JP6726613B2 - Switch operation device and power window control device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switch operating device that outputs a switch signal corresponding to a switch when the switch is operated, and a power window control device using the switch operating device.

Conventionally, a circuit capable of outputting four types of output voltages using two switching elements is known (see Patent Document 1). This circuit increases the voltage level difference between the four output voltages by equalizing the voltage level difference between the output voltages. Then, the microcomputer that operates by detecting the voltage level is prevented from erroneously detecting the voltage level.

Registered Utility Model No. 3182794

However, in the above-mentioned circuit, when a leakage current is generated due to water wetting, submersion, flooding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “water wetting”), the output voltage becomes unstable due to the influence of the leakage current. As a result, the microcomputer may erroneously detect the voltage level.

In view of the above points, it is desired to provide a switch operating device capable of preventing erroneous detection of a signal level when water gets wet or the like.

A switch operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an output unit that outputs a switch signal and a plurality of electric paths that are connected to the output unit and that are selectively energized, and that are connected in series and a resistor. And a plurality of electric circuits including a controlled electric circuit including a control target electric circuit, and a submersion control circuit that operates when submerged in water to reduce the resistance of the controlled electric circuit.

By the means described above, it is possible to provide a switch operating device capable of preventing erroneous detection of the signal level when water gets wet or the like.

It is a schematic diagram showing an example of composition of a power window control device. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of the output voltage of a switch operating device. It is a flow chart which shows a flow of processing which a motor control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of another process which a motor control part performs. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of composition of a power window control device. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing another example of composition of a power window control device. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific state of the power window control apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing another example of composition of a power window control device. It is a schematic diagram showing another example of composition of a power window control device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a power window control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power window control device 100 is provided inside a vehicle door, and mainly includes a switch operation device 1 and a motor control device 2.

The switch operating device 1 is a device that outputs a switch signal corresponding to a switch when the switch is operated. The switch signal is, for example, a voltage signal. It may be a current signal. The switch operating device 1 mainly includes a signal circuit 10, a submergence detection circuit 11, and a submergence control circuit 12.

The signal circuit 10 is a circuit that generates switch signals of multiple levels. In the example of FIG. 1, the signal circuit 10 includes an input part P1, an output part P2, switches S1 to S4, and resistors R1 to R4. The signal circuit 10 generates a plurality of voltage levels as a switch signal of a plurality of levels. In the example of FIG. 1, the signal circuit 10 constitutes a voltage dividing circuit together with the resistor R5 provided in the motor control device 2.

The input portion P1 is a portion where a predetermined reference signal enters the switch operating device 1. In the example of FIG. 1, it is one point on the electric path to which the power supply voltage is applied. It may be one point on the electric path to which the ground voltage is applied.

The output portion P2 is a portion where a switch signal used by another device is output from the switch operating device 1. In the example of FIG. 1, it is one point on the electric path to which the output voltage is applied.

The signal circuit 10 includes a plurality of electric paths that are alternatively energized to the output portion P2. The plurality of electric circuits include a controlled electric circuit that includes a switch and a resistor connected in series. The controlled electric circuit is an electric circuit to be controlled by the submergence control circuit 12 when the switch operating device 1 is wet. In the example of FIG. 1, the signal circuit 10 has five electric paths EP1 to EP2. The input P1 and the output P2 are alternatively connected by one of the five electrical paths EP1 to EP2.

The first electric circuit EP1 is energized when the switch S1 is closed. FIG. 1A shows a current flowing through the first electric path EP1 by a dotted arrow. The current does not pass through the resistor but through the switch S1 to the output P2.

The second electric circuit EP2 is energized when the switch S1 is open and the switch S2 is closed. FIG. 1B shows a current flowing through the second electric path EP2 by a dotted arrow. Current flows through resistor R1 and switch S2 to output P2.

The third electric circuit EP3 is energized when the switches S1 and S2 are open and the switch S3 is closed. FIG. 1C shows a current flowing through the third electric path EP3 by a dotted arrow. Current flows through resistors R1, R2 and switch S3 to output P2.

The fourth electric path EP4 is energized when each of the switches S1 to S3 is open and the switch S4 is closed. FIG. 1D shows a current flowing through the fourth electric path EP4 by a dotted arrow. Current flows to the output P2 through the resistors R1 to R3 and the switch S4.

The fifth electric path EP5 is energized when all the four switches S1 to S4 are in the open state. FIG. 1E shows a current flowing through the fifth electric path EP5 with a dotted arrow. The current flows through the resistors R1-R4 to the output P2.

The submersion detection circuit 11 operates when the switch operating device 1 gets wet. In the example of FIG. 1, the submersion detection circuit 11 connects the power supply (the power supply 20 mounted in the motor control device 2) and the submersion control circuit 12 to operate the submersion control circuit 12. The power source may be a power source mounted on the switch operating device 1 or an external power source.

The submerged control circuit 12 operates when the switch operating device 1 is wet. In the example of FIG. 1, when it is connected to a power source by the submersion detection circuit 11, electric parts such as a relay are activated. Then, the resistance of one or a plurality of control target electric circuits in the signal circuit 10 is lowered. Further, the submergence control circuit 12 shuts off another one or a plurality of control target electric circuits in the signal circuit 10.

