JP2021032011A - Vehicle window opening/closing control device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology for realizing the safety of a child or the like and the convenience of a user concerning the technology of a vehicle window opening/closing control device.SOLUTION: A vehicle window opening/closing control device, which is configured to control an opening/closing movement of a window provided in a vehicle, includes: a control unit that controls a drive unit that opens/closes the window; a window opening/closing switch for outputting a command to open/close the window based on a user's operation; a limit switch for outputting a command to limit the opening/closing movement of the window based on the operation of the window opening/closing switch based on a driver's operation; and a window position detection unit for detecting a state including a position of the window. The control unit controls the drive unit to limit the position of the opening/closing movement of the window detected by the window position detection unit such that the limited position falls within a part of a total movement range of the window from the fully closed position to the fully closed position, when the limit switch is in an activated state and concurrently the window opening/closing switch is in the activated state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for a window opening / closing control device for a vehicle.

As a window opening / closing control device for vehicles, there is a power window control device and the like. Some of such window opening / closing control devices are designed with safety measures against situations such as a body being sandwiched between a window frame and a window. As a technical example of the safety measure, a lock mechanism of a power window and the like can be mentioned. The power window lock mechanism is a mechanism that prohibits the opening / closing operation of the power window when a predetermined switch is on.

As an example of the prior art, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-184082 (Patent Document 1) describes the prevention of pinching in the closing operation of the power window from the substantially fully open state without deteriorating the usability of the power window control device. It is stated to ensure that. According to Patent Document 1, when the window is changed from the fully open state to the fully closed state, the closing operation is temporarily stopped in the middle of the process, and the power window switch for the closing operation is operated again. It is stated that the closing operation can be performed.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-164880 (Patent Document 2), the power window control device is operated by operating a power window open / close switch other than the driver's seat depending on whether a child is on board or not. The maximum opening range is made different, and in the former case, even if the above window switch is operated to the open side as a measure against children, the power window is not fully opened to prevent dangerous appearance of children. It is stated to that effect. Patent Document 2 provides a changeover switch together with a limit switch that limits the further opening of the power window at a position in the middle of reaching the full opening of the power window, and the power by operating the power window switch is provided by this changeover switch. It is described that the first switching state that enables the window to be fully opened and the second switching state that prevents the power window from being fully opened can be selectively switched by the restriction switch even if the power window switch is operated. There is.

Jitsukaisho 61-184082 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58-164880

In the power window locking mechanism in the conventional vehicle window opening / closing control device, the window of each door can be locked by the operation of a predetermined switch by the driver in the driver's seat. In this locked state, the window opening / closing operation (corresponding opening / closing operation) cannot be performed from the window opening / closing switch of each seat. Therefore, in this state, it is possible to prevent dangers and accidents caused by opening and closing windows by children, for example. Specific dangers and accidents include the fact that a child's fingers, hands, head, neck, etc. are caught between the window frame and the window, or that the child's fingers or hands are greatly exposed to the outside of the window.

However, in the locked state of the windows, the opening amount (corresponding opening position) of each window cannot be adjusted, for example, when it is desired to open the windows a little in order to take in a little outside air into the vehicle interior. If you want to make adjustments, you need to release the lock state once. That is, there is room for improvement in the prior art from the viewpoint of user convenience and the like.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for a window opening / closing control device for a vehicle, which can realize the safety of a child or the like and the convenience of a user.

The vehicle window opening / closing control device of the present invention is a vehicle window opening / closing control device that controls the opening / closing movement of windows provided in the vehicle, and includes a control unit that controls a drive unit that opens / closes the windows. A restriction switch for outputting a command for restricting the opening / closing movement of the window based on the window opening / closing switch for outputting a command for opening / closing the window based on the operation of the user, and a restriction switch for outputting a command for restricting the opening / closing movement of the window based on the operation of the driver. A window position detecting unit for detecting a state including the position of the window is provided, and the control unit comprises the window when the limiting switch is in the operating state and the window open / close switch is in the operating state. The drive so as to limit the position of the opening / closing movement of the window detected by the position detection unit to a set opening / closing operation range in the entire range from the fully closed position to the fully closed position of the window. It is characterized by controlling a unit.

In the vehicle window opening / closing control device of another aspect of the present invention, the control unit sets the upper limit position in the opening / closing operation range to a position of a predetermined distance downward from the fully closed position of the window, and the opening / closing operation range. The lower limit position in the above is set to a position at a predetermined distance upward from the fully open position of the window, and the upper limit position and the lower limit position take into consideration the average size of the target body part of a child of a predetermined age. It is characterized in that it is set using a distance to prevent pinching or going out.

In the vehicle window opening / closing control device of another aspect of the present invention, the control unit is the window position detecting unit when the limiting switch is in the operating state and the window opening / closing switch is in the operating state. When the position of the window detected by is within the range above the opening / closing operation range, only the opening operation approaching the opening / closing operation range is allowed, and the window is controlled so as not to be fully closed. It is characterized by doing.

