Patent Grant
8826592
The present invention relates to a window regulator device for automatically opening and closing a window glass of a vehicle by a force that is generated by a power source such as an electric motor. In particular, the present invention relates to a window regulator device including object pinching detection means for detecting pinching of a foreign object when the foreign object is pinched between a window glass and a window frame.
Conventionally, window glasses mounted onto a side window, a roof window, and the like of a vehicle are manually opened and closed, but currently, most window glasses of a vehicle are automatically opened and closed by a force that is generated by a power source such as an electric motor. When the window glass is automatically closed, a foreign object may be pinched between the window glass and the window frame. There has already been developed a window regulator device having an anti-pinch function, in which when the pinching of the foreign object is detected, an operation of the window glass in a closing direction (closing operation) is stopped, or an operation direction of the window glass is reversed, to thereby eliminate the pinching.
The window regulator device having the anti-pinch function includes object pinching detection means for detecting the pinching of the foreign object. The object pinching detection means equipped in the window regulator device described in Japanese Utility Model Examined Publication No. Hei 7-18864 includes an input-side rotator rotatable by a rotational drive force of a drive motor serving as a power source for opening and closing the window glass, a disk-like contact element arranged so as to be rotatable integrally with the input-side rotator and axially movable, an output-side rotator placed between the input-side rotator and the contact element, and a contact point member arranged to be opposed to the contact element. The output-side rotator is rotated by a rotational drive force to be received from the input-side rotator via coil springs. Further, protrusions are formed on a surface of the output-side rotator facing the contact element, and through-holes for fitting the protrusions therein are formed in the contact element. When the contact element rotates along with the rotation of the input-side rotator, the protrusions are fitted into the through-holes so that the output-side rotator rotates integrally with the contact element.
When the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame, a rotation speed of the output-side rotator decreases, and hence the contact element rotates relative to the output-side rotator. Through the relative rotation, the protrusions formed on the output-side rotator push up the contact element. Therefore, the contact element axially moves while rotating. Through the axial movement of the contact element, switch brushes formed on the contact element are brought into contact with a conductive member formed on the contact point member. Through the contact between the switch brushes and the conductive member, the pinching is detected.
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 60-78082 discloses a window regulator device, in which the window glass is automatically operated in an opening direction (opened) when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame. According to the window regulator device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 60-78082, when an open/close position of the window glass during raising (closing) of the window glass is situated within a predetermined positional area that is set in advance and when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame, the anti-pinch processing is executed so that the window glass is lowered (opened).
According to the object pinching detection means described in Japanese Utility Model Examined Publication No. Hei 7-18864, at the time of pinching of the foreign object, the switch brushes formed on the contact element are brought into contact with the conductive member formed on the contact point member while the contact element is rotating, and hence object pinching detection accuracy deteriorates due to wear of the switch brushes and the conductive member. Further, the conductive member is formed into a ring shape along a rotational direction of the switch brushes, and hence the conductive member is large in size. Further, at the time of pinching of the foreign object, the contact element is pushed up while rotating, and hence the contact element may be inclined relative to the axial direction when the contact element is pushed up. The inclination leads to instability of the contact state between the switch brushes and the conductive member, with the result that the object pinching detection accuracy further deteriorates.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a window regulator device including object pinching detection means, in which deterioration in object pinching detection accuracy is suppressed.
The present invention discloses a window regulator device, including: a power source; an output shaft connected to the power source and rotatable by a force generated by the power source; a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting a rotational drive force of the output shaft to a window glass of a vehicle so as to open and close the window glass by the rotational drive force of the output shaft; and object pinching detection means for detecting whether or not a foreign object is pinched between the window glass and a window frame. The object pinching detection means includes: an input-side rotational member rotatable by the force of the power source; an output-side rotational member, which is coupled to the output shaft so as to be integrally rotatable and axially movable and is arranged coaxially with the input-side rotational member so as to face the input-side rotational member; an elastic member interposed between the input-side rotational member and the output-side rotational member so as to transmit a rotational drive force of the input-side rotational member to the output-side rotational member when the input-side rotational member rotates in one rotational direction; cam means formed respectively on opposed surfaces of the input-side rotational member and the output-side rotational member so that, when the input-side rotational member rotates in the one rotational direction relative to the output-side rotational member, the output-side rotational member is axially movable along with relative rotation of the input-side rotational member to the output-side rotational member; and an object pinching detection switch for performing a switching operation based on axial movement of the output-side rotational member.
According to the present invention, when the input-side rotational member rotates in the one rotational direction by the force of the power source, the rotation of the input-side rotational member is transmitted to the output-side rotational member via the elastic member, and the output-side rotational member also rotates. Through the rotation of the output-side rotational member, the output shaft, to which the output-side rotational member is coupled so as to be integrally rotatable, also rotates. The rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to the window glass by the drive force transmission mechanism, and accordingly the window glass is opened and closed.
When the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame, the operation of the window glass is stopped due to the pinching of the foreign object. The rotation of the output shaft is also stopped in association with the stop of operation of the window glass. Along with the stop of rotation of the output shaft, the rotation of the output-side rotational member, which is coupled to the output shaft so as to be integrally rotatable, is also stopped. However, the input-side rotational member continues to rotate by the force of the power source. Therefore, the input-side rotational member rotates relative to the output-side rotational member while compressing the elastic member. At this time, the output-side rotational member axially moves by the cam means formed respectively on the opposed surfaces of the input-side rotational member and the output-side rotational member. Based on the axial movement of the output-side rotational member, the object pinching detection switch is operated. Based on a change in switching state of the object pinching detection switch that is caused by such an operation, the pinching of the foreign object is detected.
As described above, according to the object pinching detection means mounted onto the window regulator device of the present invention, the output-side rotational member, which is axially movable in association with pinching when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame, is coupled on the output shaft side. Therefore, when the pinching has occurred, the output-side rotational member stops its rotation in association with the stop of rotation of the output shaft. Then, the output-side rotational member axially moves without rotation by an action of the cam means. Thus, wear due to rotation of the output-side rotational member or the like does not occur when the object pinching detection switch performs the switching operation based on the axial movement of the output-side rotational member. Accordingly, the deterioration in object pinching detection accuracy due to the wear is prevented. Further, the output-side rotational member axially moves without rotation, and hence the object pinching detection switch can be configured to perform the switching operation based only on a change of the output-side rotational member in the axial direction thereof. Thus, a compact object pinching detection switch can be obtained.
In the present invention, the electric motor may typically be employed as the “power source”, but any power source may be employed as long as the power source can apply rotational torque to the output shaft. Further, a switch of any type may be employed as the “object pinching detection switch” as long as the switch is switchable between switching states (for example, ON state and OFF state) based on the axial movement of the output-side rotational member. For example, as the object pinching detection switch, there may be employed a contact point switch including a substrate, a conductive portion formed on the substrate, and a movable piece having a base end coupled to a part of the conductive portion and having a tip end spaced apart from the substrate. Further, the object pinching detection switch may be structured so that a movable contact point is mounted onto the output-side rotational member and only a fixed contact point is formed on the substrate of the object pinching detection switch.
The output-side rotational member may be coupled to the output shaft so that the entire output-side rotational member is axially movable, or alternatively, the output-side rotational member may be coupled to the output shaft so that only at least a part of the output-side rotational member is axially movable. For example, the output-side rotational member may be structured so that the output-side rotational member includes two rotators and one of the rotators is coupled to the output shaft so as to be integrally rotatable and axially immovable while another of the rotators is assembled to the one of the rotators so as to be integrally rotatable and axially movable.
Further, the window regulator device of the present invention may include, for example, an ECU for outputting an instruction signal for executing anti-pinch processing based on the switching state of the object pinching detection switch, but may omit such an ECU. In a case where the window regulator device includes such an ECU, the anti-pinch processing is executed based on the instruction signal output from the ECU. On the other hand, in a case where the window regulator device does not include such an ECU, the object pinching detection switch itself is integrated into a drive circuit for driving the power source such as an electric motor, and the energized/non-energized state of the power source is switched or the direction of energization of the power source is switched in accordance with the switching state of the switch. With the above-mentioned structure, the anti-pinch processing can be executed without using the ECU, and hence the window regulator device having the anti-pinch function can be manufactured at lower cost.
Further, it is preferred that the cam means includes: an input-side projection/recess portion (or convexo concave portion) formed into a projecting shape or a recessed shape along a circumferential direction of the input-side rotational member and provided on a surface of the input-side rotational member facing the output-side rotational member; and an output-side projection/recess portion (or convexo concave portion) formed into a projecting shape or a recessed shape along a circumferential direction of the output-side rotational member and provided on a surface of the output-side rotational member facing the input-side rotational member, and the input-side projection/recess portion and the output-side projection/recess portion be arranged and formed so as to engage with each other when the input-side rotational member rotates in the one rotational direction relative to the output-side rotational member. It is further preferred that at least one of the input-side projection/recess portion and the output-side projection/recess portion include an engagement surface inclined relative to the one rotational direction, the engagement surface being formed so that the output-side rotational member is axially movable when the input-side projection/recess portion and the output-side projection/recess portion engage with each other.