Specifically, the submergence control circuit 12 includes a normally open relay connected in parallel to the resistor R1 in the second electric circuit EP2 that is the controlled electric circuit, and normally operates when the switch operating device 1 gets wet. Close the open relay to bypass resistor R1. That is, the electric path that bypasses the resistor R1 in the second electric path EP2 is opened to energize the new electric path (the second electric path EP2S when submerged in water). FIG. 1F shows a current flowing through the second electric path EP2S when submerged in water by a dotted arrow.

The submerged control circuit 12 also includes a normally closed relay provided in the third electric circuit EP3, which is the electric circuit to be controlled. The submergence control circuit 12 opens the normally closed relay of the switch operating device 1 when the switch operating device 1 is wet, and shuts off the third electric circuit EP3. The submergence control circuit 12 cuts off the third electric path EP3 between the resistors R1 and R2, for example.

Relays include contact relays and contactless relays. Contact relays include electromagnetic relays. Contactless relays include solid state relays that use semiconductor switching devices such as thyristors, triacs, diodes and transistors.

The motor control device 2 mainly includes a power supply 20, a regulator 21, an output unit P3, an input unit P4, and a motor control unit 22.

The power supply 20 supplies power to the switch operating device 1. In the example of FIG. 1, it is a storage battery such as a vehicle-mounted battery. In the example of FIG. 1, the power supply 20 outputs the power supply voltage Vcc.

The regulator 21 is a device that generates a constant output voltage of a predetermined level regardless of changes in the input voltage or load conditions. In the example of FIG. 1, the regulator 21 can maintain the output voltage at a predetermined level regardless of the change in the output current caused by the leakage current generated when the switch operating device 1 gets wet. Hereinafter, for convenience, the voltage output by the regulator 21 will be referred to as the power supply voltage Vcc. The regulator 21 may include an overcurrent (ground fault current) protection circuit. Further, the regulator 21 may be omitted.

The output part P3 is a part where a predetermined reference signal used by another device is output from the motor control device 2. In the example of FIG. 1, it is one point on the electric path to which the voltage after being adjusted by the regulator 21 is applied. It may be a point on the electric path to which the power supply voltage Vcc is applied.

The input portion P4 is a portion where a signal output from another device enters the motor control device 2. In the example of FIG. 1, it is one point on the electric path to which the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 is applied.

In the example of FIG. 1, the input part P1 of the switch operating device 1 and the output part P3 of the motor control device 2 are connected by a signal line SL1. Further, the output portion P2 of the switch operating device 1 and the input portion P4 of the motor control device 2 are connected by a signal line SL2. The signal line SL1 and the signal line SL2 are housed in one cable CB.

The motor control unit 22 is a device that controls an electric motor for moving the window up and down. In the example of FIG. 1, the motor control unit 22 is a microcomputer including a CPU, RAM, ROM and the like. The motor control unit 22 controls the electric motor according to the signal level at the input unit P4, that is, the signal level of the switch signal output by the switch operating device 1.

Specifically, the motor control unit 22 controls the electric motor according to the voltage level at the input unit P4, that is, each of the five voltage levels output by the switch operating device 1.

The five voltage levels are the resistance value of the resistor R5 provided in the motor control device 2 and the resistance of the resistor included in one electric path selected from the five electric paths EP1 to EP5 in the switch operating device 1. Determined by the ratio with the value. That is, the resistor R5 and the resistors included in one electric path selected from the five electric paths EP1 to EP5 form a voltage dividing circuit.

The first voltage level V1 is determined by the ratio between the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 and the resistance value of the resistors included in the first electric path EP1. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first electric path EP1 is an electric path that is energized when the switch S1 is operated, that is, when the switch S1 is in the closed state. Since the first electric circuit EP1 does not include a resistor, the first voltage level V1 is equal to the voltage (for example, the power supply voltage Vcc) at the input P1 of the switch operating device 1. When the voltage of the first voltage level V1 is applied to the input part P4, the motor control part 22 continuously rotates the electric motor in the direction of lowering the window until the window is completely lowered. Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as an "auto down operation". In this case, the switch S1 functions as an auto down switch. Even if the operation of the switch S1 is stopped, the motor control unit 22 continuously rotates the electric motor until the window is completely lowered.

The second voltage level V2 is determined by the ratio between the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 and the resistance value of the resistor included in the second electric path EP2. As shown in FIG. 1B, the second electric path EP2 is an electric path that is energized when the switch S2 is operated, that is, when the switch S2 is in the closed state. The second electric circuit EP2 includes a resistor R1. Therefore, the second voltage level V2 is determined by the ratio between the resistance value r1 of the resistor R1 and the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 (V2/(Vcc-V2)=r5/r1). While the voltage of the second voltage level V2 is being applied to the input part P4, that is, until the operation of the switch S2 is stopped, the motor control part 22 rotationally drives the electric motor in the direction of lowering the window. Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as "manual down operation". In this case, the switch S2 functions as a manual down switch. When the operation of the switch S2 is stopped, the motor control unit 22 stops the electric motor.

