JP3485477B2 - Electric corner pole - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric corner pole in which the pole is appropriately expanded and contracted according to the usage of the vehicle.

As is well known, the electric corner pole can be freely expanded and contracted by a dedicated hand switch, but in the case of this hand switch, a driver or the like
There is the trouble of having to operate the switch each time it is needed.

Therefore, in recent years, various auto-control type electric corner poles have been proposed, which detect the operation mode of a vehicle and automatically expand and contract the pole under certain conditions. There is. For example, as a simple structure, there is a system in which an ON signal of an ignition switch (IGN-SW) at the time of engine start is detected and the pole is raised and extended simultaneously with the engine start.

From this point of view, the present applicant has already proposed an electric corner pole of the automatic control system (Japanese Patent Application No. 09-053982).

[0005]

However, there are some points to be improved in this electric corner pole. In other words, with this electric corner pole, turn on / off the ignition switch, whether the ignition key is inserted,
The pole is expanded and contracted as appropriate by detecting the position of the shift lever, parking brake on / off, door lock presence / absence, door open / closed state, seat belt presence / absence, etc. There were parts that were not always kind to the user.

For example, even when the vehicle is idling (the ignition signal is on) and the shift position of the shift lever is the parking position (P position), when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or more) elapses, the When the condition is maintained, the occupant (especially the driver) may get off or rest in the car for some reason. If it is shrunk, it will have better usability. Of course, if a seat, a seat cushion, or a seat cover is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting the seated state of the occupant, the presence or absence of the occupant can be directly determined by this, and the pole can be automatically contracted at this time as well. .

Further, when the vehicle is restarted, if the pole is extended from that point onward, it means extension after running,
Depending on the situation (for example, when removing from parallel parking), it may be difficult to use.Therefore, the foot brake is normally depressed before starting the vehicle. I judge that there is
If the pole is extended from the time when the foot brake is depressed, the time delay of the extension of the pole can be eliminated and greater convenience can be obtained.

Further, when traveling at a high speed, the extension of the pole is greatly affected by the wind pressure. Therefore, if the pole is appropriately contracted depending on the vehicle speed, the influence of the wind pressure can be reduced.
It is possible to prevent shaking during traveling. Especially in recent RV cars, the need is great because the pole is relatively long.

As described above, according to the present invention, the optimum pole is automatically expanded / contracted according to the use condition of the vehicle, and the electric corner pole for further convenience is provided.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telescopic pole that automatically expands and contracts when a drive source operates in response to a signal from a control section, and a key cylinder section of a vehicle. various control signals during key operation, and has a detection means for detecting a key <br/> over key state detection signal which is turned on upon insertion, the either signal is extended to the pole when on, also In an electric corner pole of a vehicle that contracts the pole when any of the above signals is off, various controls during key operation of the key cylinder section
Signal, or a key state detection signal which becomes turned on when the key insertion be on, the occupant state detection unit, the shift lever
Detects position and parking brake status signals,
The shift lever position is in the parking position or
When the left lever is in the neutral position,
The braking brake in either of the towed states.
The vehicle stop state detection means for detecting the vehicle stop state
Set in advance after judging that the vehicle is stopped by the state detection means
When the time has passed, the vehicle is stopped and the occupant
When it is judged that the passenger dismounts or rests, the pole is contracted.
It is in the electric corner pole that is characterized .

