JP2000006652A - Rotation control method for wind direction member in vehicle air draft hole device using stepping motor and vehicle air draft hole device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control the rotation of a wind direction member accurately and easily at a low cost by setting the rotation angle of the wind direction member for the rotation in the reverse direction larger by the prescribed angle than for the rotation in the forward direction, and setting the rotation end position on the reverse direction side of rotation before forced rotation as the reference rotation end position. SOLUTION: When selector switches 58a, 58b are turned on, the rotary shafts of stepping motors 42a, 42b are continuously rotated in the forward and reverse directions at the prescribed rotation angle. A plurality of horizontal blades 16 and vertical blades 22 are continuously rotated in the forward and reverse directions at the maximum rotation angle starting from reverse direction side reference rotation end positions. The numbers of pulse signals inputted to the four-phase coils of the motors 42a, 42b when angle adjusting knobs 60a, 60b are operated are set so that the number for the rotation in the reverse direction is made larger by five pulses than the number for the rotation in the forward direction, for example, the blades are rotated in the reverse direction more than in the forward direction, and wind direction controllability is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling the rotation of a wind direction member in a vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor and a vehicle air outlet device, and more particularly, to a method for automatically turning a vehicle by a driving force of a stepping motor. The present invention relates to a method of easily controlling the rotation of a wind direction member of a vehicle air outlet device to be moved, and a vehicle air outlet device in which such a method of controlling rotation of a wind direction member is advantageously realized. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an air outlet for changing the direction of blown air has been attached to an air outlet that blows air into a vehicle cabin from an air conditioner or an outside air intake device in a vehicle. Generally, in this air outlet device, a plurality of wind direction members having various shapes such as a flat plate shape are disposed in an opening portion of a housing that opens into a vehicle cabin so as to be rotatable in parallel with each other and in the same direction. Along with
The plurality of wind direction members are connected to each other by an interlocking member that can reciprocate in the arrangement direction of the plurality of wind direction members. And as a kind of such an air outlet device, for example,
As disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 4-12956, the driving force of the driving means is transmitted to the interlocking member, and the interlocking member is reciprocated, so that all of the plurality of wind direction members are automatically set. 2. Description of the Related Art There has been known an apparatus which is rotated so that the direction of blown air can be continuously changed.

As described above, in a conventional vehicle air outlet device in which the wind direction member is rotated by an automatic operation, the interlocking member is always reciprocated within a certain range. Therefore, the rotation range of the wind direction member, that is, the air blowing range cannot be changed, so that the wind direction cannot be adjusted according to the occupant's preference, the temperature in the passenger compartment, and the like.

Accordingly, the applicant of the present application has filed Japanese Patent Application No. 9-243.
No. 630 proposes a vehicle air outlet device in which all of a plurality of wind direction members are rotated by reciprocating an interlocking member by a driving force of a stepping motor. In this vehicle air outlet device, since a stepping motor capable of arbitrarily changing a rotation angle and a rotation direction of a rotating shaft (drive shaft) is used as a driving unit for reciprocating the interlocking member, The rotation range of the wind direction member at the time of automatic operation can be easily changed to a desired range without providing any special device or equipment, so that a more comfortable vehicle interior environment can be easily realized. It has become.

However, in such a vehicle air outlet device, similarly to a general device using a stepping motor, the rotational position of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor is not particularly controlled by feedback. Therefore, the plurality of wind direction members that are rotated with the rotation of the stepping motor are forcibly rotated by an external force or the like, and the rotation end positions of the plurality of wind direction members are changed, Alternatively, even if the rotation end positions of the plurality of wind direction members are changed due to accumulation of step angle errors during continuous driving of the stepping motor, such a positional deviation of the rotation end positions of the respective wind direction members may be changed. , Could not be automatically corrected.

Therefore, in the conventional vehicle air outlet device using such a stepping motor, the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members by automatic operation is continuously performed for a long time, or the plurality of wind direction members are continuously rotated. If the wind direction member is forcibly rotated by an external force or the like, it becomes difficult to accurately rotate the plurality of wind direction members within a preset rotation range. There was still room for improvement.

In order to improve such a point, a detecting device such as a rotary encoder or a rotary potentiometer capable of detecting the rotational position (angle) of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor is used. It is conceivable that the rotational position of the rotary shaft is constantly corrected based on the detected data to control the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members that are rotated with the rotation of the rotary shaft of the stepping motor. However, in such a case, the cost is inevitably increased with the arrangement of the detection devices.

[0008]

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and one of the problems to be solved is a plurality of vehicle air outlet devices using a stepping motor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method in which the rotation of the wind direction member can be controlled accurately and easily at the lowest possible cost so that the wind direction member can be rotated in a desired range. A second object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air outlet device capable of reliably and advantageously realizing such a method for controlling the rotation of a plurality of wind direction members.

[0009]

In order to solve the first of the above problems, the present invention is arranged in an opening of a housing that opens into a vehicle cabin so as to be rotatable in parallel with each other and in the same direction. The plurality of wind direction members are connected to the plurality of wind direction members, and are rotated in an interlocking manner by an interlocking member which is reciprocally movable in a direction in which the plurality of wind direction members are arranged. When controlling the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members in a vehicle air outlet device in which the driving force of the stepping motor is transmitted to rotate the plurality of wind direction members by the interlocking member. The angle of rotation in the reverse direction of each of the plurality of wind direction members is set to be larger than the angle of rotation in the forward direction of each of the plurality of wind direction members, and the angle of rotation of each of the plurality of wind direction members is set. Establishes standards become turning end position in the dynamic, by the rotation of the inverse direction of the respective wind member, when the respective wind direction member is brought position to the reference time end passes position,
The transmission of the driving force of the stepping motor to the interlocking member is cut off, and further rotation of the respective wind direction members in the opposite direction by the interlocking member is prevented, and the plurality of wind direction members are configured. After the plurality of wind direction members are positioned at the reference rotation end position by the rotation in the opposite direction in each of the above, with the reference rotation end position as a starting point,
Controlling the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members so that the wind direction members can be rotated in the forward direction at the set angle, a method of controlling the rotation of the wind direction member in a vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor, This is the feature.