Accordingly, when the input-side rotational member rotates in one direction relative to the output-side rotational member, the input-side projection/recess portion formed on the input-side rotational member and the output-side projection/recess portion formed on the output-side rotational member engage with each other. At the time of engagement, the counterpart member moves while sliding along the engagement surface formed in one or both of the input-side projection/recess portion and the output-side projection/recess portion, and accordingly the output-side rotational member axially moves relative to the input-side rotational member. With this structure, the output-side rotational member can be axially moved reliably at the time of relative rotation.
In this case, it is preferred that a plurality of input-side projection/recess portions having the same shape are provided along the circumferential direction of the input-side rotational member, and a plurality of output-side projection/recess portions having the same shape are provided along the circumferential direction of the output-side rotational member, the plurality of output-side projection/recess portions being equal in number to the plurality of input-side projection/recess portions. It is further preferred that the plurality of input-side projection/recess portions and the plurality of output-side projection/recess portions be disposed so that, when the input-side rotational member rotates in the one rotational direction relative to the output-side rotational member, all the plurality of input-side projection/recess portions simultaneously engage with all the plurality of output-side projection/recess portions.
Accordingly, the plurality of input-side projection/recess portions provided to the input-side rotational member along the circumferential direction of the input-side rotational member simultaneously engage with the plurality of output-side projection/recess portions provided to the output-side rotational member along the circumferential direction of the output-side rotational member, and hence the output-side rotational member axially moves while maintaining the horizontal state without being inclined in the circumferential direction. Thus, it is possible to prevent instability of the switching operation of the object pinching detection switch, which may be caused by the inclination of the output-side rotational member, with the result that the deterioration in object pinching detection accuracy is further suppressed.
It is preferred that the plurality of input-side projection/recess portions be disposed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the input-side rotational member, and the plurality of output-side projection/recess portions be disposed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the output-side rotational member. By virtue of this configuration, at the time of engagement between the input-side projection/recess portions and the output-side projection/recess portions, the output-side rotational member axially moves at constant speed over the circumferential direction. Thus, the horizontal state of the output-side rotational member is maintained at the time of axial movement. Note that, it is preferred that three or more input-side projection/recess portions and three or more output-side projection/recess portions each be disposed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. When the number of the respective projection/recess portions is three or more, the horizontal state of the output-side rotational member is reliably maintained at the time of axial movement.
Further, it is preferred that the input-side projection/recess portion and the output-side projection/recess portion be both formed into the projecting shape. Accordingly, when the input-side projection/recess portion and the output-side projection/recess portion engage with each other, the output-side projection/recess portion overrides the input-side projection/recess portion while sliding along the engagement surface, and accordingly the output-side rotational member axially moves so as to be spaced apart from the input-side rotational member. Based on the movement in this direction, the pinching is detected.
Further, it is preferred that the output-side rotational member includes: a driven plate, which is coupled to the output shaft so as to be integrally rotatable and axially immovable and is configured to receive the rotational drive force of the input-side rotational member via the elastic member when the input-side rotational member rotates in the one rotational direction; and an object pinching detection plate coupled to the driven plate so as to be integrally rotatable and axially movable. It is further preferred that the output-side projection/recess portion be formed on the object pinching detection plate. By virtue of this configuration, when the input-side rotational member rotates in the one rotational direction, the rotational drive force of the input-side rotational member is transmitted to the driven plate via the elastic member, and therefore the driven plate rotates. The rotation of the driven plate is transmitted to the output shaft and the object pinching detection plate, and therefore those components integrally rotate. Further, when the pinching is detected, the rotation of the output shaft, the driven plate, and the object pinching detection plate is stopped. At this time, through the engagement between the input-side projection/recess portion formed on the input-side rotational member and the output-side projection/recess portion formed on the object pinching detection plate, only the object pinching detection plate axially moves. Based on the axial movement of the object pinching detection plate, the pinching is detected.
Further, it is preferred that the input-side rotational member includes a worm wheel fitted into a worm rotatable by the force of the power source. It is further preferred that the input-side projection/recess portion be formed on the worm wheel. Accordingly, the force of the power source is reduced by a worm reduction mechanism formed of the worm and the worm wheel, and reduced rotation is transmitted to the output-side rotational member.
Further, it is preferred that the object pinching detection switch includes a fixed contact point and a movable contact point, and be disposed at such a position that a contact state between the movable contact point and the fixed contact point changes depending on the axial movement of the output-side rotational member. Accordingly, the simple object pinching detection switch including the movable contact point and the fixed contact point enables the detection of the pinching based on the axial movement of the output-side rotational member.
It is preferred that the power source be an electric motor including a first electric power supply terminal and a second electric power supply terminal, the electric motor being configured to generate a drive force for opening and closing the window glass through energization between the first electric power supply terminal and the second electric power supply terminal. In this case, it is preferred that the window regulator device further includes a drive circuit connected to the electric motor and having formed therein an energization path from an electric power source to the electric motor. With this structure, the electric motor is driven by the electric power supplied via the energization path formed in the drive circuit.
In this case, it is preferred that the drive circuit includes a first switch contact point, a second switch contact point, a first latching relay, a second latching relay, a first relay line, a second relay line, a third relay line, and a fourth relay line. It is further preferred that the object pinching detection switch be interposed midway in the third relay line, and configured to perform the switching operation so as to be brought into a non-conductive state when the foreign object is not pinched between the window glass and the window frame and brought into a conductive state when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame.
The first switch contact point includes: a first high voltage side input terminal connected to a positive terminal of the electric power source; a first low voltage side input terminal connected to a negative terminal of the electric power source; and a first output terminal to be selectively connected to the first high voltage side input terminal and the first low voltage side input terminal. The first switch contact point is configured so that the first high voltage side input terminal and the first output terminal are connected to each other when an operation position of an operation switch for operating opening and closing of the window glass is a window closing position, and the first low voltage side input terminal and the first output terminal are connected to each other when the operation position of the operation switch is a window opening position and when the operation switch is not operated.
The second switch contact point includes: a second high voltage side input terminal connected to the positive terminal of the electric power source; a second low voltage side input terminal connected to the negative terminal of the electric power source; and a second output terminal to be selectively connected to the second high voltage side input terminal and the second low voltage side input terminal. The second switch contact point is configured so that the second high voltage side input terminal and the second output terminal are connected to each other when the operation position of the operation switch is the window opening position, and the second low voltage side input terminal and the second output terminal are connected to each other when the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position and when the operation switch is not operated.
The first latching relay includes: a first reverse rotation excitation coil and a first forward rotation excitation coil connected on one end sides thereof by a first connection lead wire; a first reverse rotation terminal connected to the second electric power supply terminal; a first forward rotation terminal connected to the first electric power supply terminal; a first movable terminal connected to the first output terminal; and a first movable piece configured to connect the first reverse rotation terminal and the first movable terminal to each other when the first reverse rotation excitation coil is energized, and connect the first forward rotation terminal and the first movable terminal to each other when the first forward rotation excitation coil is energized.
The second latching relay includes: a second reverse rotation excitation coil and a second forward rotation excitation coil connected on one end sides thereof by a second connection lead wire; a second reverse rotation terminal connected to the first electric power supply terminal; a second forward rotation terminal connected to the second electric power supply terminal; a second movable terminal connected to the second output terminal; and a second movable piece configured to connect the second reverse rotation terminal and the second movable terminal to each other when the second reverse rotation excitation coil is energized, and connect the second forward rotation terminal and the second movable terminal to each other when the second forward rotation excitation coil is energized.
The first relay line connects the first output terminal to the first connection lead wire and the second connection lead wire. The second relay line is connected to another end side of the first reverse rotation excitation coil and another end side of the second reverse rotation excitation coil. The third relay line connects the second relay line to the second output terminal. The fourth relay line connects the first output terminal to another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil and another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil.
According to the window regulator device including the above-mentioned drive circuit, when the operation position of the operation switch for operating opening and closing of the window glass is the window closing position, the first high voltage side input terminal and the first output terminal of the first switch contact point are connected to each other, and the second low voltage side input terminal and the second output terminal of the second switch contact point are connected to each other. Further, the first movable terminal of the first latching relay is connected to the first forward rotation terminal under a normal state (state in which the first forward rotation excitation coil is energized), and the second movable terminal of the second latching relay is connected to the second forward rotation terminal under the normal state. Thus, the positive terminal of the electric power source is connected to the first electric power supply terminal of the electric motor via the first switch contact point and the first latching relay. Further, the negative terminal of the electric power source is connected to the second electric power supply terminal of the electric motor via the second switch contact point and the second latching relay. Under the above-mentioned connection state, a current flows through the electric motor from the first electric power supply terminal toward the second electric power supply terminal, and therefore the electric motor rotates in one direction (for example, forward rotation direction). Through the rotation of the electric motor in the one direction, the window glass is closed.