The present invention according to claim 2 is a communication from a control unit.
Depending on the number, the drive source is activated to expand and contract automatically
In addition to having a pole, key operation of the key cylinder part of the vehicle
It does not turn on when various control signals and keys are inserted during operation.
Has a detection means for detecting a key state detection signal,
When either signal is on, extend the pole and
Also, when all of the above signals are off, the pole is contracted.
Detection of occupant status in electric vehicle corner poles
Means, shift lever position, and parking brake
The signal of the state of is detected and the shift lever position is parked.
Position state or shift lever position is neutral
Whether the parking brake is in the towed position when in position
Vehicle stop state detecting means for detecting that there is any state
The vehicle stop state detection means
Even after it is judged to be in the stopped state, the foot brake is depressed
When a brake signal is detected, it is determined that the passenger is on board.
The electric pole, which extends the pole.
Located in Napole .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the signal from the control unit is received.
Depending on the number, the drive source is activated to expand and contract automatically
In addition to having a pole, key operation of the key cylinder part of the vehicle
It does not turn on when various control signals and keys are inserted during operation.
Has a detection means for detecting a key state detection signal,
When either signal is on, extend the pole and
Also, when all of the above signals are off, the pole is contracted.
Detection of occupant status in electric vehicle corner poles
Means to the seat, seat cushion or seat cover
Constituted by pressure sensors provided, the key of the key cylinder
Various control signals during operation or ON when key is inserted
Even if the key status detection signal becomes
When the detection means determines that the occupant is getting off,
Electric corner paw characterized by contracting the pole
It is in Le .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the signal from the control unit is received.
Depending on the number, the drive source is activated to expand and contract automatically
In addition to having a pole, key operation of the key cylinder part of the vehicle
It does not turn on when various control signals and keys are inserted during operation.
Has a detection means for detecting a key state detection signal,
When either signal is on, extend the pole and
Also, when all of the above signals are off, the pole is contracted.
Detection of occupant status in electric vehicle corner poles
Means, shift lever position, and parking brake
The signal of the state of is detected and the shift lever position is parked.
Position state or shift lever position is neutral
Whether the parking brake is in the towed position when in position
Vehicle stop state detecting means for detecting that there is any state
The vehicle stop state detection means
If the door is open after it is judged to be stopped, the occupant gets off
The pole is contracted, judging that it is in the middle or getting off.
It is an electric corner pole that is characterized by making it possible .

[0014]

1 shows a part of a vehicle to which an electric corner pole according to the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows a main part thereof. In the figure, 1 is a bumper 10 of the vehicle 100.
Telescopic pole attached to 1 part etc., 2 is pole 1
A control unit 4 having a memory for storing a computer and a signal processing program for activating a drive source 3 such as an electric motor configured in the lower part of the remote control starter 4 for starting an engine from a remote location. The transmitter 5 is an antenna thereof, and 6 is a control unit for outputting the signal received by the transmitter 4 to the control unit 2 for the pole. However, the transmitter 4, the antenna 5, and the control unit 6 are not essential components of the present invention and can be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 2 has detection means (sensors) 21 to 27 for detecting various operation modes of the vehicle 100 or for displaying the presence or absence of an occupant (especially a driver). , 41 to 43 and a hand switch for a pole (a manual switch installed near the driver's hand) 30 are connected, and a timer 50 is incorporated in a part of the control unit 2 to set the time by the DEP switch 5.
It can be set by 1a.

Here, 21 is each control signal corresponding to a key operation in the key cylinder portion, for example, the key lock portion 2
A means for detecting respective signals (so-called IGN signal) of ON / OFF of 1a, ON / OFF of the accessory portion 21b, ON / OFF of the energization ON portion 21c, ON / OFF of the ignition switch ON (start) portion 21d, 22 Means for detecting whether or not a key is inserted in the insertion port of the ignition switch, that is, whether or not the ignition key is inserted, and 23 is a position where the shift lever is located (for example, parking position = P position, neutral position = N position, drive position). = D position, etc.), that is, means for detecting the position position, and 24 indicates whether the parking brake is in the towed state (parking state), that is, the parking brake is on-
A means for detecting OFF, 25 is a means for detecting whether or not the door is locked (manually or automatically), that is, a means for detecting ON / OFF of the door lock, and 26 is a means for detecting an open / closed state of the door. 27 are means for detecting whether or not the seat belt is worn.

Reference numeral 41 is a means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle (speed sensor), 42 is means for detecting whether or not the foot brake is depressed (foot brake switch), 4
Reference numeral 3 is a pressure sensor for detecting the presence / absence of an occupant, which is made of a seat itself which receives a pressing force when the occupant is seated or a piezoelectric rubber incorporated in a seat cushion or a seat cover.

Not all of the detection means 21 to 27 and 41 to 43 are equipped in all vehicles 100, and therefore, in the present invention, the occupant ( In particular, the presence / absence of a driver is determined, and the pole 1 is appropriately expanded / contracted according to the usage situation of the vehicle.