According to the method for controlling the rotation of the wind direction member in a vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor according to the present invention, for example, the wind direction member is forcibly rotated in the forward direction by an external force or the like. Even if the rotation end position of the wind direction member is changed to a predetermined position on the positive direction side before the forcible rotation, the rotation angle of the wind direction member is simply changed to the positive direction. The rotation in the reverse direction is set to be larger by a predetermined angle than the rotation in the direction of rotation, and the rotation end position on the opposite side of the rotation before being forcedly rotated is referred to as a reference rotation end position. Only after the rotation is restarted, every time the wind direction member is rotated in the reverse direction until the rotation end position in the rotation of the wind direction member in the reverse direction coincides with the reference rotation end position. , The rotation end position on the opposite side of the wind direction member is Is gradually moved toward the reverse direction by an amount corresponding to the difference between the rotation angle of the rotation direction and the rotation angle in the opposite direction, and after being matched with the reference rotation end position, the wind direction member With the reference rotation end position as a starting point, the rotation direction is set to be positively rotated at a preset rotation angle, whereby the wind direction member is the same as before the forcible rotation. It can be turned in the turning range.

On the other hand, the wind direction members are forcibly rotated in the opposite direction by external force or the like, and the rotation end position of the wind direction member is set to a predetermined position on the opposite side of the direction before the forced rotation. Even if it can be changed, simply set the rotation angle of the wind direction member so that the rotation in the reverse direction is larger than the rotation in the forward direction by a predetermined angle, and force the rotation. The rotation end position on the opposite side of the rotation before the rotation is determined as the reference rotation end position. After the rotation is resumed, the first rotation of the wind direction member in the reverse direction causes the rotation on the opposite side. The moving end position is adapted to be coincident with the reference pivot end position, whereby the opposite rotational end position and the reference pivot end position are coincident with each other. Similarly, the wind direction member rotates in the same rotation range as before the forcible rotation. It has become the leg sweep member can be.

According to the method for controlling the rotation of the wind direction member, the reference rotation end position is simply set to the predetermined rotation end position when the wind direction member is turned in the opposite direction, and the normal rotation end position of the wind direction member is determined. The difference between the rotation angle in the direction and the rotation angle in the reverse direction is determined by accumulating an error in the step angle of the stepping motor when the wind direction member is rotated once in both the forward and reverse directions. The rotation end position in the reverse rotation of the wind direction member always coincides with the reference rotation end position only by making the rotation end position change amount in the rotation in the reverse direction larger. Accordingly, the wind direction member is rotated in the forward direction at a preset rotation angle starting from the reference rotation end position, whereby the wind direction member is forcibly rotated by external force or the like. Unless it is moved, Dynamic range, it has become to be kept constant.

As described above, according to the method of the present invention, simply using a special device capable of detecting the rotational position (angle) of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor, such as a rotary encoder and a rotary potentiometer, is simply used.
The rotation angle of the wind direction member in the reverse direction is set to be larger than the rotation angle of the wind direction member in the forward direction by a predetermined amount, and the reference rotation end position for the rotation of the wind direction member is set to an arbitrary position. In this case, the wind direction member is forcibly rotated by external force or the like, or an error in the step angle of the stepping motor is accumulated. Changes in the dynamic range can be automatically corrected.

Therefore, in the method of controlling the rotation of the wind direction member in the vehicle air outlet device using the stepping motor according to the present invention, the rotation of the wind direction member can always be performed within a desired rotation range. Thus, it can be controlled very easily and precisely at the lowest possible cost.

According to one advantageous aspect of the method for controlling the rotation of the wind direction member in a vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor according to the present invention, the vehicle air outlet device is provided. When the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off, each of the plurality of wind direction members is rotated in the reverse direction at the set angle, and the reference rotation end position of each of the wind direction members is set. However, when the opening of the housing is closed by each of the wind direction members due to the rotation of each of the wind direction members in the opposite direction, the rotation position of each of the wind direction members is set, and the ignition switch is turned off. Further, when the opening of the housing is closed by the respective wind direction members due to the rotation of the respective wind direction members in the opposite direction, further rotation of the respective wind direction members in the reverse direction is prevented. I'll do it The be configured.

In the method for controlling the rotation of the wind direction member having such a configuration, the rotation angle of the wind direction member in the opposite direction is determined by:
If the angle is set to be sufficiently larger than the angle of rotation in the forward direction, the position of the rotation end position of the wind direction member may be changed due to forced rotation due to external force or the accumulation of errors in the step angle of the stepping motor. Even in the case where displacement occurs, when the ignition switch is turned off, the opening of the housing can be reliably closed by the wind direction member. A reliable closed state can be obtained very economically and easily without requiring any special device or the like.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to solve the above second problem, a plurality of motors arranged in parallel with each other and rotatably in the same direction are provided in an opening of a housing opening into a vehicle interior. The wind direction member is connected to the plurality of wind direction members and is rotated in an interlocking manner by an interlocking member which is reciprocally movable in the direction in which the plurality of wind direction members are arranged. In a vehicle air outlet device for transmitting a driving force of a stepping motor to rotate the plurality of wind direction members by the interlocking member, (a) in a forward direction of each of the plurality of wind direction members; Turning angle setting means for setting the turning angle of each wind direction member such that the turning angle of each of the plurality of wind direction members in the opposite direction is larger than the turning angle of the plurality of wind direction members; ) When the directional members are rotated in the opposite direction, when the respective directional members are positioned at a predetermined reference rotation end position, the transmission of the driving force of the stepping motor to the interlocking member is blocked. And driving force transmission blocking means for preventing further rotation of each wind direction member in the reverse direction by the interlocking member, and by rotation of each of the plurality of wind direction members in the reverse direction, From the state in which the plurality of wind direction members are positioned at the reference rotation end position, the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members in the forward direction is
It is characterized in that it is configured to start at the set angle.

