Abstract: A motor controller comprises an angular position module that determines an angular position of a disk. A spin-up module performs a spin-up of the disk. A ramp-up module ramps up a speed of the disk after the spin-up. A speed control module controls the speed of the disk based on a control program that is downloaded to the motor controller during a boot-up operation of a disk drive. The angular position module determines the angular position of the disk before handover of control to the control program.

Abstract: A controller prestores average moving speed data, which corresponds to respective corresponding positions of a window glass of a door driven by a motor at the time of the closing movement of the window glass, as learning data. The controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the learning data and the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller senses a disturbance when the speed measurement signal obtained at the time of the closing movement of the window glass exceeds a predetermined value. The controller updates the learning data based on the average moving speed data at the time of the closing movement of the window glass. The controller controls execution and non-execution of updating of the learning data in response to a close state and an open state of the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic controlling device with a computer unit installed to control a regulating device especially a window lifter of a motor vehicle. The computer unit stops or initiates the stop of a regulating motion of the window lifter drive if a signal correlating to the rotary moment of the window lifter drive exceeds a response level. In the setting range of a starting motion from standstill of the window lifter drive, the response level is a setting range dependant and/or time-related dependant preset function with at least one parameter determining the course of this function. The parameter value is modified in dependence from the starting motion of the window lifter drive.

Abstract: An electric motor system having a rotor with a plurality of permanent magnets, and a stator having a winding through which current is flowing for driving the rotor. A control unit controls the current flowing through the winding. The control unit employs a first filter and a second filter, each filter is connected to the winding and has outputs coupled to a comparator. The comparator compares the signal output of the first filter to the signal output of the second filter. The control unit controls the current flowing through the winding depending on the result of the comparison of the two filtered signals.

Abstract: An adjustable lectern includes a base portion having a tubular upstanding base member and a tubular upstanding tower member that is mounted in a telescoping arrangement with respect to the base member. The base member and the tower member are each respectively formed as rigid tubes or channels by a single, unitary piece of material such as sheet metal. The lectern further includes a work platform that is positioned at an upper end of the tower portion. The work platform is both vertically and horizontally adjustable with respect to the base portion, so that both users who will be standing behind the lectern making a presentation and users who will be sitting behind the adjustable lectern in a wheelchair when making a presentation may be accommodated. Both the work platform and the base member include industry-standard rackmount structure for facilitating integration of electronic components.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator includes an A.C. motor having a rotatable rotor connected to a barrier for movement thereof. A sensing apparatus generates motor signals representing an operational variable of the motor. The movement of the barrier is controlled by a controller, which responds to the motor signals by selectively stopping rotation of the rotor or reversing the rotation of the rotor. A power control arrangement provides energizing power to the motor by receiving AC power input substantially in the form of a sine wave and conducts portions of successive cycles of the sine wave of the received AC power to the motor to enhance the sensed operational variable to torque characteristic of the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: An interface system is presented, which prevents operational interference between a vehicle power door and a ramp of an access system by interrupting power to the motors and actuators responsible for operating the door. The interface system includes a relay system that does not interrupt, read, signal, or otherwise interfere with the communication lines between a body control unit, door control unit, or remote control transmitter or receiver. Thus, the interface system functions without the need to receive and transmit signals on the vehicle's communication bus. The interface system enables the ramp controller of the access system to be a separate module, which controls the ramp and kneel functions, because the only input the ramp controller provides to the power door system is to a ground signal that mimics that of a switch included in the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems that employ one or more algorithms to provide appropriate solar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce solar heat gain; reduce radiant surface temperatures; control penetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural daylighting of a structure and optimize the efficiency of interior lighting systems. The invention additionally comprises a motorized window covering, radiometers, and a central control system that uses algorithms to optimize the interior lighting of a structure.