In the vehicle window opening / closing control device of another aspect of the present invention, the control unit is the window position detecting unit when the limiting switch is in the operating state and the window opening / closing switch is in the operating state. When the position of the window detected by is within the range below the opening / closing operation range, only the closing operation approaching the opening / closing operation range is allowed, and the window is controlled so as not to be fully opened. It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize the safety of children and the like and the convenience of users with respect to the technology of the window opening / closing control device for vehicles.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the vehicle system including the window opening / closing control device for a vehicle of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a door, a window, and a power window device according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st range, etc. of the 1st control in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st control flow in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd range, etc. of the 2nd control in the window opening / closing control device for a vehicle of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd control flow in Embodiment 2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In principle, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, and the repeated description will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
The vehicle window opening / closing control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[Overview (1)]
The vehicle window opening / closing control device of the first embodiment includes a mechanism (corresponding limiting function) for limiting and controlling the opening / closing operation range of a power window which is a window attached to a door. This opening / closing operation range is a part of the entire range from the fully open position to the fully closed position of the window. This mechanism is a mechanism including a dedicated switch, a signal, and the like. This switch includes a window open / close restriction switch. This signal includes a signal for limiting the opening / closing operating range of the window. This signal is added in a communication network and interface such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CAN of a vehicle system. The vehicle window opening / closing control device of the first embodiment controls to limit the window opening / closing operation range based on the signal that limits the window opening / closing operation range.

The signals and corresponding parameters required in this mechanism are as follows. (1) On / off of a switch (described as a window opening / closing restriction switch, etc.) that can switch on / off the control of the opening / closing operation range of the power window (in other words, this limiting function) from the vicinity of the driver's seat. Limit signal. (2) Upper limit position in controlling the opening / closing operation range. (3) Lower limit position in controlling the opening / closing operation range.

The vehicle window opening / closing control device creates the above three signals and transmits them to the power window device via, for example, LIN to control the opening / closing operation range of the power window. When the limit signal of the window opening / closing restriction switch is on, the passenger of each door, which is a user, can basically open / close the power window only within the opening / closing operation range.

[Overview (2)]
The trigger for turning on / off the restriction signal in (1) above is, for example, the driver operating a window opening / closing restriction switch provided near the driver's seat. The opening / closing operation range according to the above (2) and (3) is set, for example, by giving a control signal from the controller to the power window device. The control signal of this setting may be transmitted / received only when the vehicle system is set or the setting is updated in advance, or may be performed every time the window open / close restriction switch is operated. It is also possible to change the set value of this opening / closing operation range.

When the restriction signal is turned on, the power window device drives the window opening / closing operation, which is a power window based on the operation of the window opening / closing switch of the seat, so as to allow the opening / closing operation of the window only within the opening / closing operation range. As the window opening / closing operation (opening operation or closing operation) by the window opening / closing switch, the user of each seat is basically permitted only to open / close operation within the above opening / closing operation range.

The upper limit position of the above (2) is, for example, a position defined by a predetermined first opening amount or distance downward from the fully closed position of the window. This upper limit position is defined as, for example, the degree to which a child's finger or hand is not pinched, or the degree to which the finger or hand cannot be greatly extended to the outside.

The lower limit position of the above (3) is, for example, a position defined by a predetermined second opening amount or distance below the fully closed position of the window, and is a position below the upper limit position. This lower limit position is defined as, for example, the degree to which the child's neck or head is not pinched, or the degree to which the neck or head cannot be greatly extended to the outside.

In addition, the controller applies appropriate control according to the position of the window when the window open / close restriction switch is turned on. When the window position at that time is outside the opening / closing operation range, the controller allows only the operation approaching the opening / closing operation range, or prohibits all operations.

[Vehicle system]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a vehicle system including the window opening / closing control device of the first embodiment. This vehicle system is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). An example of a vehicle is a vehicle having doors 3 on the left and right sides in the front and rear parts of the passenger compartment, that is, a vehicle having a total of four doors 3. The vehicle system of FIG. 1 includes a vehicle control device 1, a vehicle window opening / closing control device 10, a door 3, and the like. The vehicle window opening / closing control device 10 includes a controller 2, a window opening / closing limit switch 7, a window sensor 8, and the like, which are control units. These elements are interconnected through communication networks and interfaces such as CAN or LIN. Power is supplied to each part of the power window motor 42 and the like from a power source such as a battery (not shown).

The vehicle control device 1 is composed of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or the like, and is a part that controls the entire vehicle system including engine control. The vehicle control device 1 sets, for example, by giving a setting signal SIG2 for setting related to power window control to the controller 2 of the vehicle window opening / closing control device 10 through CAN. This setting signal SIG2 includes, for example, setting information regarding the upper limit position H1 and the lower limit position H2 of the opening / closing operation range R1.

The vehicle window opening / closing control device 10 is the vehicle window opening / closing control device of the first embodiment. The controller 2 of the vehicle window opening / closing control device 10 controls the power window device 4 of each door 3. The controller 2 generates a control signal SIG4 in response to the limit signal SIG1, the open / close signal SIG3, the detection signal SIG5, and the like, and gives the control signal SIG4 to the power window device 4, particularly the motor drive control board 41, through the LIN. The control signal SIG4 is a signal for controlling limiting the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 which is a power window. The control signal SIG4 may include a command for setting the upper limit position H1 and the lower limit position H2 of the opening / closing operation range R1 corresponding to the setting signal SIG2. The controller 2 generates a control signal SIG4 according to the setting signal SIG2 and gives it to the motor drive control board 41.

The door 3 is an opening / closing body provided at an opening of the vehicle body. The door 3 has a plurality of doors provided in the vehicle. Each door 3 is provided with a power window device 4 and a window open / close switch 6. The door 3 is connected to the opening of the vehicle body, and the opening / closing operation is controlled by a door opening / closing control device (not shown).

