JP2002081239A - Device having dark current reducing function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multiplex transmission system having the dark current reducing function capable of effectively reducing a dark current when reducing the dark current by intermittently carrying an electric current. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a transistor TR1 for supplying electric power to a door lock switch 12 of an ECU 1 and a CPU 1 for intermittently operating and controlling electric power supply of the transistor TR1, and the CPU 1 operates and controls the transistor TR1 in a different intermittent period according to a different time zone.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus having a dark current reducing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, automobiles have been required to have not only improved basic performance and safety but also improved operability. For example, a remote control device for a vehicle that remotely controls various devices provided in a vehicle is a typical example.

As such a vehicle remote device, when a portable device transmits an unlock signal or a lock signal, a transmission / reception device mounted on the vehicle receives the signal and unlocks or locks the door of the vehicle based on the received signal. Door lock system, automatically locks the vehicle door lock
A so-called smart entry device for unlocking or a smart ignition device is mounted.

[0004] The smart entry device usually includes a portable device carried by the owner (driver) of the vehicle, and a transmitting / receiving device mounted on the vehicle. The transmission / reception device outputs a request signal including a magnetic signal to a predetermined area around the vehicle via an antenna disposed in the vehicle. When the portable device enters the area, it transmits a transmission signal in response to the request signal. The transmission / reception device automatically unlocks the door lock when the transmission signal is received, and automatically locks the door lock when the transmission signal cannot be received.

[0005] A smart ignition device enables the engine to be started only by operating a switch or the like without using a current mechanical key. That is, the engine is brought into a start standby state.

[0006] In such a device or system, it is necessary that the transmission / reception device be ready for reception at any time with the ignition key switch turned off. For this reason, power is supplied to these transmission / reception devices through the battery even when the ignition key switch is off.

Normally, the capacity of the battery is limited, and if the battery is not charged for a long time, as in the case where the vehicle is parked for a long time, the current generated by the above-mentioned energization will be reduced. A so-called dead battery occurs due to consumption or the like.

For this reason, conventionally, in order to prevent such a dead battery, the transmission / reception device is intermittently energized to reduce the dark current.

[0009]

However, conventionally, the intermittent cycle at which the power is supplied to the transmitting / receiving device is constant regardless of the time zone when the vehicle is not used at all and the time zone when the vehicle is likely to be used. For this reason, there is a limit in reducing the current consumption.

A multiplex transmission system has been known in which a plurality of communication nodes mounted on a vehicle or the like are provided, and the respective communication nodes are connected in a network form via a communication bus.

In such a multiplex transmission system, each communication node is provided with a control unit such as the above-described door lock system, a so-called smart entry device for automatically locking / unlocking a vehicle door lock, or a smart ignition device. Has also been proposed.

In such a multiplex transmission system,
There is a need for measures to reduce dark current. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a dark current reduction function that can effectively reduce dark current when dark current is reduced by intermittent energization.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus having a dark current reducing function.
Power supply means for supplying power to the power supply means, and intermittent control means for intermittently controlling the power supply of the power supply means, wherein the intermittent control means differs according to different time zones. The gist of the invention is to control the operation of the power supply means at an intermittent cycle.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus capable of multiplex transmission in which a plurality of communication nodes are connected via a multiplex transmission line, wherein each of the communication nodes comprises:
Power supply means for supplying power to the power supplied means, comprising intermittent control means for intermittently controlling the power supply of the power supply means, wherein the intermittent control means according to different time zones, The gist is an apparatus having a dark current reduction function for controlling the operation of the power supply means at different intermittent periods.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, a predetermined communication node among the communication nodes is provided with a predetermined time zone by means of a timer means for measuring time and the timer means. When it becomes, comprises a transmission means for transmitting a command to extend the intermittent period to other communication nodes,
The intermittent control means of the other communication node is a device having a dark current reduction function for controlling the operation of the intermittent cycle of the power supply means of the communication node at a different intermittent cycle based on the transmitted command to extend the intermittent cycle. It is a gist.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
The invention according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising learning means for learning a use time zone of the power supplied means, wherein the intermittent control means uses the power consumption time of the power supplied means based on a learning result of the learning means. The gist of the present invention is a device having a dark current reducing function for controlling the operation of the power supply means at intermittent periods different from each other according to a band and other time periods.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In the invention according to any one of the above, further comprising: setting means for setting a use time zone of the power supplied means, wherein the intermittent control means sets and uses the power supplied means based on a setting result of the setting means. The gist of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a dark current reduction function for controlling the operation of the power supply means at intermittent periods different from each other according to a time zone and other time zones.