Abstract: A window opening and closing controller for stably detecting jamming without having any influence on jamming load even when power voltage is changed is to be provided. In a window opening and closing controller for detecting jamming of a foreign substance on the basis of a comparing result of a changing amount of the rotational speed of a motor for opening and closing a window and a predetermined threshold value, and controlling the operation of the motor so as to open the window when there is jamming, the threshold value is constructed by a first threshold value at a normal time and a second threshold value as a reference gentler than this first threshold value. The threshold value is changed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value on the basis of the detection of closing of a door.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a movable partition. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor linked to a movable partition, a drive system, and a controller. The drive system is configured to move the movable partition. The sensor, which in one embodiment includes a drum connected to the partition by a cable, is independent of the drive system. The sensor transmits a signal indicative of the rotational motion of the drum to the controller, which receives the transmitted signal and calculates at least one of a speed, acceleration, position, and direction of movement of the movable partition.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and a sensor. The controller transmits a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions while the motor receives power from a power source. The motor receives power from the power source upon receiving the panel control signal. The sensor detects objects in the path without monitoring the motor. The sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the path of the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction, the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal in order to prevent the panel from entrapping an object. The controller communicates with vehicle modules over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN).

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and alleviating the pinching of an object in a window of a vehicle having a drive unit motor controlling a window based upon current signals received from a control switch, security system remote control, or security system controller. The detection method includes determining a current threshold for the motor, determining time required to close the window, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, and determining if the current threshold is reached before window close time has elapsed. The alleviation method includes determining a current threshold, determining window close time, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, determining if current threshold has been reached before window close time has elapsed, and positioning the window so the drive unit motor current is less than the current threshold. The methods can be programmed into a window control module.

Abstract: A barrier operator comprises a first measuring apparatus for measuring a current used by a direct current (dc) motor to move a barrier and a second measuring apparatus for measuring a generated voltage of the dc motor. A controller is coupled to the first measuring apparatus and the second measuring apparatus. The controller is programmed to calculate a torque of the dc motor by using the current and to determine when an obstruction exists in the path of the barrier based upon the calculated torque.

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning a surface comprises a floor-engaging portion for moving along the surface. A magnet and a hall effect sensor located in the cleaner handle generates a control signal. The control signal is provided to a control circuit which controls one or more operational features of the cleaner. One such operational features includes at least one pump for mixing and distributing cleaning solution to the surface. In an alternate embodiment, the control circuit controls an electric motor for propelling the cleaner over the surface.

Abstract: A controller reduces an output of the drive motor when a window glass reaches a speed shift position, which is between a fully open position and a fully closed position of the window glass, in a closing operation of the window glass. The controller increases the output of the drive motor based on a position signal, which indicates that the position of the closing member in the closing operation is in a preclosed position located on a fully closed position side of the speed shift position. The preclosed position is located in a pinch-monitoring disabled zone, in which the monitoring of the pinching of the object through the controller is disabled.

Abstract: An operator for a barrier, such as an upward acting door, includes a control unit having two optical limit switches providing output signals to a controller to effect shut-off of the operator motor when the door reaches open and closed limit positions. The limit switches preferably include LED emitter and phototransistor sensor elements and are preferably mounted on a circuit board in close proximity to a screw member which rotates in timed relation to the position of the door. Linearly movable nut members are mounted on the screw member and include or engage optical shield members which move into positions to provide respective output signals from the optical switches. The door closed optical limit switch may incorporate a pre-limit switch function to override a signal from a door bottom edge obstruction sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a wiper system, especially an opposed wiper system or a butterfly wiper system, and to a wiper system comprising at least two motor units which are coupled to wiper blades and can be independently driven, a control appliance for controlling the motor units, and sensor units which are coupled to the control appliance and are used to determine the angular position of the wiper blades. The invention is characterised in that the wiping angle of the wiper blades is divided into areas, the area containing the respective wiper blade being determined along with the angle of the wiper blade inside the respective area.

Abstract: Method and system of monitoring operations of an electric motor. The method and system being applicable to any number of motors of the type used to drive moveable members, including but not limited to motors used to drive automatic vehicle windows and motors used to drive automatic vehicle seats.

Abstract: An automated garage door closing device for a remote controlled overhead garage door wherein the device is mounted on one of a pair of parallel tracks receiving rollers suitably mounted on the outer edges of the door panels, the device including a switch housing containing a switch for the leading edge of the door, and a circuit located in a second housing adjacent the garage floor and including an interval timer acting to close the door after a predetermined period of time, an audible alarm which is activated upon the garage door reaching the fully open position, a switch deactivating the entire unit when the garage door is deliberately to be left in the fully open position, and a flexible switch arm extending through the switch housing to a position to engage the upper edge of the garage door panel and acts to activate the automated closing device.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with a movable barrier operator that has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation. At least one parameter is monitored that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position. An excess force threshold value is automatically changed in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value. Both the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter are used to determine when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator. A predetermined action is taken when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.