That is, in the vehicle air outlet device according to the present invention, the rotation angle setting means simply sets the rotation angle of the wind direction member in the forward direction without adding a special device or the like. The turning angle in the reverse direction is set to be larger by a predetermined amount, and the wind direction member is further rotated in the reverse direction at the arbitrarily determined reference turning end position by the driving force transmission blocking means. Only by preventing movement, the wind direction member can be rotated by a predetermined angle in the positive direction from the reference rotation end position as a starting point. If the rotation end position of the wind direction member is displaced due to the rotation of the wind direction member or the accumulation of the error of the step angle of the stepping motor, it can be automatically and reliably corrected. It is.

Therefore, in the vehicle air outlet device according to the present invention, the rotation control of the wind direction member for always rotating the wind direction member in a desired rotation range is performed.
It can be done very easily and accurately at relatively low cost.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, a method of controlling the rotation of a wind direction member in a vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor according to the present invention and a vehicle air blower are described. The configuration of the outlet device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 shows an instrument for a vehicle as an example of a vehicle air outlet device configured to control the rotation of a wind direction member rotated by a stepping motor according to the method of the present invention. A register arranged on the passenger side of the panel is shown schematically. As is clear from FIG. 1, the register of this example has a housing 10.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 10 constituting the register has a rectangular box shape as a whole, and an instrument (not shown) A front opening 12 that opens to the passenger seat side in the vehicle cabin is formed in a state of being disposed on the panel. The housing 10 is also provided with a rear opening 14 at the rear thereof, whereby the air conditioning device (not shown) introduced into the housing 10 through the rear opening 14 allows the rear opening 14 to be provided. The conditioned air or the like is blown out from the front opening 12 to the passenger seat side in the vehicle interior.

In the front opening 12 of the housing 10, a plurality of horizontal blades 16 each having a flat plate shape and serving as a wind direction member are provided in parallel with each other in a horizontal direction and vertically. The horizontal blades 16 are arranged so as to overlap with each other at an interval, and each of the horizontal blades 16 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 18 extending in the left-right direction from both ends in the longitudinal direction. 10 are assembled. The plurality of horizontal blades 16 are connected to each other by a horizontal blade interlocking plate 20, which is an interlocking member, extending in the up-down direction and reciprocating in the same direction.

Further, behind the position where the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are disposed in the housing 10, a plurality of vertical blades 22 having a substantially elongated flat plate shape and serving as a wind direction member different from the horizontal blades 16 are provided. Are arranged in parallel with each other in the vertical direction and at predetermined intervals in the left and right direction.
2 are assembled to the housing 10 in such a manner as to be rotatable around rotation shafts 24, 24 extending vertically from both ends in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of vertical blades 22 are also connected to each other by a vertical blade interlocking plate 26 that is an interlocking member that extends in the left-right direction and that can reciprocate in the same direction.

Therefore, as is well known, any one of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 and the plurality of vertical blades 22 has one of the rotating shafts 18, 18 and the rotating shafts 24, 24. By being turned around, all the objects are turned around the respective turning shafts 18 and 24 in conjunction with each other.

In the register of this embodiment, a rod-shaped operation knob 30 is provided at the lower end of the register located at the center of the plurality of vertical blades 22 so as to extend forward. It is formed integrally. Also,
Two vertical blade stopper projections 34 and 35 are provided on the inner surface of the lower wall 32 in the front opening 12 of the housing 10.
Are integrally protruded with the operation knob 30 interposed therebetween and spaced from each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the plurality of vertical blades 22 are rotated in the forward direction (in FIG. 4, the direction indicated by the arrow: a), the operation knob 30 is turned to one of the positions (FIG. 4). (Located on the right side of FIG. 3) so as to abut against the vertical blade stopper projection 34 so as to prevent further rotation of the plurality of vertical blades 22 in the forward direction from the rotation position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the plurality of vertical blades 22 are rotated in the opposite direction (the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 5), the operation knob 30 is turned to the other (FIG. 5). (Located on the left side in FIG. 3) so as to prevent further rotation of the plurality of vertical blades 22 in the reverse direction from the rotation position.

As is clear from FIG. 3, a horizontal blade stopper projection 36 is also integrally formed at an upper portion on the inner surface of one of the side walls 38 in the front opening 12 of the housing 10. . Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of horizontal blades 16 move in the forward direction (in FIG. 6,
(Arrow: direction indicated by c))
The horizontal blade stopper projection 36 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the front end of the uppermost horizontal blade 16 of the plurality of horizontal blades 16, so that all of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 move in the forward direction. Is prevented from rotating further. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are rotated in the opposite direction (in FIG. 7, the direction indicated by arrow D), the stopper projection 36 is moved to the uppermost position. Abutting against the upper surface of the rear end of the located horizontal blade 16 prevents further rotation of all of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 in the reverse direction. Also, here, when the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are rotated in the opposite direction and are brought into contact with the horizontal blade stopper projection 36, the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are vertically adjacent to each other. ,
The lower surface and the upper surface are positioned so as to overlap each other while making contact with each other, so that the front opening 12 of the housing 10 is closed by the plurality of horizontal blades 16.

In short, in the register of the present embodiment, when the plurality of vertical blades 22 rotate in the opposite direction to the forward direction, the operation knob 30 moves the vertical blade stopper projection 34,
The rotation end positions as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 under the state where they are brought into contact with the base member 35 respectively correspond to the forward reference rotation end position and the reverse reference rotation end position. The rotation of the plurality of vertical blades 22 in the direction opposite to the forward direction is regulated at both the reference rotation end positions in the forward direction and the reverse direction. When the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the front end and the rear end of the uppermost horizontal blade 16 abut against the horizontal blade stopper projection 36, respectively. Under these conditions, the turning end positions as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are defined as a forward reference turning end position and a reverse reference turning end position, respectively. At both reference rotation end positions, the rotation of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 in the forward and reverse directions is restricted. And here,
In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, when the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are located at the reverse reference rotation end position, the front opening of the housing 10 is closed by the plurality of horizontal blades 16. It has become.