The third voltage level V3 is determined by the ratio between the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 and the resistance value of the resistor included in the third electric path EP3. As shown in FIG. 1C, the third electric path EP3 is an electric path that is energized when the switch S3 is operated, that is, when the switch S3 is in the closed state. The third electric circuit EP3 includes resistors R1 and R2. Therefore, the third voltage level V3 is determined by the ratio of the total resistance value (r1+r2) of the resistance values r1 and r2 of the resistors R1 and R2 to the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 (V3/(Vcc-V3)=r5 /(R1+r2)). When the voltage of the third voltage level V3 is applied to the input part P4, the motor control part 22 continuously rotates the electric motor in the direction of raising the window until the window is completely raised. Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as “auto-up operation”. In this case, the switch S3 functions as an auto up switch. Even if the operation of the switch S3 is stopped, the motor control unit 22 continuously rotates the electric motor until the window is completely raised.

The fourth voltage level V4 is determined by the ratio between the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 and the resistance value of the resistors included in the fourth electric path EP4. As shown in FIG. 1D, the fourth electric path EP4 is an electric path that is energized when the switch S4 is operated, that is, when the switch S4 is in the closed state. The fourth electric circuit EP4 includes resistors R1 to R3. Therefore, the fourth voltage level V4 is determined by the ratio of the total resistance value (r1+r2+r3) of the resistance values r1 to r3 of the resistors R1 to R3 and the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 (V4/(Vcc-V4)=r5 /(R1+r2+r3)). While the voltage of the fourth voltage level V4 is being applied to the input part P4, that is, until the operation of the switch S4 is stopped, the motor control part 22 rotationally drives the electric motor in the direction of raising the window. Hereinafter, this operation is referred to as "manual up operation". In this case, the switch S4 functions as a manual up switch. When the operation of the switch S4 is stopped, the motor control unit 22 stops the electric motor.

The fifth voltage level V5 is determined by the ratio between the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 and the resistance value of the resistor included in the fifth electric path EP5. As illustrated in FIG. 1E, the fifth electric path EP5 is an electric path that is energized when none of the switches S1 to S4 is operated. The fifth electric circuit EP5 includes resistors R1 to R4. Therefore, the fifth voltage level V5 is determined by the ratio of the total resistance value (r1+r2+r3+r4) of the resistance values r1 to r4 of the resistors R1 to R4 and the resistance value r5 of the resistor R5 (V5/(Vcc-V5)=r5 /(R1+r2+r3+r4)). When the voltage of the fifth voltage level V5 is applied to the input part P4, the motor control part 22 basically stops the electric motor. For example, when the auto down operation or the auto up operation is not executed, the electric motor is stopped.

The five voltage levels are, for example, evenly distributed between the power supply voltage Vcc and the ground voltage. The resistance value of each of the resistors R1 to R5 is determined so that such an even allocation is realized.

Next, the voltage level at the input portion P4 when the switch is operated when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water will be described.

When the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the submersion detection circuit 11 connects the power source 20 and the submersion control circuit 12 to operate the submersion control circuit 12. The submergence control circuit 12 activates an electric component such as a relay to reduce the resistance of one or a plurality of control target electric circuits in the signal circuit 10. Further, the submergence control circuit 12 shuts off another one or a plurality of control target electric circuits in the signal circuit 10.

In the example of FIG. 1, the voltage level when the switch S1 is operated when submerged in water is the same first voltage level V1 as when the switch S1 is operated when not submerged in water. The electric path energized when the submersion control circuit 12 is operating is because of the same first electric path EP1 as when the submersion control circuit 12 is not operating.

The voltage level when the switch S2 is operated when submerged in water is higher than the voltage level when the switch S2 is operated when not submerged in water. This is because the submergence control circuit 12 operates so as to reduce the resistance of the second electric path EP2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1F, the submergence control circuit 12 opens an electric path that bypasses the resistor R1 in the second electric path EP2 (see FIG. 1B) to energize the submerged second electric path EP2S. .. Since the second electric circuit EP2S when submerged in water does not include a resistor, the voltage level is equal to the voltage (for example, the power supply voltage Vcc) at the input P1 of the switch operating device 1. That is, the first voltage level V1 is the same as when the switch S1 is operated. When the voltage of the first voltage level V1 is applied to the input section P4, the motor control section 22 executes the auto-down operation. That is, the switch S2 that has been functioning as the manual down switch functions as the auto down switch. Therefore, even if the operation of the switch S2 is stopped, the motor control unit 22 continuously rotates the electric motor until the window is completely lowered.

The voltage level when the switch S3 is closed when submerged in water is lower than the voltage level when the switch S3 is closed when not submerged in water. This is because the control circuit 12 when submerged in water shuts off the third electric circuit EP3. Specifically, the submergence control circuit 12 shuts off the electric path on the upstream side (the side close to the power source 20) of the switch S3. In the example of FIG. 1C, the third electric circuit EP3 is cut off between the resistor R1 and the resistor R2. Therefore, the voltage level at the input portion P4 is in the open state. As a result, the motor control unit 22 keeps the electric motor stopped even when the switch S3 is closed. The same applies when the switch S4 is closed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation of the motor control unit 22 according to the level of the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transition of the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 when each of the switches S1 to S4 is operated. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the switch S1 is operated from time t1 to time t2, the switch S2 is operated from time t3 to time t4, the switch S3 is operated from time t5 to time t6, and from time t7. It shows the output voltage when the switch S4 is operated until time t8. 2A shows the output voltage when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged, and FIG. 2B shows the output voltage when the switch operating device 1 is submerged.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the motor control unit 22. The motor control unit 22 repeatedly executes this processing at a predetermined control cycle regardless of whether the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water.

