitted. As a result, even if the seat information is abnormal, the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats can be operated by operating the switches 23, 33, and 43 in their own seats. However, automated operation is prohibited. On the other hand, if the window lock switch 19 is ON, it notifies the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats and disables the operation of each device.

[0055] Figure 6(c) shows an example where the operation of power window devices 2-4 in other seats is permitted depending on the ignition status. If the ignition switch (not shown) of the driver's seat power window device 1 is ON, it notifies the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats of permission to operate. As a result, even if the seat information is abnormal, the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats can be operated by operating the switches 23, 33, and 43 in their own seats. However, automated operation is prohibited. On the other hand, if the ignition switch is OFF, it notifies the power window devices 2-4 in the other seats that operation is prohibited.

[0056] Figure 6(d) shows an example where the function of illuminating the door handle LED when the vehicle's small lights (parking lights) are turned on continues even if the seat information is abnormal. In this case, it is also possible to keep the door handle LED of the seat with abnormal seat information off.

[0057] The measures shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d) can be combined and implemented as appropriate. They can also be combined and implemented in combination with the measures shown in Figure 7, which will be described below.

[0058] Figure 7 shows examples of degraded operation when manual and automatic operation are performed using the switches 23, 33, and 43 at the driver's seat for power window devices 2-4 other than the driver's seat. When seat information is normal, the operation is performed according to the switch operation. That is, if manual operation is selected, the manual operation of opening and closing the window is performed, and if automatic operation is selected, the automatic operation of opening and closing the window is performed. On the other hand, if seat information is abnormal, if manual operation is selected, the manual operation is performed as selected, but if automatic operation is selected, the automatic operation is prohibited and only manual operation is permitted.

[0059] In other words, in automatic operation mode, a degradation function is activated due to abnormal seat information, restricting the opening and closing of the window. The reason for this is that parameters (including parameters for pinch detection) are not sent to seats with abnormal seat information, so if automatic operation is allowed, it would be impossible to detect if a foreign object gets caught, thus jeopardizing safety. On the other hand, even if manual operation is allowed, the window is opened and closed according to the user's will, so there is no risk of pinching.

[0060] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the driver's side power window device 1. Each step in this flowchart is executed by the CPU 11 of the control unit 10. For convenience, the processes executed by the power window devices 2-4 of the other seats are also included (steps shown by dashed lines).

[0061] In step S1, when the driver's side power window device 1 receives seat information from the power window devices 2-4 of the other seats, step S2 determines whether the seat information is normal or not. If the determination is that the seat information is normal (step S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3, where the necessary parameters are extracted from the parameters 12a stored in memory 12 and distributed to the power window device of that seat.

[0062] Subsequently, in step S4, if the power window device of the seat in question receives notification that a switch operation has been performed in another seat (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5 to check whether the window lock is disabled or not. If the window lock switch 19 is OFF, the window lock is disabled (step S5: YES), and in this case, step S6 notifies that the window lock is disabled. This disabled notification is received by the power window device of the other seat (step S7).

[0063] Next, in step S8, an operation instruction is sent to the power window device of the other seat where the switch operation was performed, instructing it to perform the action corresponding to that operation. This operation instruction is received by the power window device of the other seat (step S9).

[0064] On the other hand, in step S5, if the window lock switch 19 is ON and the window lock is enabled (step S5: NO), the window lock is enabled and this is notified in step S10. This enabled notification is received by the power window device in the other seat (step S11).

[0065] Furthermore, if the seat information is abnormal in step S2 (step S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S12 to check whether the window lock is disabled or not. If the window lock is disabled (step S12: YES), step S13 notifies that the window lock is disabled. This disabled notification is received by the power window device of another seat (step S14). On the other hand, if the window lock is enabled in step S12 (step S12: NO), step S15 notifies that the window lock is enabled. This enabled notification is received by the power window device of another seat (step S16).

[0066] If the seat information is abnormal in step S2, the driver's side power window unit 1 will be unable to receive communication from the other seat power window units 2-4, and therefore will not be able to receive information about switch operations in the other seats. However, since communication from the driver's side power window unit 1 to the other seat power window units 2-4 is possible, it is possible to notify the other seat power window units 2-4 of the window lock status.

[0067] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of power window devices 2-4 in other seats. Each step in this flowchart is executed by the CPUs 21, 31, and 41 of the control units 20, 30, and 40 of each device.

[0068] In step S101, seat information is obtained from the voltage values ​​applied to ports P2 to P4 of control units 20, 30, and 40 by the connection of switches 23, 33, and 44 (Figure 3). Subsequently, in step S102, this seat information is transmitted to the driver's side power window device 1. In the next step, S103, it is determined whether or not the parameters distributed from the driver's side power window device 1 in step S3 of Figure 8 were received.