Abstract: An electric motor moves drapes on a carrier by a cord wound on a sheave attached to a shaft thereof. The motor is attached to a housing along with a second shaft. The second shaft has an arm on an end thereof and carries a disc with first and second cam surfaces thereon and an axial projection. An arcuate slot on an end cap receives the projection on the disc. In response to an actuation signal, a control activates the motor causing the shaft and sheave to rotate and linearly move the cord and drapes. A limit member on the cord engages the arm and rotates the second shaft causing the first cam to close a first switch and cancel the actuation signal while the second cam closes a second switch such that the rotational direction of the shaft is reversed on receipt of a next actuation signal.

Abstract: Disk drives such as hard (magnetic) disk drives take a certain amount of time to initialize and “spin up” to the operational rotational speed of the disk or disks, thereby creating a time lapse from power up to when data can first be read from or written to the disk drive. This time lapse can be reduced, whereby some tasks conventionally done sequentially instead are performed in parallel. For example, the motor controller that controls the spindle motor can perform its portion of the initialization beginning at the same time that the remaining electronic components, including the hard disk controller, begin their initialization process including downloading firmware. Additionally, other portions of the initialization process typically performed by firmware can be performed by dedicated circuitry or a bootstrap program in the motor controller and hard disk controller, thereby not requiring the relatively slow downloading of system firmware.

Abstract: A magnetic-pole detecting system for synchronous AC motors and a magnetic-pole detecting method therefor are provided.

Abstract: The motorized blind (4) device (1) with orientable slats (5) comprises an orders transmitter (2) and an orders receiver (6) which is attached to the motorized blind, the orders transmitter (2) comprising a first control interface (2a) and a second control interface (2b). This device is one which comprises means of interpretation for differentiating between the orders to translate and to orient the slats on the basis of the actions performed on the two control interfaces, in which the second control interface (2b) comprises an element (14) that can be moved in two opposite senses along substantially one and the same first direction and in which two electric contacts are respectively actuatable by movement of the element (14) in the first sense and in the second sense. Such a device is simple, inexpensive, multi-purpose and its ergonomics for orienting the slats is intuitive.

Abstract: A system of controlling a sliding member for a vehicle includes a motor, a pulse generating device, a counting device and a control device. The system has a range for movement of the sliding member between a position short of a first lock position and a position short of a second lock position. Also, the system has an error range within the range for movement of the sliding member and memorizes in advance a range of pulse count representative of the error range. If a pulse count counted by the counting device falls within the range of pulse count when the sliding member discontinues movement due to detection of an overload of the motor, the system resets a pulse count counted by the counting device at one of the first and second lock positions.

Abstract: A powered panel moving system includes a motor, electronic drive circuitry, a mechanism, a coupler, and electronic function circuitry. The drive circuitry drives a rotor of the motor. The coupler couples rotational output of the rotor to the mechanism to drive the mechanism in order to move the panel. The function circuitry is integrated with the drive circuitry for providing additional functionality beyond driving the motor for panel movement. The drive circuitry includes a current sensor for determining rotor position based on motor current, a back emf sensor for determining rotor position based on back emf of the motor, and an impedance sensor for determining rotor position based on motor impedance. The function circuitry may include an analyzer to determine presence of an obstruction to the motion of the panel based on at least one of the rotor position, the motor current, and the back emf of the motor.

Abstract: A vehicular windshield wiping apparatus has a temperature sensor for sensing temperatures outside of the vehicle, a humidity sensor for sensing humidity outside of the vehicle, windshield wipers moved by a motor, an HVAC control module, and a wiper control module. The wiper control module activates the windshield wipers when the moisture level is at or above a threshold value and the temperature sensor senses a temperature at or below a threshold value. The wiper motor has a first wiper park position and a second wiper park position. The first wiper park position is approximately horizontal and the second wiper park position is at an angle to the first wiper park position, in a heated windshield zone. The second wiper park position allows the wipers to remain free of ice and snow when the outside temperature and moisture levels are beyond specific thresholds or a wiper stalk switch is activated.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arragement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: An electrical control safety system is provided comprising two photocells or equivalent sensors applied on a sliding gate, the two photocell systems being composed respectively of at least two transmitters and two receivers, and the control safety system being cyclically able to make the first photocell system operate during a first operating time interval while the second photocell system is disabled, and being cyclically able to make the second photocell system operate, during a second operating time interval, subsequent to the first time interval, while the first photocell system is disabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: A power window device for lowering and raising window glasses. A window switch is operated to move a corresponding window glass. A motor drives the window glass when the window switch is operated. An ECU is provided for each window glass to control the motor in accordance with the operation of the window switch. An engine switch shifts positions to drive an engine. A control signal generator generates a signal to validate or invalidate control of the ECU over the motor. A control circuit determines that a signal wire connecting the ECUs to the control signal generator is in an unexpected condition when a signal cannot be received. The control circuit overrides the signals generated by the control signal generator when the signal wire is in an unexpected condition.