Meanwhile, when the operation position of the operation switch is the window opening position, the first low voltage side input terminal and the first output terminal of the first switch contact point are connected to each other, and the second high voltage side input terminal and the second output terminal of the second switch contact point are connected to each other. Thus, the positive terminal of the electric power source is connected to the second electric power supply terminal of the electric motor via the second switch contact point and the second latching relay, and the negative terminal of the electric power source is connected to the first electric power supply terminal of the electric motor via the first switch contact point and the first latching relay. Accordingly, a current flows through the electric motor from the second electric power supply terminal toward the first electric power supply terminal, and therefore the electric motor rotates in another direction (for example, reverse rotation direction). Through the rotation of the electric motor in the another direction, the window glass is opened.
When the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame at the time of closing the window glass, the object pinching detection switch is brought into the conductive state (ON state). Accordingly, both ends of the third relay line are brought into conduction, and there is formed a relay circuit connecting the first output terminal, the first relay line, the first reverse rotation excitation coil and the second reverse rotation excitation coil, the second relay line, the third relay line, and the second output terminal. A current flows through the relay circuit, and accordingly the first reverse rotation excitation coil and the second reverse rotation excitation coil are energized. Through the energization of the first reverse rotation excitation coil, the first movable piece is operated so that the first reverse rotation terminal of the first latching relay is connected to the first movable terminal. Through the energization of the second reverse rotation excitation coil, the second movable piece is operated so that the second reverse rotation terminal of the second latching relay is connected to the second movable terminal. In this manner, the latching relays are switched.
Through the switching operation of the latching relays, the positive terminal of the electric power source is connected to the second electric power supply terminal of the electric motor via the first switch contact point and the first latching relay. Further, the negative terminal of the electric power source is connected to the first electric power supply terminal of the electric motor via the second switch contact point and the second latching relay. Thus, a current flows through the electric motor from the second electric power supply terminal toward the first electric power supply terminal, and therefore the electric motor rotates in the another direction (for example, reverse rotation direction). Through the rotation of the electric motor in the another direction, the window glass is opened. That is, when the pinching is detected, the window glass is opened even in a case where the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position. Therefore, the pinching is eliminated.
As described above, the object pinching detection switch is integrated into the relay circuit, and the latching relays are switched based on the conductive state of the object pinching detection switch. Accordingly, without using the ECU or integrated circuit, the opening and closing operation of the window glass can be executed by the electric motor and the reverse operation can be executed by the electric motor at the time of anti-pinch processing.
According to the above-mentioned window regulator device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 60-78082, in order to perform the anti-pinch processing, an integrated circuit including a comparator, an AND element, an OR element, an inverter, and the like is used as the drive circuit of the electric motor. Therefore, the circuit structure becomes complicated and larger in size, and cost therefor is high. Even in a case of using a microcomputer such as a door ECU in order to perform the anti-pinch processing, cost therefor is similarly high. That is, in a case where the window regulator device having the anti-pinch function is manufactured by using the integrated circuit or ECU, the manufacturing cost is high. In contrast, according to the above-mentioned window regulator device of the present invention, the ECU or integrated circuit is not used. Therefore, the circuit structure is simple and the drive circuit is small in size. Further, the ECU or integrated circuit is not used, and hence the manufacturing cost for the drive circuit is low.
Note that, when the window glass is reversely operated (opened) through the detection of the pinching, the pinching is eliminated, and hence the object pinching detection switch is brought into the non-conductive state. Therefore, the above-mentioned relay circuit is not formed, and the energization of the first reverse rotation excitation coil and the second reverse rotation excitation coil is stopped. However, the first latching relay and the second latching relay maintain the switching states thereof even after the energization of the coils is stopped. Thus, even after the pinching is eliminated, the rotation of the electric motor in the another direction is maintained and thus the reverse operation (opening operation) of the window glass is continued.
Further, in a case where the latching relays are switched due to the pinching of the foreign object, when the operation switch is operated with their switching states unchanged, the opening and closing operation of the window glass is reversed. That is, when the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position, the window glass is opened, and when the operation position of the operation switch is the window opening position, the window glass is closed. In this case, when the operation of the operation switch is stopped after the anti-pinch processing, for example, a different circuit only needs to be used for applying a predetermined voltage between both ends of the first forward rotation excitation coil and both ends of the second forward rotation excitation coil, to thereby energize those coils. Through this energization, the switching states of both the latching relays are recovered to the original normal state (the first forward rotation terminal and the first movable terminal of the first latching relay are connected to each other, and the second forward rotation terminal and the second movable terminal of the second latching relay are connected to each other). After the recovery of the switching states of both the latching relays, the window glass is closed when the operation position of the operation switch becomes the window closing position, and the window glass is opened when the operation position of the operation switch becomes the window opening position.
Further, it is preferred that the drive circuit further includes: a connection line connecting the first relay line to the negative terminal side of the electric power source; a capacitor interposed in the connection line; and a diode, which is mounted onto the first relay line between a location connected to the connection line and a location connected to the first output terminal, and blocks a current flowing from a side connected to the connection line toward a side connected to the first output terminal.
By virtue of this configuration, at the time of closing the window glass, the capacitor interposed in the connection line is charged by a current flowing from the first output terminal via the first relay line to the connection line. Further, when the operation of the operation switch is stopped after both the latching relays are switched through the detection of the pinching, the electricity accumulated in the capacitor are discharged from the first switch contact point to the negative terminal side of the electric power source via the connection line, the first relay line, the first forward rotation excitation coil and the second forward rotation excitation coil, and the fourth relay line. Further, at this time, the diode, which is mounted onto the first relay line between the location connected to the connection line and the location connected to the first output terminal, hinders a discharge current of the capacitor from flowing from the first relay line directly to the first output terminal side without flowing through the fourth relay line.
The first forward rotation excitation coil and the second forward rotation excitation coil are energized by the above-mentioned discharge current of the capacitor. Through the energization of the first forward rotation excitation coil, the first movable piece is operated so that the first forward rotation terminal and the first movable terminal of the first latching relay are connected to each other. Through the energization of the second forward rotation excitation coil, the second movable piece is operated so that the second forward rotation terminal and the second movable terminal of the second latching relay are connected to each other. That is, both the latching relays are switched by the discharge current of the capacitor, and the switching states of both the latching relays are recovered to the original normal state. After the switching states of the latching relays are recovered to the normal state, the window glass is closed when the operation position of the operation switch becomes the window closing position, and the window glass is opened when the operation position of the operation switch becomes the window opening position. As described above, according to the present invention, when the operation of the operation switch is stopped after the start of the reverse operation due to the pinching, the latching relays are automatically recovered by the discharge current of the capacitor after the anti-pinch processing.
Further, it is preferred that the drive circuit further includes a diode, which is mounted onto the fourth relay line, and blocks a current flowing from a side connected to the first output terminal toward a side connected to the another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil and the another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil. When the pinching is detected, the diode hinders a current flowing from the fourth relay line toward the second relay line.
Further, it is preferred that the drive circuit further includes a diode, which is mounted onto the third relay line, and blocks a current flowing from a side connected to the second output terminal toward a side connected to the second relay line. The diode prevents a current, which is supplied from the electric power source at the time of the reverse operation due to the pinching, from flowing from the third relay line to the second relay line side.
Further, it is preferred that the drive circuit further includes: a fifth relay line connecting the first relay line and the second output terminal to each other; and a diode, which is mounted onto the fifth relay line, and blocks a current flowing from a side connected to the first relay line toward a side connected to the second output terminal. With this structure, at the time of the opening operation of the window glass, the capacitor is charged by a current flowing via the fifth relay line. Further, the above-mentioned diode hinders the discharge current of the capacitor from flowing from the fifth relay line directly to the second output terminal side without flowing through the fourth relay line.
The respective relay lines represent lines that form the relay circuit for energizing the first and second latching relays. Those relay lines may be connected directly to an energization target (first and second latching relays), or may be connected indirectly thereto via other relay line and electric power supply line. Further, the first relay line may be formed of two lines so that one of the lines is connected to the first connection lead wire and another of the lines is connected to the second connection lead wire. Alternatively, the first relay line may be formed of a single line branched midway so that one of the branched lines is connected to the first connection lead wire and another of the lines is connected to the second connection lead wire. Similarly, the second relay line and the fourth relay line may be formed of two lines, or alternatively, formed of a single line branched midway.
Further, it is preferred that the drive circuit further includes a position detection switch, which is interposed in the third relay line, and is configured to perform a switching operation based on whether or not an open/close position of the window glass is situated within a specific open/close position area that is set in advance. By virtue of this configuration, the object pinching detection switch and the position detection switch are connected in series on the third relay line, and hence both the ends of the third relay line are brought into conduction only when both the switches are held in the conductive state. Thus, the anti-pinch processing is executed only when the pinching is detected under a state in which the open/close position of the window glass is situated within the specific open/close position area.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described.
