JP2003028902A - Overcurrent-detecting device, connector, electronic connection box, and power window device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power window device that can determine whether an overcurrent flows in an electronic motor without malfunctions. SOLUTION: The power window device 1 comprises an overcurrent detecting device 6 and a driving part 7. The overcurrent-detecting device 6 comprises a temperature-sensitive sensor 8, a difference detecting circuit 29, a comparator 30, and a logic part 32. The temperature-sensing sensor 8 is attached to a terminal fitting. The terminal fitting is connected to a power source 10 and the driving part 7. The temperature-sensing sensor 8 outputs the information, related to the temperature of the terminal fitting toward the difference-detecting circuit 29. The difference-detecting circuit 29 determines the rate of the temperature change. The comparator 30 determines that the overcurrent flows in the terminal fitting, when the rate of the temperature change exceeds threshold. The logic part 32 controls the driving part 7, based on the determined result of the comparator 30. The driving part 7 is provided with a motor 12 which lifts a window pane 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an overcurrent detection device for determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through a conductor, and a connector capable of determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through a terminal fitting.
The present invention relates to an electric connection box capable of determining whether an overcurrent is flowing through a bus bar and a power window device capable of determining whether an overcurrent is supplied to a motor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automobile is equipped with a power window device that opens and closes a window by driving a motor or the like to move the window glass up and down. This type of power window device has been devised in various ways to prevent the head and hands of an occupant from being caught between the window glass and the window frame during the raising and lowering operation of the window glass.

An example of the above-mentioned device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-18.
709 publication. In the above publication, a shunt resistor is provided as an overcurrent detection circuit connected to a drive circuit of a motor or the like. The shunt resistor outputs a voltage signal of a level according to the load current of the motor. When the increment of the voltage signal per unit time exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that the occupant's head or hand is sandwiched between the window glass and the window frame.

When it is determined that the occupant's head or hand is sandwiched between the window glass and the window frame, the driving direction of the motor is reversed and the moving direction of the window glass is reversed.
Thus, the power window device described in the above publication prevents the occupant's head and hands from being caught between the window glass and the window frame.

[0005]

The power window device described in the above publication uses a shunt resistor in order to detect an overcurrent of the motor. Since the mechanical size of the shunt resistance is large, the installation space for mounting the shunt on the vehicle tends to be large.

The shunt resistor is connected to the drive circuit of the motor. On the other hand, in order to drive the motor, relatively high voltage power is supplied. Therefore, the shunt resistance is easily affected by electrical noise generated when switching the motor on and off. Therefore, the overcurrent detection circuit, that is, the power window device may malfunction.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an overcurrent detecting device which can determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through a conductor without causing a malfunction. A second object is to provide a connector capable of determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting without malfunctioning.
A third object is to provide an electrical junction box that can determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the bus bar without malfunctioning. A fourth object is to provide a power window device which can be downsized and which can determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing to the motor without malfunctioning.

[0008]

In order to achieve the first object, an overcurrent detecting device of the present invention according to claim 1 is provided with a conductor through which an electric current is conducted, and a conductor attached to the conductor. A temperature detection means capable of detecting the temperature of the conductor; and a determination means for determining that an overcurrent is flowing through the conductor when the rate of change of the temperature detected by the temperature detection means exceeds a threshold value. Is characterized by.

In order to achieve the second object, the connector of the present invention according to claim 2 is attached to the connector housing, the terminal fitting housed in the terminal housing chamber of the connector housing, and the terminal fitting. And a temperature detecting means capable of detecting the temperature of the terminal fitting, and a judging means for judging that an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting when the rate of change in temperature detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve a third object, an electric junction box of the present invention according to claim 3 has a case for accommodating a plurality of electric parts, and an electric part that is housed in the case and electrically connected to the electric parts. A busbar connected to the busbar, a temperature detecting means attached to the busbar and capable of detecting the temperature of the busbar, and an overcurrent flows through the busbar when the temperature change rate detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value. And a determining means for determining that

In order to achieve a fourth object, a power window device of the present invention according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a power window device having a motor for raising and lowering a window glass of an automobile by being driven by electric power supplied from a power source. In the window device, a conductor for transmitting electric power from the power source to the motor, temperature detecting means attached to the conductor and capable of detecting the temperature of the conductor, and a rate of change in temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is a threshold value. And a determining unit that determines that an overcurrent is flowing through the conductor when the value exceeds.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power window device according to the present invention, wherein the conductor is housed in a connector housing of a connector. It is characterized by being a terminal fitting.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the power window device of the present invention according to claim 6 is the power window device according to claim 4, wherein the conductor is housed in a case of an electrical junction box. It is characterized by the fact that it is the bus.