In this register, as is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, one of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 and the plurality of vertical blades 22 located at the center of each of the Two side walls 38,3
8 and a rotating shaft 24 extending toward the upper wall 40 of the housing 10.
Are protruded outwardly through the one side wall 38 and the upper wall 40, respectively. Further, two stepping motors 42a and 42b are fixedly mounted on the upper surfaces of the one side wall 38 and the upper wall 40, respectively (see FIG. 1). Each output shaft 44 of the two stepping motors 42a, 42b
a, 44b penetrate through the one side wall 38 and the upper wall 40, and are attached to the respective ends of the rotating shaft 18 of the horizontal blade 16 and the rotating shaft 24 of the vertical blade 22 that protrude outward.
6, through coaxially and integrally rotatable, respectively,
Each stepping motor 42 is connected
The horizontal blade 16 and the vertical blade 22 located at the center are respectively rotated with the rotation of a and b.

Each of the two stepping motors 42a and 42b used here has a general PM type structure having four-phase coils. The stepping motors 42a and 42a are connected to the four-phase coils.
b, a pulse signal (excitation pulse) is input to excite the four-phase coils in a fixed order, so that the rotation axis is in the forward direction (as will be described later, the rotation of the rotation axis causes each blade to rotate). When the blades 16 and 22 are rotated, the blades 16 and 22 are rotated in the forward direction (the direction in which the blades 16 and 22 are rotated in the forward direction). By being excited in the reverse order, the rotating shaft can be rotated in the opposite direction (the direction in which the blades 16 and 22 are rotated in the opposite direction). Further, such forward and reverse rotations are performed at angles corresponding to the number of input pulse signals.

As shown in FIG. 8, the stepping motor 42a (42b) is provided with a multi-stage gear reduction mechanism 48 having a known structure constituted by a plurality of gears having different numbers of teeth. The rotation of the rotation shaft 50a (50b) is controlled by the multi-stage gear reduction mechanism 48.
While being decelerated and the torque increased, the output shaft 44a (4
4b). The output shaft 44a (44b) is connected to the multi-stage gear reduction mechanism 48.
Of the output shaft 44a (44b) is forcibly stopped by an external force or the like. Even if such a situation occurs, the rotation of the rotating shaft 50a (50b), that is, the driving of the stepping motor 42a (42b) can be smoothly continued.

Further, in this embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 1, the side wall 38 and the upper wall 40 of the housing 10 on which the two stepping motors 42a and 42b are respectively disposed.
, Two controllers 56a and 56b are arranged one by one in a state of being electrically connected to the respective stepping motors 42a and 42b. Further, two changeover switches 58a, 5
8b and two angle adjustment cameras 60a and 60b as rotation angle setting means are provided, respectively.

The two changeover switches 58
a and 58b are electrically connected to the two controllers 56a and 56b, respectively, so that an ON signal is output to the controllers 56a and 56b by being turned on. In addition, the two angle adjustment shootings 60a and 60b are also performed by the two controllers 56a and 56b.
b are electrically connected to each other, and when operated, an angle adjustment signal corresponding to the operation amount is output to each of the controllers 56a and 56b.

On the other hand, each controller 56a, 56b
Microcomputers (not shown) are each built in and configured. Then, the changeover switches 58a, 5
When the ON signal is input from the microcomputer 8b, the microcomputer outputs the pulse signal to each of the stepping motors 42a and 42b continuously and each time the number of signals reaches a predetermined number. Output is performed while switching the excitation order of the four-phase coils of each of the stepping motors 42a and 42b. Also,
When the angle adjustment signals are input from the angle adjustment shootings 60a and 60b, each time the pulse signal reaches a number set according to the angle adjustment signals, the four-phase signals of the stepping motors 42a and 42b are changed. The output is continuously output to each of the stepping motors 42a and 42b while switching the excitation order of the coils.

That is, here, each controller 56
The number of pulse signals output from the controllers 56a and 56b is counted by a counter provided in the microcomputer of each of the controllers 56a and 56b, and when only the changeover switches 58a and 58b are operated. In this case, the count value of the counter becomes 100, and the blades 16 and 22 are rotated in the forward direction and the reverse direction, so that the forward-direction reference rotation end position and the reverse-direction reference rotation end position are rotated. When it reaches, again, angle adjustment shooting 6
When 0a and 60b are operated, when the count value reaches an arbitrarily set value, the excitation order of the four-phase coils in each of the stepping motors 42a and 42b is switched. is there. The count value of the counter is cleared each time the excitation order of the four-phase coils is switched.

Thus, in the register of the present embodiment, when the changeover switches 58a and 58b are turned on, the stepping motors 42a and 58b are turned on.
The rotating shafts 50a and 50b of the 42b are continuously rotated in a forward direction and a reverse direction at a rotation angle of 100 steps, respectively. And, thereby, the horizontal blade 16 and the vertical blade 2 located at the center are formed.
2, all of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 and all of the plurality of vertical blades 22 are moved from the respective reverse-side reference rotation end positions as the starting points. Between the direction reference rotation end position and the forward direction reference rotation end position, that is, with the maximum rotation angle, both the forward direction and the opposite direction can be continuously and simultaneously rotated. It is.

In this register, when each of the angle adjustment cameras 60a and 60b is operated, each of the stepping motors 42a and 42b is operated in accordance with the operation amount.
The rotation angles (rotation amounts) of the rotation shafts 50a and 50b are changed, and the rotation angle of the continuous rotation of each of the blades 16 and 22 starting from the above-described reference rotation end position on the opposite side is changed as follows.
It can be adjusted to any size.