(Function) In the apparatus having the dark current reducing function according to the first aspect, the dark current is reduced by the intermittent control means controlling the operation of the power supply means at different intermittent periods according to different time zones. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the intermittent control means of each communication node controls the operation of the power supply means at different intermittent periods according to different time zones, thereby realizing a reduction in dark current.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the transmission means of the predetermined communication node, based on the timing of the timer means, instructs another communication node to increase the intermittent cycle when a predetermined time zone is reached. Send The intermittent control means of another communication node controls the operation of the intermittent cycle of the power supply means of the other communication node at a different intermittent cycle based on the transmitted command for extending the intermittent cycle.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the learning result of the learning means, the intermittent control means performs the intermittent control at different intermittent periods depending on the use time period of the power supplied means and other time periods. Operate and control the power supply means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, based on the setting result of the setting means, the intermittent control means controls the power supply at different intermittent periods depending on the set use time zone of the power supplied means and other time zones. The operation of the supply means is controlled.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a multiplex transmission system for a vehicle.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a multiplex transmission system using an in-vehicle LAN in an automobile. In FIG. 1, a multiplex transmission system 10 includes ECUs 1 to 4 which constitute communication nodes provided on the vehicle side, respectively, and a multiplex bus 9 comprising a twisted pair line connecting mutually adjacent communication nodes so that multiplex communication can be performed. LAN in the car
(Local area network). In this multiplex transmission system 10, the digital information transmitted from each communication node to one of the lines of the multiplex bus 9 and taken in by a predetermined communication node is processed by a data frame so that the digital frame can be easily handled. Is formed. This data frame includes a frame ID code indicating the transmission destination of the frame and a command code.

Hereinafter, the ECUs 1 to 4 will be described as first to fourth communication nodes, respectively. (1-1. Configuration of First Communication Node) The ECU 1 forming the first communication node includes a CPU 11 as shown in FIG. 2, and receives an input signal from a switch such as a door lock switch 12 provided in the automobile. Performs various control processes based on the input signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ECU 1
3, the battery voltage B (the voltage between the “+ B” terminal and the “GND” terminal) is regulated by the stabilized power supply circuit 14 to a predetermined voltage V (the voltage between the “Vcc” terminal and the “GND” terminal). )), And the voltage V is always applied to the CPU 11. The emitter of the transistor TR1 is connected to the "+ B" terminal, the base of the transistor TR1 is connected to the output terminal 11a of the CPU 11 via the resistor R1, and the collector is connected to one end of the resistor R2. A resistor R3 is connected between the emitter and the base of the transistor TR1.

The output terminal 11a outputs an intermittent drive signal. The details of the output of the intermittent drive signal will be described later. The driver locks (locks) the door to the ECU 1.
Alternatively, a door lock switch 12 operated to unlock (unlock) is connected. Note that, in addition to the door lock switch 12, a switch such as a door courtesy switch for detecting opening and closing of the door is actually connected to the ECU 1, but in FIG. 2, only the door lock switch 12 is illustrated for convenience of explanation. Is shown.

The door lock switch 12 has a diode D
1, the base of the transistor TR2 is connected via D2 and the resistor R4. The other end of the resistor R2 is connected between the anode of the diode D1 and the cathode of the diode D2. The emitter of the transistor TR2 is "V
cc "terminal and the collector is grounded via resistor R5. A resistor R6 is connected between the emitter and the base of the transistor TR2. Transistor TR2
Are connected to the input terminal of the CPU 11.

