JP4299937B2 - Automatic opening / closing control device for vehicle rear gate - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an opening / closing drive device for a vehicle rear gate, and more particularly to an automatic opening / closing control device for a rear gate whose upper end is pivotally supported by a vehicle body body and rotates in the vertical direction.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The rear gate provided at the rear part of the vehicle body is generally arranged as a lid that pivots in the vertical direction at the rear part of the vehicle body main body 100 to open and close the opening 101, as shown in FIG. The upper end portion is pivotally supported on the upper opening edge of the vehicle body 100 by the hinge arm 103.
[0003]
On both sides of the rear gate 102, piston rods 105a urged in the protruding direction by the pressure of the gas enclosed between the side portions of the rear gate 102 and the side opening edge portions 104a formed in the rear pillars 104. When the rear gate 102 is opened and closed, the gas spring 105 expands according to the opening and closing angle of the rear gate 102, thereby applying an urging force at the time of opening and closing, that is, an auxiliary force. The operation force required to open and close the rear gate 102 can be reduced.
[0004]
Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-280242 and as shown in FIG. 11, a hinge arm 113 for supporting the upper end portion of the rear gate 112 rotating in the vertical direction on the vehicle body 110 is provided. A curved portion 114 that bulges forward of the vehicle body from the pivot point P pivotally supported by the vehicle body 110 and wraps around the pivot point P is formed, and a rear gate 112 is fixed to a rear gate mounting portion 115 that is continuous with the curved portion 114. A boss portion 117 provided at the rear end portion of the rod 116 is pivotally supported at a position slightly below the pivot point P of the curved portion 114. A front end portion of the rod 116 is slidably inserted into the holding hole 118, and a coil spring 119 is elastically inserted between the rear spacer 120 and the boss portion 117.
[0005]
When the rear gate 112 is pivoted upward to open, the hinge arm 113 pivots integrally with the rear gate 112 around the pivot point P, and the bending portion 114 is pressed by the coil spring 119 to the hinge arm 113. A rotational force is applied to reduce the operating force.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the rear gate structure shown in FIG. 10, the gas spring 105 is installed between the rear gate 102 and the side opening edge 104a, so that an assisting force is applied when the rear gate 102 is opened and closed, and the operating force of the rear gate 102 is increased. Reduction is brought about.
[0007]
On the other hand, according to the rear gate structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-280242, when the rear gate 112 is rotated upward to open, the curved portion 114 of the hinge arm 113 is pressed by the coil spring 119. As a result, a rotational force is applied to the hinge arm 113 to reduce the operating force.
[0008]
However, the opening / closing operation of the rear gate is performed by, for example, opening the outer handle provided outside the rear gate by operating it from the outside of the vehicle and lifting the rear gate upward while closing it by pushing the rear gate down manually. The operation is troublesome, and it has become difficult to open and close the rear gate particularly with a load, and there is a concern that the opening and closing operability of the rear gate may be affected during rain.
[0009]
In addition, there are cases where it is desired to open and close the rear gate not only manually but also fully automatically at a location away from the rear gate, such as in the passenger compartment, in other words by remote control. It is difficult and it is desirable to provide a means for confirming safety.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can be opened and closed automatically in addition to manual operation, and that a change in the opening and closing rotation speed can be always controlled to be constant. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening / closing control device for a rear gate.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problem, an automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate according to the first aspect of the present invention is supported at the rear of the body of the automobile so that the upper end is pivotable in the vertical direction. An automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate that automatically opens and closes a rear gate that opens and closes an opening formed in a gas gate, a gas spring that biases the rear gate in an opening direction, an actuator that opens and closes the rear gate, and the actuator A clutch for connecting or disconnecting between the rear gate and the rear gate, an encoder for detecting an opening / closing rotational position of the rear gate, an operating means for operating the opening / closing operation of the rear gate, and an operation signal from the operating means based on the operation signal. Control means for controlling the actuator and the clutch to automatically open and close the rear gate. Means,In the rotation control of the rear gate in the opening direction, in the self-closed zone where the rear gate rotates in the closing direction due to the balance between the weight of the rear gate and the biasing force of the gas spring, the rotation in the opening direction of the rear gate is performed. In the self-opening zone where the rear gate is rotated in the opening direction by the urging force of the gas spring, the actuator is controlled in advance so that the rear gate is prevented from rotating in the opening direction. Rotate in the opening direction at the specified speedIt is characterized by that.