Particularly in the present invention, the above-mentioned detecting means 23, 24
Means for detecting at least one signal of the position of the shift lever and the state of the parking brake, and detecting that the shift lever position is in the parking position state or the neutral position state and the parking brake is in the tow state. The vehicle stop state detecting means constitutes the vehicle occupant state detecting means.

Therefore, since each IGN signal at the time of key operation of the key cylinder portion or the key state detection signal which is normally turned on when the key is inserted is on, even when the pole 1 should be in the extended state, When the occupant state detection means determines that the occupant is in the getting-off state or the resting state, the pole 1 is automatically contracted.

The occupant state detection means determines the occupant's exiting state or the rest state by the vehicle stop state detecting means as to whether the shift lever position is the parking position state or the neutral position state, and the parking brake is the towed state. a state, after determining that the vehicle stopped state is performed when a predetermined time (e.g. 30 seconds) as it is being sustained. The time at this time is set by the timer 50 of the control unit 2.

Further, even when the vehicle stop state detecting means determines that the vehicle is in a stopped state, when the foot brake is depressed and the brake signal of the foot brake switch 43 is detected, the occupant state detecting means determines that the occupant is on board. Judgment is made and the pole 1 is automatically extended.

On the other hand, the occupant state detecting means is
When the pressure sensor 43 is provided on the seat cushion or the seat cover, the presence or absence of an occupant can be immediately determined from the pressure signal. For this reason, even if each IGN signal at the time of key operation of the key cylinder section or the key state detection signal that is turned on at the time of inserting the key is on, the occupant state detecting means detects the occupant's non-seated state. If
After all, the occupant judges that the passenger is getting off and the pole 1 is automatically contracted.

Further, since the wind pressure on the pole 1 is quite large during high-speed traveling, the vehicle speed signal from the speed sensor 42 is input to the control unit 2, and the pole 1 is automatically contracted when the vehicle speed is 60 km / h or more, for example. On the other hand, the pole 1 is automatically extended when the vehicle travels at a medium speed of less than 60 km / h.

Further, during high-speed running, the pole 1 is partially (approximately half) left and contracted to alleviate wind pressure resistance,
As when entering the service area from the highway,
When the vehicle speed drops rapidly and the vehicle gradually becomes slow,
By extending the other half of the pole 1, it is possible to respond quickly.

FIGS. 3 to 8 are flow charts showing the operation of the electric corner pole of the present invention constructed as above. FIG. 3 shows an example of all operations, and FIGS.
7 shows a partial enlargement of FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a process of judging presence or absence of an occupant by the pressure sensor 43, and FIG. 8 shows control of the pole by the speed sensor 42.

In the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6, first, in step S101, it is detected whether or not the hand switch 30 is on. When it is on, the process proceeds to step S110, and the pole is contracted. This hand switch 30
It is not normally used, but it is for occupant (driver) to manually contract the pole when needed.

When the hand switch 30 is off, the process goes to step S102 to detect whether or not the key switch is on. This detection is performed by the means 22 for detecting the presence or absence of the ignition key insertion. In the present invention, although not an essential function, the transmitter 4 of the remote control starter can also start the engine. In this case, since there is no passenger in the vehicle, it is not necessary to extend the pole. Therefore, the occupant state detection means can determine that the occupant is in the getting-off state and prevent the pole from being extended.

Next, when the key switch is on, the routine proceeds to step S103, where it is detected whether or not the ignition (IGN) signal is on. This is performed by the means 21 for detecting each IGN signal corresponding to the key operation in the key cylinder portion. And if it is off, it will contract the pole. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S104, and the vehicle is traveling (vehicle speed> 0 km / h) or stopped (vehicle speed = 0 km / h).
h) is judged. This vehicle speed is detected by the speed sensor 41.

When the vehicle is stopped, step S10 is performed.
Then, the process proceeds to the occupant state determination section by the occupant state detection means of 5 or less. In this step S105, it is judged whether or not the position of the shift lever is in the parking (P) position state (including the neutral position state). (In a manual mission vehicle without a shift lever, immediately proceed to step S106, and the parking brake state is set. Is ON, it is determined whether or not is ON), and when the P position is set, step S
Proceeding to 107, it is detected whether or not the foot brake has been depressed. This detection is performed by the foot brake switch 42. Then, when the foot brake is depressed, it is determined that the passenger is in the riding state,
Proceeding to step S109, the pole is extended. At this time, the drive source 3 such as an electric motor is driven for a preset time to extend the entire length of the pole.