According to the present invention described in claim 1, when the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing in the conductor. In this way, whether the overcurrent is flowing or not is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the conductor.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting. In this way, whether the overcurrent is flowing or not is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the terminal fitting.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing in the bus bar when the rate of change of the temperature of the bus bar detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value. In this way, whether or not the overcurrent is flowing is determined by the change rate of the temperature of the bus bar. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the bus bar.

According to the present invention described in claim 4, when the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, an overcurrent is being supplied to the motor, that is, the window glass. It is determined that a foreign object is caught between the window frame. In this way, whether or not a foreign substance is caught is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor. Therefore, when determining whether an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether a foreign object is caught,
It is not affected by noise generated by the current flowing through the conductor.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, an overcurrent is supplied to the motor, that is, the window glass. It is determined that a foreign object is sandwiched between the window frame and the window frame. In this way, whether or not a foreign object is caught is determined by the rate of change in the temperature of the terminal fitting. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not a foreign object is caught, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the terminal fitting. Further, temperature detecting means is attached to the terminal fitting. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the space required for installing the temperature detecting means and the like.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the rate of change of the temperature of the bus bar detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, an overcurrent is being supplied to the motor, that is, the window glass. It is determined that a foreign object is caught between the window frame. In this way, whether or not the foreign matter is caught is determined by the change rate of the temperature of the bus bar. Therefore, when it is determined whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not a foreign object is caught, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the bus bar. Further, a temperature detecting means is attached to the bus bar. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the space required for installing the temperature detecting means and the like.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An overcurrent detection device and a power window device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The power window device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like is installed in an automobile. The power window device 1 lifts and lowers a window glass 3 of a vehicle door 2 to open and close a window 4.

The power window device 1 moves between the window frame 5 and the window glass 3 while the window glass 3 is being moved in the direction in which the window 4 is closed. When a foreign object is caught, the moving direction of the window glass 3 is reversed. The power window device 1 prevents foreign matter such as the head and hands of an occupant from being caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power window device 1 includes an overcurrent detection device 6 and a drive section 7.
The overcurrent detection device 6 includes a temperature sensor 8 as a temperature detection unit, a terminal fitting 13 as a conductor, a control circuit unit 9, and
Is equipped with. The temperature sensor 8 is provided between a power source 10 such as an automobile battery or a generator and a drive circuit 11 of the drive unit 7 which will be described later. The temperature sensor 8 is attached to the terminal fitting 13 (shown in FIG. 3). The terminal fitting 13 is connected to both the power supply 10 and the drive circuit 11.

The terminal fitting 13 is a female connector housing (hereinafter referred to as a female housing) 14 indicated by a dotted line in FIG.
It is accommodated in the terminal accommodating chamber 15. Female housing 14
Has a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 15. Terminal housing chamber 15
Respectively accommodate the terminal fittings 13. Therefore, the female housing 14 houses the plurality of terminal fittings 13. The terminal fitting 13 is a male terminal fitting (so-called male terminal) in the illustrated example. An electric wire 16 is attached to each of the terminal fittings 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature sensor 8 is attached to one of the terminal fittings 13 (indicated by reference numeral 13a below).

The female housing 14 is connected to a male connector housing (hereinafter referred to as a male housing) 17 shown by a solid line in FIG. The male housing 17
The terminal housing chambers 18 are provided in the same number as the female housing 14. These terminal accommodating chambers 18 accommodate female terminal metal fittings (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as female terminals). Housing 1
When 4 and 17 are connected to each other by a connector, the female terminal is connected to the terminal fitting 13. An electric wire 19 is attached to each female terminal.

The terminal fitting 13 and the female housing 14
A male housing 17, a female terminal, a temperature sensor 8,
A comparator 30 (shown in FIG. 1) to be described later constitutes the connector 20 described in this specification.