[0012]
  According to this, the control means automatically opens and closes the rear gate by controlling the clutch and the actuator based on the operation of the operation means. At that time, the control meansIn the self-closing zone, the burden of the gas spring that rotates the rear gate in the opening direction is reduced, and in the self-opening zone, the rear gate is prevented from rotating in the opening direction at a speed higher than a preset speed by the biasing force of the gas spring. The change of the rotation speed of the rear gate is always controlled to be constant.
[0013]
Therefore, even when the urging force of the gas spring changes according to the temperature or the like, it is possible to control the change in the opening / closing rotation speed of the rear gate to be always constant. Further, by manually disconnecting the actuator and the rear gate by the clutch, the rear gate can be manually opened and closed.
[0014]
  Invention of Claim 2The vehicle rear gate automatic opening / closing control device according to the present invention automatically opens and closes a rear gate that opens and closes an opening formed in the rear portion of the vehicle body. In an automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate, a gas spring that biases the rear gate in an opening direction, an actuator that opens and closes the rear gate, a clutch that connects or disconnects the actuator and the rear gate, An encoder for detecting the opening / closing rotational position of the rear gate, an operating means for operating the opening / closing operation of the rear gate, and a control for automatically opening / closing the rear gate by controlling the actuator and the clutch based on an operation signal from the operating means. Means for controlling rotation of the rear gate in the closing direction. In the self-opening zone in which the rear gate rotates in the opening direction due to the balance between the weight of the rear gate and the biasing force of the gas spring, the rear gate is rotated in the closing direction against the biasing force of the gas spring, In the self-closing zone where the rear gate rotates in the closing direction due to its own weight, the actuator is controlled so as to suppress the rotation of the rear gate in the closing direction to rotate the rear gate in the closing direction at a preset speed. It is characterized by that.
[0015]
    According to this, the control means automatically opens and closes the rear gate by controlling the clutch and the actuator based on the operation of the operation means. At that time, the control meansIn the self-opening zone, the rear gate is moved in the closing direction at a preset speed against the biasing force of the gas spring, and in the self-closing zone, the rear gate is prevented from moving in the closing direction at a speed higher than the preset speed. The speed change in the closing direction is controlled to be constant.
[0018]
  Claim3The invention described in claim1 or 2In the vehicle rear gate automatic opening / closing control apparatus, the control means determines whether the rear gate is fully closed or fully open based on the detection signal of the encoder or the actuator load in the rotation control of the rear gate in the opening direction or the closing direction. It is characterized by doing.
[0019]
According to this, since the fully closed state or the fully open state during the opening and closing operation of the rear gate is determined based on the detection signal of the encoder or the load of the actuator, these determinations can be easily made with a simple configuration.
[0020]
  Claim4The invention described in claim1 to 3An automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate is characterized by comprising alarm means for outputting an alarm in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the rear gate.
[0021]
According to this, since an alarm is issued with the opening and closing operation of the rear gate, it is possible to alert the operator and those who are located around the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the rotation direction of the rear gate without visual observation, and to notify a nearby third party. Therefore, it is possible to improve usability and safety when automatically opening and closing the rear gate.
[0022]
  Claim5The invention described in claimAny one of 1-4In the vehicle rear gate automatic opening / closing control apparatus, the control means determines whether or not to automatically perform the opening / closing operation based on the opening / closing rotational speed of the rear gate when the rear gate opening / closing operation is manually performed. It is characterized by doing.
[0023]
According to this, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing operation is automatically performed based on the manual opening / closing rotational speed of the rear gate, and the opening / closing operation is automatically performed when a preset condition is satisfied. Therefore, the automatic opening / closing operation of the rear gate can be performed by an operation other than the operation means. Therefore, it is possible to improve usability when the rear gate is automatically opened and closed.