First, the motor control unit 22 determines whether the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold TH1 (step ST1). The threshold value TH1 is a value smaller than the first voltage level V1 and larger than the second voltage level V2. For example, it is an intermediate value between the first voltage level V1 and the second voltage level V2.

When it is determined that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH1 (YES in step ST1), the motor control unit 22 executes the auto-down operation (step ST2). Specifically, when the switch S1 is operated when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, and when the switch S1 or the switch S2 is operated when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the motor The control unit 22 determines that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH1 and executes the auto-down operation.

When it is determined that the output voltage is less than the threshold TH1 (NO in step ST1), the motor control unit 22 determines whether the output voltage is the threshold TH2 or more (step ST3). The threshold value TH2 is a value smaller than the second voltage level V2 and larger than the third voltage level V3. For example, it is an intermediate value between the second voltage level V2 and the third voltage level V3.

When it is determined that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH2 (YES in step ST3), the motor control unit 22 executes the manual down operation (step ST4). Specifically, when the switch S2 is operated when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the motor control unit 22 determines that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH2 and executes the manual down operation.

When it is determined that the output voltage is less than the threshold TH2 (NO in step ST3), the motor control unit 22 determines whether the output voltage is the threshold TH3 or more (step ST5). The threshold value TH3 is a value smaller than the third voltage level V3 and larger than the fourth voltage level V4. For example, it is an intermediate value between the third voltage level V3 and the fourth voltage level V4.

When it is determined that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH3 (YES in step ST5), the motor control unit 22 executes the auto-up operation (step ST6). Specifically, when the switch S3 is operated while the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the motor control unit 22 determines that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH3 and executes the auto-up operation.

When it is determined that the output voltage is less than the threshold TH3 (NO in step ST5), the motor control unit 22 determines whether the output voltage is the threshold TH4 or more (step ST7). The threshold value TH4 is a value smaller than the fourth voltage level V4 and larger than the fifth voltage level V5. For example, it is an intermediate value between the fourth voltage level V4 and the fifth voltage level V5.

When it is determined that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH4 (YES in step ST7), the motor control unit 22 executes the manual up operation (step ST8). Specifically, when the switch S4 is operated when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the motor control unit 22 determines that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH4 and executes the manual up operation.

When it is determined that the output voltage is less than the threshold value TH4 (NO in step ST7), the motor control unit 22 appropriately controls the electric motor assuming that none of the switches S1 to S4 is operated. For example, when the manual down operation or the manual up operation is being executed, the electric motor is stopped. If the electric motor is stopped, that state is maintained. When the auto-down operation or auto-up operation is being executed, that state is maintained until each operation is completed.

Even when the switch S3 or the switch S4 is closed when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the output voltage is maintained in the open state. That is, it is maintained below the threshold TH4. Therefore, as described above, the motor control unit 22 can appropriately control the electric motor assuming that none of the switches S1 to S4 is operated.

With the above configuration, the switch operating device 1 can prevent erroneous detection of the signal level by the motor control device 2 when water wetness or the like occurs. Specifically, the switch operating device 1 outputs when a switch (the switch S1 or the switch S2, hereinafter, collectively referred to as a “down switch”) for lowering the window when submerged in water is operated. Make the voltage as large as possible. For example, the voltage is set to a level higher than the highest threshold TH1.

In addition, the switch operating device 1 is an output voltage when a switch (the switch S3 or the switch S4, which is hereinafter collectively referred to as an “up switch”) for raising a window when submerged in water is in a closed state. Be as small as possible. For example, the voltage is set to a level lower than the lowest threshold TH4.

Therefore, for example, the switch operating device 1 can prevent the voltage of the same level as when the up switch is operated from being erroneously output despite the down switch being operated. As a result, when the down switch is operated while submerged in water, the window can be reliably lowered.

Further, the switch operating device 1 can prevent the voltage of the same level as when the up switch is operated from being erroneously output, for example, even though the up switch is not operated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the automatic up operation or the manual up operation from being executed when the up switch is closed due to a leakage current or the like regardless of the operation of the operator. The leakage current is generated at the signal lines SL1 and SL2, for example.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water and none of the switches S1 to S4 is operated, the output voltage at the output portion P2 is at an extremely low level. This is because the fifth electric circuit EP5 is shut off by the control circuit 12 when submerged in water. Therefore, the motor control unit 22 may determine whether or not the switch operating device 1 is submerged by monitoring the output voltage. Then, when it is determined that the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the motor control unit 22 may reduce the threshold value TH1 for determining whether or not the down switch is operated. This is so that it is possible to surely recognize that the down switch has been operated even when there is a large variation in the output voltage due to leakage current or the like.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing in which the motor control unit 22 reduces the threshold value TH1 when the switch operating device 1 is submerged. The motor control unit 22 repeatedly executes this process at a predetermined control cycle until it is determined that the switch operating device 1 is submerged.