As illustrated in
The lift arm 93 is an elongated member and is formed into a tapered shape toward a tip end thereof. The lift arm 93 is fixed to a rotational center position of the sector gear 92 on a base end side thereof. Thus, when the sector gear 92 rotates about the pin 97, the lift arm 93 also rotates in the same direction about the pin 97. Further, a shoe 93a is coupled to the tip end of the lift arm 93.
The first guide rail member 94 is fixed substantially horizontally to a lower portion of the window glass W. A guide groove is formed in the first guide rail member 94 along a longitudinal direction thereof. The shoe 93a is slidably disposed in the guide groove. The second guide rail member 95 is fixed to the door panel. A guide groove is also formed in the second guide rail member 95 along a longitudinal direction thereof.
The equalizer arm 96 includes a first arm 961 and a second arm 962. Each of the first arm 961 and the second arm 962 is an elongated member. Both the arms are joined at base end sides thereof in the vicinity of a substantial center of the lift arm 93. The first arm 961 and the second arm 962 are linearly fixed so as to have the same axis in front view under the state in which both the arms are joined, and are rotatably coupled to the lift arm 93 in the vicinity of the center of the lift arm 93. Further, a shoe 961a is coupled to a tip end of the first arm 961. The shoe 961a is slidably disposed in the guide groove of the first guide rail member 94. A shoe is also coupled to a tip end of the second arm 962, and the shoe is slidably disposed in the guide groove of the second guide rail member 95. Thus, the tip end of the lift arm 93 and the tip end of the first arm 961 are coupled to the guide groove of the first guide rail member 94 via the shoes, and the tip end of the second arm 962 is coupled to the guide groove of the second guide rail member 95 via the shoe. Further, dimensions of the arms are adjusted so that the first guide rail member 94 and the second guide rail member 95 are arranged in parallel to each other.
The output shaft 3 is rotatably supported by the housing 8. The output shaft 3 is rotated by the rotational drive force of the electric motor 2. As described later, an output gear portion is formed in the output shaft 3, and the output gear portion meshes with the tooth portion 921 of the sector gear 92.
In this structure, when the output shaft 3 rotates clockwise in
Meanwhile, when the output shaft 3 rotates counterclockwise in
In the window regulator device including the arm-type drive force transmission mechanism 9 that is operated as described above, rotational motion of the lift arm 93 is converted into linear motion of the window glass W. Thus, at the time of the closing operation of the window glass W, the moment acting on the output shaft 3 due to the load of the window glass W changes depending on a rotational position of the lift arm 93.
The third housing portion 83 is arranged and formed at an upper portion of the second housing portion 82. The third housing portion 83 has a bottom surface 83a extending substantially horizontally to the right of
As illustrated in
The detection unit 5 is housed in the housing 8. The detection unit 5 includes an object pinching detection unit 6 and a position detection unit 7. The object pinching detection unit 6 is disposed in the second housing portion 82. The object pinching detection unit 6 includes a worm wheel 61, a drive force transmission spring 62, the driven plate 63, a washer 64, an object pinching detection plate 65, an object pinching detection switch 66, and a flat spring 67.
The worm wheel 61 is arranged at a lowermost portion of the internal space S of the second housing portion 82 in
A locking portion 611 is formed in the worm wheel 61. The locking portion 611 is held upright from the bottom surface portion 61d, and has a height larger than the height of the outer peripheral wall portion 61a. Further, a plurality of (in this embodiment, four) protruding pieces 612 formed into a projecting shape along a circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 61a are provided at regular intervals on an upper end surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 61a. Each of the protruding pieces 612 is formed into an arc shape along the outer peripheral wall portion 61a, and all the protruding pieces 612 have the same shape. The protruding piece 612 corresponds to an input-side projection/recess portion of the present invention.
The drive force transmission spring 62 is disposed on the bottom surface portion 61d of the worm wheel 61. The drive force transmission spring 62 is formed into an arc shape along the bottom surface portion 61d, and is locked at one end thereof by the locking portion 611. The drive force transmission spring 62 corresponds to an elastic member of the present invention.
The driven plate 63 is formed into a substantially disk shape, in which a part of the driven plate 63 in a circumferential direction thereof is cut out into a fan shape. The driven plate 63 has a large-diameter portion 63b having a large diameter and a small-diameter portion 63c having a small diameter, which are arranged with the part cut out into the fan shape as a border therebetween. A cross-like through-hole 63a is formed at a center portion of the driven plate 63. The engagement portion 35 of the output shaft 3 is fitted into the cross-like through-hole 63a. Accordingly, the driven plate 63 is coupled to the output shaft 3 so as to be rotatable integrally with the output shaft 3. Further, the driven plate 63 has its axial movement regulated by the washer 64 arranged at an upper portion of the driven plate 63. In the second housing portion 82, the driven plate 63 having such a shape is coaxially disposed above the worm wheel 61. At this time, the locking portion 611 formed in the worm wheel 61 protrudes through a gap formed by the part of the driven plate 63 cut out into the fan shape, and accordingly interference between the locking portion 611 and the driven plate 63 is prevented. Further, a first protruding piece 63d is formed in the driven plate 63 so as to extend, in
The object pinching detection plate 65 includes a rotary plate 651 formed into a stepped disk shape, and a plurality of protruding pieces 652 provided at regular intervals and formed into a projecting shape along a circumferential direction of the rotary plate 651 in the vicinity of an outer peripheral edge of a lower surface of the rotary plate 651 in
Further, an arc-like long hole 651b is formed in the rotary plate 651 along the circumferential direction thereof. When the object pinching detection unit 6 is housed in the second housing portion 82, the second protruding piece 63e formed in the driven plate 63 and the locking portion 611 formed in the worm wheel 61 protrude through the long hole 651b.
The plurality of protruding pieces 652 are provided along the circumferential direction of the rotary plate 651. Distances in a radial direction from the center of the rotary plate 651 to the protruding pieces 652 are equal to one another. Each of the protruding pieces 652 is formed into an arc shape along the circumferential direction of the rotary plate 651, and all the protruding pieces 652 have the same shape. The number of the protruding pieces 652 is equal (in this embodiment, four) to the number of the protruding pieces 612 formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 61a of the worm wheel 61. The distance in the radial direction from the center of the rotary plate 651 to each of the protruding pieces 652 is equal to a distance in the radial direction from the center of the worm wheel 61 to each of the protruding pieces 612 formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 61a. Thus, when the assembly of the object pinching detection plate 65 and the driven plate 63 (output-side rotational member) is arranged above the worm wheel 61 (input-side rotational member), the protruding pieces 652 face the upper end surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 61a of the worm wheel 61. When the worm wheel 61 and the object pinching detection plate 65 rotate about the output shaft 3, the protruding pieces 652 and the protruding pieces 612 rotate concyclically. The protruding pieces 652 correspond to an output-side projection/recess portion of the present invention.
A tapered surface 612a is formed in each protruding piece 612. When the worm wheel 61 rotates in an X direction in
Further, a tapered surface 652a is formed in each protruding piece 652. The tapered surface 652a is formed on a side where the protruding piece 612 approaches when the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction relative to the object pinching detection plate 65. That is, the tapered surface 652a is a surface facing the tapered surface 612a of the protruding piece 612. The tapered surface 652a is inclined relative to the X direction so that a bottom surface side of the protruding piece 652 is longer than a leading end side thereof. Due to the presence of the tapered surface 652a, the protruding piece 652 has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape in side view.
Further, as can be seen from
As illustrated in
The object pinching detection switch 66 is arranged immediately above the object pinching detection plate 65 in
Note that, a lubricant such as grease is generally applied to a meshing surface between the worm and the worm wheel 61. In order to prevent the grease from flying, a flying prevention plate 4 is provided. The flying prevention plate 4 is placed at a position on the bottom surface 83a of the third housing portion 83, at which the flying prevention plate 4 surrounds the space S in the second housing portion 82.
The position detection unit 7 is disposed in the third housing portion 83. As illustrated in
The operation lever 73 is disposed below the first gear 71 and the second gear 72 in
Further, the operation lever 73 has a first arm portion 73b extending toward one side (right side of
The retention spring 74 is housed in the retention spring housing partition wall 83c that is formed in the third housing portion 83. As illustrated in
As can be seen from
The reverse operation area detection switch 76 is disposed immediately above the second gear 72. Specifically, the reverse operation area detection switch 76 is fixed at such a position that, when the second gear 72 rotates, the leading end portion of the movable piece 763 may be brought into contact with the cam 72a formed on the second gear 72 over a length direction thereof. When the leading end portion of the movable piece 763 is held in contact with the cam 72a, the leading end portion of the movable piece 763 is pressed by the cam 72a and is brought into contact with the second conductive portion 762b on the substrate 761, with the result that the switching state of the reverse operation area detection switch 76 becomes the ON state. On the other hand, when the leading end of the movable piece 763 is not held in contact with the cam 72a, the leading end portion of the movable piece 763 is spaced apart from the second conductive portion 762b on the substrate 761, with the result that the switching state of the reverse operation area detection switch 76 becomes the OFF state. Note that, the insensitive area detection switch 75 and the reverse operation area detection switch 76 may be formed directly on the lid 84.