The CPU 11 has a ROM 11b, a RAM 11
c, a timer IC 15 and a signal generation circuit 48. The ROM 11b stores an intermittent drive signal output control program executed by the CPU 11, and the like. RAM1
1c temporarily stores data and the like during processing of the intermittent drive signal output control program. The timer IC 15 constitutes a real-time clock, and can measure time corresponding to 24 hours a day (real time).

The CPU 11 reads the time measured by the timer IC 15 based on the control program at each time, and determines the measured time in a commuting time zone (A in the present embodiment).
It is determined whether it belongs to the time zone of M4 to AM10: 00, PM4 to AM0, the late night time zone (AM0 to 4:00 in this embodiment), and the daytime time zone (AM10 to PM4). Then, the CPU 11 controls the driving of the signal generating circuit 48 so as to output the intermittent driving signals corresponding to the time zones of the determination result.

(1-2. Intermittent Drive Signal of First Communication Node) CPU 1 of ECU 1 configured as described above
1 is constantly applied with the voltage V. The CPU 11 is provided to enable control based on the door lock switch 12 being operated by the driver at any time, regardless of whether the vehicle is running or stopped, that is, to read the switch. The signal generation circuit 48 is driven to output an intermittent drive signal from the output terminal 11 a of the CPU 11, and a dark current flows through the door lock switch 12.

The door lock switch 12 constitutes a power supply means (power supply product). In this embodiment, three types of intermittent drive signals having different periods shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C are prepared.

[0033] Commuting hours (AM 4:00 to AM 10:00, PM
The intermittent drive signal (FIG. 5
(Refer to (a)) is an ON time T1 at which the output voltage becomes 0 volt (L level), and one cycle of the ON time T1 plus an OFF time at which the output voltage becomes V volt (H level). The time (intermittent cycle) is T2. Therefore, the ratio α1 of the ON time per cycle in the intermittent drive signal in the commuting time zone can be represented by “α1 = T1 / T2”.

The intermittent drive signal (see FIG. 5B) output during the daytime period (AM 10:00 to PM 4) has an on-time of T1 which is the same as the intermittent drive signal of the commuting time period, and an intermittent cycle. T3 (> T) longer than the intermittent drive signal during commuting hours
2). Therefore, the ratio α2 of the ON time per cycle in the intermittent drive signal in the daytime period is “α
2 = T1 / T3 "(α2 <α1).

The intermittent drive signal (see FIG. 5 (c)) output in the late night time zone (AM0 to AM4) has the ON time T1 which is the same as the intermittent drive signal in the commuting time zone, and the intermittent cycle. T4 longer than the intermittent drive signal during commuting hours (>T3>
T2). Therefore, the ratio α3 of the on-time per cycle in the intermittent drive signal in the midnight time zone is “α
3 = T1 / T4 "(α3 <α2 <α1).

(1-3. Operation of First Communication Node)
When any one of the intermittent drive signals is turned on at 0 volt (L level), the transistor TR1 is turned on. In this state, the door lock switch 12 is used to lock the door of the automobile after the driver gets on the vehicle. Is operated, the door lock switch 12 is turned off and the transistor TR2
Are turned off, and an L-level signal is output to the input terminal of the CPU 11 as an off signal. When receiving the off signal (input signal), the CPU 11 controls a door lock device (not shown) to lock the door.

When the driver operates the door lock switch 12 to unlock the door before getting off when any one of the intermittent drive signals is on at 0 volt (L level), the door lock switch 12 is turned on. Operation (state of Fig. 2)
As a result, the transistor TR2 is turned on, and an H-level signal is output to the input terminal of the CPU 11 as an on signal.