First, the motor control unit 22 determines whether the output voltage is less than the threshold TH5 (step ST11). The threshold value TH5 is a value lower than the fifth voltage level V5 and higher than the ground level (0V). For example, it is an intermediate value between the fifth voltage level V5 and the ground level.

When it is determined that the output voltage is less than the threshold value TH5 (YES in step ST11), the motor control unit 22 sets the threshold value TH1 to the threshold value TH5 (step ST12).

When it is determined that the output voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold value TH5 (NO in step ST11), the motor control unit 22 ends the current process without setting the threshold value TH1 to the threshold value TH5.

By this processing, the motor control unit 22 mistakenly performs the auto-up operation even if the output voltage when the switch S2 (manual down switch) is operated becomes smaller than the threshold value TH2 due to the influence of the leakage current or the like. Manual down operation can be executed without executing.

Next, a configuration example of the submersion detection circuit 11 and the submersion control circuit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the power window control device 100, and corresponds to FIG. 1. 5 is different from FIG. 1 in the details of the submersion detection circuit 11 and the submergence control circuit 12, but is the same as FIG. 1 in other points. Therefore, the description of the common part will be omitted and the different part will be described in detail. 5A and 5B show particular states of the power window controller 100 shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 5A shows a state when the switch S2 is operated while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the switch S3 is closed while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water.

In the example of FIG. 5, the water immersion detection circuit 11 includes a water leakage detection pad 110 and a relay 111. The water leak detection pad 110 is configured to energize between the pair of pads when a conductive liquid adheres between the pair of pads. The relay 111 is a normally open relay that is closed when electricity is applied between a pair of pads in the water leak detection pad 110. In the example of FIG. 5, it is composed of PNP type transistors.

In the example of FIG. 5, the submergence control circuit 12 includes a relay 120 and a relay 121. The relay 120 is a normally open relay that is closed when the switch operating device 1 is submerged. The relay 121 is a normally closed relay that is open when the switch operating device 1 is submerged. In the example of FIG. 5, both relays 120 and 121 are electromagnetic relays.

When the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water and the pair of pads in the water leak detection pad 110 are energized, the relay 111 is closed. Specifically, the base voltage of the PNP transistor drops, and current flows from the emitter to the collector. As a result, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 5A, a current flows from the power source 20 through the submersion detection circuit 11 to the submergence control circuit 12.

Then, when a current flows from the power source 20 to the relay 120, the relay 120 is closed. That is, the electric path that bypasses the resistor R1 is opened.

Therefore, when the switch S2 is operated while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the current passes through the relay 120 and the switch S2 without passing through the resistor R1 as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 5A. Flowing Therefore, the voltage level at the input portion P4 becomes the first voltage level V1. As a result, the motor control unit 22 can execute the auto-down operation.

Further, when current flows from the power source 20 to the relay 121, the relay 121 is opened. That is, the electric path is cut off between the resistor R1 and the resistor R2.

Therefore, even if the switch S3 is closed while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the current flows toward the submersion detection circuit 11 and the submergence control circuit 12 as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 5B. It only flows, not the switch S3. Therefore, the voltage level at the input portion P4 is in the open state. As a result, the motor control unit 22 does not raise the window even if the switch S3 is closed. The same applies when the switch S4 is closed.

Next, another configuration example of the submergence control circuit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the power window control device 100 and corresponds to FIG. 1. 6 is different from FIG. 1 in that the details of the submergence detection circuit 11 and the submergence control circuit 12 are shown, but in other respects it is common to FIG. The submersion detection circuit 11 in FIG. 6 is the same as the submersion detection circuit 11 in FIG. Therefore, the description of the parts already described will be omitted, and the parts unique to the configuration of FIG. 6 will be described in detail. 6A and 6B show particular states of the power window controller 100 shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a state when the switch S2 is operated while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the switch S3 is closed while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water.

In the example of FIG. 6, the submerged control circuit 12 includes relays 122, 123, and 124. The relay 122 is a normally open relay that is closed when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. The relay 123 is a normally open relay that is closed when the switch operating device 1 is submerged. The relay 124 is a normally closed relay that is opened when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. In the example of FIG. 6, each of the relays 122 and 124 is composed of a P-type MOSFET, and the relay 123 is composed of an NPN-type transistor.

When the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the relay 123 is closed. Specifically, the base voltage of the NPN transistor rises, and a current flows from the emitter to the collector. When the relay 123 is closed, the relay 122 is closed. That is, the electric path that bypasses the resistor R1 is opened. Specifically, the gate voltage of the P-type MOSFET is lowered, and current flows from the source to the drain.

Therefore, when the switch S2 is operated while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the current does not pass through the resistor R1 but through the relay 122 and the switch S2 as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 6A. Flowing Therefore, the voltage level at the input portion P4 becomes the first voltage level V1. As a result, the motor control unit 22 can execute the auto-down operation.

Further, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the relay 124 is opened. That is, the electric path is cut off between the resistor R1 and the resistor R2. Specifically, the gate voltage of the P-type MOSFET rises so that no current flows from the source to the drain.