In the window regulator device structured as described above, when the rotation of the electric motor 2 is transmitted to the worm wheel 61 and the worm wheel 61 rotates in the arrow X direction of
On the other hand, when the worm wheel 61 rotates in an arrow X′ direction of
Next, a switching operation of the object pinching detection switch 66 is described. When the foreign object is not pinched between the window glass W and the window frame at the time of the closing operation of the window glass W, the rotational drive force of the electric motor 2 is transmitted to the output shaft 3 with no change. At this time, the worm wheel 61 and the object pinching detection plate 65 integrally rotate in synchronization.
On the other hand, when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass W and the window frame at the time of the closing operation of the window glass W, the closing operation (raising) of the window glass W is interrupted due to the presence of the foreign object. Therefore, the rotation of the output shaft 3 is stopped. Along with the stop of rotation of the output shaft 3, the rotation of the driven plate 63 and the object pinching detection plate 65 is also stopped. However, the worm wheel 61 continues to rotate in the X direction of
When the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction relative to the object pinching detection plate 65, the distance between the protruding piece 612 formed on the worm wheel 61 and the protruding piece 652 formed on the object pinching detection plate 65 is reduced, and then both the protruding pieces interfere with each other.
When the object pinching detection plate 65 is pushed upward through the engagement between the protruding pieces 612 and 652, as illustrated in
As can be seen from the above description, when the object pinching detection plate 65 does not axially move (is not pushed up), that is, when the pinching does not occur, the switching state of the object pinching detection switch 66 becomes the OFF state, and when the object pinching detection plate 65 axially moves (is pushed up) in the direction in which the object pinching detection plate 65 is spaced apart from the worm wheel 61, that is, when the pinching has occurred, the switching state of the object pinching detection switch 66 becomes the ON state. In other words, when the distance between the object pinching detection plate 65 and the worm wheel 61 at the time when the object pinching detection plate 65 is not pushed up is defined as “A” (see
Further, at the time of pinching of the foreign object, the rotation of the object pinching detection plate 65 is stopped in association with the stop of rotation of the output shaft 3. Therefore, the object pinching detection plate 65 axially moves without rotation, and is brought into contact with the movable piece 663 of the object pinching detection switch 66 without rotation. Therefore, wear due to rotation does not occur when the object pinching detection plate 65 and the movable piece 663 are brought into contact with each other. Thus, deterioration in object pinching detection accuracy due to the wear is prevented.
Next, an operation of the position detection unit 7 is described. As can be seen from
In
When the window glass W is closed in a range from the fully opened position to the insensitive area start position, the projecting portion 72b formed on the second gear 72 rotates in the X′ direction along the solid line arrow S of
When the second gear 72 does not engage with the operation lever 73, the rotational drive force of the output shaft 3 is not transmitted to the operation lever 73, and hence the operation lever 73 is not rotated.
When the window glass W is further closed beyond the insensitive area start position, the projecting portion 72b of the second gear 72 engages with the operation lever 73 at the position indicated by the reference symbol 72b″ of
As described above, the insensitive area detection switch 75 performs the switching operation based on the rotational operation of the operation lever 73. Specifically, the switching state of the insensitive area detection switch 75 is the ON state when the operation lever 73 is not rotated, that is, when the open/close position of the window glass W is situated out of the insensitive area, and the switching state of the insensitive area detection switch 75 is the OFF state when the operation lever 73 is rotated, that is, when the open/close position of the window glass W is situated within the insensitive area.
The arrangement relationship between the rotational position of the cam 72a formed on the upper surface of the second gear 72 and the reverse operation area detection switch 76 is also associated with the open/close position of the window glass W, which changes along with the rotation of the output shaft 3. The arrangement relationship between the rotational position of the cam 72a and the reverse operation area detection switch 76 is determined so that, when the open/close position of the window glass W is situated within an area ranging from a position indicated by the line Q of
When the window glass W is closed in a range from the fully opened position to a position immediately before the reverse operation area start position, one end portion K of the cam 72a in a longitudinal direction thereof rotates from a rotational position indicated by the line P of
When the window glass W is closed in a range from the reverse operation area start position to the insensitive area start position, the end portion K of the cam 72a rotates from a rotational position indicated by the line Q of
As can be seen from the above description, the window regulator device of this embodiment includes the object pinching detection switch 66, the insensitive area detection switch 75, and the reverse operation area detection switch 76. The object pinching detection switch 66 performs the switching operation based on whether or not the pinching is detected. The insensitive area detection switch 75 performs the switching operation based on whether or not the open/close position of the window glass W is situated within the insensitive area. The reverse operation area detection switch 76 performs the switching operation based on whether or not the open/close position of the window glass W is situated within the reverse operation area. Table 1 provides a summary of the conditions in which the switching states of the respective switches become the ON state, and the conditions in which the switching states of the respective switches become the OFF state.
As shown in Table 1, when the pinching is detected and the open/close position of the window glass W is situated out of the insensitive area and within the reverse operation area (that is, the open/close position of the window glass W is situated within an area Q-R in
According to the embodiment, the anti-pinch processing is not executed in a case where the open/close position of the window glass W is situated out of the reverse operation area, even when the pinching is detected and the open/close position of the window glass W is situated out of the insensitive area. The reason therefor is as follows.
In a case where the arm-type window regulator device is used as in this embodiment, as shown in the graph of
The anti-pinch processing may be executed based on an instruction signal from an ECU. In this case, the switches 66, 75, and 76 are connected to the ECU, and the ECU monitors the switching states of the respective switches. When the switching states of all the switches are the ON state, an instruction signal for executing the anti-pinch processing is output from the ECU to the electric motor. Accordingly, the anti-pinch processing is executed. However, the use of the ECU may lead to a problem of cost increase. In this respect, the window regulator device of this embodiment includes a drive circuit (electric circuit) in which an energization path from the electric power source to the electric motor 2 is formed so as to drive the electric motor 2. The respective switches are integrated into the drive circuit for driving the electric motor 2, and a circuit structure of the drive circuit is devised in a predetermined manner. Accordingly, the anti-pinch processing is executed without using the ECU.
The first switch contact point 113 is a two-input, one-output switch including a first high voltage side input terminal 113a, a first low voltage side input terminal 113b, and a first output terminal 113c. Similarly, the second switch contact point 114 is a two-input, one-output switch including a second high voltage side input terminal 114a, a second low voltage side input terminal 114b, and a second output terminal 114c. The positive terminal of the electric power source is connected to the first high voltage side input terminal 113a and the second high voltage side input terminal 114a via the high voltage line 111, and the negative terminal of the electric power source is connected to the first low voltage side input terminal 113b and the second low voltage side input terminal 114b via the low voltage line 112. Note that, a connection state between the input and output terminals of those switch contact points is selectively switched through an operation of an operation switch (not shown) for opening and closing the window mounted onto the vehicle. The operation position of the operation switch is switchable among a neutral position, a window closing position, and a window opening position. When the operation switch is not operated, the operation position is the neutral position. When the window glass is closed, the operation switch is operated so that the operation position becomes the window closing position. When the window glass is opened, the operation switch is operated so that the operation position becomes the window opening position.
When the operation switch is not operated, that is, when the operation position of the operation switch is the neutral position, the first low voltage side input terminal 113b of the first switch contact point 113 is connected to the first output terminal 113c, and the second low voltage side input terminal 114b of the second switch contact point 114 is connected to the second output terminal 114c. When the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position, the first high voltage side input terminal 113a of the first switch contact point 113 is connected to the first output terminal 113c, and the second low voltage side input terminal 114b of the second switch contact point 114 is connected to the second output terminal 114c. When the operation position of the operation switch is the window opening position, the first low voltage side input terminal 113b of the first switch contact point 113 is connected to the first output terminal 113c, and the second high voltage side input terminal 114a of the second switch contact point 114 is connected to the second output terminal 114c.
The detection switch circuit section 120 includes the object pinching detection switch 66, the insensitive area detection switch 75, the reverse operation area detection switch 76, and a switch line 121 serving as an energization path connecting those switches in series. When the switching states of all the switches are the conductive state (ON state), one end 121a and another end 121b of the switch line 121 are brought into conduction.