[0024]
  Claim6The invention described in claimAny one of 1-5The vehicle rear gate automatic opening / closing control device has a handle switch for detecting the operation of the outer handle for manually opening and closing the rear gate, and the control means performs the automatic opening / closing operation of the rear gate based on the detection signal of the handle switch. It is characterized by stopping and releasing the coupling of the clutch.
[0025]
According to this, the automatic opening / closing operation of the rear gate is stopped by the operation of the outer handle, and the engagement of the clutch is released. Therefore, the automatic opening / closing operation of the rear gate can be stopped quickly and easily by a person other than the person who operates the operation means. Further, since the clutch is disengaged, the rear gate can be freely opened and closed and rotated by manual operation thereafter.
[0026]
  Claim7The invention described in claimAny one of 1-6In the vehicle rear gate automatic opening / closing control device of the present invention, the vehicle has a latch switch for detecting the fully closed state of the rear gate, and the control means initializes the opening / closing position of the rear gate by the encoder based on the detection signal of the latch switch. And
[0027]
According to this, the automatic opening / closing control of the rear gate can be reset by manually closing the rear gate. Therefore, for example, when the automatic opening / closing operation of the rear gate is stopped at an intermediate position, the rear gate opening / closing position based on the detection signal of the encoder can be initialized by manually closing the rear gate, and then automatically Control can be performed.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of an automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a rear part of a vehicle body for explaining the outline of the present embodiment. A side opening edge 13a and a rear edge of a left and right rear pillar 11 and a roof 12 are provided at the rear part of a vehicle body main body 10. An opening 13 having an upper opening edge 13b is formed, and a rear gate 20 is provided at the rear end of the roof 12 to open and close the opening 13 through a hinge arm 23 so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction. 30 is rotated in the vertical direction.
[0030]
The hinge arm 23 and the opening / closing drive device 30 for opening and closing the rear gate 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. The arrow F indicates the direction forward of the vehicle body, the arrow IN indicates the vehicle body inward direction, and the arrow OUT indicates the vehicle body outward direction.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main part seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 showing an outline of the mounting state of the hinge arm 23 and the drive unit 31 which are the main parts of the opening / closing drive device 30, and FIG. 3 is from the direction of arrow B in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main part showing an outline of the drive unit 31. 2 and 3, the vehicle body 10 and the rear gate 20 are indicated by a two-dot chain line.
[0032]
The hinge arm 23 is pivotally supported by a shaft 22 on a hinge base 21 attached in the vicinity of the rear end of the roof 12 so as to be rotatable, and extends downward and forward from the base end 23a with the rear gate 20 closed. A curved portion 24 extending rearward from the lower end in an arcuate shape about the axis 22 and penetrating rearward from a hinge arm insertion hole 23A opening in the rear rail 14 and having a rear end projecting to the outside. A rear gate mounting portion 25 is formed at the tip of the portion 24, and a connecting rod coupling portion 26 and a gas spring coupling portion 27 are formed at the front end of the bending portion 24.
[0033]
The opening / closing device 30 includes a drive unit 31 and a gas spring device 50 that assists the operation of the drive unit 31. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the drive unit 31 has a gentle central portion at the inner edge. A substantially rectangular shape that protrudes and has a substrate portion 32A having a long groove 32a that extends in the front-rear direction at the center, and has a rear flange 32b for stiffening along the rear and outer edges of the substrate portion 32A, and The side flange 32c is provided with a plate-like mounting base 32 bent upward.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 4, a power unit module 40 is disposed on the upper surface of the board portion 32 </ b> A of the mounting base 32.
[0035]
The power unit module 40 includes a motor 41, a clutch 42, an encoder 43, and a gear box that converts an output from an actuator, that is, a motor 41, into a reciprocating motion in the front-rear direction. The slider 45 disposed on the lower surface of 33A is reciprocated in the front-rear direction along the long groove 32a.
[0036]
The slider 45 is substantially rectangular and has a U-shaped cross-section with both sides bent upward, and the base end of the connecting rod 46 is swingably connected to the center of the side of the slider 45 by a bolt and a nut 47. The connecting rod 46 extends rearward, and the tip thereof is swingably connected to the connecting rod coupling portion 26 of the hinge arm 23 via the ball joint 48.