It should be noted that each such stepping motor 4
The rotation of the blades 16 and 22 accompanying the rotation of the rotation shafts 50a and 50b of the 2a and 42b is controlled by the changeover switches 58a and 5
8b, the operation is stopped. Here, each stepping motor 42
a, 42b and output shafts 44a, 44b.
b, a force greater than the rotational driving force of the rotating shafts 50a, 50b of the stepping motors 42a, 42b is applied to the blades 16, 22 due to the presence of the clutch washers 54, 54. At this time, the rotating shaft 50
The blades a and 50b idle and the rotation of the blades 16 and 22 is prevented.

Then, in the register of this specific example,
In particular, in order to adjust the rotation angle of each blade 16, 22,
When the angle adjustment cameras 60a and 60b are operated, the number of pulse signals input to the four-phase coils of the stepping motors 42a and 42b always changes regardless of the magnitude of the adjusted rotation angle. It is configured such that the number of rotations in the reverse direction is increased by 5 pulses compared to the number of rotations in the reverse direction of the rotation of the 50a and 50b. As a result, the rotation shaft 50a is additionally rotated in the reverse direction by the rotation angle of five steps, and the rotation angle of each blade 16, 22 in the reverse direction is larger than the rotation angle in the forward direction. The angle is set large by an angle corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotation shafts 50a and 50b for five steps.

That is, as described above, each of the blades 16 and 22 is continuously rotated in the forward and reverse directions between the reverse reference rotation end position and the forward reference rotation end position. At the time of so-called full-angle operation, the stepping motor 42
For each of the four-phase coils a and b, a pulse signal is supplied when the rotating shafts 50a and 50b rotate in the forward direction and in the reverse direction, respectively.
For example, each of the blades 16 and 22 is moved in the reverse direction reference rotation end position, the reverse direction reference rotation end position, and the forward direction reference rotation end. In order to perform a so-called half-angle operation of continuously rotating in both the forward and reverse directions with respect to the center position of the position, the angle adjustment shooting 60a,
60b, the stepping motor 42
For each of the four-phase coils a and b, a pulse signal is generated when the rotating shafts 50a and 50b rotate in the positive direction.
While a 0 pulse is input, 55
Pulses are input and the stepping motors 42a and 42b
The rotation shafts 50a and 50b are configured to be additionally rotated in the opposite direction by a rotation angle corresponding to five steps. And thereby each blade 1
When the blades 6 and 22 are continuously rotated, the blades 16 and 22 can be rotated by an angle corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotary shafts 50a and 50b for five steps in the direction opposite to the forward direction. It is becoming.

Thus, in such a register, each of the blades 1 is operated by operating the angle adjustment shootings 60a and 60b.
While the blades 6, 22 are being rotated at a predetermined rotation angle, or while the rotation is stopped, the blades 16, 22 are forcibly rotated in the forward direction by external force or the like. The rotation range of each of the blades 16 and 22 is biased in the forward direction, and the rotation end position of each of the blades 16 and 22 in the reverse direction is shifted from the reference rotation end position in the reverse direction by a predetermined position in the forward direction. However, in the subsequent continuous rotation, the rotation end position on the opposite side is changed for each rotation of each of the blades 16 and 22 in the opposite direction. It is gradually approached toward the reference rotation end position, and is eventually made to coincide therewith. Thereafter, the blades 16 and 22 are again rotated at the predetermined rotation angle in the forward direction starting from the reference rotation end position on the reverse direction side. The rotation range conforms to the operation of the angle adjustment shooting 60a, 60b.
It can be corrected to a desired range.

The operation of the angle adjusting cameras 60a and 60b causes the blades 16 and 22 to be rotated at a predetermined rotation angle, or while the rotation of the blades 16 and 22 is stopped. Since the rotation of the blades 22 is forcibly rotated in the opposite direction by an external force or the like, the rotation range of the blades 16 and 22 is biased in the opposite direction, and the blades 16 and 2 are rotated.
If the forward rotation end position 2 is changed to a predetermined position on the reverse direction side before the forced rotation, during the first reverse rotation after the forced rotation, The rotation end positions of the blades 16 and 22 on the reverse direction are immediately matched with the reference rotation end positions on the reverse side, and further rotation in the reverse direction is prevented. In such a state, the output shafts 4 of the stepping motors 42a and 42b are rotated integrally with the blades 16 and 22.
Due to the presence of the clutch washers 54, 54 disposed between the rotary shafts 4a, 44b and the rotary shafts 50a, 50b, the relative rotation between the rotary shafts 50a, 50b and the output shafts 44a, 44b is permitted, and the rotary shaft 50a , 50b are made to idle in the opposite direction. After that, the blades 16 and 22 are again rotated in the forward direction with the angle adjustment shooting 60a and
The blade is rotated by the rotation angle set by the operation of 60b, so that the rotation range of each blade 16, 22 can be corrected to a desired range in accordance with the operation of angle adjustment shooting 60a, 60b. It is like that. As is apparent from this, in this specific example, the stepping motor 42
The driving force transmission cutoff means is constituted by the clutch washers 54, 54a of a and 42b.

Further, in such a register, each blade 1 is operated in accordance with the operation of the angle adjustment shooting 60a, 60b.
As described above, while the blades 6 and 22 are being rotated at a predetermined rotation angle and the forcible rotation of the blades 16 and 22, the rotation ranges of the blades 16 and 22 are changed in the forward and reverse directions as described above. After each correction, each blade 1
When the rotation of the stepping motors 42a and 42b is stopped, the rotation of the stepping motors 42a and 42b is stopped. The idle rotation of the blades 50, 50a is carried out in the opposite direction by 5 steps, so that the continuous rotation of the blades 16, 22 due to the accumulation of step angle errors inherent to the stepping motors 42a, 42b, etc. The increase in the rotation angle in the reverse direction during the movement can be eliminated.