The power window device 4 includes a motor drive control board 41, a power window motor 42 which is a motor, a window regulator 43, and a window glass 5. The window glass 5 is an opening / closing body for the door 3, is a power window glass that is automatically opened / closed, and is composed of a windshield or the like.

The motor drive control board 41 is a control board that is controlled according to the control signal SIG4 from the controller 2 and controls the drive of the power window motor 42, in other words, is a control unit of the power window device 4. The motor drive control board 41 drives the rotation of the power window motor 42 so as to perform the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 according to the set opening / closing operation range R1. The power window motor 42 is driven in a designated rotation direction, rotation speed, or the like according to drive control from the motor drive control board 41. The power window motor 42 drives the window regulator 43. The window regulator 43 supports the window glass 5, and moves the window glass 5 up and down according to the drive from the power window motor 42. As a result, the window glass 5 opens and closes.

The window open / close switch 6 is provided on each door 3, for example, and is a switch for passengers in each seat to open / close the window glass 5 of the door 3 associated with the window open / close switch 6. The window open / close switch 6 is composed of a hardware button, a circuit, or the like for operating the opening / closing of the window glass 5. The window open / close switch 6 includes an open switch for instructing the open operation and a close switch for instructing the close operation. Based on the operation of the window open / close switch 6, the open / close signal SIG3 is generated and input to the controller 2 through the LIN. The open / close signal SIG3 has, for example, an open (“OPEN”) or closed (“CLOSE”) value.

The window open / close restriction switch 7 is provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat, for example, in the door 3 on the side of the driver's seat, the instrument panel, or the like. The window opening / closing limit switch 7 is a switch for an operation in which the driver restricts the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 of each door 3. The window open / close limit switch 7 is composed of a hardware button, a circuit, and the like for its operation. Based on the operation of the window open / close limit switch 7, the limit signal SIG1 is generated and input to the controller 2 through the LIN. The limiting signal SIG1 has, for example, a limiting on (“ON”) or off (“OFF”) value. For example, the driver turns on the window opening / closing restriction switch 7 when the child is on board and restricts the opening / closing of the window by the child. Not limited to human operation, the controller 2 or the like can automatically control the limit signal SIG1 of the window opening / closing limit switch 7 to the ON state by determination. For example, the controller 2 may determine the state of the door, the window, the child, or the like based on the information of the camera or the sensor in the vehicle, and control the on / off of the limiting signal SIG1 according to the determination result.

The window sensor 8 is a device that constitutes a window position detecting unit that detects a state including the opening / closing position of the window glass 5 of each door 3. The mounting details of the window sensor 8 are not limited. In the first embodiment, the window sensor 8 is configured by using a rotation sensor that measures the rotation state of the power window motor 42. That is, a rotation sensor that functions as a window sensor 8 is provided in the power window device 4, for example, in the vicinity of the power window motor 42. The rotation sensor measures the rotation direction and rotation speed (or rotation amount, rotation speed, etc.) of the power window motor 42. The motor drive control board 41 may transmit the detection information of the rotation sensor, which is the window sensor 8, to the controller 2. The rotational state of the power window motor 42 has a predetermined correspondence relationship with the open / closed state of the window glass 5. Therefore, by defining the correspondence between them in advance and storing them as information, it is possible to grasp the state including the opening / closing position of the window glass 5 from the rotating state of the power window motor 42. The information on the correspondence may be a data table (for example, a lookup table) or a calculation formula such as a function for mutual conversion.

For example, the rotation sensor, which is the window sensor 8, detects the rotation state of the power window motor 42. For example, the window sensor 8 calculates a state including the opening / closing position of the window glass 5 based on the reference of the corresponding information held in a storage device such as a memory (not shown). This calculation may be performed by the motor drive control board 41 or the controller 2. The window sensor 8 generates a detection signal SIG5 based on the detection and transmits it to the controller 2. The detection signal SIG5 includes information indicating the rotational state of the power window motor 42 or information indicating the position of the window glass 5. The controller 2 grasps the state including the position of the window glass 5 from the detection signal SIG5 or from the calculation using the detection signal SIG5 and the information of the corresponding relationship. The window sensor 8 may be configured by using a camera or another sensor. For example, the controller 2 may grasp the position of the window based on the analysis from the image captured by the camera which is the window sensor 8. Further, the window sensor 8 or the like may detect not only the position of the window glass 5 but also the state such as the presence / absence of movement of the window glass 5 and the moving speed as the state of the window glass 5. The control unit 2 may use the state for control.

In addition to the window open / close switch 6 for each seat, a window open / close switch is provided near the driver's seat so that the driver can operate the window glass 5 for the door 3 of each of the other seats. You may.

As will be described later, the controller 2 applies limit control according to the position of the window glass 5, and controls the drive of the power window motor 42 by the control signal SIG4 according to the limit control. As a result, the controller 2 limits the opening and closing of the window glass 5 by the window opening / closing switch 6 within the opening / closing operation range R1.

In the vehicle window opening / closing control device of the first embodiment, the window opening / closing limit switch 7 is provided so as to replace, for example, the lock switch in the existing power window lock mechanism. The lock switch is a switch for an operation of switching between an on state, which is a locked state, and an off state, which is an unlocked state, for opening and closing the power window. In the locked state, the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 is prohibited. In the first embodiment, the driver operates the one window open / close limit switch 7. In another embodiment, the window open / close restriction switch 7 may be provided in parallel with the lock switch of the existing lock mechanism. In this case, the driver operates by using these two switches properly.