[0037]
Accordingly, by moving the slider 45 rearward along the lower surface of the substrate portion 33A by the motor 41 of the power unit module 40, the connecting rod coupling portion 26 of the hinge arm 23 is pushed backward via the connecting rod 46, and the shaft The hinge arm 23 rotates around the center 22 so that the curved portion 24 protrudes from the hinge arm insertion hole 23 </ b> A, and the rear gate 20 supported by the rear gate mounting portion 25 swings in a direction to open the opening 13. On the other hand, when the slider 45 is moved forward along the lower surface of the substrate portion 33A, the hinge arm 23 is rotated forward via the shaft 22 via the connecting rod 46 and the rear gate 20 closes the opening 13. Can be swung.
[0038]
The mounting base 32 on which the power unit module 40, the slider 45, and the like are disposed is a rear rail that is a roof member in which the rear portion, the inner center, and the front portion each constitute the vehicle body 10 with the substrate portion 32A held substantially horizontally. 14, brace 15 and side rail 16.
[0039]
A connecting portion with the rear rail 14 for connecting and supporting the mounting base 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 showing a cross section taken along the line II of FIG. 4 and FIG.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 5, the rear rail 14 is formed by a rear rail outer 14 </ b> A having a substantially L-shaped cross section and a rear rail inner 14 </ b> B extending in the vehicle width direction and facing each other along the upper opening edge of the opening 13. It has a hollow cross-sectional shape, and a reinforcement 14C along the upper surface of the rear rail inner 14B is interposed between the rear rail outer 14A and the rear rail inner 14B, and both ends are coupled to the rear ends of the left and right side rails 16. The rear end of the roof panel 17 is coupled to the upper surface of the rear rail outer 14A.
[0041]
A plate-like rear mounting bracket 34 is attached by welding or the like so that the front end extends forward from the lower surface of the rear rail inner 14B, and the rear portion of the base portion 32A of the mounting base 32 is mounted on the upper surface of the front end portion of the rear mounting bracket 34. Then, the front end portion of the rear mounting bracket 34 and the rear portion of the mounting base 32 are detachably coupled by bolts 14a and nuts 14b.
[0042]
The inner center of the mounting base 32 is coupled to the brace 15 via the inner first mounting bracket 35 and the inner second mounting bracket 36. As shown in FIG. 6, the brace 15 has a substantially L-shaped or C-shaped side rail outer 16 </ b> A, a side rail inner 16 </ b> B, and an upper surface of the side rail inner 16 </ b> B. It is a belt-like reinforcing member that is stretched between the left and right side rails 16 (only one is shown) formed in a hollow cross-sectional shape extending in the front-rear direction by the reinforcement 16C that extends along the bottom surface of the roof panel 17. .
[0043]
The first mounting bracket 35 has a plate shape as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and has a coupling surface 35a and a cross-section in which mounting surfaces 35b and 35c are bent inward and outward from the upper end of the coupling surface 35a. It is substantially T-shaped and is coupled to the brace 15 by welding the attachment surfaces 35b and 35b to the lower surface of the brace 15.
[0044]
On the other hand, the second mounting bracket 36 is a plate having a substantially L-shaped cross section having a coupling surface 36a and a mounting surface 36b. The mounting surface 36b is welded to the base plate portion 32A of the mounting base 32, and the coupling surface 36a is connected to the second mounting bracket 36a. 1 The inner center of the mounting base 32 is detachably coupled to the brace 15 by overlapping the coupling surface 35a of the mounting bracket 35 with the bolt 15a and the nut 15b.
[0045]
The outer mounting bracket 37 that connects the front portion of the mounting base 32 to the side rail 16 has a rear edge coupled to the front edge of the base plate portion 32A of the mounting base 32 and an outer edge extending along the side rail 16. A substantially triangular plate-like base portion 37a having an inner edge connecting the inner end of the rear edge and the front end of the outer edge; a reinforcing flange 37b bent upward along the inner edge of the base portion 37a; And a mounting flange 37c bent downward along the outer side.