As described above, in the register of this embodiment, while the blades 16 and 22 are being rotated at a predetermined rotation angle by the operation of the angle adjustment shootings 60a and 60b, Alternatively, each blade 16,
Even if the rotation of the blades 22 and 22 is forcibly rotated in the forward or reverse direction by external force or the like, the rotation range of each of the blades 16 and 22 may be biased in the forward or reverse direction. The rotation range after such a forced rotation can be automatically corrected to that before the forced rotation,
Also, the accumulation of errors in the step angles unique to the stepping motors 42a and 42b and the like cause the blades 16 and 22 to move.
It is possible to advantageously prevent an increase in the angle of rotation in the reverse direction during the continuous rotation of.

Therefore, in such a register, the rotation of each blade 16, 22 can be controlled very easily and accurately so that it can always be performed within a desired range. The control can be realized extremely economically without using any special device such as a rotary encoder or a rotary potentiometer capable of detecting the rotational position (angle) of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor.

In this case, the angle adjustment shooting 60a, 6
0b without operating the changeover switches 58a, 5b.
By operating only 8b, each blade 16, 22
If the blades 16 and 22 are forcibly rotated by an external force or the like while the blade is rotated at the maximum rotation angle, the first forward direction after the forcible rotation or During the rotation in the reverse direction, the forward rotation end position or the reverse rotation end position of each of the blades 16 and 22 is changed to the forward reference rotation end position or the reverse reference rotation position, respectively. The blade is immediately adjusted to the moving end position, and then the blades 16 and 22 can be rotated again at the maximum rotation angle.

On the other hand, in the register of this embodiment, a controller 56a for controlling the rotation of the rotation shaft 50a of the stepping motor 42a for rotating the horizontal blade 16 is electrically connected to an ignition switch (not shown) of an ignition line. It is connected to the. When the ignition switch is turned off, an OFF signal is output to the controller 56a. Then, when the OFF signal is input, the control signal of the rotation shaft 50a of the rotation shaft 50a of the stepping motor 42a based on the rotation control program stored in the microcomputer of the controller 56a and shown in the flowchart of FIG. The rotation is controlled.

That is, according to the rotation control program, first, in step 1 (hereinafter, abbreviated as S1; the same applies to other steps), it is determined whether or not an OFF signal from the ignition switch has been input. Then, it is determined whether or not the ignition switch has been turned off. If the OFF signal has not been input, the determination is NO, and at that time,
In S7, the rotation control program ends. On the other hand, if such an OFF signal is input, the determination becomes YES, and in S2, the signal of the pulse signal input to each of the four-phase coils of the stepping motor 42a at the time when the OFF signal is input. The count value of the number: C is stored. Here, when the OFF signal is input and the rotation shaft 50a of the stepping motor 42a is being rotated in the forward direction, the O
The number of pulse signals input to the four-phase coils of the stepping motor 42a at the time of input of the FF signal is stored as such a count value: C, but at the time of the input of the OFF signal. , Rotating shaft 50
When a is rotated in the reverse direction, this is the number of pulse signals input to each of the four-phase coils of the stepping motor 42a when the horizontal blade 16 is rotated in the forward direction at the maximum rotation angle. A value obtained by subtracting the number of the pulse signals input to the four-phase coils of the stepping motor 42a at the time of inputting the OFF signal from 100 is stored as the count value: C.
As a result, the turning position of each horizontal blade 16 under the turning in the forward direction at the time when the OFF signal is input is stored.

Then, in S3, the count value: C is temporarily cleared and its value is set to 0. In S4, a pulse signal is sent to the four-phase coil of the stepping motor 42a. Are entered,
These four-phase coils are excited in the order in which the rotation shaft 50a of the stepping motor 42a rotates in the reverse direction, and the number of pulse signals is increased by one, so that the count value: C becomes one. Increased.

Thereafter, in S5, it is determined whether or not the count value: C is 200. It should be noted that the count value of 200 is determined by the stepping motor 42a when the horizontal blade 16 is rotated in the reverse direction at the maximum rotation angle.
Is a value corresponding to twice the number of pulse signals input to each of the four-phase coils.

If the count value: C is not 200, the determination is NO, and the process returns to S4. The execution of the program is repeated in S4 and S5 until the count value: C becomes 200. Thereafter, when the count value: C becomes 200, the determination becomes YES, the count value: C is cleared again at S6, the value is set to 0, and the execution of the program ends at S7. Let me do. As a result, the horizontal blade 16 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the rotation is stopped when the horizontal blade 16 is eventually located at the reverse reference rotation end position. As described above, since the clutch washers 54 and 54 are disposed between the rotation shaft 50a of the stepping motor 42a and the output shaft 44a, the rotation shaft 50a is positioned on the opposite side of the horizontal blade 16 to the reference position. Even after the rotation is stopped at the rotation end position, the rotation can be smoothly performed according to the number of input pulse signals.

Thus, in the register of this embodiment, when the ignition switch is turned OFF, all of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are rotated in the reverse direction, and the reference rotation in the reverse direction is performed. As shown in FIG. 7, the front opening 12 of the housing 10 is closed by the plurality of horizontal blades 16.

In addition, in such a register, when each horizontal blade 16 is rotated in the reverse direction at the maximum rotation angle, the number of pulse signals input to each of the four-phase coils of the stepping motor 42a is two. Since the 200-pulse pulse signal corresponding to the double is input to each of the four-phase coils from the time when the ignition switch is turned off, at the time when the ignition switch is turned off, Regardless of the rotational position of each horizontal blade 16,
By turning in the reverse direction by turning off the ignition switch, each horizontal blade 16 can be reliably positioned at the reference rotation end position in the opposite direction.

Therefore, in the register of this embodiment,
Even if the rotation end position of the wind direction member is misaligned due to forced rotation due to external force or the accumulation of the step angle error of the stepping motor, when the ignition switch is turned OFF, The front opening 12 of the housing 10 can be reliably closed by the plurality of horizontal blades 16, and such a reliable closing state of the front opening 12 of the housing 10 by each horizontal blade 16 is special. It is extremely economical and easy to obtain without the need for a complicated device or the like.