Therefore, even if the switch S3 is closed while the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the current flows toward the submersion detection circuit 11 and the submergence control circuit 12 as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 6B. It only flows, not the switch S3. Therefore, the voltage level at the input portion P4 is in the open state. As a result, the motor control unit 22 does not raise the window even if the switch S3 is closed. The same applies when the switch S4 is closed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, another configuration example of the power window control device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing still another configuration example of the power window control device 100. The power window control device 100 of FIG. 7 is different from the power window control device 100 of FIG. 1 mainly in the internal configuration of the motor control device 2, but is common in other points. Therefore, the description of the common part will be omitted and the different part will be described in detail.

In FIG. 7, the switch operating device 1 uses the port near the power supply 20 as the output unit P2 and the port near the ground as the input unit P1. The motor control device 2 uses the port near the power supply 20 as the input portion P4 and the side near the ground as the output portion P3. Therefore, the voltage at the input P1 is equal to the ground voltage.

In the motor control device 2, the resistor R5 is connected between the power supply 20 and the input section P4, and the motor control section 22 is connected between the resistor R5 and the input section P4.

With this configuration, when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the switch operating device 1 provides five voltage levels in alternative stages by the partial pressure. Specifically, the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 becomes maximum when none of the switches S1 to S4 is operated. Then, when the switch S4 is operated, the switch S3 is operated, and the switch S2 is operated, the output voltage decreases in the order, and the output voltage becomes the minimum when the switch S1 is operated.

When the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the switch operating device 1 provides an alternative two-step voltage level by partial pressure. Specifically, the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 becomes maximum when all of the switches S1 to S4 are open, when the switch S3 is closed, and when the switch S4 is closed. This is because the control circuit 12 when submerged in water shuts off the electric path between the resistor R1 and the resistor R2. Then, it becomes minimum when the switch S1 is operated and when the switch S2 is operated. This is because the control circuit 12 when submerged in water opens an electric path that bypasses the resistor R1.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, another configuration example of the power window control device 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing still another configuration example of the power window control device 100. The power window control device 100 of FIG. 8 is different from the power window control device 100 of FIG. 7 mainly in the internal configuration of the switch operating device 1, but is common in other points. Therefore, the description of the common part will be omitted and the different part will be described in detail.

In FIG. 8, the switch operating device 1 includes a power supply 13 for operating the submersion detection circuit 11 and the submersion control circuit 12. Further, resistors R11 to R14 are respectively connected in series to the switches S1 to S4. The resistor R15 provided in the motor control device 2 and each of the resistors R11 to R14 included in one electric path selected from the five electric paths constitute a voltage dividing circuit.

When the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the switch operating device 1 provides an alternative five-step voltage level by partial pressure. Specifically, the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 becomes maximum when all the switches S1 to S4 are in the open state. Then, when the switch S4 is in the closed state, the switch S3 is in the closed state, the switch S2 is in the closed state, and the switch S1 is in the closed state, the resistors R11 to R15 are respectively reduced in order of decreasing output voltage. The resistance value of has been determined.

When the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the switch operating device 1 provides an alternative two-step voltage level by partial pressure. Specifically, the output voltage of the switch operating device 1 becomes maximum when all the switches S1 to S4 are in the open state, when the switch S3 is in the closed state, and when the switch S4 is in the closed state. This is because the submergence control circuit 12 disconnects the electric path between the input part P1 and each of the switches S3 and S4. Then, it is minimum when the switch S1 is in the closed state and when the switch S2 is in the closed state. This is because the control circuit 12 when submerged in water opens an electric path that bypasses the resistors R11 and R12.

As described above, the switch operating device 1 includes, for example, the output portion P2 that outputs a switch signal and the plurality of electric paths EP1 to EP5 that are connected to the output portion P2 and that are selectively energized. A part of the plurality of electric paths EP1 to EP5 may overlap as described above, or may be completely independent. The plurality of electric paths EP1 to EP5 include an electric path EP2 as a controlled electric path that includes a switch S2 and a resistor R1 that are connected in series. Further, the switch operating device 1 includes a submergence control circuit 12 that operates when the switch operating device 1 is submerged to reduce the resistance of the electric path EP2. With this configuration, the switch operating device 1 can prevent erroneous detection of the signal level by the motor control unit 22 when water gets wet or the like. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the switch operating device 1 lowers the resistance of the electric path EP2 so that the output voltage at the output portion P2 when the switch S2 is in the closed state is changed from the original second voltage level V2 to the second voltage level V2. It can be increased to one voltage level V1. That is, the output voltage when the down switch is operated can be made higher than the threshold value TH1. The down switch includes an auto down switch and a manual down switch. The threshold TH1 is the higher threshold of the two thresholds TH1 and TH2 for determining whether or not the down switch has been operated. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the output voltage when the down switch is operated from moving away from the lower threshold TH2 of the two thresholds and the output voltage falling below the threshold TH2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor control device 2 from erroneously detecting the signal level when the down switch is operated when the switch operating device 1 is wet with water or the like. In this case, the erroneous detection of the signal level by the motor control device 2 includes the erroneous detection of the operation of the up switch and the non-detection of the operation of the down switch.