[0046]
The connecting portion between the front portion of the mounting base 32 and the side rail 16 is formed by connecting the mounting flange 37c of the outer mounting bracket 37 to the side rail inner 16B of the side rail 16 as shown in FIG. The rear portion of the mounting base 32 is detachably coupled to the side rail 16 by being coupled to each other by a bolt 16a and a nut 16b. At least a part of the mounting base 32 and the power module unit 40 provided on the mounting base 32 is a rear rail. 14 and side rails 16 are housed and held in recesses formed in the corners of the lower surface of the roof.
[0047]
The gas spring device 50 has a height substantially the same as that of the connecting rod 46 between the mounting base 32 of the drive unit 31 and the side rail 16 and is arranged substantially parallel to the connecting rod 46 and extends in the front-rear direction. A gas spring 51 is provided between the hinge arm 23 and the gas spring 51.
[0048]
The gas spring 51 is swingably supported by a bracket 53 attached to the side rail 16 whose base end is strong via a ball joint 54, and the tip of the piston rod 51 a is connected to the hinge arm 23 via a ball joint 55. The gas spring coupling portion 27 is swingably connected.
[0049]
Therefore, when the slider 45 is moved rearward by the motor 41 or the like to open the rear gate 20 and the connecting rod coupling portion 26 of the hinge arm 23 is pushed rearward via the connecting rod 46, the hinge arm 23 moves the shaft 22 away. The tip of the piston rod 51a of the gas spring 51, which rotates integrally with the rear gate 20 at the center and is supported by the gas spring coupling portion 27 of the hinge arm 23 via the ball joint 55, draws a circular orbit around the shaft 22. Following the hinge arm 23, the gas spring 51 is biased in the protruding direction by the piston rod 51a by the pressure of the sealed gas.
[0050]
When the rear gate 20 is in the fully closed state, the downward force acting by the weight of the rear gate 20 supported by the shaft 22 causes the gas spring 51 to push the hinge arm 13 and push the rear gate 20 upward. It is set in advance to be greater than
[0051]
When the rear gate 20 is opened and closed, the weight of the rear gate 20 and the urging force that urges the gas spring 51 toward the opening side of the rear gate 20 are balanced. The rear gate 20 is heavy and forms a self-closing zone in which the rear gate 20 is closed by its own weight without requiring an operation force. On the other hand, when the rear gate 20 is on the opening side from the dead point, the urging force of the gas spring 51 is larger than the weight of the rear gate 20, and a self-opening zone is formed in which the rear gate 20 opens without requiring an operating force.
[0052]
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram conceptually showing a control system for controlling the operation of the vehicle rear gate opening / closing drive device having the above-described configuration, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the control according to the opening / closing position of the rear gate. FIG.
[0053]
Reference numeral 60 in the figure denotes an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as ECU) that performs automatic opening / closing control of the rear gate 20 and is provided in the vehicle body, and is connected to the motor 41 of the power unit module 40, the clutch 42, and the encoder 43. Yes.
[0054]
The motor 41 is driven by the supply of power, and has an output for moving the slider 45 in the reciprocating direction via the gear box by forward and reverse rotation, and opening and closing the rear gate 20. The clutch 42 has a function of connecting the motor 41 and the slider 45 by energization and releasing the connection by de-energization. The encoder 43 is provided in the power unit module 40, detects the position of the slider 45, and outputs it to the ECU 60.
[0055]
Further, an alarm buzzer 44, a latch switch 61, a handle switch 62, an operation switch 63, and an auto closure 65 are connected to the ECU 60. The operation switch 63 is provided with an open switch, a close switch, and a pause switch (not shown), and outputs an open signal, a close signal, and a pause signal to the ECU 60 by each operation. The handle switch 62 is provided on an outer handle (not shown) for manually opening and closing the rear gate 20, and detects an operation state of the outer handle.
[0056]
The auto-closure 65 is configured to hold or open a striker provided at the lower end of the rear gate 20 by rotating a latch by an electric actuator.