In this register, when the ignition switch is once turned off and then turned on again, a pulse signal is stored in S2 of the rotation control program of the horizontal blade 16 described above. Count value: the same number as C, stepping motor 4
The rotation of the rotary shaft 50a in the positive direction is input to each of the four-phase coils 2a, so that each of the horizontal blades 16 is rotated the same time as before the ignition switch was turned off. It can be returned to the moving position.

Although the specific configuration of the present invention has been described in detail above, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited by the above description.

For example, in the specific example, the plurality of horizontal blades 16 and the plurality of vertical blades 22 constitute a plurality of wind direction members, but any one of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 and the plurality of vertical blades 22 may be used. A plurality of wind direction members may be configured by only one of them.

In the specific example, when the ignition switch is turned off, the stepping motor 4 is turned off.
For each of the four-phase coils of 2a, the pulse signal has more signals in the order of rotating the rotating shaft 50a of the stepping motor 42a in the reverse direction and than when rotating the horizontal blade 16 at the maximum angle. By inputting a number, the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are rotated in the opposite direction, and the front opening 12 of the housing 10 is closed by the plurality of horizontal blades. Instead of or in addition to the plurality of horizontal blades 16, the plurality of vertical blades 22 are also rotated in the opposite direction when the ignition switch is turned off, similarly to the plurality of horizontal blades 16. ,
Of course, the plurality of vertical blades 22 can be configured so that the front opening 12 of the housing 10 is closed.

Further, when the ignition switch is turned off, the stepping motor 42a (42
If the number of pulse signals input to the four-phase coil of b) is larger than the number of times when each blade 16 (22) is rotated at the maximum angle, the number shown in the specific example is as follows: There is no particular limitation.

Further, in the above specific example, each blade 16,
In order to adjust the rotation angle of the lens 22, the angle adjustment shooting 60a, 6
0b is operated, the stepping motors 42a, 42a
The number of pulse signals input to the four-phase coils b is increased by 5 pulses when rotating the rotating shafts 50a and 50b in the reverse direction as compared to when rotating in the forward direction. , The rotation shafts 50a and 50b are additionally rotated in the reverse direction by the rotation angle of five steps. However, when the rotation shafts 50a and 50b rotate in the forward and reverse directions, respectively. The difference in the number of input pulses to the four-phase coils is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate according to, for example, the step angles of the stepping motors 42a and 42b.

Further, in the specific example, the angle adjustment shooting 6
During the operation of the rotation shafts 0a and 60b, the difference between the number of input pulses to the four-phase coils when the rotation shafts 50a and 50b rotate in the forward and reverse directions, respectively, is the angle adjustment shooting 60a and 60b.
Although the rotation angle of each of the blades 16 and 22 is adjusted to be constant regardless of the magnitude of the rotation of the blades 16 and 22, for example, each of the blades 16 and 22 adjusted by the operation of the angle adjustment shootings 60 a and 60 b is set. The configuration may be such that the larger the rotation angle of 22 is, the larger the difference in the number of input pulses to the four-phase coils is. As a result, the displacement of the rotation end positions of the blades 16 and 22 due to accumulation of step angle errors and the like can be corrected more favorably.

In the specific example, each blade 16,
At both the forward rotation end position and the reverse rotation end position of 22, further rotation of the blades 16 and 22 in the forward and reverse directions is prevented, and both rotation end positions become , Respectively, the forward reference rotation end position and the reverse reference rotation end position, but at least the rotation end position in the reverse direction,
The reference rotation end position for preventing the blades 16 and 22 from further rotating in the reverse direction may be set as the reference rotation end position. It is not necessary to set the reference rotation end position to prevent further rotation.

Further, in the above specific example, the operation knob 30
Is brought into contact with the vertical blade stopper projections 34 and 35 integrally formed on the lower wall 32 of the housing 10 to prevent the vertical blade 22 from rotating in the forward or reverse direction. Each of the forward reference rotation end position and the reverse reference rotation end position is set, and the front end and the rear end of the uppermost horizontal blade 16 of the plurality of horizontal blades 16 are set. , Respectively,
Blade stopper projection 3 integrally formed on the side wall 38
6 at the rotation end positions where the horizontal blade 16 is prevented from rotating in the forward direction or the reverse direction by contacting the horizontal blade 6 with the forward direction reference rotation end position and the reverse direction reference rotation end position. Are set respectively, whereby each blade 16, 2
Although the two reference rotation end positions on the forward direction and the reverse direction are respectively determined to be non-displaceable, it is of course possible to make such reference rotation end positions displaceable.

That is, for example, the vertical blade stopper projections 34, 35 and the horizontal blade stopper projection 36 are configured to be able to move on the lower wall 32 and the side wall 38 of the housing 10, and the both stopper projections 34, 35, 36
At any given position, the operating knob 30 is brought into contact with the vertical blade stopper projections 34 and 35, and the uppermost horizontal blade 16 is brought into contact with the horizontal blade stopper projection 36. Alternatively, the forward reference rotation end position and the reverse reference rotation end position of each of the blades 16 and 22 may be displaced.

Further, in the specific example, four-phase coils are provided as the stepping motors 42a and 42b.
Although a structure having a known PM type structure has been used, the structure of the stepping motors 42a and 42b is not limited thereto, but may be a general VR type structure having a plurality of coils. And those having a hybrid structure can be advantageously used.

Further, in the above specific example, the driving force transmission cutoff means is provided with the rotating shaft 50 of the stepping motors 42a and 42b.
a, 50b and two clutch washers 54, 54 interposed between output shafts 44a, 44b integrally rotated with the respective blades 16, 22.
Even when the rotation of the blades a and 44b, that is, the rotation of the blades 16 and 22 is forcibly stopped by an external force or the like, the rotation of the rotation shafts 50a and 50b is smoothly continued. , Whereby the blades 16 and 22 are located at both forward and reverse reference rotation end positions where further rotation in the forward and reverse directions is prevented. At this time, the transmission of the driving force of the stepping motors 42a and 42b to the blades 16 and 22 is interrupted. However, the structure of the driving force transmitting means is not limited to this. Output shaft 44 of stepping motors 42a and 42b
A general slip clutch mechanism may be provided between the rotating shafts a and 44b and the rotating shafts 18 and 24 of the blades 16 and 22 integrally rotatably connected thereto.