The motor control device 2 does not need to change the control content depending on whether the switch operating device 1 is submerged. Therefore, it is not necessary to detect whether the switch operating device 1 is submerged. However, the motor control device 2 may detect whether or not the switch operating device 1 is submerged. This is because erroneous detection of the signal level can be more surely prevented by changing the threshold value for determining whether or not the down switch has been operated depending on whether or not the switch operating device 1 is submerged.

Further, the switch operating device 1 includes a submergence detection circuit 11 that operates when submerged in water and connects the power source and the submergence control circuit 12. The power supply may be the power supply 20 installed in the motor control device 2, the power supply 13 installed in the switch operating device 1, or an external power supply. With this configuration, the switch operating device 1 can reliably operate the submergence control circuit 12 when submerged.

Further, the submerged control circuit 12 includes relays 120 and 122 connected in parallel to the resistor R1 in the electric path EP2 as a controlled electric path, and when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the relays 120 and 122 are closed to close the resistors. Bypass R1. The relays 120 and 122 may be contact relays or contactless relays. With this configuration, the switch operating device 1 can reduce the resistance of the electric path EP2 when submerged in water.

Further, the power window control device 100 using the switch operating device 1 uses, for example, a switch signal output from the output unit P2 when the electric path EP2 as the controlled electric path is energized, as a signal for lowering the window. .. With this configuration, the power window control device 100 can reliably lower the window when the switch S2 as the manual down switch is operated when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. That is, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the window rises or does not move even though the manual down switch is operated.

Moreover, the plurality of electric paths EP1 to EP5 that are selectively energized include two electric paths EP1 and EP2 having different resistances. The switch signal output from the output unit P2 when the electric path EP1 that is one of the two electric paths is energized is an auto-down switch signal, and the electric path EP2 that is the other of the two electric paths is energized. The switch signal output from the output unit P2 at this time is a manual down switch signal.

The power window control device 100 also includes a motor control unit 22 that controls an electric motor for vertically moving the window. The motor control unit 22 is provided separately from the switch operating device 1 and is connected to the switch operating device 1 via the cable CB. For example, the motor control device 2 including the motor control unit 22 and the switch operation device 1 are configured as separate devices including individual housings, and are connected to each other via a cable CB. With this configuration, each of the switch operating device 1 and the motor control device 2 can be downsized. In addition, the degree of freedom of arrangement inside the vehicle door is increased. Therefore, the switch operating device 1 and the motor control device 2 can be mounted at positions separated from each other inside the vehicle door. However, the switch operating device 1 and the motor control unit 22 may be configured as one device having a common housing. Alternatively, the switch operating device 1 and the motor control device 2 including the motor control unit 22 may be configured as one device having a common housing.

The cable CB also includes a signal line SL2 as an output line. Then, the switch operating device 1 includes an auto down switch S1 for outputting the auto down switch signal to the signal line SL2 and a manual down switch S2 for outputting the manual down switch signal to the signal line SL2. When the submersion control circuit 12 is not operated, the output value of the manual down switch signal is different from the output value of the auto down switch signal. For example, the level of the output voltage of the manual down switch signal (second voltage level V2) is lower than the level of the output voltage of the auto down switch signal (first voltage level V1). On the other hand, when the submergence control circuit 12 is operating, the output value of the manual down switch signal becomes equal to the output value of the auto down switch signal. For example, the level of the output voltage of the manual down switch signal becomes equal to the level of the output voltage of the auto down switch signal (first voltage level V1). With this configuration, when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the power window control device 100 operates the motor control unit 22 by distinguishing between when the switch S1 is operated and when the switch S2 is operated. be able to. For example, the auto down function can be executed when the switch S1 is operated, and the manual down function can be executed when the switch S2 is operated. On the other hand, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the motor control unit 22 can be operated without distinguishing when the switch S1 is operated and when the switch S2 is operated. For example, the auto down function can be executed regardless of which of the switches S1 and S2 is operated. The manual down function may be executed regardless of which of the switch S1 and the switch S2 is operated. In the above example, the switch S1 is associated with the auto down switch and the switch S2 is associated with the manual down switch. However, the switch S2 may be associated with the auto down switch and the switch S1 may be associated with the manual down switch.

The submerged control circuit 12 operates when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water to shut off the electric path EP3 as a controlled electric path. With this configuration, the switch operating device 1 can prevent erroneous detection of the signal level by the motor control unit 22 when water gets wet or the like. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the switch operating device 1 cuts off the electric path EP3 so that the output voltage at the output part P2 when the switch S3 is in the closed state is lower than the original third voltage level V3. (Eg ground voltage). That is, the output voltage when the up switch is in the closed state can be made lower than the threshold value TH4. The up switch includes an auto up switch and a manual up switch. The threshold TH4 is the lower threshold of the two thresholds TH3 and TH4 for determining whether the up switch is in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the output voltage when the up switch is in the closed state from moving away from the higher threshold TH3 of the two thresholds TH3 and TH4 and the output voltage exceeding the threshold TH3. As a result, if the up switch is unintentionally closed due to a leakage current or the like when the switch operating device 1 gets wet with water or the like, the motor control device 2 erroneously detects the signal level. Can be prevented. In this case, the erroneous detection of the signal level by the motor control device 2 includes the erroneous detection that the up switch (particularly the auto up switch) is operated even though the up switch is not operated. Further, it is possible to prohibit the window from rising even when the up switch is actually operated. This is to prevent the window from being raised when the vehicle is submerged in water.