[Power window device]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of one door 3, a window glass 5, and a power window device 4. The example of the door 3 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the door 3 on the left side of the left seat in the front part of the passenger compartment, but the same applies to the door 3 in the other seats. For example, a case where a child is in this seat and a parent who is a driver of the driver's seat restricts the opening and closing of windows by the child will be described. A window open / close switch 6 of FIG. 1 is provided at one place of the door 3 in the vehicle interior, for example. Note that, in FIG. 2, X, Y, Z, CA, and CB are shown as explanatory directions. The X direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle, the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction is the up-down direction of the vehicle. Further, as directions related to rotation, a clockwise direction CA and a counterclockwise direction CB are also shown.

A power window device 4 is mounted on the door 3. The power window device 4 is, for example, a cable type, but is not limited to this and is applicable. The window frame 3a of the door 3 is provided so as to accommodate the window glass 5. The shape of the window glass 5 and the like are not limited to the aspect shown in FIG.

The power window device 4 raises or lowers the window glass 5 through the window regulator 43 by driving the power window motor 42. Ascending corresponds to the closing operation (“CLOSE”), and descending corresponds to the opening operation (“OPEN”).

A weather strip 3b is attached to the window frame 3a. The weather strip 3b is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The weather strip 3b is in close contact with the outer peripheral portion (for example, the upper end portion 5a) when the window glass 5 is closed, that is, when it is fully closed. The weather strip 3b is elastically deformed when the window glass 5 comes into contact with the window glass 5 as the closing operation is driven. As a result, the weather strip 3b and the outer peripheral portion of the window glass 5 are brought into close contact with each other to prevent rainwater from entering the vehicle interior.

The power window motor 42 is, for example, a motor device with a reduction mechanism, and includes a motor portion 42a and a gear portion 42b. The gear portion 42b is provided with a drum 42c. A drive cable 44 is wound around the outer periphery of the drum 42c. The window regulator 43 includes a guide rail 43a extending in the vertical direction of the door 3, that is, in the opening / closing direction of the window glass 5. An upper pulley 43b and a lower pulley 43c are rotatably provided on the upper portion and the lower portion of the guide rail 43a, respectively. The upper pulley 43b and the lower pulley 43c are pulleys that fold back the moving direction of the drive cable 44.

A carrier plate 43d is slidably provided on the guide rail 43a. The carrier plate 43d supports the lower end portion 5b of the window glass 5. One side end 44a and the other side end 44b of the drive cable 44 folded back by the pulleys of the upper pulley 43b and the lower pulley 43c are connected to the carrier plate 43d.

When the window open / close switch 6 is opened (for example, the open switch is pressed), the power window motor 42 is rotationally driven in the forward direction, and the drum 43c is rotated in the clockwise direction CA shown in the drawing. As a result, the other end 44b of the drive cable 44 is pulled in the opening direction indicated by the broken line arrow (“OPEN”) in the drawing, and the carrier plate 43d descends along the guide rail 43a. Along with this, the window glass 4 moves downward in the opening direction indicated by the broken line arrow (“OPEN”) in the drawing. As a result, the window glass 5 can be opened. Such an operation is described as an open operation.

On the other hand, when the window open / close switch 6 is closed (for example, the close switch is pressed), the power window motor 42 is rotationally driven in the direction opposite to the forward direction, and the drum 42c rotates in the counterclockwise direction CB shown in the drawing. As a result, the one side end portion 44a of the drive cable 44 is pulled in the closing direction indicated by the solid line arrow (“CLOSE”) in the drawing, and the carrier plate 43d rises along the guide rail 43a. Along with this, the window glass 5 moves upward in the closing direction indicated by the solid line arrow (“CLOSE”) in the drawing. As a result, the window glass 5 can be closed. Such an operation is described as a closing operation.

When the controller 2 detects a fully closed state (corresponding fully closed position) during the closing operation of the window glass 5, the controller 2 stops the rotation of the power window motor 42 and fully opens when the window glass 5 is opened. When a state (corresponding fully open position) is detected, the rotation of the power window motor 42 is stopped. The fully closed position is a position where the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5 fits in the upper side portion adjacent to the opening of the window frame 3a and stops. The fully open position is a position where the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5 fits in the lower side portion adjacent to the opening of the window frame 3a and stops.

Further, although the power window device 4 has a conventional function, it also has the following safety mechanism. When the window glass 5 is closed, the power window device 4 uses a sensor to pinch an object such as a finger between the window frame 3a and the window glass 5 just before the window glass 5 is fully closed. To detect. When the power window device 4 detects the pinching, the power window motor 42 is driven and controlled to stop the closing operation of the window glass 5 and reverse the closing operation to the opening operation in the opposite direction. As a result, it is possible to deal with the case where a finger or the like is pinched. However, this function alone cannot prevent pinching before it occurs, and if a child or the like accidentally pinches a finger or the like, a certain amount of load may be involved until the pinching is detected.

The window glass 5 of the door 3 of the driver's seat may be configured to be restrictable in the same manner as the window glass 5 of other seats, but since no child can ride in the driver's seat, the configuration does not require restriction. Good.