The drive circuit section 130 includes a first latching relay 131 and a second latching relay 132. In this embodiment, those latching relays 131 and 132 are two-coil latching relays. The first latching relay 131 includes a first reverse rotation terminal 131a, a first forward rotation terminal 131b, a first movable terminal 131c, a first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d, a first forward rotation excitation coil 131e, a first movable piece 131f, and a first connection lead wire 131g. The first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d and the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e are connected on one end sides thereof by the first connection lead wire 131g. The first movable piece 131f operates in accordance with energization states of the first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d and the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e. When the first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d is energized, the first movable piece 131f connects the first reverse rotation terminal 131a and the first movable terminal 131c to each other. When the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e is energized, the first movable piece 131f connects the first forward rotation terminal 131b and the first movable terminal 131c to each other.
The second latching relay 132 includes a second reverse rotation terminal 132a, a second forward rotation terminal 132b, a second movable terminal 132c, a second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d, a second forward rotation excitation coil 132e, a second movable piece 132f, and a second connection lead wire 132g. The second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d and the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e are connected on one end sides thereof by the second connection lead wire 132g. The second movable piece 132f operates in accordance with energization states of the second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d and the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e. When the second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d is energized, the second movable piece 132f connects the second reverse rotation terminal 132a and the second movable terminal 132c to each other. When the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e is energized, the second movable piece 132f connects the second forward rotation terminal 132b and the second movable terminal 132c to each other.
Hereinafter, the switching state in which the first forward rotation terminal 131b and the first movable terminal 131c of the first latching relay 131 are connected to each other (state illustrated in
The drive circuit section 130 includes a first line 133a, a second line 133b, a third line 133c, and a fourth line 133d as electric power supply lines to the electric motor 2. The first line 133a electrically connects together the first output terminal 113c of the first switch contact point 113 and the first movable terminal 131c of the first latching relay 131. The second line 133b electrically connects together the second output terminal 114c of the second switch contact point 114 and the second movable terminal 132c of the second latching relay 132. Thus, the first movable terminal 131c is connected to the first output terminal 113c via the first line 133a, and the second movable terminal 132c is connected to the second output terminal 114c via the second line 133b.
The third line 133c is electrically connected at one end thereof to a first electric power supply terminal 2a that is one electric power supply terminal of the electric motor 2. Further, the third line 133c is branched on another end side thereof into two lines. One of the branched lines is connected to the first forward rotation terminal 131b of the first latching relay 131, and another of the branched lines is connected to the second reverse rotation terminal 132a of the second latching relay 132. The fourth line 133d is electrically connected at one end thereof to a second electric power supply terminal 2b that is another electric power supply terminal of the electric motor 2. Further, the fourth line 133d is branched on another end side thereof into two lines. One of the branched lines is connected to the first reverse rotation terminal 131a of the first latching relay 131, and another of the branched lines is connected to the second forward rotation terminal 132b of the second latching relay 132. Thus, the first forward rotation terminal 131b of the first latching relay 131 is connected to the first electric power supply terminal 2a via the third line 133c, and the first reverse rotation terminal 131a is connected to the second electric power supply terminal 2b via the fourth line 133d. Further, the second reverse rotation terminal 132a of the second latching relay 132 is connected to the first electric power supply terminal 2a via the third line 133c, and the second forward rotation terminal 132b is connected to the second electric power supply terminal 2b via the fourth line 133d.
Note that, the electric motor 2 includes the first electric power supply terminal 2a and the second electric power supply terminal 2b, and generates the rotational drive force for opening and closing the window glass W through the energization between the electric power supply terminals of the electric motor 2. The electric motor 2 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions. When a current flows from the first electric power supply terminal 2a toward the second electric power supply terminal 2b, the electric motor 2 rotates in the forward direction, and when a current flows from the second electric power supply terminal 2b toward the first electric power supply terminal 2a, the electric motor 2 rotates in the reverse direction. When the electric motor 2 is driven to rotate in the forward direction, the window glass W is closed, and when the electric motor 2 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, the window glass W is opened.
Further, the drive circuit section 130 includes a fifth line 133e and a sixth line 133f. The fifth line 133e is connected to the one end 121a of the switch line 121 of the detection switch circuit section 120. Further, the fifth line 133e is branched midway into two lines. One of the branched lines is connected to another end side of the first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d of the first latching relay 131, and another of the branched lines is connected to another end side of the second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d of the second latching relay 132. The fifth line 133e corresponds to a second relay line of the present invention.
The sixth line 133f connects the another end 121b side of the switch line 121 and the second line 133b to each other. As can be seen from
Further, the drive circuit section 130 includes a seventh line 133g and an eighth line 133h. The seventh line 133g connects together another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e of the first latching relay 131 and another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e of the second latching relay 132. The eighth line 133h is connected at one end thereof to the seventh line 133g, and is connected at another end thereof to the first line 133a. As can be seen from
Further, the drive circuit section 130 includes a ninth line 133i, a tenth line 133j, and an eleventh line 133k. The ninth line 133i is a line connecting the first line 133a and the second line 133b to each other. In this embodiment, the ninth line 133i is connected on one end side thereof to a part of the first line 133a between a junction point to the output terminal 113c of the first switch contact point 113 and a junction point to the eighth line 133h. Further, the ninth line 133i is connected on another end side thereof to a part of the second line 133b between a junction point to the output terminal 114c of the second switch contact point 114 and a junction point to the sixth line 133f. The tenth line 133j is connected at one end thereof to the ninth line 133i. The tenth line 133j is branched on another end side thereof into two lines. One of the branched lines is connected to the first connection lead wire 131g of the first latching relay 131, and another of the branched lines is connected to the second connection lead wire 132g of the second latching relay 132.
A line formed of the tenth line 133j and a part of the ninth line 133i ranging from a location connected to the first line 133a to a location connected to the tenth line 133j, that is, a line connecting the first output terminal 113c of the first switch contact point 113 to the first connection lead wire 131g and the second connection lead wire 132g, corresponds to a first relay line of the present invention. Further, a part of the ninth line 133i ranging from a location connected to the second line 133b to the location connected to the tenth line 133j, that is, a line connecting the first relay line to the second output terminal 114c of the second switch contact point 114, corresponds to a fifth relay line of the present invention.
The eleventh line 133k is connected on one end side thereof to the tenth line 133j (first relay line). Further, the eleventh line 133k is grounded on another end side thereof to the vehicle body. In this case, the electric power source is also grounded on the negative terminal NT side, and hence the another end side of the eleventh line 133k and the negative terminal NT of the electric power source have the same potential. That is, the eleventh line 133k may be regarded as a line electrically connecting the tenth line 133j (first relay line) to the negative terminal side of the electric power source. The eleventh line 133k corresponds to a connection line of the present invention. Further, a capacitor 135 is interposed in the eleventh line 133k.
Further, as can be seen from
Further, a second diode 134b is mounted onto the eighth line 133h (fourth relay line). The second diode 134b blocks a current flowing from a side which the eighth line 133h is connected to the first line 133a (that is, a side connected to the first output terminal 113c) to a side connected to the seventh line 133g, and allows a current flowing in a direction opposite thereto. As described above, the seventh line 133g is connected to the another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e of the first latching relay 131 and the another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e of the second latching relay 132. Thus, the second diode 134b corresponds to a diode, which is mounted onto the fourth relay line formed of the seventh line 133g and the eighth line 133h, and blocks a current flowing from a side connected to the first output terminal 113c toward a side connected to the another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e and the another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e.
Further, a third diode 134c and a fourth diode 134d are mounted onto the ninth line 133i. The third diode 134c is mounted between the one end of the ninth line 133i (end portion connected to the first line 133a) and the part of the ninth line 133i connected to the tenth line 133j, that is, the third diode 134c is mounted onto a part of the ninth line 133i that serves as the first relay line. The mounting position of the third diode 134c in the first relay line corresponds to a position between a location in which the first relay line is connected to the eleventh line 133k and a location in which the first relay line is connected to the first output terminal 113c via the first line 133a. The fourth diode 134d is provided between the another end of the ninth line 133i (end portion connected to the second line 133b) and the part of the ninth line 133i connected to the tenth line 133j, that is, the fourth diode 134d is provided to a part of the ninth line 133i that serves as the fifth relay line. As can be seen from
The third diode 134c blocks a current flowing from a side of the connection point where the eleventh line 133k is connected to the tenth line 133j toward the first output terminal 113c via the tenth line 133j and the ninth line 133i (first relay line), and allows a current flowing in a direction opposite thereto. That is, the third diode 134c blocks a current flowing from a side of the first relay line, to which the eleventh line 133k is connected, toward a side connected to the first output terminal 113c. The fourth diode 134d blocks a current flowing from a side of the connection point where the tenth line 133j is connected to the ninth line 133i (side connected to the first relay line) toward the another end side of the ninth line 133i (side connected to the second output terminal 114c), and allows a current flowing in a direction opposite thereto.