[0069] If parameters are received (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to step S104 to receive the window lock status (enabled or disabled) from the driver's side power window device 1. Then, if switches 23, 33, and 44 are operated, this is determined in step S105.

[0070] Next, the process proceeds to step S106, where it is determined whether or not the operation instruction transmitted from the driver's side power window device 1 in step S8 of Figure 8 has been received. If the operation instruction has been received (step S106: YES), in step S107, it is checked whether or not the window lock status received in step S104 is invalid. If the window lock is invalid (step S107: YES), the process proceeds to step S108, where the operation corresponding to the switch operation in step S105 is executed. On the other hand, if the window lock is valid (step S107: NO), the process ends without executing step S108.

[0071] Furthermore, if no operation instruction is received in step S106 (step S106: NO), step S109 checks whether a switch operation was detected for a certain period of time. If no switch operation was detected for a certain period of time (step S109: NO), the process terminates. If a switch operation was detected for a certain period of time (step S109: YES), step S110 checks whether the window lock status is invalid. If the window lock is invalid (step S110: YES), the process proceeds to step S111 to execute a manual operation based on the switch operation. On the other hand, if the window lock is enabled (step S110: NO), the process terminates without executing step S111.

[0072] Furthermore, if parameters cannot be received in step S103 (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S112 to receive the window lock status (enabled or disabled) from the driver's side power window device 1. Then, if switches 23, 33, and 44 are operated, this is determined in step S113.

[0073] If parameters could not be received in step S103, i.e., if the seat information was abnormal, the other power window devices 2-4 would not be able to receive individual information from the driver's side power window device 1, and therefore would not be able to receive the operation instructions in step S8 of Figure 8. However, since communication from the driver's side power window device 1 to the other power window devices 2-4 is possible, the other power window devices 2-4 can receive the window lock status.

[0074] Next, in step S114, it is checked whether a switch operation was detected for a certain period of time. If no switch operation was detected for a certain period of time (step S114: NO), the process terminates. If a switch operation was detected for a certain period of time (step S114: YES), in step S115, it is checked whether the window lock state is disabled. If the window lock is disabled (step S115: YES), the process proceeds to step S116 to execute a manual operation based on the switch operation. On the other hand, if the window lock is enabled (step S115: NO), the process terminates without executing step S116.

[0075] According to the embodiment described above, if there is an abnormality in the seat information transmitted from the power window devices 2-4 located in seats other than the driver's seat to the driver's seat power window device 1, the activation or deactivation of the window lock, depending on the operating state of the window lock switch 19, is notified to all of the power window devices 2-4 other than the driver's seat. Therefore, when the power window devices 2-4 receive notification that the window lock is deactivated, they can perform predetermined window opening and closing operations under certain restrictions based on the operation of switches 23, 33, and 43. For example, automatic operation is prohibited, but manual operation is permitted (Figure 7).

[0076] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, if there is an abnormality in the seat information, the power window device that transmitted the abnormal seat information will not receive the parameters, but the parameters will be delivered to the other power window devices. Therefore, the power window device that transmitted normal seat information can use the delivered parameters to perform normal operation (Figure 6(a)).

[0077] As a result, even if there is an anomaly in the seat information, all functions will not become inoperable as in the past, and the window lock function necessary for ensuring safety can be maintained.

[0078] In addition to the embodiments described above, various other embodiments can be adopted in this invention.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, when automatic operation was performed in power window devices 2-4 other than the driver's seat, only manual operation was allowed and automatic operation was prohibited. Instead of the prohibited automatic operation, You may allow a small, precise movement to open and close the window.

[0080] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described an example in which four power window devices 1 to 4 are installed in the vehicle, the number of power window devices to be installed is not limited to this and should be determined according to the type of vehicle.

[0081] Furthermore, although LIN was given as an example of network N in the above embodiment, other networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) or CAN (Controller Area Network) may be used instead.

[0082] Furthermore, although the above embodiment used an automobile as an example of a vehicle, it goes without saying that the power window system of the present invention can also be installed in vehicles other than automobiles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Driver's side power window device (first power window device) 2. Passenger-side power window device (second power window device) 3. Rear left seat power window device (second power window device) 4. Rear right seat power window device (second power window device) 10 Control Unit (First Control Unit) 20, 30, 40 Control Unit (Second Control Unit) 12, 22, 32, 42 memory 12a Parameters 14. Driver's seat switch 15. Passenger seat switch (other seat switches) 16. Rear left seat switch (other seat switch) 17. Rear right seat switch (other seat switches) 23. Passenger seat switch (own seat switch) 33. Rear left seat switch (own seat switch) 43. Rear right seat switch (own seat switch) 18 Motor (First Motor) 24, 34, 44 motors (second motor) 19 Window lock switch 100 Vehicle Power Window System N Network