[Limit control]
The operation of the power window device 4 is the same as the operation of the conventional function when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is in the off state. That is, the passengers in each seat can freely open and close the window glass 5 by operating the window open / close switch 6. When the window opening / closing restriction switch 7 is on, the passengers in each seat can open / close the window glass 5 within the restricted range. The restriction control in the first embodiment has the following first control.

The first control is a restriction control assuming a case where the window glass 5 is opened from the fully closed state. Specifically, the first control allows the window glass 5 to be opened a little for taking in outside air, and when trying to close the window glass 5 from the opened state, a child's finger or the like is pinched. It is a restriction control that is supposed to prevent. As an initial state, it is assumed that the window glass 5 is in a fully closed state. The driver turns on the window open / close restriction switch 7 in the fully closed state. Each passenger can open the window glass 5 by operating the window open / close switch 6. Initially, only the opening operation in the opening direction, which is the direction approaching the opening / closing operation range R1 (FIG. 3) from the fully closed state, is allowed. When the position of the window glass 5 is within the opening / closing operation range R1, each passenger is allowed only to open / close within the opening / closing operation range R1 as an operation of the window opening / closing switch 6. Since the closing operation of returning from the opening / closing operation range R1 to the fully closed state is prohibited, pinching or the like can be prevented.

[1st control-1st range]
FIG. 3 shows an opening / closing operation range R1 which is a first range in the case of the first control. FIG. 3 shows the window frame 3a and the window glass 5 of the door 3 of FIG. Some states of the window glass 5 are shown by the window glasses 51, 52, 53. The opening / closing operation range R1 is the first range in the first control, and is defined by the upper limit position H1 and the lower limit position H2. The operation range 301 is a range in which the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 is permitted, that is, the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5, corresponding to the opening / closing operation range R1 during the restriction control in which the window opening / closing restriction switch 7 is on. Indicates the range in which the position fits.

In the first embodiment, the position of the window glass 5 detected by the window sensor 8 is defined as the position of the upper end portion 5a in the Z direction, but the position is not limited to this. Further, regarding the position of the window glass 5, the position Yw in the Y direction, which is the front-rear direction, is roughly defined with the central position as a reference, but the position is not limited to this.

The window glass 5 moves substantially in the Z direction. The window glass 51 shows a state in which the position is at the upper limit position H1 of the opening / closing operation range R1. The window glass 52 shows a state in which the position is at the lower limit position H2 of the opening / closing operation range R1. The window glass 53 shows a state in which the position is at the fully open position Z1.

In the Z direction, which is the vertical direction, the height position of the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5 in the fully open state of the window glass 5 is shown as the fully open position Z1. The fully open position Z1 is near the lower edge of the window frame 3a. In the Z direction, the height position of the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5 in the fully closed state of the window glass 5 is shown as the fully closed position Z2. The fully closed position Z2 is near the upper side of the window frame 3a.

Regarding the opening / closing operation range R1, the upper limit position H1 is below the fully closed position Z2, and the lower limit position H2 is above the fully opened position Z1. The opening / closing operation range R1 is a range (H2 ≦ Zw ≦ H1) of the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5 in the Z direction (referred to as Zw), which is equal to or lower than the upper limit position H1 and equal to or higher than the lower limit position H2. Further, the range from the fully closed position Z2 to the upper limit position H1 which is above the opening / closing operation range R1 is indicated by the range R1U. The range from the fully open position Z1 to the lower limit position H2, which is below the opening / closing operation range R1, is indicated by the range R1D. Further, the range R1M is the range in which the range R1U and the opening / closing operation range R1 are combined, that is, the range from the fully closed position Z2 to the lower limit position H2. The range R1U is a range (H1 <Zw ≦ Z2) above the upper limit position H1 and below the fully closed position Z2. The range R1D is a range (Z1 ≦ Zw <H2) above the fully open position Z1 and below the lower limit position H2.

Regarding the position of the window glass 5, the position Ya on the front side in the Y direction may be used as a reference, or the position Yb on the rear side in the Y direction may be used as a reference. The window glass 5 often has a curved shape, and the height position of the upper end portion 5a may differ in the Y direction. In that case, the position of the upper end portion 5a, which is the reference of the position of the window glass 5 with respect to the opening / closing operation range R1, in the Y direction is particularly the position where the distance between the window frame 3a and the upper end portion 5a in the vertical direction is the narrowest. It may be specified using. For example, in the case of the shape of the window glass 5 of FIG. 3, the distance between the front position Ya in the Y direction is narrower than that at the rear position Yb. Therefore, a child's finger or the like is easily caught. Therefore, the position Yw in the Y direction may be defined with reference to the position Ya. The opening / closing operation range R1 is also defined according to the position Ya.

The upper limit position H1 and the lower limit position H2 of the opening / closing operation range R1 are set in consideration of the average size of the body part of the target of a child of a predetermined age. The upper limit position H1 (corresponding range R1U) is set in consideration of the dimensions of parts such as a child's finger and hand. As an example, when assuming the size of an infant's finger, the upper limit position H1 is a position of about 6 mm from the fully closed position Z2. The upper limit position H1 is set on the assumption that it is difficult for a child to pinch a finger or the like between the window frame 3a and the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5, or the finger or the like cannot be greatly extended to the outside. Further, the lower limit position H2 (corresponding range R1M) is set in consideration of the dimensions of parts such as the head and neck of the child. As an example, when assuming the size of the infant's head, the lower limit position H2 is a position of about 150 mm from the fully closed position Z2. The lower limit position H2 is set on the assumption that it is difficult for a child to pinch the head or the like between the window frame 3a and the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5, or the head or the like cannot be greatly extended to the outside.