Abstract: An assembly for moving a barrier from one of a closed position and an opened position to the other of the closed position and the opened position. The assembly includes a motor to supply one of a first power and a second power to the barrier. The assembly also includes a controller to control the motor to supply the first power to move the barrier towards the closed position from the opened position. The controller also controls the motor to supply the first power to the barrier to move towards the opened position from the closed position, and to supply the second power intermittently after the barrier has started moving towards the opened position and before arriving at the opened position.

Abstract: The power window system moves a window glass in opening and closing directions in response to operation of an opening and closing instruction switch. The power window system includes a measurement device for obtaining an open degree of the window glass and a control device for controlling movement of the window glass in response to operation of the switch. The control device moves the window glass in the closing direction when an open degree obtained by the measurement device is not less than a predetermined degree and in the opening direction when the open degree is less than the predetermined degree.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for positioning a positioning element is disclosed that includes an electric servo motor for driving the positioning element, a potentiometer for presetting a setpoint, an actual value sensor disposed at the servo motor, and a motor driver with an integrated evaluation and control unit comparing the setpoint and actual value, whereby a pulse-shaped signal is superposed on the setpoint and the pulse-shaped signal exceeds the motor driver hysteresis in the evaluation and control unit.

Abstract: A controller writes position information (count value) of the window glass into an EEPROM based on halting of operation of a drive motor and identifies the current position of the window glass based on the position information of the window glass written in the EEPROM at the start of power supply. The controller determines whether the current position of the window glass has been lost or not at the start of power supply. Only when the controller determines that the current position of the window glass has been lost at the start of power supply, the controller shifts to a mode of performing relearning of the origin position for matching the position of the window glass with the position of the window glass corresponding to the position information written into the EEPROM.

Abstract: Methods for operating an actuator including providing a position sensor and using the position sensor to provide end-stop functionality for the actuator. The actuator may have a motor controlled by control circuitry, with the control circuitry reading a variable from a position sensor to determine when the motor should be deactivated due to an associated actuated part reaching a motion limit. Also, actuators including a position sensor, a motor, and control circuitry. The control circuitry may take an output from the position sensor and use the position sensor output to determine when to shut off the electric motor due to its encountering a motion limit, providing end stop functionality with reduced complexity and wear. Further embodiments include HVAC dampers and valves for use in controlling gas, steam, water, or other liquid or fluid flow.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a detection device for detecting a rotation speed of a motor, a storing section for successively storing the rotation speed detected by the detection device, a calculation device for calculating a variation amount of the rotation speed from current rotation speed which is output from the detection device and from past rotation speed stored in the storing section, a determining device for determining whether there is rotation abnormality of the motor based on a result of comparison between the variation amount calculated by the calculation device and a preset threshold value, and a control device for controlling the motor in accordance with a result of determination of the determining device. The calculation device calculates the variation amount from a sum of the current rotation speed and a rotation speed detected before predetermined times thereof, and a sum of the past rotation speed and a rotation speed detected before predetermined times thereof.

Abstract: A motor drives a window glass of a door of a vehicle in an opening direction and a closing direction. A rotation sensing device outputs a pulse signal in response to rotation of the motor. A controller senses pinching of an object by the window glass based on the rotational speed signal. Specifically, the controller computes a rate of change in the rotational speed, i.e., a rotational speed difference based on the rotational speed signal. The controller senses start of the pinching based on the rotational speed difference. When an amount of change in the rotational speed since the time of sensing the start of the pinching exceeds a pinching determining threshold value, the controller confirm the pinching of the object.