A power supply 10 mounted on an automobile is connected to one of the electric wire 16 attached to the terminal fitting 13a and the electric wire 19 attached to a female terminal connected to the terminal fitting 13a. . The drive circuit 11 is connected to the other side. Therefore, the terminal fitting 13a has
Electric power supplied from the power supply 10 to the drive circuit 11 flows (current is conducted). The temperature of the terminal fitting 13a rises when the current value of the electric power from the power source 10 rises. Also, the terminal fittings 13 on both sides of the terminal fitting 13a
The control circuit section 9 is connected to the electric wires 16 attached to both sides (hereinafter referred to as reference numerals 13b and 13c) or the electric wires 19 attached to female terminals connected to these terminal fittings 13b and 13c.

As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature-sensitive sensor 8 includes an insulating layer 21 laminated on the surface of the terminal fitting 13a and a polysilicon diode 22 laminated on the insulating layer 21. The polysilicon diode 22 includes a pair of electrodes 23 and 24. Polysilicon diode 22
The outer surface except the electrodes 23 and 24 is the insulating layer 21.
Is covered with.

These electrodes 23 and 24 are applied in the forward direction and kept at a potential difference of about 0.7 V (volt). When the current of electric power flowing in the terminal fitting 13a rises and the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a rises, the potential difference between the electrodes 23 and 24 decreases. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrodes 23, 24 are connected to the terminal fittings 13b,
13c is connected.

In the temperature sensor 8, when the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a rises, the potential difference between the electrodes 23 and 24 is reduced. In this way, the temperature sensor 8 detects the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a by outputting the potential difference between the electrodes 23 and 24 of the polysilicon diode 22 and outputs the information about the temperature. In addition, the temperature sensor 8
Can be obtained by laminating the insulating layer 21, the polysilicon diode 22 and the like on the surface of the terminal fitting 13a using a well-known semiconductor thin film forming technique.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control circuit section 9 includes an analog circuit section 26 and a digital circuit section 27. The analog circuit unit 26 includes an amplifier 28, a difference detection circuit 29, a comparator 30 as a determination unit, and an overheat protection circuit 31. The amplifier 28 is connected to the terminal fittings 13b and 13c. Therefore, the amplifier 28
In, the electric potential difference between the terminal fittings 13b and 13c is input as information about the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a. Amplifier 28
Amplifies the potential difference and outputs it to the difference detection circuit 29.

The difference detection circuit 29 is connected to the amplifier 28. The difference detection circuit 29 obtains the rate of change of the potential difference and outputs it to the comparator 30. The comparator 30 is
It is connected to the difference detection circuit 29. The comparator 30 determines whether or not the rate of change exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the comparator 30 determines that the rate of change exceeds the threshold value, the comparator 30 indicates that a foreign object such as the head or hand of an occupant is caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5. The signal is transferred to a logic section 32 of the digital circuit section 27 which will be described later
Output toward. In this way, the comparator 30 determines whether the rate of change exceeds the threshold value,
It is determined whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting 13a.

The overheat protection circuit 31 protects the temperature sensor 8 and the later-described motor 12 of the drive unit 7. The overheat protection circuit 31 is connected to the terminal fittings 13b and 13c. The overheat protection circuit 31 includes the terminal fittings 13b,
Based on the potential difference between 13c, it is determined whether the motor 12 is overheated. The overheat protection circuit 31 is used for the motor 1
When it is determined that No. 2 is in the overheated state, the motor overheat signal indicating that the motor is in the overheated state is output to the logic unit 32.

The digital circuit section 27 includes a logic section 32. The logic unit 32 is connected to both the comparator 30 and the overheat protection circuit 31. A switch 33 for power window is connected to the logic section 32. The switch 33 is used by an occupant to move the window glass 3 up and down to open and close the window 4.

The logic section 32 controls the drive circuit 11 to drive the motor 12 based on the signal from the switch 33. That is, the logic unit 32 moves the window glass 3 up and down, that is, opens and closes the window 4 based on the signal from the switch 33. When the logic unit 32 is sandwiched by the comparator 30 and receives a signal, the logic unit 32 controls the drive circuit 11 to rotate the motor 12 in the reverse direction.

That is, the logic unit 32 lowers the window glass 3, that is, opens the window 4 when the signal is sandwiched and a signal is input.
When the motor overheat signal is input from the overheat protection circuit 31, the logic unit 32 controls the drive circuit 11,
The motor 12 is stopped. That is, when the motor overheat signal is input, the logic unit 32 stops opening / closing the window 4.