Each circular area shows an image of the approximate size of a child's fingers, hands, head, neck, and other body parts, and shows an image of the size assumed to prevent pinching and going out. The area 30a corresponding to the range R1U has a size assuming prevention of pinching or going out with respect to a child's finger or hand. The upper limit position H1 and the range R1U are set with values assuming the size of such a region 30a. The area 30b corresponding to the range R1M has a size assuming prevention of pinching or going out with respect to the child's head or neck. The lower limit position H2 and the range R1M are set to values assuming the size of such a region 30b.

As described above, the opening / closing operation range R1 is set in consideration of the age, body part, size, etc. of the child. In particular, the opening / closing operation range R1 may be provided with a plurality of different ranges according to the target age, body part, and the like. As a modification, a plurality of set values relating to the opening / closing operation range R1 may be provided so that they can be selectively applied. For example, a plurality of set values relating to the opening / closing operation range R1 are set in advance at the time of manufacturing the product. At the time of product shipment or maintenance, for example, from the screen of the graphical user interface of the instrument panel, the opening / closing operation range R1 related to the window opening / closing restriction function can be set by selecting one from a plurality of setting values. .. The user may select and set it, or the controller 2 may determine and automatically select and set it. As a result, for example, the setting can be changed according to the age of growth of the child, so that the safety can be further enhanced.

Further, in the example of the first embodiment, the case where the upper limit position H1 is set assuming the hand or finger and the lower limit position H2 is set assuming the head or neck is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. For example, the opening / closing operation range R1 may be set assuming only the hands and fingers, or the opening / closing operation range R1 may be set assuming only the head and neck.

[First control flow]
FIG. 4 shows a first control flow by the controller 2 corresponding to the case where the first control is performed. FIG. 4 has steps S1 to S6, which will be described below in the order of steps. The first control flow includes applying different control operations depending on the state of the position of the window glass 5 (may be described as the initial state) when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is turned on. .. The initial state is roughly classified into a case where it is within the opening / closing operation range R1, a case where it is within the upper range R1U, and a case where it is within the lower range R1D.

In step S1, the controller 2 detects that the window open / close limit switch 7 has been changed from the off state to the on state based on the driver's operation based on the limit signal SIG1.

In step S2, the controller 2 confirms the initial state of the position of the window glass 5 when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is turned on, based on the detection signal SIG5 of the window sensor 8. If the initial state is within the opening / closing operation range R1 that is the first range (YES), the controller 2 proceeds to step S3, and if not (NO), the controller 2 proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the controller 2 confirms whether the position of the window glass 5 in the initial state is within the upper range R1U. If the controller 2 is within the range R1U (YES), the process proceeds to step S5, and if not (NO), the controller 2 proceeds to step S6.

In step S3, the controller 2 controls the power window device 4 so that only the opening / closing operation within the first range is allowed for the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 based on the opening / closing operation of the window opening / closing switch 6 by each passenger. To do. Specifically, the controller 2 transmits, as the control signal SIG4, a signal for a command for an open operation in response to the open operation or a signal for a command for the close operation in response to the close operation to the motor drive control board 41. The motor drive control board 41 drives the power window motor 42 in the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the control signal SIG4.

In step S5, the controller 2 approaches the position within the first range from the position of the window glass 5 within the range R1U with respect to the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 based on the opening / closing operation of the window opening / closing switch 6 by each passenger. That is, the power window device 4 is controlled so as to allow only the open operation. At this time, since the closing operation is not allowed, it is possible to prevent the child's fingers or the like from being pinched. After step S5, the process returns to step S2. In that case, the controller 2 similarly confirms the position of the window glass 5 in step S2, and if the position falls within the first range, the controller 2 moves to step S3.

In step S6, since the position of the window glass 5 is within the range R1D, the controller 2 keeps the window open / close restriction switch 7 in the off state in order to make the restriction of the first control not applied. In this case, for example, the user (for example, a parent other than a child) manually operates the window open / close switch 6 while checking the safety by looking at the state of the window glass 5, and sets the position of the window glass 5 to the lower limit position H2 or higher. The state within the range R1M of, for example, the fully closed state. Then, the driver turns on the window open / close restriction switch 7 after confirming the state. As a result, since the position of the window glass 5 is within the first range or the range R1U, the controller 2 can perform the main restriction control in the same manner as described above.

After step S3 and step S6, the flow ends, and thereafter, the same repetition is performed at each time point. After that, when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is turned from the on state to the off state, the controller 2 releases the restriction according to the first range. In the state after this release, the function is the same as that of the conventional function, and when it is not in the locked state, the window glass 5 can be freely opened and closed from each window open / close switch 6.

[Effects (1)]
As described above, according to the window opening / closing control device of the first embodiment, convenience such as being able to open the window together with the window lock and take in outside air with a simple operation, and prevent dangers and accidents of children. It is possible to achieve both the safety that can be achieved and the safety that can be achieved in a well-balanced manner. According to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve safety by preventing the child's body part from being pinched or going out due to the opening and closing of the power window, and it is possible to make adjustments such as opening the window a little even in the restricted state. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved. In the case of the conventional safety function, since it is a post-event response after the pinch is detected, it is not possible to prevent the child from feeling pain in the fingers or the like. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the child from being caught in the finger or the like. In the case of the first control, the user can adjust the window so that it can be opened slightly from the fully closed state when taking in a little outside air, and when the user tries to close the window again from the slightly opened state. Since the closing operation is restricted, it cannot be fully closed, and it is possible to prevent the child's body from being pinched.