On the other hand, in step S105, when the position of the shift lever is other than the P position, step S10
In step 6, the state of the parking brake is detected, and when the parking brake is in the towed state (ON), it is determined again that the vehicle is in the stopped state, and the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, if the foot brake is not depressed, the process proceeds to step S108, waits for, for example, 30 seconds, and if the situation does not change, the occupant has exited the vehicle or is in a rest state in the vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to step S110 and the pole is contracted. The elapsed time (30 seconds) at this time is determined by the control unit 2
Set with the timer 50.

In step S104, the vehicle speed is> 0 km.
When the vehicle speed is / h, the vehicle speed is further determined in steps S113 and 114, and the pole is contracted while the vehicle is traveling at a high speed of 60 km / h or more, for example. As a result, it is possible to prevent the influence of wind pressure and sway. Furthermore, S1
At 14, for example, when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h or less, the pole can be extended.

The flow chart of FIG. 7 shows a case where the occupant state detecting means for estimating the occupant getting on and off is constituted by the pressure sensor 43 provided on the seat, the seat cushion or the seat cover. First, in step S201, it is detected whether or not the ignition signal is on. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S203 to contract the pole.

On the other hand, if the ignition signal is on, the routine proceeds to step S202, where it is judged whether or not the pressure sensor 43 is on (when there is a pressure signal), and when it is off, it is estimated that there is no occupant, and step S203 is performed. Go to and contract the pole. Here, when the pressure sensor 43 is on, it is estimated that an occupant is present, and the process proceeds to step S205 to extend the pole.

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, in step S113, if it is detected by the speed sensor 42 that the vehicle is traveling at a high speed of 60 km / h or more, step S301.
Then, the energization time to the drive source 3 such as an electric motor is set to 1/2 of the set time, and step S110 is performed.
Then, it is a case where the pole is contracted while leaving 1/2 of the pole. As a result, although the vehicle is in a semi-contracted state even during high-speed traveling, as described above, the entire length of the hole can be quickly expanded when entering the service area from the highway.

The flow chart of FIG. 9 is almost the same as the flow chart of FIG. 3 above, but shows other operating states. That is, when the foot brake is not depressed in step S107, step S120
To detect the open / closed state of the door, and when the door is open, it is determined that the occupant is getting off or getting off,
In step S110, the pole is contracted. The opening / closing state of the door at this time is performed by the means 26 for detecting the opening / closing state of the door of the control unit 2.

[0038]

As is apparent from the above description, the electric corner pole according to the present invention has the following excellent effects.

[0039] (1) First, since that is introduced to the power-membered state detecting means, the IG at the time the key operation of the key cylinder
Even when the N signal or the key state detection signal that is turned on when the key is inserted is on and the occupant is normally present and the pole needs to be extended, the occupant state detection means allows the occupant to exit the vehicle. Alternatively, it can be determined that the vehicle is in a resting state, and when such a determination is made, the extension of the pole is wasted, so that the pole can be automatically contracted and extremely excellent usability can be obtained.

[0040] (2) above the passenger state detecting means, the position of the shift lever, and detects the signal of the state of the parking brake, shift lever position is Pas parking position state or the shift lever position is in the neutral position state <br /> When the braking brake is configured by the vehicle stop state detecting means for detecting whether it is in the traction state, it is only necessary to use the existing means (sensor) of the vehicle, and it is possible to provide it at low cost. Is.

(3) The occupant state detecting means is a seat,
When the pressure sensor is provided on the seat cushion or the seat cover, a new attachment incorporating piezoelectric rubber or the like is required, but there is an advantage that the occupant's exiting state can be directly determined at low cost.

(4) In addition, the occupant state detection means
Even after the vehicle is stopped, the foot brake will
When the brake signal is detected, the occupant
Judge as a car and extend the pole, or stop the vehicle.
If the door is open after it is judged to be stopped, the occupant gets off
Shrink the pole, judging that it is inside or getting off
I can burn

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic explanatory view showing a part of a vehicle to which an electric corner pole according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing a main part of the electric corner pole shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operating state of the electric corner pole according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the flowchart of FIG.