Further, in the above specific example, the turning angle setting means is constituted by the angle adjustment shootings 60a and 60b.
The blades 1 and 2 are arranged such that the angle of rotation in the opposite direction is larger than the angle of rotation of the blades 6 and 22 in the forward direction.
Any structure can be advantageously employed as long as it can set the rotation angles of 6, 22.

In addition, in the above-mentioned specific example, an example is shown in which the present invention is applied to the rotation control of the wind direction member of the register of the automobile.
It goes without saying that any of the methods can be advantageously applied to the method of controlling the rotation of the wind direction member in the vehicle air outlet device using the stepping motor and the vehicle air outlet device.

In addition, although not enumerated one by one, the present invention
Based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, improvements, and the like can be made, and any of such embodiments can be implemented in the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that they are included within the scope of the invention.

[0070]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the method for controlling the rotation of the wind direction member in the vehicle air outlet device using the stepping motor according to the present invention, the rotation of the wind direction member is always performed. It can be controlled very easily and precisely, at the lowest possible cost, so that it can be performed in the desired range of rotation.

Further, in the air outlet device for a vehicle according to the present invention, the method for controlling the rotation of the wind direction member having the above-mentioned excellent characteristics can be realized very advantageously and reliably. However, it can always be accurately rotated within a desired rotation range.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view showing an example of a register configured to be able to control the rotation of a blade rotated by a stepping motor according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of the register shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional explanatory view of the register shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a rotating state of a plurality of vertical blades in the register shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where the plurality of vertical blades are located at a forward reference rotation end position; Is shown.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a rotating state of a plurality of vertical blades in the register shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the plurality of vertical blades are located at a reference rotation end position on the opposite side; Is shown.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a rotating state of a plurality of horizontal blades in the register shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the plurality of horizontal blades are positioned at a forward reference rotation end position; Is shown.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a rotating state of a plurality of horizontal blades in the register shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the plurality of horizontal blades are positioned at a reference rotation end position on the opposite side; Is shown.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram including a partially cutaway view for explaining an internal structure of a stepping motor provided in the register shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a rotation control program of a plurality of vertical blades stored in a microcomputer provided in the register illustrated in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Housing 16 Horizontal blade 20 Horizontal blade interlocking plate 22 Vertical blade 26 Vertical blade interlocking plate 30 Operation knob 34, 35 Vertical blade stopper projection 36 Horizontal blade stopper projection 42 Stepping motor 44 Output shaft 50 Rotary shaft 54 Clutch washer 56 Controller 58 Switching switch 60 Angle adjustment shooting

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of wind direction members disposed in an opening of a housing that opens into a vehicle cabin so as to be rotatable in parallel to each other and in the same direction, and connected to the plurality of wind direction members and the plurality of wind directions. Along with the interlocking member being reciprocally movable in the arrangement direction of the members, the interlocking member is rotated in conjunction with the member,
A driving force of a stepping motor is transmitted to the interlocking member, and the plurality of airflow direction members are rotated by the interlocking member. In controlling, the angle of rotation of each of the plurality of wind direction members in the reverse direction is set to be larger than the angle of rotation of each of the plurality of wind direction members in the forward direction. When the respective wind direction members are positioned in the reference rotation end position by rotating the respective wind direction members in the opposite direction, the stepping is performed. The transmission of the driving force of the motor to the interlocking member is cut off, and further rotation of the wind direction members by the interlocking member in the reverse direction is prevented, and each of the plurality of wind direction members is To After the plurality of wind direction members are positioned at the reference rotation end position by the rotation in the reverse direction, the wind direction members are rotated in the forward direction at the set angle starting from the reference rotation end position. A method of controlling the rotation of a wind direction member in a vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor, wherein the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members is controlled so as to be moved. 2. When the ignition switch of a vehicle in which the vehicle air outlet device is installed is turned off, each of the plurality of wind direction members rotates in the opposite direction at the set angle. And the reference rotation end position of each of the wind direction members is adjusted when the opening of the housing is closed by each of the wind direction members by the rotation of each of the wind direction members in the opposite direction. When the ignition switch is turned off and the opening of the housing is closed by each of the wind direction members due to the rotation of each of the wind direction members in the opposite direction when the ignition switch is turned off. ,
The rotation control of the wind direction member in the vehicle air outlet device using a stepping motor according to claim 1, wherein the further rotation of each wind direction member in the opposite direction is prevented. Method. 3. A plurality of wind direction members disposed in an opening of a housing opening into a vehicle interior in such a manner as to be rotatable in the same direction and in parallel with each other, and connected to the plurality of wind direction members and the plurality of wind direction members. Along with the interlocking member being reciprocally movable in the arrangement direction of the members, the interlocking member is rotated in conjunction with the member,
In a vehicle air outlet device configured to transmit a driving force of a stepping motor to the interlocking member so as to rotate the plurality of wind direction members by the interlocking member, in each of the plurality of wind direction members, Turning angle setting means for setting the turning angle of each wind direction member such that the angle of rotation in the opposite direction of each of the plurality of wind direction members is larger than the angle of rotation in the forward direction. By rotating the wind direction members in the opposite directions, when the wind direction members are positioned at a predetermined reference rotation end position, the driving force of the stepping motor is applied to the interlocking member. Driving force transmission blocking means for blocking transmission and preventing further rotation of the respective wind direction members by the interlocking member in the reverse direction, the driving force transmission blocking means comprising: When the plurality of wind direction members are positioned at the reference rotation end position by the movement, the rotation of the plurality of wind direction members in the forward direction is started at the set angle. An air outlet device for a vehicle, comprising: