JP4223786B2 - Pulse generator and electric actuator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a pulse generator and an electric actuator, and more particularly to a pulse generator and an electric actuator that can be suitably used for movable members such as an air mix door and a mode switching door of a vehicle air conditioner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, an electric actuator that drives a movable member such as an air mix door or a mode switching door of a vehicle air conditioner detects a number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of an output gear that constitutes a part of the speed reduction mechanism. The rotation angle of the output gear is adjusted.
[0003]
  The electric actuator uses a pulse generator including a contact and a pulse pattern as a device for generating a number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the output gear (for example, Patent Document 1). , See Patent Document 2).
[0004]
  Here, FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a main part showing the configuration of the pulse generator having the same configuration as the pulse generator included in the electric actuator described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.
[0005]
  A pulse generator 301 shown in FIG. 20 includes a pulse pattern plate 310 disposed on the upper surface of an output gear 354 that constitutes a part of a speed reduction mechanism that is a component of the electric actuator, and a triode made of a conductive material. It is comprised from the contactor 320. FIG.
[0006]
  The pulse pattern plate 310 includes a plate body 311 formed by punching out an insulating resin material into a circular shape, and rotates integrally with the output gear 354.
[0007]
  An A-phase pulse pattern 312a in which convex conductive portions 313 and concave non-conductive portions 314 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the output gear 354 is formed on the radially outer portion of the upper surface of the plate body 311. Inside, a B-phase pulse pattern 312b formed with a predetermined phase difference from the A-phase pulse pattern 312a and an annular common pulse pattern 312c are arranged.
[0008]
  Further, in the A-phase pulse pattern 312a and the B-phase pulse pattern 312b, as shown in FIG. 21, a corner portion 317 is formed in a portion that contacts the contact 320 of the conductive portion 313.
[0009]
  The contact 320 is formed in a tongue-like shape protruding toward the pulse pattern plate 310 and has a curved portion 321 at a contact portion with the pulse pattern plate 310.
[0010]
  As shown in FIG. 20, the projecting end portion of the contact 320 that is in sliding contact with the pulse patterns 312a, 312b, and 312c is divided into a plurality of contact pieces 323a and 323b.
[0011]
  Here, the contactor 320 is formed by punching a conductive plate or the like. In this contactor 320, the distance between the contact piece 323a and the contact piece 323b is generally smaller than the thickness of the contactor 320. Thus, it is set to about 1.5 times.
[0012]
  Moreover, the plate | board thickness of the contactor 320 is set to 0.2-0.5 mm, Therefore, the space | interval distance of the contact piece 323a and the contact piece 323b is 0.25-0.75 mm. .
[0013]
  The contactor 320 has a predetermined vertical load F in a direction perpendicular to the pulse pattern plate 310.₀Is configured so that it can be pressed and slidably contacted with each of the pulse patterns 312a, 312b and 312c shown in FIG.
[0014]
  In the electric actuator using the pulse generator 301 having the above-described configuration, the output gear 354 rotates, so that the contact 320 comes into sliding contact with each of the pulse patterns 312a, 312b, 312c. The number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the output gear 354 can be obtained from the output terminal connected to the child 320.
[0015]
[Patent Document 1]
          JP 2001-50775 (page 4-9, FIGS. 1 and 2)
[Patent Document 2]
          JP-A-8-70553 (page 5-8, FIG. 2, FIG. 14)
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, when the curved portion 321 of the contactor 320 comes into contact with the corner portion 317 of the conductive portion 313 as shown in FIG. 21 while the pulse pattern plate 310 is rotating, the load applied to the conductive portion 313 of the contactor 320 Is the vertical load F according to the contact angle θ ′ of the contact 320 to the conductive portion 313.₀Component force F generated from '₁Equivalent to ', vertical load F₀It will be smaller than '.
[0017]
  In particular, in the initial state where the contact angle θ ′ is relatively large, such as immediately after the contact 320 starts to ride on the conductive portion 313, the component force F₁'Will be inadequate.
[0018]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the “load” F applied to the conductive portion of the contactor._X'Is gradually increased from the “start of climbing” to the conductive portion of the contact until reaching “completion of climbing”, and becomes constant when the climbing of the contact to the conductive portion is completed. However, component force F₁'Is the minimum required load F in the initial state, such as immediately after “starting the ride” on the conductive part of the contact._minIt will not be reached and will be insufficient.
[0019]
  Therefore, in the state immediately after the start of riding on the conductive part 313 of the contactor 320 as shown in FIG. 21, a sufficient load cannot be secured on the conductive part 313 of the contactor 320. The contact with the part 313 becomes unstable.
[0020]
  As described above, when the contact between the contact 320 and the conductive portion 313 is unstable, chattering occurs between the contact 320 and the conductive portion 313, and thereby the contact resistance between the contact 320 and the conductive portion 313 varies. (The contact resistance suddenly increases).
[0021]
  Therefore, there is a problem that a plurality of contact noises 391 appear in the pulse 390 obtained from the contact as shown in FIG.
[0022]
  As a means for coping with such a problem, for example, in the pulse pattern plate 310 shown in FIG. 21, the non-conductive portion 314 is heated and softened and then the conductive portion 313 is pushed in. Alternatively, the conductive portion 313 and the conductive portion 313 It is conceivable that the gap between the conductive portion 313 and the nonconductive portion 314 is reduced by filling the gap with resin or the like.
[0023]
  However, if the step between the conductive portion 313 and the non-conductive portion 314 is reduced as described above, the number of steps for manufacturing the pulse pattern plate 310 increases, and thus the manufacturing cost of the pulse generator 301 increases. .
[0024]
  On the other hand, the required minimum load F immediately after the contact 320 starts to ride on the conductive portion 313._min'(See FIG. 22) so that the vertical load F of the contact 320 can be reached.₀It may be possible to increase 'from the beginning.
[0025]
  However, the vertical load F of the contact 320₀If 'is increased more than necessary, the wear of the contactor 320 proceeds quickly, resulting in a problem that the life of the electric actuator is shortened.
[0026]
  In addition, since the conventional plate body 311 is formed by punching a resin material in a circular shape as described above, burrs may occur in the outer peripheral portion of the substrate. The burr may appear as a foreign substance on the contact surface of the pulse pattern plate 310 shown in FIG. 20 with the contact 320, that is, on each of the pulse patterns 312a, 312b, and 312c. The size of the burr as the foreign material is generally about 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm.
[0027]
  On the other hand, in the conventional contactor 320, as described above, the distance between the contact piece 323a and the contact piece 323b is 0.25 to 0.75 mm.
[0028]
  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, when the burr 401 having a size of about 0.8 mm appears on the contact surface with the contact 320 of the pulse pattern plate 310, the burr 401 is 20, the contact pieces 323a and 323b shown in FIG. 20 may be caught between the pulse patterns 312a, 312b, and 312c.
[0029]
  As described above, when the burr 401 is sandwiched between both the contact pieces 323a and 323b and the pulse patterns 312a, 312b, and 312c, the contact 320 and each pulse Since the patterns 312a, 312b, and 312c are always insulated from each other, the pulse generator 1 has a problem that it is difficult to generate an accurate pulse.
[0030]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described various problems, and its object is to prevent contact noise from being generated between the contact and the conductive portion, and is a number proportional to the rotation angle of the circular substrate. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pulse generator capable of generating more accurate pulses.
[0031]
  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric actuator capable of controlling the rotation angle of a driven mechanism connected to an output gear with high accuracy.
[0032]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the pulse generator of claim 1, the subject is a circumferential direction of a circular substrate.Led toElectric department andNonIn a pulse generator comprising a pulse pattern plate configured to have a pulse pattern in which conductive portions are alternately arranged, and a contact that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern,
  SaidThe projecting end portion of the contact that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern is branched from one of the contacts and divided into a plurality of contact pieces at a predetermined interval.