The drive unit 7 includes a motor 12 and a drive circuit 11. The motor 12 has a rotatable output shaft for both forward rotation and reverse rotation in the reverse direction of the forward rotation. When the output shaft of the motor 12 rotates normally or reversely, the window glass 3 moves up and down. In the illustrated example, when the output shaft of the motor 12 rotates normally, the window glass 3 rises. That is, when the output shaft of the motor 12 rotates normally, the window 4 is closed. When the output shaft of the motor 12 reversely rotates, the window glass 3 descends. That is, when the output shaft of the motor 12 reversely rotates, the window 4 opens.

The drive circuit 11 includes a well-known relay and the like. The drive circuit 11 switches the rotation direction of the output shaft of the motor 12 and drives / stops the motor 12 based on a command from the logic unit 32.

The power window device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration is
It operates as shown below. First, in step Sl shown in FIG. 2, the overheat protection circuit 31 determines whether or not the motor 12 is in the overheated state, based on the potential difference (signal value) from the temperature sensor 8. When it is determined that the motor 12 is overheated, the process proceeds to step S2, and the motor 1
Stop 2 and stop opening and closing the window 4. Then, the process returns to step Sl. If it is determined that the motor 12 is not overheated, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the amplifier 28 amplifies the potential difference between the terminal fittings 13b and 13c, the difference detection circuit 29 obtains the rate of change of the potential difference, and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the comparator 30 determines whether or not the rate of change exceeds the threshold value. If it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the threshold value is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S5, the output shaft of the motor 12 is reversed to lower the window glass 3 and open the window 4. Then, the process returns to step Sl. In step S6,
Based on a signal from the power window switch 33, the motor 12 is driven to open / close the window 4. Then, the process returns to step Sl.

As described above, in the power window device 1 of this embodiment, steps S1 and S3 are performed when no foreign matter is caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5 and when the motor 12 is not overheated. , S4, S6 in this order, the window glass 3 is moved up and down according to the signal from the power window switch 33, that is, as instructed by the occupant. That is, the window 4 is opened and closed according to the instruction of the passenger.

While raising the window glass 3, that is, the window 4
If a foreign object such as the head or hand of an occupant is caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5 while the vehicle is closed, the current supplied to the motor 12 increases. Then, the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a rises and the potential difference between the electrodes 13b and 13c of the temperature sensor changes. When the rate of change of the potential difference exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S5 and the motor 12 is rotated in the reverse direction. Then, the window glass 3 is lowered to open the window 4. In this way, foreign matter such as the occupant's head and hands is prevented from being caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5. If the motor 12 becomes overheated for some reason, the process proceeds to step S2 and the motor 12 is stopped. In this way, the motor 12 is prevented from burning out.

According to this embodiment, the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a detected by the temperature sensor 8, that is, the terminal fitting 13
When the rate of change of the potential difference between b and 13c exceeds the threshold value,
It is determined that an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting 13a. That is, it is determined that the foreign matter is sandwiched between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5. In this way, whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not a foreign substance is sandwiched between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5,
It is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting 13a.

Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the terminal fitting 13a. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent flows through the terminal fitting 13a, that is, whether or not a foreign object is sandwiched between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5 without causing a malfunction. Further, the temperature sensor 8 is attached to the terminal fitting 13a. Therefore, the space for installing the temperature sensor 8, that is, the overcurrent detection device 6 can be suppressed. Therefore, upsizing of the power window device 1 can be suppressed.

Next, the inventors of the present invention have confirmed the responsiveness of the power window device 1 of the above-described embodiment when an overcurrent flows. Results are shown in FIG. The solid line in FIG. 6 indicates the change in the current value supplied to the motor 12 (denoted as the motor current in FIG. 6). The alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 6 shows the change in the rate of change (denoted as ΔVF (V)). According to FIG. 6, when a foreign object is caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5, the motor current instantly rises as indicated by a point P in FIG. Then, as shown by the point Pl in FIG. 6, the rate of change also rises in an instant. The time difference between the point P and the point Pl is about 10 msec.