[0057]
The latch switch 61 detects whether or not a striker is present in the guide groove of the auto closure 65. The latch is rotated by the detection of the striker by the latch switch 61, and the striker is placed in the engagement groove of the latch. Engaged.
[0058]
The alarm buzzer (alarm means) 44 is for alarming by a sound that is intermittently emitted when the rear gate 20 is automatically opened and closed, and is set so that the interval between the intervals is different between when it is opened and when it is closed.
[0059]
Accordingly, it is possible to recognize the opening operation or the closing operation of the rear gate 20 without visual observation at the time of automatic opening and closing, and to notify the surrounding persons of the opening and closing operation of the rear gate 20. Further, a hazard lamp or the like can be blinked simultaneously with the alarm buzzer 44.
[0060]
Signals from the operation switch 63, the encoder 43, the handle switch 62, and the latch switch 61 are input to the ECU 60, and the clutch 42, the motor 41, and the auto closure 65 are controlled by the output from the ECU 60, and the rear gate 20 is automatically opened and closed. The
[0061]
The automatic opening / closing operation will be described below. First, when the rear gate 20 is in the fully closed state, when the opening switch of the operation switch 63 is operated, the latch of the auto closure 65 is rotated in the opening direction to release the striker hold.
[0062]
When the hold of the striker is released, the rear gate 20 is pushed out by the reaction force of the weather strip or the like and rotates around the hinge arm 23 in the opening direction, the striker is detached from the guide groove, and the striker 61 is moved by the latch switch 61. The release of hold is detected.
[0063]
The ECU 60 energizes the clutch 42 in response to the hold release signal from the latch switch 61, connects the motor 41 and the slider 45 by the clutch 42, and rotates the motor 41 in the opening direction.
[0064]
When the motor 41 is driven to rotate in the opening direction, the slider 45 is moved in the opening direction of the rear gate 20 through the gear box, that is, in the rearward direction, and the rear gate 20 is rotated in the opening direction through the connecting rod 46 and the hinge arm 23. Let The ECU 60 detects the opening / closing position of the rear gate 20 based on an input from the encoder 43, and controls the driving force of the motor 41 according to the position of the rear gate 20.
[0065]
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the self-closing zone where the rear gate 20 rotates in the closing direction due to its own weight, the driving force of the motor 41 is controlled so as to assist the gas spring 51 in the opening direction. In the self-opening zone in which the gate 20 is rotated in the opening direction by the biasing force of the spring 51, control for restricting the movement of the rear gate 20 in the opening direction is performed.
[0066]
As a result, the biasing force of the gas spring 51 that rotates the rear gate 20 in the opening direction is reduced in the self-closing zone, and the rear gate 20 is rotated in the opening direction at a speed higher than a preset speed in the self-opening zone. To prevent it. In particular, the gas spring 51 tends to increase its urging force and increase the opening speed of the rear gate 20 as the outside air temperature rises, and this can be controlled constantly.
[0067]
Further, when the fully open state of the rear gate 20 is detected by the detection signal of the encoder 43, the opening operation is finished. When the output of the encoder 43 does not change according to the driving of the motor 41, the rear gate 20 is rotated in the opening direction. Judging that the movement is obstructed by an obstacle or the like, the opening movement is stopped.
[0068]
Further, when the outer handle is operated during the opening operation and an input signal is received from the handle switch 62, the opening operation is stopped. The opening operation is stopped by stopping the rotation of the motor 41, and the rear gate 20 is continuously opened by the input from the operation switch 63 or the handle switch 62, or conversely closed, and can be operated manually. The
[0069]
The above-described control is all initialized by closing the rear gate 20 manually or automatically to a fully closed state. The ECU 60 initializes the open / close position of the rear gate currently recognized by the encoder 43 to the fully closed position based on the detection signal of the latch switch 61.
[0070]
Therefore, for example, when the rear gate 20 stops in the middle of the opening / closing operation and the current rotation position of the rear gate 20 cannot be detected by the encoder 43, the rear gate 20 is manually closed to close the rear gate. The 20 open / close positions can be initialized.