5 is a partially enlarged view of the flowchart of FIG.

6 is a partially enlarged view of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the operating state of the electric corner pole according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operating state of the electric corner pole according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the operating state of the electric corner pole according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Telescopic pole 2 control unit 3 drive source 4 Remote control starter transmitter 21-27 Various detection means 30 pole hand switch 41-43 Various detection means 50 timer 100 vehicles 101 Bumper

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shinichi Kobayashi 3-528 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo Nissan Altia Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-62-210161 (JP, A) JP-A-SHO 58-94660 (JP, A) JP-A-4-113069 (JP, A) JP-A-56-57539 (JP, A) Actually opened 62-144740 (JP, U) Actually opened 5-29858 (JP, A) U) Actual development 7-17645 (JP, U) Actual development Sho 61-36459 (JP, U) Actual development 4-11738 (JP, U) Actual development 4-54571 (JP, U) (58) Survey Areas (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60Q 1/32

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A telescopic pole that automatically expands and contracts when a drive source is activated by a signal from a control unit,
Various control signals during the key operation of the key cylinder of the vehicle, and a key state detecting signal which is turned on when the key insertion has a detecting means for detect <br/>, when said any one of the signal is on In an electric corner pole of a vehicle that extends the pole and contracts the pole when any of the signals is off, various control signals at the time of key operation of the key cylinder portion, or key state detection that is turned on when the key is inserted Even if the signal is on, the occupant state detection means is set to the position of the shift lever and the
The signal of the brake status is detected and the shift lever position is detected.
Is in the parking position or the shift lever position is
The parking brake holds in the neutral position.
Stop the vehicle to detect that it is in one of the pulling states
The vehicle stop state detecting means.
Therefore, after it is judged that the vehicle is stopped, the preset time
If the vehicle is stopped, the passenger is not allowed to leave the vehicle or the passenger is resting.
It is determined that the pole is contracted.
Electric corner pole. 2. A drive source is activated by a signal from a control unit.
With the telescopic pole that automatically expands and contracts,
Various control signals when operating keys on the vehicle's key cylinder
Signal and the key status detection signal that turns on when the key is inserted.
It has a detection means for outputting, and when any of the above signals is turned on.
The poles and extend any of the signals.
The vehicle's electric corner position that causes the pole to contract when
The occupant status detection means, the position of the shift lever and the
The signal of the brake status is detected and the shift lever position is detected.
Is in the parking position or the shift lever position is
The parking brake holds in the neutral position.
Stop the vehicle to detect that it is in one of the pulling states
The vehicle stop state detecting means.
Even after the vehicle is stopped, the foot brake
When a brake signal is detected when the
Ride it is determined that, said the cause of the pole extension length
Electric corner pole to do. 3. A drive source is activated by a signal from the control unit.
With the telescopic pole that automatically expands and contracts,
Various control signals when operating keys on the vehicle's key cylinder
Signal and the key status detection signal that turns on when the key is inserted.
It has a detection means for outputting, and when any of the above signals is turned on.
The poles and extend any of the signals.
The vehicle's electric corner position that causes the pole to contract when
In the vehicle seat , the occupant state detection means is set to the seat, seat cushion or seat.
It consists of a pressure sensor provided on the
Various control signals or key insertion during key operation
Even if the key state detection signal that turns on when turned on is on,
The occupant state detection means determines that the occupant has exited the vehicle.
In this case, the electric motor is characterized by contracting the pole.
Corner pole. 4. The drive source is activated by a signal from the control unit.
With the telescopic pole that automatically expands and contracts,
Various control signals when operating keys on the vehicle's key cylinder
Signal and the key status detection signal that turns on when the key is inserted.
It has a detection means for outputting, and when any of the above signals is turned on.
The poles and extend any of the signals.
The vehicle's electric corner position that causes the pole to contract when
The occupant status detection means, the position of the shift lever and the
The signal of the brake status is detected and the shift lever position is detected.
Is in the parking position or the shift lever position is
The parking brake holds in the neutral position.
Stop the vehicle to detect that it is in one of the pulling states
The vehicle stop state detecting means.
When the door is open after it is judged that the vehicle is stopped
Judges that the occupant is getting off or getting off,
Electric corner paw characterized by contracting the pole
Le.