As described above, the power window device 1 of the present embodiment promptly responds to the overcurrent flowing through the motor 12 when
It became clear that the motor 12 could be reversed. Therefore, the power window device 1 can reliably prevent the foreign matter such as the hand and head of the occupant from being caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 8 is connected to the electrical junction box 40.
It is attached to the bus bar 41 as a conductor. The bus bar 41 is the overcurrent detection device 6 of the power window device 1.
Make up. The electric junction box 40 is installed in the automobile.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electric junction box 40 includes a box-shaped case 42, a plurality of fuses 43 as electric parts housed in the case 42, a wiring unit (not shown), and a temperature sensor. 8 and a comparator 30. In addition, the wiring unit includes a plurality of insulating substrates that are stacked on each other and a plurality of conductive bus bars 41 that are arranged between these substrates. The bus bar 41 of the wiring unit electrically connects the power source 10, the fuse 43, the drive circuit 11 and the like to each other according to a predetermined pattern.

In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 8 is attached to one of the bus bars 41 (hereinafter referred to as reference numeral 41a) among the plurality of bus bars 41 as shown in FIG.
The bus bar 41a is electrically connected to both the power supply 10 and the drive circuit 11. In addition, the electrodes 23,
24 is connected to the bus bar 41a and the bus bars 41 on both sides (shown by reference numerals 41b and 41c below) by a conductor 25 or the like. The bus bars 41b and 41c are electrically connected to both the amplifier 28 and the overheat protection circuit 31, that is, the control circuit unit 9.

Also in the present embodiment, when no foreign matter is caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5 or when the motor 12 is not overheated, the signal of the power window switch 33, that is, the occupant's signal. The window glass 3 is moved up and down as instructed. That is, the window 4 is opened and closed according to the instruction of the passenger.

While the window glass 3 is being raised, that is, the window 4
If a foreign object such as the head or hand of an occupant is caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5 while the vehicle is closed, the current supplied to the motor 12 increases. Then, the temperature of the bus bar 41a rises and the potential difference between the electrodes 23 and 24 of the temperature sensor 8 changes. When the rate of change of this potential difference exceeds the threshold value, the motor 12 is rotated in the reverse direction. Then, the window glass 3 is lowered to open the window 4. In this way, foreign matter such as the occupant's head and hands is prevented from being caught between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5. When the motor 12 becomes overheated for some reason, the motor 12 is stopped. Thus
The motor 12 is prevented from burning out.

According to this embodiment, the temperature of the bus bar 41a detected by the temperature sensor 8, that is, the bus bars 41b, 4b.
When the rate of change of the potential difference between 1c exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing in the bus bar 41a, that is, the window glass 3
It is determined that a foreign object is sandwiched between the window frame 5 and the window frame 5. In this manner, the bus bar 41 determines whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not foreign matter is sandwiched between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5.
It is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of a.

Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the bus bar 41a. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the bus bar 41a, that is, whether or not a foreign object is sandwiched between the window glass 3 and the window frame 5 without causing a malfunction. In addition, the temperature sensor 8 is attached to the bus bar 41a.
Is attached. Therefore, the space for installing the temperature sensor 8, that is, the overcurrent detection device 6 can be suppressed.
Therefore, upsizing of the power window device 1 can be suppressed.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the temperature sensor 8 is formed (attached) on the terminal fitting 13a or the bus bar 41a by using the semiconductor thin film forming technique. However, in the present invention, the temperature sensor 8
It is a matter of course that a circuit element such as a well-known thermistor may be used, and the circuit element may be attached to the terminal fitting 13a or the bus bar 41a by brazing using solder or the like.

[0054]

As described above, the present invention according to claim 1 judges that an overcurrent is flowing in the conductor when the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value. To do. In this way, whether the overcurrent is flowing or not is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the conductor. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the conductor without causing a malfunction.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting.
In this way, whether the overcurrent is flowing or not is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the terminal fitting. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting without causing a malfunction.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is determined that an overcurrent is flowing in the bus bar when the rate of change of the temperature of the bus bar detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value. In this way, whether or not the overcurrent is flowing is determined by the change rate of the temperature of the bus bar. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the bus bar. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the bus bar without causing a malfunction.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value, an overcurrent is being supplied to the motor, that is, the window glass and the window frame. It is determined that a foreign object is caught between the two. In this way, whether or not a foreign substance is caught is determined by the rate of change of the temperature of the conductor. Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not a foreign substance is caught, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the conductor. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the conductor without causing a malfunction.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the rate of change of the temperature of the terminal fitting detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, an overcurrent is supplied to the motor, that is, the window glass. It is determined that a foreign object is sandwiched between the window frame and the window frame. In this way, whether or not a foreign object is caught is determined by the rate of change in the temperature of the terminal fitting.