[0071]
On the other hand, when the rear gate 20 is fully opened and the closing switch of the operation switch 63 is operated, the ECU 60 energizes the clutch 42, connects the motor 41 and the slider 45, and closes the motor 41 in the closing direction. Drive.
[0072]
By driving the motor 41 in the closing direction, the slider 45 moves the rear gate 20 in the closing direction, that is, forward through the gear box, and rotates the rear gate 20 in the closing direction through the connecting rod 46 and the hinge arm 23. The ECU 60 detects the opening / closing position of the rear gate 20 based on the detection signal of the encoder 43 and controls the driving force of the motor 41 according to the rotational position of the rear gate 20.
[0073]
For example, in the self-opening zone, the rear gate 20 is turned in the closing direction against the urging force of the gas spring 51, and in the self-closing zone, the control for restricting the turning of the rear gate 20 in the closing direction is performed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rear gate 20 from rotating in the closing direction at a speed higher than a preset speed.
[0074]
When the approach of the striker into the guide groove is detected by the rotation of the rear gate 20 in the closing direction, the energization of the clutch 42 is cut off, the clutch 42 is disconnected, and the latch is rotated by the auto closure 65. Then, the striker is engaged in the engagement groove of the latch, and the rear gate 20 is fully closed.
[0075]
Thereby, a series of opening / closing operations by the operation switch 63 is completed. Since the closing operation and the control initialization by the operation of the obstacle or the outer handle are the same as the control from the fully closed state to the fully opened state, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0076]
Next, the automatic opening / closing operation other than the operation switch 63 will be described.
[0077]
For example, when the rear gate 20 is fully closed, the outer handle is operated to release the engagement between the latch and the striker, and the rear gate 20 is manually moved in the opening direction.
[0078]
The ECU 60 calculates the rotation speed of the rear gate 20 in the opening direction from the detection signal of the encoder 43, determines whether or not it is within a preset speed range, and if it is within the predetermined speed range, The motor 41 is rotated in the opening direction at a rotation speed corresponding to the rotation speed, the clutch 42 is connected, and the rear gate 20 is automatically rotated in the opening direction. When it is not within the speed range, the automatic opening operation is not performed.
[0079]
If the rear gate 20 is manually rotated in the closing direction when the rear gate 20 is in the fully open state, the ECU 60 calculates the rotation speed of the rear gate 20 in the closing direction from the detection signal of the encoder 43, and is set in advance. If it is within the speed range, the motor 41 is rotated in the closing direction at a rotational speed corresponding to the moving speed, the clutch 42 is connected, and the rear gate 20 is automatically Turn in the closing direction. When it is not within the speed range, automatic closing is not performed.
[0080]
As a result, the rear gate 20 can be opened and closed without using the operation switch 63, and it is possible to easily carry in and out the luggage with respect to the vehicle, and to greatly improve the usability.
[0081]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the failure of the fully open, fully closed, or open / close movement of the rear gate 20 is determined based on the detection signal of the encoder 43. Instead, it is determined using the current of the motor 41. May be.
[0082]
That is, a current detection circuit for detecting the current of the motor 41 may be provided, and a failure in the fully open and fully closed or open / close operation of the rear gate 20 may be determined by increasing or decreasing the motor current according to the motor load.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
According to the vehicle rear gate automatic opening / closing control apparatus of the present invention described above, the clutch and the actuator are controlled based on the operation of the operating means, and the rear gate is automatically opened and closed. At that time, the opening / closing rotation speed of the rear gate is obtained based on the detection signal of the encoder, and the actuator is feedback-controlled so that the opening / closing rotation speed of the rear gate becomes a preset reference speed.
[0084]
Therefore, the rotation speed of the rear gate can be controlled to an appropriate value. In particular, the gas spring tends to increase its urging force and increase the opening speed of the rear gate as the outside air temperature rises, and this can be controlled constantly.
[0085]
Further, the clutch can be interposed between the actuator and the rear gate, and the rear gate can be opened and closed by manual operation by interrupting the clutch.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rear part of a vehicle body for explaining an outline of a vehicle rear gate opening / closing drive device according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an essential part showing an outline of a mounting state of a drive unit of an opening / closing mechanism.