A connecting member for connecting the plurality of contact pieces to each other is provided in an interval portion provided between the plurality of contact pieces spaced from the branched portion.It is solved by being arranged.
[0033]
  In this way, the protruding end portion that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern of the contact isWhen branched from one contact and divided into a plurality of contacts at a predetermined interval,Even if a foreign object appears on the pulse pattern, it is possible to allow the foreign object to pass between the contact pieces, thus preventing the electrical connection between the contact element and the pulse pattern from being disconnected. This is preferable.
[0034]
  Also,Separated from the branched partSince a connecting member for connecting the plurality of contact pieces to each other is disposed in the interval portion provided between the plurality of contact pieces, the contact piece is pressed and slidably contacted with the pulse pattern. Even if the distance between the contact pieces is large, the deformation of the contact pieces can be prevented.
[0035]
  As a result, the sliding contact state between the contact piece and the pulse pattern is stabilized, so that contact noise can be prevented from occurring between the contact and the conductive portion, and the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the circular substrate can be increased. It can be generated accurately.
[0036]
  At this time, more specifically, the plurality of contact pieces are claimed in the claims.2As in the pulse generator described in 1), they are spaced apart from each other with an interval of approximately 1 mm or more.
[0037]
  At this time,ContactA curved part is provided in the sliding contact portion with the pulse pattern of the contact, and it is necessary to reduce the normal load to the curved surface of the contact so that the contact resistance between the contact and the convex conductive part is less than a predetermined allowable value. F is the minimum load_minAnd the vertical load on the pulse pattern plate of the contact is F₀Where the radius of curvature of the curved portion is R, and the step between the convex conductive portion and the concave non-conductive portion is h, the curvature radius r of the curved portion is
  Formula {(R−h) × F₀-R × F_min} / (F_min-F₀), The minimum load required to keep the contact resistance between the contact and the convex conductive part below the predetermined allowable value can be ensured. It is possible to stabilize the contact state between the contact and the conductive portion when the child passes through the curved surface portion, and it is possible to ensure stable operation of the electric actuator, which is preferable.
[0038]
  Further, the subject is a claim.3According to the electric actuator described in (1), an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism configured to have a plurality of gears for reducing the rotational force of the electric motor, and an output gear disposed on the output side of the speed reduction mechanism An electric actuator comprising a pulse generator for detecting a rotation angle and generating a pulse, wherein the pulse generator has convex conductive portions and concave non-conductive portions arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the output gear. A pulse pattern plate configured to have a pulse pattern and a contact that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern, and a plurality of projecting end portions of the contact that are in sliding contact with the pulse pattern are provided at predetermined intervals. The connecting portion for connecting the plurality of contact pieces to each other is disposed in the space provided between the plurality of contact pieces. .
[0039]
  In this way, in the pulse generator for an electric actuator, if the protruding end portion that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern of the contactor is divided into a plurality of contact pieces at a predetermined interval, foreign matter appears on the pulse pattern. However, since it is possible to allow foreign matter to pass between the contact pieces, the electrical connection between the contact and the pulse pattern can be prevented from being cut off, and the electric actuator can be stopped suddenly. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as
[0040]
  In addition, since a connecting member for connecting the plurality of contact pieces to each other is disposed in the space provided between the plurality of contact pieces, the usage state in which the contact pieces are pressed and slidably contacted with the pulse pattern. Below, even if the distance between the contact pieces is large, it is possible to prevent deformation of the contact pieces.
[0041]
  As a result, the sliding contact state between the contact piece and the pulse pattern is stabilized, and the generation of contact noise between the contact and the conductive portion is prevented, so that the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the output gear can be more accurately determined. Therefore, the rotation angle of the driven mechanism connected to the output gear can be controlled with high accuracy.
[0042]
  At this time, more specifically, the plurality of contact pieces are claimed in the claims.4As in the electric actuator described in (1), they are spaced apart from each other with an interval of approximately 1 mm or more.
[0043]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that members, arrangements, and the like described below do not limit the present invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.
[0044]
  Figure 1FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main part showing the configuration of the pulse generator, FIG. 2 is an arrow view of the sliding contact portion between the contact and the pulse pattern as seen from AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a second explanatory diagram showing the sliding contact state between the contact and the conductive portion, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contact resistance value and the contact resistance when the contact is in contact with the conductive portion. FIG. 6A is a third explanatory diagram showing the sliding contact state between the contact and the conductive portion, and FIG. 6B is FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the vertical load of the contact and the radius of the curved portion, and FIG. 8 is the load on the conductive portion of the contact and the elapsed time. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electric actuator, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is the electric actuator and the control device. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing how a pulse is generated by sliding contact between a contact and a pulse pattern. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an electric actuator is applied to a vehicle air conditioner. FIG.
[0045]
  14 to 19 show the present invention.EmbodimentFIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the main part showing the configuration of the pulse generator, FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the main part showing the structure of the protruding end portion of the contact, and FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the conductive unit, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a modified example of the contactor. is there.
[0046]
  First,Pulse generator 1Will be described.
  Figure 1Pulse generator 1 shownIs applied to an electric actuator 30 to be described later, and includes a pulse pattern plate 10 and a three-pole contact 20.
[0047]
  The pulse pattern plate 10 includes a plate body 11 formed of an insulating resin material. The pulse pattern plate 10 is disposed on an upper surface portion of an output gear 54 as a circular substrate described later, and the output gear. 54 rotates together with the unit 54.
[0048]
  On the upper surface portion 11a of the plate body 11 of the pulse pattern plate 10, an A-phase pulse pattern 12a, a B-phase pulse pattern 12b, and a common pulse pattern 12c are formed in order from the radially outer side to the inner side.
[0049]
  The A-phase pulse pattern 12a is configured to include conductive portions 13a and non-conductive portions 14a that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and the B-phase pulse pattern 12b is conductive portions 13b that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. And a non-conductive portion 14b.
[0050]
  The circumferential angle α1 of the conductive portion 13a of the A phase pulse pattern 12a is set equal to the circumferential angle α2 of the conductive portion 13b of the B phase pulse pattern 12b, and the circumference of the nonconductive portion 14a of the A phase pulse pattern 12a is set. The angle β1 is set equal to the circumferential angle β2 of the non-conductive portion 14b of the B-phase pulse pattern 12b.
[0051]
  Further, the A-phase pulse pattern 12a is arranged with a phase angle that is 1/2 of the circumferential angle α1 of the conductive portion 13a (or the circumferential angle α2 of the conductive portion 13b) with respect to the B-phase pulse pattern 12b. ing.
[0052]
  The common pulse pattern 12c is formed in an annular shape, and the conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a, the conductive portion 13b of the B-phase pulse pattern 12b, and the common pulse pattern 12c are in an electrically connected state. Are integrally formed.
[0053]
  The conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a, the conductive portion 13b of the B-phase pulse pattern 12b, and the common pulse pattern 12c (hereinafter collectively referred to as the conductive pattern portion 15) are, for example, the plate body 11 The conductive member disposed on the upper surface portion 11a is formed by edging into a predetermined shape by a photoetching method and then plating from above.
[0054]
  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the conductive pattern portion 15 protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the upper surface portion 11 a of the plate body 11.
[0055]
  The portions extending along the radial direction of the conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a shown in FIG. 1, that is, the edge portions 16a and 16b in contact with the contact 20a have curved surface portions 17a and 17b as shown in FIG. Each is formed.
[0056]
  The curved surface portions 17a and 17b are formed, for example, so as to melt the corner portions of the conductive portion 13a using an etching solution.
[0057]
  As described above, the curved portions 17a and 17b are formed on the conductive portion 13a, so that the curved portion 21 and the curved portions 17a and 17b when the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a described later passes through the conductive portion 13a. It is possible to stabilize the contact state and prevent the occurrence of contact noise during contact between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a.