Abstract: A control system for an electromechanical drive in a vehicle has a motor (29) whose connections (24, 25) are connected to the assigned control elements (2, 3) of a bridge circuit, a control circuit (21) with signal connections (12, 13) at which control signals are provided for controlling the control elements, a return circuit (6) through which information about the operating state of the motor (29) is returned to the control circuit (21) in order to monitor the functioning of the motor, wherein the signal connections (12, 13) can be switched as output or as input, the information about the operating state is returned through the return circuit (6) to these signal connections that can be switched as input or as output, and the control circuit has a monitoring program (21) that records and evaluates the returned information about the operating state during a monitoring phase in which the signal connections (12, 13) are switched as input.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a closure device includes pinch detector for detecting a foreign body being pinched by an opening/closing member when the variation degree of a movement of the opening/closing member reaches a predetermined threshold value. When this control apparatus for a closure device determines that a vehicle is running, the threshold value is set at a second threshold value, which is reduced in a detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with a first threshold value set when the vehicle is stationary. When the apparatus detects that a load not smaller than a predetermined value is applied by disturbance to the opening/closing member in a closing direction, the threshold value is set at a third threshold value, which is reduced in the detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with the second threshold value.

Abstract: A first area (16) for detecting an object is formed by a radio wave or an ultrasonic wave, and a second area (18) for detecting an object by means of light is formed near the first area (16). When an object is detected in the first area (16) approaching the second area (18), the second area (18) is enabled. When an object is detected in the first area (16) moving in the direction away from the second area (18), the second area (18) is disabled.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is farther configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system is disclosed that is adaptable to different safety configurations. The system is provided with a default configuration that may be changed upon detection of an optional safety configuration by the operator system. The changeover may be accomplished by actuation of a program button upon system power-up or in conjunction with program button actuation and the presence or absence of a jumper associated with a controller of the operator system.

Abstract: A linear actuator having a housing, a plunger slidably mounted to the housing between an extended and retracted position, and an electric motor drivingly connected to the plunger to move the plunger between its extended and retracted positions. A motor circuit controls the activation of the motor circuit and deactivates the motor circuit whenever the motor current exceeds a threshold value which varies as a function of the supply voltage to the electric motor and/or temperature. A memory storage unit stores the position of the plunger. Whenever the position of the plunger is in a state of transition between its retracted and extended position upon system initialization, the motor control circuit activates the motor to drive the plunger to a preselected extended or retracted position.

Abstract: Provided is a motor having a magnetic polar unit in which a permanent magnetic polar array having arranged therein alternately a plurality of permanent magnetic polar elements in alternate opposite poles is made to face a plurality of electromagnetic coil arrays alternately excited at opposite poles, and the permanent magnetic polar array is made to move thereby; wherein the motor further comprises a sensor for detecting the periodical magnetic change accompanying the movement of the permanent magnetic polar array, the output of the sensor is directly returned as a direct drive waveform to the electromagnetic coils, and this drive circuit forms the excitation signal based on the return signal.

Abstract: A system for operating a barrier system such as a garage door, gate or fence. A DC motor is connected to and operates a barrier drive. A power amplifier is configured to receive power signals from a power supply and to output modulated DC signals to the DC motor. A controller implements an intelligent closed-loop motion control algorithm to control the power amplifier according to a non-linear motion profile. A feedback sensor provides status signals to the controller to determine position or speed of the barrier.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator which uses an A.C. motor to move a barrier is disclosed herein. The operator senses a characteristic of barrier movement, such as motor rotation speed, to detect when the barrier contacts an obstruction. The motor and/or the circuitry for applying electrical power to the motor have been enhanced to improve the detectibility of contact with an obstruction.

Abstract: An opening-and-closing control device is disclosed, in which speed of an opening-and-closing body can be increased even while automatic operation is performed. The device includes an operation knob that performs opening-and-closing control of an opening-and-closing body according to an instruction from an operation switch which is switchable to each of positions of “automatic closing”, “manual closing”, “neutral”, “manual opening” and “automatic opening”, wherein first the operation knob is operated to start the automatic opening operation, and then when the operation knob is held in the position of the “automatic opening”, an opening speed of the opening-and-closing body is increased according to a time period for which the operation knob is held in the position of the “automatic opening”, therefore the opening-and-closing body can be opened at high speed even while the automatic opening operation is performed.