(Embodiment 2)
The vehicle window opening / closing control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6. Hereinafter, components different from those of the first embodiment in the second embodiment will be described. The vehicle window opening / closing control device of the second embodiment has a function of performing a second control related to window opening / closing restriction control. The second control is a restriction control assuming a fully open state as the initial state of the position of the window glass 5 and assuming a case where the closing operation is performed starting from the fully open state. Specifically, in the second control, the window glass 5 can be closed for adjustment from a state of being fully opened or nearly fully opened, and when trying to open from the closed state, the child's body part is greatly exposed to the outside. It is a restriction control that assumes that it will not come out. In the second control, the opening / closing operation range R2 is set as a second range different from the opening / closing operation range R1 of the first control.

As an initial state, it is assumed that the window glass 5 is in the fully open state. The driver turns on the window open / close restriction switch 7 in the fully open state. Each passenger can close the window glass 5 by operating the window open / close switch 6. Initially, only the closing operation in the closing direction, which is the direction approaching the opening / closing operation range R2 from the fully open state, is allowed. When the position of the window glass 5 is within the opening / closing operation range R2, each passenger is allowed only to open / close within the opening / closing operation range R2 as an operation of the window opening / closing switch 6. Since the opening operation of returning from the opening / closing operation range R2 to the fully opened state is prohibited, it is possible to prevent going out.

[Second control-2nd range]
FIG. 5 shows an opening / closing operation range R2 and the like, which is the second range in the case of the second control. The opening / closing operation range R2 is set to be lower than the above-mentioned opening / closing operation range R1 as a whole. The opening / closing operation range R2 is defined by an upper limit position H3 and a lower limit position H4. The operation range 501 is a range in which the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 is permitted, that is, the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5, corresponding to the opening / closing operation range R2 during the limit control in which the window opening / closing restriction switch 7 is on. Indicates the range in which the position fits. As for the position of the window glass 5, the case where the position of the upper end portion 5a in the Z direction and the position Yw near the center in the Y direction are used as a reference is shown as described above.

The window glass 54 indicates a state in which the position is at the upper limit position H3 of the opening / closing operation range R2. The window glass 55 indicates a state in which the position is at the lower limit position H4 of the opening / closing operation range R2. The window glass 56 shows a state in which the position is at the fully open position Z1.

Regarding the opening / closing operation range R2, the upper limit position H3 is below the fully closed position Z4, and the lower limit position H4 is above the fully opened position Z1. The opening / closing operation range R2 is a range (H4 ≦ Zw ≦ H3) of the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5 with respect to the position (Zw) in the Z direction, which is equal to or lower than the upper limit position H3 and equal to or higher than the lower limit position H4. Further, the range from the fully closed position Z2 to the upper limit position H3, which is above the opening / closing operation range R2, is indicated by the range R2U. The range from the fully open position Z1 to the lower limit position H4, which is below the opening / closing operation range R2, is indicated by the range R2D. Further, the range R2M is the range in which the range R2D and the opening / closing operation range R2 are combined, that is, the range from the fully open position Z1 to the upper limit position H3. The range R2U is a range (H3 <Zw ≦ Z2) above the upper limit position H3 and below the fully closed position Z2. The range R2D is a range (Z1 ≦ Zw <H4) above the fully open position Z1 and below the lower limit position H4.

The upper limit position H3 and the lower limit position H4 of the opening / closing operation range R2 are set in consideration of the average size of the body part of the target of a child of a predetermined age. The upper limit position H3 is set on the assumption that it is difficult for a child to pinch the head or the like between the window frame 3a and the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5, for example. Further, the lower limit position H2 is set on the assumption that the child cannot extend the head or the trunk to the outside between the window frame 3a and the upper end portion 5a of the window glass 5, for example.

[Second control flow]
FIG. 6 shows a second control flow by the controller 2 corresponding to the case where the second control is performed. FIG. 6 has steps S21 to S26, which will be described below in the order of steps. The second control flow includes applying different control operations according to the state (initial state) of the position of the window glass 5 when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is turned on. The initial state is roughly classified into a case where it is within the opening / closing operation range R2, a case where it is within the upper range R2U, and a case where it is within the lower range R2D.

In step S21, the controller 2 detects that the window open / close limit switch 7 has been changed from the off state to the on state based on the driver's operation based on the limit signal SIG1.

In step S22, the controller 2 confirms the initial state of the position of the window glass 5 when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is turned on, based on the detection signal SIG5 of the window sensor 8. If the initial state is within the opening / closing operation range R2, which is the second range (YES), the controller 2 proceeds to step S23, and if not (NO), the controller 2 proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the controller 2 confirms whether the position of the window glass 5 in the initial state is within the lower range R2U. If the controller 2 is within the range R2U (YES), the process proceeds to step S25, and if not (NO), the controller 2 proceeds to step S26.

In step S23, the controller 2 controls the power window device 4 so that the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 based on the opening / closing operation of the window opening / closing switch 6 by each passenger allows only the opening / closing operation within the second range. To do.