Claims

1. A first power window device installed in accordance with the driver's seat of the vehicle, A second power window device provided for seats other than the driver's seat of the vehicle, The system includes a network connecting the first power window device and the second power window device, The first power window device is A driver's side switch for operating the driver's side window, Other seat switches for operating windows other than the driver's seat, A first motor that opens and closes the driver's seat window based on the operation of the aforementioned driver's seat switch, The system includes a first control unit that controls the operation of the first power window device and communicates bidirectionally with the second power window device via the network, The second power window device is A seat switch for operating the window of the seat corresponding to the device, A second motor that opens and closes the window of the seat based on the operation of the seat switch, The system includes a second control unit that controls the operation of the second power window device and communicates bidirectionally with the first power window device via the network, The first control unit has a memory in which parameters necessary for controlling the opening and closing of the window by the second power window device are stored in advance. The second control unit transmits seat information for the seat corresponding to the second power window device to the first control unit via the network. In a vehicle power window system, the first control unit, upon receiving seat information from the second control unit, reads parameters corresponding to the seat information from the memory and transmits these parameters via the network to the second control unit that transmitted the seat information, The first power window device has a window lock switch for enabling or disabling the operation of the driver's seat switch in the second power window device. A vehicle power window system characterized in that, when the first control unit detects an abnormality in the seat information received from the second control unit, it notifies the second power window device, which corresponds to all seats other than the driver's seat, via the network whether the window lock is enabled or disabled according to the operating status of the window lock switch.

2. In the vehicle power window system according to claim 1, The second control unit is, If the aforementioned window lock is enabled, the opening and closing of the window based on the operation of the seat switch is prohibited. A vehicle power window system characterized in that, if the window lock is disabled, the automatic operation of opening and closing the window is prohibited when the automatic operation is performed using the seat switch for the seat where there is an abnormality in the seat information.

3. In the vehicle power window system according to claim 2, The second control unit is, A vehicle power window system characterized in that, if the window lock is disabled, it allows manual operation to open and close the window manually based on the fact that manual operation has been performed using the driver's seat switch.

4. In the vehicle power window system according to claim 2, The second control unit is, A vehicle power window system characterized in that, when the window lock is disabled and the automatic operation is performed using the driver's seat switch, it allows manual operation to open and close the window manually instead of the prohibited automatic operation.

5. In the vehicle power window system according to claim 2, The second control unit is, A vehicle power window system characterized in that, when the window lock is disabled and the automatic operation is performed using the driver's seat switch, it permits an inching operation that opens and closes the window by a limited amount, instead of the prohibited automatic operation.

6. In the vehicle power window system according to claim 1, The first control unit is, The parameter is not transmitted to the second control unit that transmitted abnormal seat information. A vehicle power window system characterized in that it transmits the parameters to the second control unit that has transmitted normal seat information.

7. A power window device provided in a vehicle corresponding to the driver's seat and connected via a network to other power window devices provided in seats other than the driver's seat, A driver's side switch for operating the driver's side window, Other seat switches for operating windows other than the driver's seat, A motor that opens and closes the driver's seat window based on the operation of the aforementioned driver's seat switch, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the power window device and communicates bidirectionally with other power window devices via the network, The control unit, The system has a memory in which parameters necessary for controlling the opening and closing of the window by the aforementioned other power window device are pre-stored. In a vehicle power window device, upon receiving seat information for a seat corresponding to the device from the aforementioned other power window device, the device reads parameters corresponding to the seat information from the memory and transmits these parameters via the network to the aforementioned other power window device that transmitted the seat information, The system includes a window lock switch for enabling or disabling the operation of a switch that controls the opening and closing of a window, which is provided on the other power window device. A vehicle power window device characterized in that, when the control unit detects an abnormality in the seat information received from the other power window devices, it notifies the other power window devices corresponding to all seats other than the driver's seat, via the network, whether to enable or disable the window lock according to the operating status of the window lock switch.

8. A power window device provided for seats other than the driver's seat of a vehicle, and connected via a network to other power window devices provided for the driver's seat, A seat switch to operate the opening and closing of the window at your seat, A motor that opens and closes the window at the user's seat based on the operation of the aforementioned seat switch, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the power window device and communicates bidirectionally with other power window devices via the network, The control unit, The seat information of the user's seat is transmitted to the other power window device via the network. In a vehicle power window device that receives parameters necessary for controlling the opening and closing of the window at the user's seat from the aforementioned other power window device, A vehicle power window device characterized in that, when there is an abnormality in the seat information received by the other power window device, the device receives from the other power window device via the network whether the window lock is enabled or disabled according to the operating state of a window lock switch provided in the other power window device for enabling or disabling the operation of the seat switch.

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