Therefore, when it is determined whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not a foreign object is caught, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the terminal fitting. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting without causing a malfunction. Further, temperature detecting means is attached to the terminal fitting. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the space required for installing the temperature detecting means and the like. Therefore, upsizing can be suppressed.

According to the present invention described in claim 6, when the change rate of the temperature of the bus bar detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds the threshold value, the overcurrent is being supplied to the motor, that is, the window glass. It is determined that a foreign object is caught between the window frame. In this way, whether or not the foreign matter is caught is determined by the change rate of the temperature of the bus bar.

Therefore, when determining whether or not an overcurrent is flowing, that is, whether or not a foreign matter is caught, there is no influence of noise generated by the current flowing through the bus bar. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not an overcurrent is flowing through the bus bar without causing a malfunction. Further, a temperature detecting means is attached to the bus bar. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the space required for installing the temperature detecting means and the like. Therefore, upsizing can be suppressed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ellipse of a power window device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the power window device shown in FIG.

3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a connector having a terminal fitting to which a temperature sensor of the power window device shown in FIG. 1 is attached.

4 is a plan view showing a part of the terminal fitting to which the temperature sensor shown in FIG. 3 is attached.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing responsiveness of the power window device of the same embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an electric connection box including a bus bar to which a temperature sensor of a power window device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is attached.

8 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion VIII in FIG. 7. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Power window device 3 window glass 6 Overcurrent detection device 8 Temperature sensor (temperature detection means) 10 power supplies 12 motors 13, 13a, 13b, 13c Terminal fittings (conductor) 14 Female housing (connector housing) 15-terminal storage room 20 connectors 30 comparator (determination means) 40 electrical junction box 41, 41a, 41b, 41c Bus bar (conductor) 42 cases 43 Fuse (electrical parts)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) E05F 15/16 G01K 3/10 G01K 3/10 G01N 25/00 Z G01N 25/00 G01R 19/00 Z G01R 19/00 H01R 13/66 H01R 13/66 B60J 1/17 AF Term (reference) 2E052 AA09 BA02 CA06 EA14 EB01 EC01 GA05 GA08 GB06 GC06 GD03 GD09 HA01 KA13 2G035 AB01 AC15 AD00 AD06 AD23 2G040 AA05 AB12 BA14 BA25 CA02 DA02 BA02 CA25 CA02 DA02 HA03 HA16 3D127 AA02 CB05 DF03 FF20 5E021 FA05 FA09 FB07 FB20 FC40 MA04

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A conductor through which an electric current is conducted, temperature detecting means attached to the conductor and capable of detecting the temperature of the conductor, and a rate of change in temperature detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value. An overcurrent detection device, comprising: a determination unit that determines that an overcurrent is flowing through the conductor. 2. A connector housing, a terminal fitting housed in a terminal housing chamber of the connector housing, a temperature detecting means attached to the terminal fitting and capable of detecting the temperature of the terminal fitting, and the temperature detecting means. A connector for determining that an overcurrent is flowing through the terminal fitting when the rate of change of the detected temperature exceeds a threshold value. 3. A case for accommodating a plurality of electric parts, a busbar housed in the case and electrically connected to the electric part, and a temperature detector attached to the busbar and capable of detecting the temperature of the busbar. An electric junction box comprising: a means for determining that an overcurrent is flowing through the bus bar when a rate of change in temperature detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a threshold value. 4. A power window device provided with a motor for raising and lowering a window glass of an automobile by being driven by being supplied with electric power from a power source, a conductor for transmitting power from the power source to the motor, and a conductor mounted on the conductor. A temperature detection unit capable of detecting the temperature of the conductor; and a determination unit that determines that an overcurrent is flowing in the conductor when the rate of change in temperature detected by the temperature detection unit exceeds a threshold value. A power window device characterized in that 5. The power window device according to claim 4, wherein the conductor is a terminal fitting housed in a connector housing of the connector. 6. The power window device according to claim 4, wherein the conductor is a bus bar housed in a case of an electrical junction box.