In such a circuit structure, when the operation switch is not operated (when the switching state of the operation switch is the neutral state), as described above, the first low voltage side input terminal 113b of the first switch contact point 113 is connected to the first output terminal 113c, and the second low voltage side input terminal 114b of the second switch contact point 114 is connected to the second output terminal 114c. When the respective input terminals and output terminals are connected in this manner, the high voltage line 111 connected to the first high voltage side input terminal 113a and the second high voltage side input terminal 114a is disconnected from the electric motor 2, and hence the electric power is not supplied from the positive terminal PT side of the electric power source to the electric motor 2. Therefore, the window glass W is not opened or closed.
Further, when the operation switch is operated and the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position, as illustrated in
Further, the low voltage line 112 is connected to the second line 133b via the second switch contact point 114. At this time, the switching state of the second latching relay 132 is set to the normal state (state in which the second forward rotation terminal 132b and the second movable terminal 132c are connected to each other), and hence the second line 133b and the fourth line 133d are connected to each other via the second latching relay 132. Thus, the negative terminal NT of the electric power source is electrically connected to the second electric power supply terminal 2b of the electric motor 2 via the low voltage line 112, the second switch contact point 114, the second line 133b, the second latching relay 132, and the fourth line 133d.
Therefore, an electric power supply path as indicated by the thick line in
Further, a current flowing through the first line 133a from the high voltage line 111 via the first switch contact point 113 is split into the ninth line 133i side, and further flows through the tenth line 133j (first relay line) and the eleventh line 133k. Due to the current flowing through the eleventh line 133k, the capacitor 135 interposed in the eleventh line 133k is charged.
When the operation switch is operated and the operation position of the operation switch is the window opening position, as illustrated in
Further, the low voltage line 112 is connected to the first line 133a via the first switch contact point 113. At this time, the switching state of the first latching relay 131 is set to the normal state, and hence the first line 133a and the third line 133c are connected to each other via the first latching relay 131. Thus, the negative terminal NT of the electric power source is electrically connected to the first electric power supply terminal 2a of the electric motor 2 via the low voltage line 112, the first switch contact point 113, the first line 133a, the first latching relay 131, and the third line 133c.
Therefore, an electric power supply path as indicated by the thick line in
When the pinching of the foreign object is detected at the time of the closing operation of the window glass W (when the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position), the switching state of the object pinching detection switch 66 becomes the conductive (ON) state. At this time, when the switching state of the insensitive area detection switch 75 is the conductive (ON) state and the switching state of the reverse operation area detection switch 76 is also the conductive (ON) state, both the ends 121a and 121b of the switch line 121 of the detection switch circuit section 120 are brought into conduction. Accordingly, as illustrated in
Through the above-mentioned switching operation of the latching relays 131 and 132, the first line 133a is connected to the fourth line 133d via the first latching relay 131, and the second line 133b is connected to the third line 133c via the second latching relay 132. Therefore, the electric power supply path from the electric power source to the electric motor 2 changes from the path of
When the window glass W is opened in response to the detection of the pinching, the pinching state is eliminated, and hence the switching state of the object pinching detection switch 66 becomes the non-conductive (OFF) state again. Then, the relay circuit indicated by the thick line in
After that, when the operation of the operation switch is stopped, the operation position of the operation switch becomes the neutral position. In this case, as illustrated in
After that, when the operation switch is operated so that the operation position becomes the window opening position, a current flows through the path illustrated in
As described above, the object pinching detection unit 6 of the window regulator device of this embodiment includes the worm wheel 61 rotatable by the force of the electric motor 2, the output-side rotational member (driven plate 63 and object pinching detection plate 65), which is coupled to the output shaft 3 so as to be integrally rotatable and axially movable and is arranged coaxially with the worm wheel 61 so as to face the worm wheel 61, the drive force transmission spring 62 interposed between the worm wheel 61 and the driven plate 63 so as to transmit the rotational drive force of the worm wheel 61 to the output-side rotational member when the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction of
According to this embodiment, when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass W and the window frame, the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction of
Further, the object pinching detection unit 6 of this embodiment includes, as the cam means for axially moving the object pinching detection plate 65, the protruding pieces 612 formed into a projecting shape along the circumferential direction of the worm wheel 61 and provided on the upper end surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 61a of the worm wheel 61, and the protruding pieces 652 formed into a projecting shape along the circumferential direction of the object pinching detection plate 65 and provided on the lower surface of the object pinching detection plate 65. The protruding pieces 612 and the protruding pieces 652 are arranged and formed so as to engage with each other when the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction of
Further, a plurality of (in this embodiment, four) protruding pieces 612 having the same shape are provided along the circumferential direction of the worm wheel 61, and a plurality of protruding pieces 652 having the same shape, which are equal in number (four) to the protruding pieces 612, are provided along the circumferential direction of the object pinching detection plate 65. When the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction relative to the object pinching detection plate 65, all the protruding pieces 612 simultaneously engage with all the protruding pieces 652. Therefore, the object pinching detection plate 65 axially moves while maintaining the horizontal state without being inclined in the circumferential direction. Thus, the switching operation of the object pinching detection switch 66 is prevented from becoming unstable when the object pinching detection plate 65 axially moves while being inclined, with the result that the deterioration in object pinching detection accuracy is prevented.
Further, the plurality of protruding pieces 612 are disposed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the worm wheel 61, and the plurality of protruding pieces 652 are disposed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the object pinching detection plate 65. Therefore, when the protruding pieces 612 and the protruding pieces 652 engage with each other, the object pinching detection plate 65 axially moves at constant speed over the circumferential direction. Thus, the horizontal state at the time of axial movement can further be maintained.
Further, the output-side rotational member includes the driven plate 63, which is coupled to the output shaft 3 so as to be integrally rotatable and axially immovable and is configured to receive the rotational drive force of the worm wheel 61 via the drive force transmission spring 62 when the worm wheel 61 rotates in the X direction of
Further, the object pinching detection switch 66 includes the first conductive portion 662a and the second conductive portion 662b formed on the substrate 661, and the movable piece 663. Further, the object pinching detection switch 66 is disposed at such a position that the contact state between the movable piece 663 and the second conductive portion 662b changes depending on the axial movement of the object pinching detection plate 65. Such a simple object pinching detection switch 66 enables easy detection of the pinching of the foreign object based on the axial movement of the object pinching detection plate 65.
Further, the window regulator device of this embodiment includes the drive circuit 100 connected to the electric motor 2 and having formed therein the energization path from the electric power source to the electric motor 2. The drive circuit 100 includes the first switch contact point 113, the second switch contact point 114, the first latching relay 131, the second latching relay 132, the first relay line (ninth line 133i and tenth line 133j), the second relay line (fifth line 133e), the third relay line (switch line 121 and sixth line 133f), the fourth relay line (seventh line 133g and eighth line 133h), and the object pinching detection switch 66. The first relay line connects the first output terminal 113c of the first switch contact point 113 to the first connection lead wire 131g of the first latching relay 131 and the second connection lead wire 132g of the second latching relay 132. The second relay line connects together the another end side of the first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d of the first latching relay 131 and the another end side of the second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d of the second latching relay 132. The third relay line connects the second relay line to the second output terminal 114c of the second switch contact point 114. The fourth relay line connects the first output terminal 113c to the another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e of the first latching relay 131 and the another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e of the second latching relay 132. The object pinching detection switch 66 is interposed in the third relay line (switch line 121), and performs the switching operation so as not to be brought into conduction when the foreign object is not pinched between the window glass and the window frame and so as to be brought into conduction when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame.
According to the drive circuit 100 of this embodiment, when the operation position of the operation switch for operating opening and closing of the window glass is the window closing position, a current flows from the first electric power supply terminal 2a toward the second electric power supply terminal 2b of the electric motor 2, and hence the electric motor 2 rotates in the forward direction. Through the forward rotation of the electric motor, the window glass is closed. Further, when the operation position of the operation switch is the window opening position, a current flows from the second electric power supply terminal 2b toward the first electric power supply terminal of the electric motor 2, and hence the electric motor 2 rotates in the reverse direction. Through the reverse rotation of the electric motor 2, the window glass is opened.
Further, when the foreign object is pinched between the window glass and the window frame at the time of closing the window glass, the object pinching detection switch 66 is brought into the conductive state (ON state), and hence both the ends of the switch line 121 are brought into conduction under a condition in which the switching states of the other switches 75 and 76 are also the conductive state. Therefore, there is formed a relay circuit connecting the first switch contact point 113 (first output terminal 113c), the first relay line (ninth line 133i and tenth line 133j), the first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d and the second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d, the second relay line (fifth line 133e), the third relay line (switch line 121 and sixth line 133f), and the second switch contact point 114 (second output terminal 114c). Thus, a current flows from the positive terminal PT of the electric power source via the above-mentioned energization path to the negative terminal NT of the electric power source. Accordingly, the first reverse rotation excitation coil 131d and the second reverse rotation excitation coil 132d are energized, and the switching states of the first and second latching relays 131 and 132 are switched from the normal state to the reverse state. Through the switching operation of the latching relays as described above, the direction of energization of the electric motor 2 is reversed. That is, when the pinching is detected, the window glass is opened even in a case where the operation position of the operation switch is the window closing position. Accordingly, the pinching is eliminated.