Further, the submerged control circuit 12 may include relays 121 and 124 provided on the electric path EP3 as the controlled electric path, and may open the relays 121 and 124 when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. With this configuration, the switch operating device 1 can shut off the electric path EP3 when submerged in water.

Further, the power window control device 100 using the switch operating device 1 uses, for example, a switch signal output from the output unit P2 when the electric path EP3 as the control target electric path is energized, as a signal for raising the window. .. With this configuration, the power window control device 100 can prohibit the raising of the window even when the switch S3 as the auto-up switch is in the closed state when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water. That is, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, it is possible to prevent the window from rising even though the up switch is not operated. Further, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, it is possible to prohibit the window from rising even when the up switch is intentionally operated.

The controlled electric circuit to be cut off includes two electric circuits EP3 and EP4 having different resistances. The switch signal output from the output unit P2 when the electric path EP3, which is one of the two electric paths, is energized is the auto-up switch signal, and the electric path EP4 that is the other of the two electric paths is energized. The switch signal output from the output unit P2 at this time is a manual up switch signal.

Further, the switch operating device 1 includes an auto-up switch S3 for outputting the auto-up switch signal to the signal line SL2 as an output line and a manual-up switch S4 for outputting the manual up-switch signal to the signal line SL2. Prepare When the submersion control circuit 12 is not operated, the output value of the auto up switch signal is different from the output value of the manual up switch signal. For example, the level of the output voltage of the auto up switch signal (third voltage level V3) is higher than the level of the output voltage of the manual up switch signal (fourth voltage level V4). On the other hand, when the submersion control circuit 12 is operating, the output value of the auto up switch signal becomes equal to the output value of the manual up switch signal. For example, the output voltages of the auto up switch signal and the manual up switch signal are equal at a voltage level lower than the fourth voltage level V4 (eg, ground voltage). With this configuration, when the switch operating device 1 is not submerged in water, the power window control device 100 operates the motor control unit 22 by distinguishing between when the switch S3 is operated and when the switch S4 is operated. be able to. For example, the auto-up function can be executed when the switch S3 is operated, and the manual up function can be executed when the switch S4 is operated. On the other hand, when the switch operating device 1 is submerged in water, the motor control unit 22 is not operated regardless of which of the switches S3 and S4 is closed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the window from rising even when the up switch is unintentionally closed due to leakage current or the like, or when the up switch is operated. In the above example, the switch S3 is associated with the auto up switch, and the switch S4 is associated with the manual up switch. However, the switch S4 may be associated with the auto up switch and the switch S3 may be associated with the manual up switch.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Switch operation device 2... Motor control device 10... Signal circuit 11... Submersion detection circuit 12... Submersion control circuit 20... Power supply 21... Regulator 22... Motor Control unit 100... Power window control device 110... Water leak detection pad 110 111... Relay 111 120-124... Relay CB... Cable EP1... First electric circuit EP2... Second Electric circuit EP2S... Second electric circuit when submerged in water EP3... Third electric circuit EP4... Fourth electric circuit EP5... Fifth electric circuit P1... Input unit P2... Output unit P3... Output unit P4・・・Input section R1 to R5 ・・・Resistors S1 to S4 ・・・Switches SL1, SL2 ・・・Signal lines

Claims (8)

An output section for outputting a switch signal,
A plurality of electric paths connected to the output section and selectively energized, a plurality of electric paths including a control target electric path including a switch and a resistor connected in series,
A submersion control circuit that operates when submerged to reduce the resistance of the controlled circuit.
Switch operation device. A submersion detection circuit unit that operates when submerged and connects the power supply and the submersion control circuit is provided.
The switch operating device according to claim 1. The submergence control circuit includes a relay connected in parallel to the resistor in the controlled circuit, and when the switch operating device is submerged in water, the relay is closed to bypass the resistor.
The switch operating device according to claim 1. The relay includes a contact relay and a contactless relay,
The switch operating device according to claim 3. A power window control device using the switch operating device according to claim 1.
The switch signal output by the output unit when the controlled circuit is energized is a signal for lowering the window,
Power window controller. The electric path includes two electric paths having different resistances, and the switch signal output by the output unit when one of the two electric paths is energized is an auto-down switch signal. The switch signal output by the output section when the other of the two is energized is a manual down switch signal,
The power window control device according to claim 5. A motor control unit for controlling an electric motor for moving the window up and down is provided.
The motor control unit is provided separately from the switch operating device, and is connected to the switch operating device via a cable,
The power window control device according to claim 5. The cable comprises an output line,
The switch operating device includes an auto down switch for outputting an auto down switch signal to the output line, and a manual down switch for outputting a manual down switch signal to the output line,
When the submersion control circuit is not operating, the output value of the auto down switch signal is different from the output value of the manual down switch signal,
The power window control device according to claim 7.

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