FIG. 3 is a side view of an essential part showing an outline of a mounting state of a drive unit.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the drive unit.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram conceptually showing a control system of the opening / closing drive device.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating control according to the opening / closing position of the rear gate.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the rear part of the vehicle body showing an outline of a conventional rear gate structure.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the rear part of the vehicle body showing an outline of a conventional rear gate structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 body
12 Roof
13 opening
20 Rear gate
22 axes
23 Hinge arm
23a proximal
25 Rear gate attachment
26 Connecting rod joint
27 Gas spring coupling part 27
30 Opening and closing drive device
31 Drive unit
50 Gas spring device
32 Mounting base
40 Power unit module
41 motor
42 Clutch
43 Encoder
44 Alarm buzzer (alarm device)
45 slider
46 Connecting rod
50 Gas spring device
51 Gas Spring
60 Electronic control unit
61 Latch switch
62 Handle switch
63 Operation switch
65 auto closure

Claims (7)

In an automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate, an upper end portion of the rear body body of an automobile is supported so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction and automatically opens and closes a rear gate that opens and closes an opening formed in the rear portion of the vehicle body.
A gas spring for urging the rear gate in the opening direction;
An actuator for opening and closing the rear gate;
A clutch for connecting or disconnecting between the actuator and the rear gate;
An encoder for detecting an opening / closing rotation position of the rear gate;
Operating means for operating the opening and closing operation of the rear gate;
Control means for controlling the actuator and the clutch based on an operation signal from the operation means to automatically open and close the rear gate;
The control means includes
In the rotation control of the rear gate in the opening direction, in the self-closed zone where the rear gate rotates in the closing direction due to the balance between the weight of the rear gate and the biasing force of the gas spring, the rotation in the opening direction of the rear gate is performed. In the self-opening zone where the rear gate is rotated in the opening direction by the urging force of the gas spring, the actuator is controlled in advance so that the rear gate is prevented from rotating in the opening direction. An automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate, wherein the vehicle is rotated in the opening direction at a determined speed . In an automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate, an upper end portion of the rear body body of an automobile is supported so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction and automatically opens and closes a rear gate that opens and closes an opening formed in the rear portion of the vehicle body.
A gas spring for urging the rear gate in the opening direction;
An actuator for opening and closing the rear gate;
A clutch for connecting or disconnecting between the actuator and the rear gate;
An encoder for detecting an opening / closing rotation position of the rear gate;
Operating means for operating the opening and closing operation of the rear gate;
Control means for controlling the actuator and the clutch based on an operation signal from the operation means to automatically open and close the rear gate;
The control means includes
In the rotation control of the rear gate in the closing direction, the self-opening zone in which the rear gate rotates in the opening direction due to the balance between the weight of the rear gate and the biasing force of the gas spring resists the biasing force of the gas spring. In the self-closing zone where the rear gate is rotated in the closing direction and the rear gate is rotated in the closing direction due to its own weight, the rear gate is preset by controlling the actuator so as to suppress the rotation of the rear gate in the closing direction. An automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate, wherein the vehicle is rotated in a closing direction at a determined speed . The control means includes
3. The fully closed state or fully opened state of the rear gate is determined based on a detection signal of the encoder or a load of the actuator in rotation control of the rear gate in the opening direction or the closing direction. An automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate as described in 1. The automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising alarm means for outputting an alarm in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the rear gate. The control means includes
During manual operation rotation of the rear gate is performed manually, either of the preceding claims, characterized in that determining whether the opening and closing operation automatically on the basis of the rotational speed of said rear gate The automatic opening / closing control device for a vehicle rear gate according to claim 1 . A handle switch for detecting an operation of an outer handle for manually opening and closing the rear gate;
Said control means based on a detection signal of said handle switch to stop the automatic closing operation of the rear gate, the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that to release the connection of the clutch Rear gate automatic opening and closing control device. A latch switch for detecting the fully closed state of the rear gate;
The automatic opening / closing control of a vehicle rear gate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control means initializes the opening / closing position of the rear gate by the encoder based on a detection signal of the latch switch. apparatus.

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