[0058]
  Further, the curved portion formed in the conductive portion 13a is also formed in the portion extending along the radial direction of the conductive portion 13b of the B-phase pulse pattern 12b shown in FIG. 1, that is, the edge portions 18a and 18b contacting the contact 20b. Curved portions similar to those of 17a and 17b are formed to prevent contact noise from occurring when the contact 20b and the conductive portion 13b are in contact.
[0059]
  The contact 20 is disposed in a conductive unit 60 to be described later, and includes three-pole contacts 20a, 20b, and 20c. The contacts 20a, 20b, and 20c are composed of conductive tongue-like bodies that protrude toward the pulse pattern plate 10 side.
[0060]
  The contact 20a is in contact with the A-phase pulse pattern 12a, the contact 20b is in contact with the B-phase pulse pattern 12b, and the contact 20c is disposed in contact with the common pulse pattern 12c.
[0061]
  The contacts 20a, 20b, and 20c are configured to be pressed and slidably contacted with the pulse pattern plate 10 by a predetermined vertical load (details will be described later).
[0062]
  A curved portion 21 as shown in FIG. 2 is formed at the tip of the contact 20a, and the height H from the upper surface portion 11a of the free end of the curved portion 21 is set to the conductive portion 13a and the nonconductive portion. It is set to be higher than the step h with respect to 14a.
[0063]
  Thereby, when the pulse pattern plate 10 rotates, the contact 20a can smoothly get over the conductive portion 13a.
[0064]
  Although not shown, a curved portion similar to the curved portion 21 formed on the contact 20a is also formed at the tip of the contact 20b shown in FIG. The contact 20b can smoothly get over the conductive portion 13b.
[0065]
  Also, a bending portion similar to the bending portion 21 formed on the contact 20a is formed at the tip of the contact 20c.
[0066]
  Next, in the pulse generator 1 configured as described above, when the contact 20a passes through the conductive portion 13a, the curved portion of the contact 20a when the contact 20a contacts the curved portions 17a and 17b of the conductive portion 13a. A method for setting the minimum required load on 17a and 17b and a method for calculating the radius of the curved surface portions 17a and 17b formed on the conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a will be described.
[0067]
  In the following description, attention is focused only on the contact 20a. However, the method for setting the minimum required load on the curved surface portions 17a and 17b of the contact 20a, which will be described later, and the calculation method of the radius of the curved surface portion 17a are described below. The minimum required load is set on the curved surface portion formed on the conductive portion 13b of the contact 20b when 20b contacts the curved surface portion formed on the conductive portion 13b, and the conductive portion 13b of the B-phase pulse pattern 12b is formed. The present invention can also be applied to the calculation of the radius of the curved surface portion.
[0068]
  Also,Pulse generator 1Then, since the curved surface portion 17a and the curved surface portion 17b formed on the conductive portion 13a are configured with the same radius, in the following description, only the curved surface portion 17a will be noted and a calculation method of the radius will be shown. And
[0069]
  First, the symbols used for the dimensions of the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a and the load of the contact 20a on the pulse pattern plate 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0070]
  The curved portion 21 of the contact 20a is configured with a radius of curvature R, and the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a is configured with a radius of curvature r.
[0071]
  Further, when the contact 20a is in contact with the non-conductive portion 14a, the load in the vertical direction of the contact 20a on the pulse pattern plate 10 is the load F.₀(Hereafter, vertical load F₀The load in the normal direction to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a is the load F₁(Hereinafter, normal direction load F₁Say). Further, the step between the conductive portion 13a and the non-conductive portion 14a is a step h.
[0072]
  However, the curvature radius R is larger than the step h, and the vertical load F₀Is the normal load F₁It is bigger.
[0073]
  Next, from the above-described configuration, when the contact 20a passes through the conductive portion 13a, the minimum required load on the curved portion 17a of the contact 20a when the contact 20a contacts the curved portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a is set. A method will be described.
[0074]
  When the contact 20a shown in FIG. 3 passes through the conductive portion 13a, in the state where the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a is in contact with the curved portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a, the contact 20a is loaded in the normal direction of the curved portion 17a. F₁Is pressed against the conductive portion 13a.
[0075]
  Here, the normal direction load F in a state where the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a is in contact with the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a.₁Is the vertical load F₀Vertical axis L along the direction of the action₀Normal load F₁Normal direction axis L along the direction in which₁When the angle between and is θ,
  Formula (1) F₁= F₀× COSθ is obtained.
[0076]
  Here, the above formula (1) F₁= F₀In xCOSθ, since COSθ <1, normal load F on the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a₁Is the vertical load F₀It is smaller than that.
[0077]
  Therefore, in order to stabilize the contact state between the curved portion 21 and the curved surface portion 17a when the contact 20a passes through the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a, the normal direction load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a.₁It is necessary to secure enough.
[0078]
  By the way, it is clear that the contact resistance value between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a decreases as the load F applied to the pulse pattern plate 10 of the contact 20a shown in FIG. 4 is increased.
[0079]
  Further, in a state where a sufficient load F is applied to the pulse pattern plate 10 of the contact 20a and a desired contact resistance value (a sufficiently small value, for example, a value of 0.1Ω or less) is obtained, Since the electrical contact between the child 20a and the conductive portion 13a is stabilized, it has become clear that the amount of contact noise generated between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a can be reduced.
[0080]
  However, if the load F on the pulse pattern plate 10 of the contact 20a is increased more than necessary, the wear of the contact portion of the contact 20a will progress quickly.
[0081]
  Therefore, the load F applied to the pulse pattern plate 10 of the contact 20a is within a range in which both the stability of electrical contact between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a and the durability of the contact 20a can be achieved. Must be set.
[0082]
  Here, the relationship between the contact resistance value when the contact 20a contacts the conductive portion 13a and the load F on the pulse pattern plate 10 of the contact 20a is shown in FIG. 5 indicates the contact resistance value Re [Ω] between the contact and the conductive portion, and the horizontal axis indicates the load F [gf] of the contact to the pulse pattern plate.
[0083]
  As shown in FIG. 5, when the load F on the pulse pattern plate of the contact is increased, the contact resistance value Re between the contact and the conductive portion is decreased.
[0084]
  Further, F shown in FIG._minCan ensure the stability of the electrical contact between the contact and the conductive part, and the minimum required load (hereinafter referred to as the contact resistance) required to keep the contact resistance between the contact and the conductive part below a predetermined allowable value. Called the lowest stable load), F_maxIs the maximum load that can allow the degree of progress of contact wear (hereinafter referred to as the allowable durability limit load).
[0085]
  Therefore, the load F on the pulse pattern plate of the contact is F_minTo F_max3 (hereinafter referred to as allowable load range), the stability of the electrical contact between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the durability of the contact 20a are compatible. It becomes possible.
[0086]
  AndExample above, Contact resistance minimum stable load F_minIs set to 20 gf, and allowable durability limit load F_maxIs set to 50 gf.
[0087]
  By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, when the contact 20a passes through the conductive portion 13a, the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a is in contact with the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a as described above. The load on the conductive portion 13a is low.
[0088]
  Therefore, in order to stabilize the contact state between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a and prevent the occurrence of contact noise, the normal load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a shown in FIG.₁Is the minimum stable load F_min(See FIG. 4) It is necessary to secure the above.
[0089]
  Therefore,Example aboveThen normal load F₁Of the contact resistance minimum stable load F_minIs set to 20 gf.
[0090]
  As described above, when the contact 20a passes through the conductive portion 13a, the minimum required load on the curved portion 17a of the contact 20a when the contact 20a contacts the curved portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a is set to 20 gf. can do.
[0091]
  Next, a method for calculating the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a formed in the conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a will be described.
[0092]
  As described above, the normal direction load F in a state where the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a is in contact with the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a.₁Is the above formula (1) F₁= F₀× COSθ is obtained.
[0093]
  Here, COSθ uses the curvature radius R of the curved portion 21, the step h between the conductive portion 13a and the nonconductive portion 14a, and the curvature radius r of the curved surface portion 17a formed in the conductive portion 13a.
  It is represented by the formula (2) COSθ = (R−h + r) / (R + r).
[0094]
  And about the curvature radius r of the curved-surface part 17a, following Formula is derived | led-out from Formula (1) and Formula (2). That is, the radius of curvature r is
  Formula (3) r = {(R−h) × F₀-R × F₁} / (F₁-F₀).
[0095]
  By the way, normal direction load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a.₁Depends on the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a. That is, as the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a increases, the normal load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a is increased.₁Can be increased.
[0096]
  Here, FIG. 6 shows normal load F applied to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a as the radius of the curved surface portion 17a formed in the conductive portion 13a increases.₁It is explanatory drawing which shows that becomes large.
[0097]
  6 (a) and 6 (b), the radius of the curved surface portion 17a formed in the conductive portion 13a is different, and the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a shown in FIG. 6 (b) is different._bIs the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a shown in FIG._aIs bigger than.
[0098]
  Therefore, the distance L between the pattern contact 22 of the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a when the contact 20a as shown in FIG. 6B starts to contact the curved surface portion 17a._bIs a distance L between the pattern contact 22 of the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a when the contact 20a as shown in FIG. 6A starts to contact the curved surface portion 17a._aIs shorter.
[0099]
  Accordingly, the larger the radius of the curved surface portion 17a, the more the vertical axis L₀And normal axis L₁The angle between and becomes smaller. That is, the angle θ shown in FIG._bIs the angle θ shown in FIG._aIs smaller than
[0100]
  Therefore, the normal direction load F shown in FIG._1bThe normal direction load F shown in FIG._1aIs bigger than.
[0101]
  As described above, the larger the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a formed in the conductive portion 13a shown in FIG. 3, the more the contact 20a starts to contact the curved surface portion 17a. Linear load F₁Becomes larger.
[0102]
  Therefore, the normal direction load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a₁In order to ensure a certain value or more, the curvature radius r of the curved surface portion 17a also needs to be a certain value or more.
[0103]
  Therefore,Pulse generator 1Then normal load F₁Contact resistance minimum stable load F_min(Refer to FIG. 5) The minimum radius required to secure the above is r_minAnd the following equation. That is,
  Formula (4) r_min≧ {(R−h) × F₀-R × F_min} / (F_min-F₀).
[0104]
  Here, the denominator (F of the right side of the above equation (4)_min-F₀), Contact resistance minimum stable load F_min<Vertical load F₀It has become. Further, the molecule {(R−h) × F on the right side of the above formula (4)₀-R × F_min}, R> h.
[0105]
  However, the curvature radius r of the curved surface portion 17a_minR_minSince it is necessary that> 0, the numerator {(R−h) × F on the right side of the above formula (4)₀-R × F_min}
(R−h) × F₀<R × F_minNeed to be. Than this,
  Formula (5) F₀<R × F_min/ (Rh) is derived.
  In addition, Formula (5) is F₀Is an expression for obtaining the relationship between R and R, the contents of which will be described later.
[0106]
  Next, it is assumed that values to be assigned to the respective symbols in the above formula (4) are sequentially obtained. Here, as described above, the conductive portion 13a shown in FIG. 2 is plated from above after the conductive member disposed on the upper surface portion 11a of the plate body 11 is edged into a predetermined shape using a photoetching method. In general, the protruding height from the upper surface portion 11a is approximately 0.035 mm.
[0107]
  Therefore,Example aboveThen, the value of the level difference h in the equation (4) is 0.035 mm.
[0108]
  Also,Example aboveThen, contact resistance minimum stable load F_minIs set to 20 gf.
[0109]
  Next, in the above formula (5), h = 0.035 mm, F obtained so far_min= 20 gf is substituted, the vertical load F as shown in FIG.₀And a relationship diagram between the curvature radius R of the curved portion. Note that the shaded portion shown in FIG.₀And the radius of curvature R can be selected.
[0110]
  AndExample aboveThen, considering the ease of processing for shaping the curvature radius R of the curved portion 21, the vertical load F shown in FIG.₀And the vertical load F based on the relationship between the radius of curvature R and the curvature radius R₀Is 21 gf and the radius of curvature R is 0.7 mm.
[0111]
  Next, it is the value obtained from the above,
  Radius of curvature R = 0.7 mm,
  Step h = 0.035 mm,
  F₀= 21 gf,
  F_min= 20 gf is substituted into equation (4), r_minIs as follows. That is,
  r_min≧ 0.035 mm.
[0112]
  From the above,Pulse generator 1Then normal load F₁Contact resistance minimum stable load F_min(Refer to FIG. 5) The minimum curvature radius r necessary for securing the above is 0.035 mm.
[0113]
  As described above, the radius of curvature r of the curved surface portion 17a formed in the conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a can be calculated.
[0114]
  In the same manner as described above, the curvature radius of the curved surface portion 17b formed in the conductive portion 13a of the A-phase pulse pattern 12a and the curvature radius of the curved surface portion formed in the conductive portion 13b of the B-phase pulse pattern 12b are also calculated. be able to.
[0115]
  Next, the contact noise reduction action during the operation of the pulse generator 1 having the above configuration will be described.
[0116]
  When the output gear 54 shown in FIG. 1 rotates, the pulse pattern plate 10 also rotates together with this.
[0117]
  When the pulse pattern plate 10 rotates in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 3, the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a is changed from the state where the pattern contact 22 of the contact 20a is in contact with the non-conductive portion 14a to the conductive portion. The state shifts to the state of contacting the curved surface portion 17a of 13a (hereinafter referred to as the time of starting riding).
[0118]
  Thus, when the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a comes into contact with the curved portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a, the vertical load F of the contact 20a.₀Normal load F generated by₁Is added to the curved surface portion 17a.
[0119]
  Further, when the pulse pattern plate 10 rotates in the X direction, the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a receives a reaction force by the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a, so that the entire contact 20a is lifted to the upper side of the non-conductive portion 14a. Eventually, the curved portion 21 of the contact 20a comes into contact only with the curved surface portion 17a of the conductive portion 13a.
[0120]
  When the pulse pattern plate 10 further rotates in the X direction, the contact 20a is positioned on the conductive portion 13a as shown in FIG. 4 (hereinafter referred to as completion of riding).
[0121]
  Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the “load” on the conductive portion of the contact changes from the time when “lifting” to the conductive portion of the contact is reached to the time when “riding is completed”. FIG.
[0122]
  Here, the vertical axis in FIG. 8 indicates the load Fx [gf] applied to the conductive portion of the contact, and the horizontal axis indicates the time t [sec] during which the pulse pattern plate rotates. In addition, the characteristic line shown by the solid line in FIG.For pulse generator 1Therefore, the characteristic line shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 8 relates to the pulse generator according to the prior art shown in FIG. 22 as a comparative example.
[0123]
  Here, the normal direction load F shown in FIG.₁Is a normal direction load on the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a at the time of “starting to ride” on the conductive portion 13a of the contact 20a shown in FIG.
[0124]
  Then, as shown by the characteristic line shown by the solid line in FIG.₁Can be secured. Also, this load value “F₁Is the load value “F” applied to the conductive part of the contact in the conventional pulse generator.₁'"(See FIGS. 8 and 22).
[0125]
  in this way,Pulse generator 1Accordingly, it is possible to ensure a sufficient load value immediately after “starting the ride”. Therefore, when the contact 20a starts to ride on the conductive portion 13a shown in FIG. 3, the curved portion 21 and the curved portion 17a. It is possible to stabilize the contact state between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a and prevent contact noise from occurring.
[0126]
  Further, not only when the contact 20a starts to ride on the conductive portion 13a, but also when the contact 20a passes through the curved portion 17b (see FIG. 2) of the conductive portion 13a, the curved portion 21 and the curved portion 17b It is possible to stabilize the contact state, and to prevent the occurrence of contact noise during contact between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a.
[0127]
  In addition,Example aboveIn the above description, only the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a related to the A-phase output have been described, but the contact 20b and the conductive portion 13b related to the B-phase output are also similar to the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of contact noise at the time of contact between 20b and the conductive portion 13b.
[0128]
  Next, the configuration of the electric actuator 30 using the pulse generator 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0129]
  The electric actuator 30 of this example includes the pulse generator 1, an electric motor 40, a speed reduction mechanism 50, a conductive unit 60, and a housing 70.
[0130]
  The electric motor 40 uses a small DC type brush motor having an armature, a brush and the like inside, and is configured to be able to rotate the rotating shaft 41 in both forward and reverse directions.
[0131]
  In addition,Electric actuator 30For this, a DC brush motor as described above is suitable because of its simplicity of driving control and low cost. However, a stepping motor, a brushless motor, or the like is used as long as the rotating shaft 3 can rotate in both directions. May be.
[0132]
  The speed reduction mechanism 50 is rotatably supported by the worm gear 51 disposed at one end of the rotation shaft 41, the rotation shaft 52a, and the worm wheel 52 meshing with the worm gear 51, and the rotation shaft 53a. A spur gear 53 meshed with the worm wheel 52 and an output gear 54 meshed with the spur gear 53 are rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 54 a.
[0133]
  The output gear 54 is provided with the pulse pattern plate 10 of the pulse generator 1 as described above.
[0134]
  The conductive unit 60 includes a conductive terminal 61a formed integrally with the contact 20a, a conductive terminal 61b formed integrally with the contact 20b, a conductive terminal 61c formed integrally with the contact 20c, and the electric motor 40. And power supply terminals 62a and 62b for supplying electric power.
[0135]
  Each terminal 61a, 61b, 61c, 62a, 62b is molded in a resin member by resin molding or the like, and is integrally assembled in a lower case 71 described later.
[0136]
  One end of each terminal 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 62 a, 62 b is formed as a connector terminal, and projects from a connector 72 formed in the housing 70.
[0137]
  The housing 70 is for housing the electric motor 40, the speed reduction mechanism 50, and the conductive unit 60, and includes an upper case (not shown) and a lower case 71. The electric actuator 30 shown in FIG. 9 is shown with the upper case removed from the lower case 71 so that the state inside the housing 70 can be clearly understood.
[0138]
  In addition, a connector 72 that can be connected to a control device 80 described later is formed on a side surface portion of the housing 70.
[0139]
  And in the electric actuator 30 which consists of said each structure, when a voltage is applied to the electric motor 40, the rotating shaft 41 will rotate. Further, when the rotating shaft 41 rotates, the worm gear 51 rotates, and the rotational force of the worm gear 51 is sequentially transmitted to the worm wheel 52, the spur gear 53, and the output gear 54 so that the entire speed reduction mechanism 50 is driven.
[0140]
  When the output gear 54 rotates, the pulse pattern plate 10 disposed on the upper surface of the output gear 54 shown in FIG. 10 rotates, and the rotation angle of the output gear 54 is caused by the sliding contact between the pulse pattern plate 10 and the contact 20. A pulse corresponding to is output.
[0141]
  Next, the configuration of the control device 80 used in the electric actuator 30 of this example and the electrical wiring connection configuration between the electric actuator 30 and the control device 80 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0142]
  The control device 80 is a device for driving and controlling the electric actuator 30 and includes a rotation angle detection circuit 81 and a motor drive circuit 82.
[0143]
  The rotation angle detection circuit 81 recognizes the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the output gear 54 by inputting a pulse output in accordance with the operation of the pulse generator 1, and outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the motor drive circuit. It is comprised so that it may output to 82.
[0144]
  The motor drive circuit 82 is configured to control the drive voltage to the electric motor 40 in accordance with the signal output from the rotation angle detection circuit 81.
[0145]
  SW1 shown in FIG. 11 includes the contact 20a and the A-phase pulse pattern 12a shown in FIG. 1, and SW2 shown in FIG. 11 includes the contact 20b and the B-phase pulse pattern 12b shown in FIG. It is comprised by.
[0146]
  The output portion of SW1 shown in FIG. 11 (the portion corresponding to the terminal portion on the connector 72 side of the conductive terminal 61a shown in FIG. 9) is pulled up to the power supply VCC by the pull-up resistor 83a and is supplied to the rotation angle detection circuit 81. The output portion of SW2 (the portion corresponding to the terminal portion on the connector 72 side of the conductive terminal 61a shown in FIG. 9) is pulled up to the power supply VCC by the pull-up resistor 83b, and the rotation angle detection circuit 81 is connected. It is connected to the.
[0147]
  Further, the C-phase pulse pattern 12c shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the GND (reference potential ground point) shown in FIG. 11 via a contact 20c.
[0148]
  Next, operations of the electric actuator 30 and the control device 80 will be described.
[0149]
  In order to operate the electric actuator 30 of this example, first, the control device 80 is connected to the electric actuator 30. Then, a constant applied voltage is applied to the electric motor 40 of the electric actuator 30 from the motor drive circuit 82 of the control device 80.
[0150]
  When a voltage is applied to the electric motor 40, the rotating shaft 41 shown in FIG. 9 rotates. When the rotating shaft 41 rotates, the worm gear 51 rotates, and the rotational force of the worm gear 51 is sequentially transmitted to the worm wheel 52, the spur gear 53, and the output gear 54 to drive the entire reduction mechanism 50.
[0151]
  When the output gear 54 rotates, a pulse corresponding to the rotation angle of the output gear 54 is output according to the operation of the pulse generator 1.
[0152]
  Here, FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a pulse is output by sliding contact between the contact and the pulse pattern plate. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the pulse pattern plate 10 is rotated in the X direction, whereby the contact 20a is moved in the direction of the arrow P in the drawing.
[0153]
  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, as the pulse pattern plate 10 rotates in the X direction, the contact 20a alternately moves on the conductive portion 13a and the non-conductive portion 14a, thereby being connected to the contact 20a. The output terminal 84a (see FIG. 11) outputs a pulse 90a that is an A-phase output.
[0154]
  Further, as the contact 20b shown in FIG. 1 is alternately moved on the conductive portion 13b and the non-conductive portion 14b, the output terminal 84b (see FIG. 11) connected to the contact 20b is shown in FIG. A pulse 90b which is a B-phase output is output.
[0155]
  Here, as described above, the parts on the output side of the contacts 20a and 20b are pulled up to the power source VCC using the pull-up resistors 83a and 83b (see FIG. 11). The part is connected to GND.
[0156]
  Therefore, in the state where the contact 20a shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the conductive portion 13a, the contact 20a is short-circuited to the contact 20c via the conductive portion 13a, the conductive portion 13b, and the common pulse pattern 12c (that is, the contact 20a). Since SW1 shown in FIG. 11 is in an open state, a high (H) level signal is output from the output terminal 84a shown in FIG.
[0157]
  On the other hand, when the contact 20a shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the non-conductive portion 14a, the contact 20a and the contact 20c are insulated (ie, SW1 shown in FIG. 11 is closed). A low (L) level signal is output from the output terminal 84a shown in FIG.
[0158]
  Similarly, when the contact 20b shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the conductive portion 13b, the contact 20b is short-circuited to the contact 20c via the conductive portion 13b and the common pulse pattern 12c (that is, FIG. 11). Therefore, a high (H) level signal is output from the output terminal 84b shown in FIG.
[0159]
  On the other hand, when the contact 20b shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the non-conductive portion 14b, the contact 20b and the contact 20c are insulated (ie, SW2 shown in FIG. 11 is closed). A low (L) level signal is output from the output terminal 84b shown in FIG.
[0160]
  The rotation angle detection circuit 81 receives the pulses 90a and 90b output as described above, and detects the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the output gear 54. The rotation angle detection circuit 81 compares a pulse corresponding to the rotation angle with a reference pulse, and outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation speed of the output gear 54 to the motor drive circuit 82.
[0161]
  The motor drive circuit 82 inputs a signal corresponding to the rotation speed of the output gear 54 output from the rotation angle detection circuit 81. Further, the voltage applied to the electric motor 40 is adjusted so that the rotation speed of the electric motor 40 becomes a set value.
[0162]
  Further, since the two-phase pulse having a phase difference is input to the rotation angle detection circuit 81, the rotation of the output gear 54 is determined by determining whether one of the two-phase pulses is input first. The direction can also be detected.
[0163]
  next,Electric actuator 30An example in which is applied to the vehicle air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0164]
  The electric actuator 30 of this example drives movable members such as the air mix door 101 and mode switching doors 102, 103, 104 of the vehicle air conditioner 100.
[0165]
  An air upstream side portion of the air conditioning casing 105 that forms the air flow path is formed with an inside air inlet port 106 for sucking in the passenger compartment air and an outside air inlet port 107 for sucking outside air. A suction port switching door 108 for selectively opening and closing the ports 106 and 107 is provided.
[0166]
  The inlet switching door 108 is opened and closed by a driving means such as a servo motor or manual operation. A blower 109 is disposed at a downstream side portion of the suction port switching door 108, and air sucked from the suction ports 106 and 107 by the blower 109 is directed to the respective outlets 114, 115, and 117 described later. To be sent.
[0167]
  An evaporator 110 serving as an air cooling means is disposed on the air downstream side of the blower 109, and all the air blown by the blower 109 passes through the evaporator 110.
[0168]
  A heater core 111 serving as an air heating unit is disposed on the air downstream side of the evaporator 110, and the heater core 111 heats air using cooling water of the engine 112 as a heat source.
[0169]
  In addition, a bypass passage 113 that bypasses the heater core 111 is formed in the air conditioning casing 105, and an air volume ratio between an air volume passing through the heater core 111 and an air volume passing through the bypass passage 113 is adjusted on the air upstream side of the heater core 111. An air mix door 101 is provided.
[0170]
  And the adjustment of the air volume ratio isElectric actuator 30By adjusting the opening of the air mix door 101.
[0171]
  Further, on the most downstream side of the air conditioning casing 105, a face air outlet 114 for blowing air-conditioned air to the upper body of the passenger in the passenger compartment, a foot outlet 115 for blowing air to the feet of the passenger in the passenger compartment, and the windshield A defroster outlet 117 for blowing out air toward the inner surface of 116 is formed.
[0172]
  In addition, air outlet mode switching doors 102, 103, and 104 are disposed on the air upstream side portions of the air outlets 114, 115, and 117, and these air outlet mode switching doors 102, 103, and 104 are provided. Are opened and closed by driving means such as a third motor (not shown).
[0173]
  Next, the present inventionEmbodimentThe pulse generator 201 according to FIG.
  A pulse generator 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.AboveThe electric actuator 30 is configured to be applicable, and includes a pulse pattern plate 210 and a three-pole contactor 220.
[0174]
  The pulse pattern plate 210 includes a plate body 211 formed by punching a resin material having an insulating property into a circular shape, and is arranged on the upper surface portion of the output gear 54 provided in the electric actuator 30 described above. And is configured to rotate integrally with the output gear 54.
[0175]
  On the upper surface portion 211a of the plate body 211 of the pulse pattern plate 210, an A-phase pulse pattern 212a, a B-phase pulse pattern 212b, and a common pulse pattern 212c are formed in order from the radially outer side to the inner side.
[0176]
  The A-phase pulse pattern 212a is configured to include conductive portions 213a and non-conductive portions 214a that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and the B-phase pulse pattern 212b is conductive portions 213b that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. And a non-conductive portion 214b.
[0177]
  The circumferential angle α1 of the conductive portion 213a of the A-phase pulse pattern 212a is set equal to the circumferential angle α2 of the conductive portion 213b of the B-phase pulse pattern 212b, and the circumference of the non-conductive portion 213b of the A-phase pulse pattern 212a The angle Β1 is set equal to the circumferential angle Β2 of the non-conductive portion 214b of the B-phase pulse pattern 212b.
[0178]
  The A-phase pulse pattern 212a is arranged to have a phase angle that is ½ of the circumferential angle α1 of the conductive portion 213a (or the circumferential angle α2 of the conductive portion 213b) with respect to the B-phase pulse pattern 212b. ing.
[0179]
  The common pulse pattern 212c is formed in a ring shape, and the conductive portion 213a of the A-phase pulse pattern 212a, the conductive portion 213b of the B-phase pulse pattern 213b, and the common pulse pattern 212c are in an electrically connected state. It is integrally formed.
[0180]
  The contactor 220 is disposed in a conductive unit 260 described later, and includes three-pole contactors 220a, 220b, and 220c. The contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c are formed of conductive tongue-like bodies that protrude toward the pulse pattern plate 210.
[0181]
  Contact 220a is in contact with A-phase pulse pattern 212a, contact 220b is in contact with B-phase pulse pattern 212b, and contact 220c is in contact with common pulse pattern 212c.
[0182]
  A curved portion 221 as shown in FIG. 16 is formed at the tip of the contactor 220a. The height H of the free end of the curved portion 221 from the upper surface portion 211a is equal to the conductive portion 213a and the nonconductive portion. It is set to be higher than the level difference h with 214a.
[0183]
  As a result, when the pulse pattern plate 210 rotates, the contact 220a can smoothly get over the conductive portion 213a.
[0184]
  Further, a curved portion similar to the curved portion 221 formed on the contactor 220a is also formed at the tip of the contactor 220b shown in FIG. 14, and the contactor 220b becomes conductive when the pulse pattern plate 210 rotates. The part 213b can be overcome smoothly.
[0185]
  In addition, a bending portion similar to the bending portion 21 formed on the contactor 220a is formed at the tip of the contactor 220c.
[0186]
  The contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c are configured to be pressed and slidably contacted with the pulse pattern plate 210 by a predetermined vertical load.
[0187]
  Further, the protruding end portions of the contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c that come into sliding contact with the pulse pattern plate 210 are each divided into a plurality of contact pieces at predetermined intervals.
[0188]
  That is, contact pieces 223a1 and 223a2 are formed at the contact portions of the contactor 220a, and contact pieces 223b1 and 223b2 are formed at the contact portions of the contactor 220b. Further, contact pieces 223c1, 223c2, and 223c3 are formed at the contact portions of the contact 220c.
[0189]
  In addition, a connecting member 225a for connecting the contact piece 223a1 and the contact piece a2 is provided in the gap portion 224a provided between the contact piece 223a1 and the contact piece 223a2 of the contact piece 220a. In the gap 224b provided between the contact piece 223b1 and the contact piece 223b2, the contact piece 223b1 andContact piece 223b2And a connecting member 225b for connecting the two.
[0190]
  Similarly, a connecting member 225c for connecting the contact pieces 223c1, 223c2, and 223c3 to each other is provided in the spacing portions 224c provided between the contact pieces 223c1, 223c2, and 223c3 of the contactor 220c.
[0191]
  Thus, in each contactor 220a, 220b, 220c, since the contact piece and the contact piece are connected by the connecting member as described above, deformation of the contact piece of the contactor is suppressed, and this contact piece. And the pulse pattern plate 210 can be prevented from being displaced.
[0192]
  The contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c having the above-described configuration are formed by punching a conductive plate material. In the contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c, the distance between the contact piece and the contact piece is the contact distance. It is set to about 4 times the thickness t of the child.
[0193]
  Here, among the contactors 220a, 220b, and 220c, the contactor 220a is taken as an example, and the dimensional configuration of the contact portion of the contactor is shown in FIG.
[0194]
  As shown in FIG. 15, the thickness t of the contactor 220a is set to t = 0.3 mm, and the distance L between the contact piece 223a1 and the contact piece 223a2 is L = 1.2 mm. . Further, the widths W of the contact pieces 223a1 and 223a2 are set to W = 0.6 mm, respectively.
[0195]
  15 and 16, in the contactor 220a, the burr 400 as a foreign object is sandwiched between one of the contact pieces 223a1 and 223a2 of the contact pieces 223a1 and 223a2, and thereby, the contact piece 223a1 and the pulse pattern. It is illustrated that the contact with the plate 210 is cut off.
[0196]
  However, in the contactor 220a of the present embodiment, as described above, the contact piece 223a1 and the contact piece 223a2 are arranged with an interval of L = 1.2 mm. On the other hand, the size of the burr 400 is about 0.8 mm at the maximum.
[0197]
  Therefore, even if the burr 400 is sandwiched between the one contact piece 223a1 and the pulse pattern plate 210, the burr 400 is not sandwiched between the other contact piece 223a2 and the pulse pattern plate 210. Contact between the whole and the pulse pattern plate 210 is maintained.
[0198]
  Also in the contactor 220b shown in FIG. 1, as with the contactor 220a, the contact pieces 223b1 and 223b2 are each formed to have a width of 0.6 mm, and the contact piece 223b1 and the contact piece 223b2 are 1 .2mm apart.
[0199]
  Also in the contactor 220c, the contact pieces 223c1, 223c2, and 223c3 are formed to have a width of 0.6 mm, and the contact piece 223c1, the contact piece 223c2, and the contact piece 223c3 are separated from each other by 1.2 mm. Are arranged.
[0200]
  Therefore, in the contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c of the present embodiment, even if a foreign object or the like is sandwiched between one contact piece and the contact between the contact piece and the pulse pattern plate 210 is cut off, The contact between the entire contact and the pulse pattern plate 210 can be maintained, and redundancy in the contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c is ensured.
[0201]
  Next, the configuration of the conductive unit 260 provided with the contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c will be described.
[0202]
  The conductive unit 260 isElectric actuator 30The conductive terminal 261a formed integrally with the contactor 220a, the conductive terminal 261b formed integrally with the contactor 220b, and the conductive terminal formed integrally with the contactor 220c. 261c and power supply terminals 262a and 262b for supplying electric power to the electric motor 40 described above.
[0203]
  The terminals 261a, 261b, 261c, 262a, and 262b are integrally formed by punching the conductive plate material by punching, and then molded into the resin member 263 by resin molding or the like.
[0204]
  In the conductive unit 260, after the terminals 261a, 261b, 261c, 262a, 262b are molded by the resin member 263, the cut portions 264a, 264b, 264c, 264d, 264e, 264f (shaded portions) shown in FIG. ), The terminals 261a, 261b, 261c, 262a, 262b are formed separately.
[0205]
  One end of each terminal 261a, 261b, 261c, 262a, 262b is formed as a connector terminal.
[0206]
  That is, in the conductive terminal 261a, the connector terminal 265a is formed at a portion opposite to the portion where the contact 220a is formed, and in the conductive terminal 261b, the connector is disposed at a portion opposite to the portion where the contact 220b is formed. A terminal 265b is formed.
[0207]
  Further, in the conductive terminal 261c, a connector terminal 265c is formed at a site opposite to the site where the contact 220c is formed.
[0208]
  Further, in the power supply terminal 262a, a connector terminal 267a is formed at a portion opposite to the portion where the motor connection terminal 266a is formed, and in the power supply terminal 262b, a portion opposite to the portion where the motor connection terminal 266b is formed. A connector terminal 267b is formed on the connector.
[0209]
  And as mentioned abovePulse generator 201And the conductive unit 260 alsoExample aboveIt can be applied to the electric actuator 30 described in FIG.
[0210]
  That is, in the electric actuator 30,ExampleInstead of the pulse pattern plate 10 and the conductive unit 60 according to FIG.EmbodimentIt is possible to apply the pulse pattern plate 210 and the conductive unit 260 according to the above.
[0211]
  And the present inventionEmbodimentAlso in the electric actuator using the pulse pattern plate 210 and the conductive unit 260 according to the above,Electric actuator 30 andA similar operation can be performed.
[0212]
  For this reason, the present inventionEmbodimentFor the operation of the electric actuator to which the pulse pattern plate 210 and the conductive unit 260 according to the above are applied,Electric actuator 30The description will be omitted as it is referred to.
[0213]
  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
  (A) As shown in FIGS.Pulse generator 1Then, as described above, the curved surface portion 17a is formed in the portion of the conductive portion 13a that contacts the contact 20a, and the normal direction load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a.₁However, the minimum load F required to bring the contact resistance between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a below a predetermined allowable value._minSince it is set as described above, the contact 20a is not pressed against the A-phase pulse pattern 12a with an excessive load, and it is possible to suppress the wear of the contact 20a from proceeding more than necessary. Become. Further, it is possible to stabilize the contact state between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a when the contact 20a passes through the curved surface portion 17a.
[0214]
  Also, the contact 20b can obtain the same action as that created by the contact 20a.
[0215]
  Thereby, it can prevent that contact noise generate | occur | produces between contact 20a, 20b and electroconductive part 13a, 13b, and when the pulse generator 1 is applied to the electric actuator 30, the rotation angle of the output gear 54 The number of pulses proportional to can be more accurately generated.
[0216]
  (B) Also,Pulse generator 1Then, as described above, the curved portion 21 is provided in the portion that is in sliding contact with the A-phase pulse pattern 12a of the contact 20a, and the normal direction load F to the curved surface portion 17a of the contact 20a.₁F, which is the minimum load necessary to make the contact resistance between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a below a predetermined allowable value._minAnd the vertical load on the pulse pattern plate 10 of the contact 20a is F₀Where the radius of curvature of the curved portion 21 is R, and the step between the conductive portion 13a and the nonconductive portion 14a is h, the curvature radius r of the curved surface portion 17a is:
  Formula {(R−h) × F₀-R × F_min} / (F_min-F₀), The minimum load F required to make the contact resistance between the contact 20a and the conductive portion 13a below a predetermined allowable value._minCan be ensured.
[0217]
  Also, the contact 20b can obtain the same action as that created by the contact 20a.
[0218]
  Thereby, it becomes possible to stabilize the contact state between the contacts 20a and 20b and the conductive portions 13a and 13b when the contacts 20a and 20b pass through the curved surface portions 17a and 17b, respectively.
[0219]
  (C) The present invention shown in FIGS.EmbodimentIn the pulse generator 201 according to the above, as described above, the protruding end portion that is in sliding contact with the A-phase pulse pattern 212a of the contactor 220a has a plurality of contact pieces 232a1, 232a2 at a predetermined interval (about 1.2 mm). Since it is divided, even if the burr 400 (size of about 0.8 mm) appears on the A-phase pulse pattern 212a, the burr 400 can be passed between the contact piece 232a1 and the contact piece 232a2. .
[0220]
  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the contactor 220a and the A-phase pulse pattern 212a from being disconnected.
[0221]
  In addition, a connecting member 225a for connecting the contact piece 232a1 and the contact piece 232a2 to each other is disposed in the gap portion 224a provided between the contact piece 232a1 and the contact piece 232a2 of the contactor 220a. When the contact pieces 232a1 and 232a2 are pressed and slidably contacted with the A-phase pulse pattern 212a, the contact pieces 232a1 and 232a2 can be prevented from being deformed even if the distance between the contact pieces 232a1 and 232a2 is increased. It becomes possible.
[0222]
  This stabilizes the sliding contact state between the contact 220a and the A-phase pulse pattern 212a, so that it is possible to prevent contact noise from occurring between the contact 220a and the conductive portion 213a.
[0223]
  Further, the contacts 220b and 220c can obtain the same action as the action created by the contact 220a.
[0224]
  As a result, when the pulse generator 201 is applied to the electric actuator 30, it is possible to more accurately generate the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the output gear 54.
[0225]
  (D) Further, the electric actuator 30 according to the present embodiment includesThe pulse generator 201Therefore, the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the output gear 54 can be detected more accurately, and the rotation angle of the driven mechanism connected to the output gear 54 can be controlled with high accuracy. Become.
[0226]
  The embodiment of the present invention can be modified as follows.
  (A) In the above embodiment,Pulse generator 201However, the pulse generator of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a rotary encoder of an electric motor or the like.
[0227]
  (B) of the present inventionEmbodimentIn the pulse generator 201 according to the above, the corner portion that contacts the contact 220a of the conductive portion 213a isPulse generator 1It may be formed with a curved surface such as a curved surface portion 17a formed on the conductive portion 13a. Further, the corner portion of the B-phase pulse pattern 212b that contacts the contact 220b of the conductive portion may be formed with a curved surface similar to the above.
[0228]
(C) of the present inventionEmbodimentIn the pulse generator 201 according to the above, two connecting members are provided in the interval portions formed in the respective contacts 220a, 220b, and 220c, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the contactor 220 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 19, one connecting member 225 is provided in each gap portion 224 formed on each contactor 220 so as to connect the contact pieces 223. It may be configured.
[0229]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the pulse generator of the present invention, even if a foreign substance appears on the pulse pattern, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the contact and the pulse pattern from being disconnected. In addition, in a usage situation where the contact piece is pressed and slidably contacted with the pulse pattern, deformation of the contact piece can be prevented even if the distance between the contact piece and the contact piece is large, and the contact piece and the pulse pattern are slid. Since the contact state can be stabilized, the generation of contact noise between the contact and the conductive part can be prevented, and the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the circular substrate can be generated more accurately. It becomes possible.
[0230]
  Further, according to the electric actuator of the present invention, it is possible to prevent contact noise from occurring between the contact and the conductive portion, and more accurately detect the number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the output gear. Therefore, the rotation angle of the driven mechanism connected to the output gear can be controlled with high accuracy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]Pulse generatorIt is a principal part enlarged view which shows the structure of this.
[Figure 2]ContactIt is the arrow line view which looked at the sliding contact part of a pulse pattern from AA of FIG.
[Fig. 3]ContactIt is the 1st explanatory view showing the slidable contact state with a conductive part.
[Fig. 4]ContactIt is a 2nd explanatory view which shows the sliding contact state of a conductive part.
[Figure 5]ContactIt is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a contact resistance value and the load to the pulse pattern plate of a contactor when is contacting an electroconductive part.
FIG. 6 (a) showsContactFIG. 6B is a comparative explanatory view in which the radius of the curved surface portion is changed with respect to FIG. 6A.
[Fig. 7]ContactIt is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the vertical direction load of this and the radius of a curved part.
[Fig. 8]ContactIt is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the load to the electrically-conductive part, and elapsed time.
FIG. 9Electric actuatorFIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG.
FIG. 11Electric actuatorIt is explanatory drawing which shows the connection structure of a control apparatus.
FIG.ContactIt is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a pulse is produced | generated by the sliding contact with a pulse pattern.
FIG. 13Electric actuatorIt is explanatory drawing which shows the example which applied this to the vehicle air conditioner.
FIG. 14 shows the present invention.EmbodimentIt is a principal part enlarged view which shows the structure of the pulse generator concerning.
FIG. 15 shows the present invention.EmbodimentIt is a principal part enlarged view which shows the structure of the protrusion end part of the contactor which concerns on.
FIG. 16 shows the present invention.EmbodimentIt is the arrow directional view which looked at the protrusion end part of the contactor which concerns on CC of FIG.
FIG. 17 shows the present invention.EmbodimentIt is a figure which shows the structure of the electroconductive unit which concerns on.
18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.
FIG. 19 shows the present invention.EmbodimentIt is a principal part enlarged view which shows the modification of the contactor which concerns on.
FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a configuration of a pulse generator according to a conventional technique.
21 is an arrow view of a sliding contact portion between a contact and a pulse pattern according to the prior art as viewed from EE in FIG. 1;
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the load on the conductive portion of the contact and the elapsed time according to the related art.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which contact noise appears in a pulse generated by a pulse generator according to a conventional technique.
FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a main part showing a configuration of a protruding end portion of a contact according to a conventional technique.
25 is an arrow view of the protruding end portion of the contact according to the prior art as viewed from FF in FIG. 24. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 201, 301 Pulse generator 10, 210, 310 Pulse pattern plate, 11, 211, 311 Plate body, 11a, 211a Top surface, 12a, 212a, 312a A phase pulse pattern, 12b, 212b, 312b B phase pulse Pattern, 12c, 212c, 312c Common pulse pattern, 13a, 13b, 213a, 213b, 313 Conductive part, 14a, 14b, 214a, 214b, 314 Non-conductive part, 15 Conductive pattern part, 16a, 16b Edge part, 17a, 17b Curved portion, 18a, 18b Edge portion, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 220, 220a, 220b, 220c, 320 Contact, 21, 221, 321 Curved portion, 22 Pattern contact, 30 Electric actuator, 40 Electric motor, 41 Axis of rotation, 0 Deceleration mechanism, 51 Worm gear, 52 Worm wheel, 52a, 53a, 54a Rotating shaft, 53 Spur gear, 54, 354 Output gear, 60, 260 Conductive unit, 61a, 61b, 61c, 261a, 261b, 261c Conductive terminal, 62a , 62b, 262a, 262b Power terminal, 70 Housing, 71 Lower case, 72 Connector, 80 Control device, 81 Rotation angle detection circuit, 82 Motor drive circuit, 83a, 83b Pull-up resistor, 84a, 84b Output terminal, 90a, 90b, 390 pulse, 100 air conditioner for vehicle, 101 air mix door, 102, 103, 104 mode switching door, 105 air conditioning casing, 106 inside air inlet, 107 outside air inlet, 108 inlet switching door, 109 blower, 110 evaporation vessel, 111 heater core, 112 engine, 113 bypass passage, 114 face outlet, 115 foot outlet, 116 windshield, 117 defroster outlet, 223a1, 223a2, 223b1, 223b2, 223c1, 223c2, 223c3, 223  Contact pieces, 224a, 224b, 224c, 225a, 225b,225c, 225  Connecting member, 232a1, 232a2 contact piece, 263 resin member, 264a, 264b, 264c, 264d, 264e, 264f cutting part, 265a, 265b, 265c, 267a, 267b connector terminal, 266a, 266b motor connection terminal, 317 corner part, 323a, 323b contact piece, 391 contact noise, 400, 401 burr

Claims (4)

In a pulse generator comprising: a pulse pattern plate configured to have a pulse pattern in which conductive portions and non-conductive portions are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of a circular substrate; and a contactor slidably in contact with the pulse pattern ,
The projecting end portion of the contact that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern is branched from one of the contacts and divided into a plurality of contact pieces at a predetermined interval,
A pulse generating device characterized in that a connecting member for connecting the plurality of contact pieces to each other is disposed in an interval portion provided between the plurality of contact pieces spaced apart from the branched portion. . The pulse generator according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of contact pieces are spaced apart from each other with an interval of approximately 1 mm or more. A pulse is generated by detecting a rotation angle of an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism having a plurality of gears for reducing the rotational force of the electric motor, and an output gear arranged on the output side of the speed reduction mechanism An electric actuator comprising:
The pulse generator includes a pulse pattern plate configured to have a pulse pattern in which convex conductive portions and concave non-conductive portions are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the output gear, and a contact in sliding contact with the pulse pattern. With children,
The protruding end portion of the contact that is in sliding contact with the pulse pattern is branched from one of the contacts and divided into a plurality of contacts at a predetermined interval.
An electric actuator characterized in that a connecting member for connecting the plurality of contact pieces to each other is disposed in an interval portion provided between the plurality of contact pieces spaced apart from the branched portion. The electric actuator according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of contact pieces are spaced apart from each other with an interval of approximately 1 mm or more.

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