In step S25, the controller 2 approaches the position within the second range from the position of the window glass 5 within the range R2D with respect to the opening / closing operation of the window glass 5 based on the opening / closing operation of the window opening / closing switch 6 by each passenger. That is, the power window device 4 is controlled so as to allow only the closing operation. At this time, since the opening operation is not allowed, it is possible to prevent the child from going out. After step S25, the process returns to step S22. In that case, the controller 2 similarly confirms the position of the window glass 5 in step S22, and if the position falls within the second range, the controller 2 moves to step S23.

In step S26, since the position of the window glass 5 is within the range R2U, the controller 2 keeps the window open / close restriction switch 7 in the off state in order to make the restriction of the second control not applicable. In this case, for example, the user (for example, a parent other than a child) manually operates the window open / close switch 6 while checking the safety by looking at the state of the window glass 5, and sets the position of the window glass 5 to the upper limit position H3 or less. The state within the range R2M of, for example, the fully opened state. Then, the driver turns on the window open / close restriction switch 7 after confirming the state. As a result, since the position of the window glass 5 is within the second range or the range R2D, the controller 2 can perform the main restriction control in the same manner as described above.

After step S23 and step S26, the flow ends, and thereafter, the same repetition is performed at each time point. After that, when the window open / close restriction switch 7 is turned from the on state to the off state, the controller 2 releases the restriction according to the second range.

[Effects (2)]
As described above, according to the window opening / closing control device of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the child's body part from going out to improve safety, and it is possible to adjust the window even in a restricted state. It is possible to improve the convenience of the person. In the case of the second control, the user can adjust the window so that it is slightly closed from the fully open state, and when the user tries to open the window again from the slightly closed state, the opening operation is restricted. It cannot be fully opened, and it is possible to prevent the child's body from getting out of the way.

(Modification example)
As a modification of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it is possible to perform both the first control and the second control. In this embodiment, the vehicle window opening / closing control device selects and applies the first control flow or the second control flow according to the initial position of the window glass 5.

Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be variously modified without departing from the gist. Although the present invention has described the case of a power window at a door on the side of a vehicle, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is similarly applicable to various windows of various vehicles. Further, the present invention can of course be configured in combination with a conventional door opening / closing control mechanism, that is, a mechanism for prohibiting the opening operation of the door of each seat when a predetermined switch of the driver's seat is on.

1 Vehicle control device 2 Control unit (controller)
3 Door 4 Power window device 5 Window glass (opening and closing body)
6 Window open / close switch (power window switch)
7 Window open / close limit switch 8 Window sensor (window position detector)
10 Vehicle window open / close control device 41 Motor drive control board 42 Power window motor 43 Wind regulator SIG1 Limit signal SIG2 Setting signal SIG3 Open / close signal SIG4 Control signal SIG5 Detection signal 3a Window frame 3b Weather strip 5a Upper end 5b Lower end 42a Gear part 42c Drum 43a Guide rail 43b Upper pulley 43c Lower pulley 43d Carrier plate 44 Drive cable 44a One side end 44b Other side end R1 Open / close operation range H1 Upper limit position H2 Lower limit position Z1 Fully open position Z2 Fully closed position R1U, R1D , R1M range 301 Operating range 51, 52, 53 Window glass Yw, Ya, Yb Position 30a, 30b Area R2 Opening and closing operating range H3 Upper limit position H4 Lower limit position R2U, R2D, R2M Range 501 Operating range 54, 55, 56 Window glass

Claims (4)

A vehicle window opening / closing control device that controls the opening / closing movement of windows provided in a vehicle.
A control unit that controls a drive unit that opens and closes the window, and a control unit that controls the drive unit.
A restriction switch for outputting a command for restricting the opening / closing movement of the window based on the window opening / closing switch for outputting a command for opening / closing the window based on the operation of the user, and a restriction switch for outputting a command for restricting the opening / closing movement of the window based on the operation of the driver.
A window position detecting unit that detects a state including the position of the window, and a window position detecting unit.
With
When the limit switch is in the operating state and the window opening / closing switch is in the operating state, the control unit sets the position of the window opening / closing movement detected by the window position detecting unit in the window. The drive unit is controlled so as to limit the opening / closing operation range to a part of the entire range from the fully closed position to the fully closed position.
Vehicle window open / close control device. The control unit sets the upper limit position in the opening / closing operation range to a position of a predetermined distance downward from the fully closed position of the window, and sets the lower limit position in the opening / closing operation range to a predetermined distance upward from the fully open position of the window. Set to the position of
The upper and lower limits are set with a distance to prevent pinching or going out, taking into account the average size of the body part of the subject of a child of a given age.
The vehicle window opening / closing control device according to claim 1. In the control unit, when the limit switch is in the operating state and the window opening / closing switch is in the operating state, the position of the window detected by the window position detecting unit is within the opening / closing operation range. If it is within the upper range, only the opening operation approaching the opening / closing operation range is allowed, and the window is controlled so as not to be fully closed.
The vehicle window opening / closing control device according to claim 1 or 2. In the control unit, when the limit switch is in the operating state and the window opening / closing switch is in the operating state, the position of the window detected by the window position detecting unit is within the opening / closing operation range. If it is within the lower range, only the closing operation approaching the opening / closing operation range is allowed, and the window is controlled so as not to be fully opened.
The vehicle window opening / closing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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