As described above, according to this embodiment, the object pinching detection switch 66 is integrated into the drive circuit 100, and the drive circuit 100 is configured so that the latching relays are switched based on the conductive/non-conductive states of the object pinching detection switch 66. Thus, without using the integrated circuit or ECU, the opening and closing operation of the window glass is performed and the reverse operation is performed at the time of anti-pinch processing. Accordingly, a small-size, inexpensive drive circuit of the electric motor with which the anti-pinch processing is executable is provided.
Further, the drive circuit 100 of this embodiment includes the connection line (eleventh line 133k) electrically connecting the first relay line (tenth line 133j) to the negative terminal NT side of the electric power source, the capacitor 135 interposed in the connection line, and the third diode 134c, which is mounted onto the first relay line between the location connected to the connection line and the location connected to the first output terminal 113c, and blocks a current flowing from the side connected to the connection line toward the side connected to the first output terminal 113c. Thus, at the time of closing the window glass, the capacitor 135 interposed in the connection line is charged by a current flowing from the first output terminal 113c via the first relay line (ninth line 133i and tenth line 133j) to the connection line (eleventh line 133k). Further, when the operation of the operation switch is stopped at the time of the reverse operation (opening operation) of the window glass performed through the detection of the pinching, the electricity accumulated in the capacitor 135 is discharged. The discharge current flows through the connection line, the first relay line (tenth line 133j), the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e and the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e, and the fourth relay line (seventh line 133g and eighth line 133h), the first output terminal 113c side of the first switch contact point 113, to the negative terminal NT side of the electric power source. Accordingly, the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e and the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e are energized, and the switching states of the latching relays 131 and 132 are switched from the reverse state to the normal state. That is, the switching states of the latching relays 131 and 132 are recovered to the original switching state. After that, when the operation position of the operation switch becomes the window closing position, the window glass is closed, and when the operation position of the operation switch becomes the window opening position, the window glass is opened. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the recovery of the opening and closing operation of the window glass after the anti-pinch processing (recovery of the switching states of the latching coils to the normal state) is automatically performed through the discharge of the capacitor 135. Note that, at the time of discharging the capacitor 135, the third diode 134c prevents the discharge current from flowing directly to the first switch contact point 113 side through the first relay line.
Further, the second diode 134b, which blocks a current flowing from the side connected to the first output terminal 113c toward the side connected to the another end side of the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e and the another end side of the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e, is mounted onto the fourth relay line (eighth line 133h). When the pinching is detected, the second diode 134b blocks a current flowing from the fourth relay line toward the second relay line.
Further, the first diode 134a, which blocks a current flowing from the side connected to the second output terminal 114c via the switch line 121 toward the side connected to the second relay line (fifth line 133e), is mounted onto the third relay line (sixth line 133f). The first diode 134a prevents a current, which is supplied from the electric power source at the time of the reverse operation due to the pinching, from flowing from the third relay line to the second relay line side.
Further, the drive circuit 100 of this embodiment includes the fifth relay line (part of the ninth line 133i) connecting the first relay line and the second output terminal 114c to each other. The fourth diode 134d, which blocks a current flowing from the side connected to the first relay line toward the side connected to the second output terminal 114c, is mounted onto the fifth relay line. The fourth diode prevents a short circuit of a current at the time of closing the window glass. Further, at the time of discharging the capacitor 135, the fourth diode prevents the discharge current from flowing directly to the second switch contact point 114 side through the first relay line.
Further, the insensitive area detection switch 75 and the reverse operation area detection switch 76 serving as a position detection switch are interposed in the third relay line (switch line 121) in addition to the object pinching detection switch 66. The insensitive area detection switch 75 detects whether or not the open/close position of the window glass is situated within the insensitive area. The reverse operation area detection switch 76 detects whether or not the open/close position of the window glass is situated within the reverse operation area. Thus, when all the switches are brought into the conductive state, that is, when the pinching is detected and the open/close position of the window glass is situated out of the insensitive area and within the reverse operation area, the anti-pinch processing is executed.
Further, the first relay line (ninth line 133i) and the fourth relay line (seventh line 133g) are connected to the first output terminal 113c via the first line 133a. Similarly, the third relay line (sixth line 133f) and the fifth relay line (ninth line 133i) are connected to the second output terminal 114c via the second line 133b. In this manner, the electric power supply line and the relay line are shared as described above. Thus, the lines can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can further be reduced.
The present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the output-side rotational member is formed of the driven plate 63 and the object pinching detection plate 65, but may alternatively be formed of a single rotational member. In this case, for example, the single output-side rotational member only needs to be coupled to the output shaft by spline fitting or the like, so as to be integrally rotatable and axially movable.
Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, there has been described an example in which, at the time of pinching of the foreign object, the object pinching detection plate 65 axially moves in the direction in which the object pinching detection plate 65 is spaced apart from the worm wheel 61. Alternatively, at the time of pinching of the foreign object, the object pinching detection plate 65 may axially move in a direction in which the object pinching detection plate 65 approaches the worm wheel 61. In this case, for example, as illustrated in
Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, there has been described an example in which the tapered surfaces 612a and 652a are formed in both the protruding piece 612 and the protruding piece 652, but the tapered surface only needs to be formed in at least one of those protruding pieces. When the tapered surface is formed in one of those protruding pieces, at the time of engagement between the protruding pieces 612 and 652, the counterpart member moves while sliding along the tapered surface formed in one of those protruding pieces, and accordingly the object pinching detection plate 65 can be axially moved.
Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, there has been described an example in which the protruding piece 612 and the protruding piece 652 formed into a projecting shape are used as the cam means for axially moving the object pinching detection plate 65. Alternatively, a recessed portion formed into a recessed shape may be used as the cam means. In this case, for example, as illustrated in
Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the arm-type window regulator device has been described as an example, but a cable-type window regulator device or other such window regulator device may be employed alternatively. Note that, in a case where the window regulator device is not the arm-type window regulator device, the moment acting on the output shaft does not change depending on the rotational position of the lift arm. Thus, the erroneous detection of the pinching due to the change in moment does not occur, and hence the cam 72a on the second gear 72 and the reverse operation area detection switch 76, which are provided in order to prevent an erroneous operation due to the erroneous detection, may be omitted. Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the window regulator device for opening and closing the window glass provided to the side window of the vehicle has been described as an example, but the window regulator device according to the present invention is also applicable as a device for automatically opening and closing a window glass provided to a roof window of the vehicle or other such window glass.
Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the recovery of the switching states of the latching relays after the anti-pinch processing is performed through the discharge of the capacitor. In a case where such a recovery operation of the latching relays is not taken into consideration, a drive circuit 101 illustrated in
The drive circuit 101 is formed by omitting, from the drive circuit 100 described in the above-mentioned embodiment, the eleventh line 133k, the capacitor 135, the first diode 134a, the second diode 134b, the third diode 134c, and the fourth diode 134d, and providing a single relay line 133l (first relay line) in place of the ninth line 133i and the tenth line 133j. The relay line 133l is connected on one end side thereof to the first output terminal 113c, and is branched on another end side thereof. One of the branched lines is connected to the first connection lead wire 131g, and another of the branched lines is connected to the second connection lead wire 132g. Also in the case of using such a drive circuit 101, the window glass can be opened and closed in response to the operation of the operation switch, and when the pinching has occurred, the switching states of the latching relays are switched from the normal state to the reverse state, with the result that the window glass can be reversely operated. Note that, in order to recover the switching states of the latching relays from the reverse state to the normal state, the operation of the operation switch is stopped, and the first forward rotation excitation coil 131e of the first latching relay 131 and the second forward rotation excitation coil 132e of the second latching relay 132 are energized by the electric power source separately. Accordingly, both the latching relays are switched from the reverse state to the normal state.
Further, the eleventh line 133k and the capacitor 135 as illustrated in
As described above, the present invention may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-224365 | Sep 2009 | JP | national |
| 2009-224392 | Sep 2009 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2010/065971 | 9/15/2010 | WO | 00 | 3/23/2012 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011/040246 | 4/7/2011 | WO | A |
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| 3471969 | Littmann | Oct 1969 | A |
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| RE34287 | Berner et al. | Jun 1993 | E |
| 5689160 | Shigematsu et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
| 6181094 | Menke | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
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| 2726934 | Sep 2005 | CN |
| 2769453 | Apr 2006 | CN |
| 201024825 | Feb 2008 | CN |
| 60 78082 | May 1985 | JP |
| 7 18864 | May 1995 | JP |
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| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report issued Dec. 21, 2010, in PCT/JP10/65971 filed Sep. 15, 2010. |
| Combined Office Action and Search Report issued Mar. 1, 2013 in Chinese Patent Application No. 201080043633.0 with English language translation. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20120198770 A1 | Aug 2012 | US |