When the CPU 11 receives the ON signal (input signal), it controls the door lock device to unlock the door. Further, the CPU 11 generates data frames for the second communication node and the third communication node based on the control program, and sends the data frames to the second communication node and the third communication node via the transceiver 5 and the multiplex bus 9. Send.
In the data frame for the second communication node, a frame ID code related to the second communication node and an intermittent drive signal output command code related to a time zone to which the time counted by the timer IC 15 belongs, indicating a transmission destination of the frame, are included. Including. Also, in the data frame for the third communication node, a frame ID code related to the third communication node indicating a transmission destination of the frame or an intermittent drive signal output command related to a time zone to which the time counted by the timer IC 15 belongs. Including code.

(2. Configuration and Operation of Second Communication Node) Second
As shown in FIG.
It includes a U21 and an RF unit 22, receives a radio wave from a radio key 23 carried by the owner (driver) of the vehicle, and performs various control processes based on the radio wave.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ECU 2 is connected to the battery 13, and the battery voltage B is regulated to a predetermined voltage V by the stabilizing power supply circuit 24.
Is always applied to the CPU 21.

The "Vcc" terminal is connected to the emitter of the transistor TR3, the base of the transistor TR3 is connected to the output terminal 21a of the CPU 21 via the resistor R7, and the collector is connected to the input terminal of the RF unit 22. A resistor R8 is connected between the emitter and the base of the transistor TR3. An antenna 25 is connected to the RF unit 22, and the owner (driver) of the car
A radio wave transmitted by operating the radio wave key 23 is received by the antenna 25, and the RF unit 22 outputs a reception signal corresponding to the radio wave to the CPU 21.

The RF unit 22 constitutes a power supplied means (power supply product). The CPU 21 has a ROM 21b, R
An AM 21c and a signal generation circuit 49 are provided. ROM
The intermittent drive signal output control program executed by the CPU 21 and the like are stored in 21b. The RAM 21c temporarily stores data and the like during processing of the intermittent drive signal output control program.

The CPU 21 controls the ROM 21b so as to correspond to the intermittent drive signal output command code included in the data frame for the second communication node input via the transceiver 6.
Process the control program. That is, the CPU 21 outputs the intermittent drive signal having the same on-time T1 and the same intermittent cycle as the first communication node.
Drive control.

Accordingly, an intermittent drive signal having the same intermittent cycle as that of the first communication node is output from the output terminal 21a. That is, in the intermittent drive signal output from the output terminal 21a, the on-time ratios β1 to β3 per one cycle (intermittent cycle) are the same as the above α1 to α3, respectively.

The intermittent drive signal is 0 volt (L level)
, The transistor TR3 is turned on, and the transistor TR3 is turned on.
Dark current is supplied to the F unit 22. In this state, for example, when the driver presses the unlock switch 26 of the radio key 23 when the driver gets on the vehicle, the ID code signal corresponding to the ID code uniquely set for each vehicle and the door of the vehicle are unlocked. An unlock instruction signal for performing the unlocking is modulated into a radio signal of a predetermined frequency by a transmission circuit (not shown), and the radio signal is transmitted from an antenna (not shown). When the radio signal is received by the antenna 25, a receiving circuit (not shown) provided in the RF unit 22 demodulates the radio signal into a pulse signal, and receives the signal for unlocking the door of the automobile. And outputs the received signal to the CPU 21.

When the CPU 21 receives the unlock signal, it controls the door lock device to unlock the door. On the other hand, if the driver presses the lock switch 27 of the radio key 23 when the driver gets off the vehicle while the dark current is being supplied to the RF unit 22, the I
The D code signal and the lock instruction signal for locking the door of the automobile are modulated into a radio signal, and the radio signal is transmitted. Then, the RF unit 22 demodulates the radio signal into a pulse signal, generates a reception signal for locking the door of the automobile, and converts the reception signal into the CPU signal.
21. When the CPU 21 receives the reception signal for locking, the CPU 21 controls the door lock device to lock the door.

(3-1. Configuration of Third Communication Node) As shown in FIG.
1. It includes a trigger supply unit 32 and an RF unit (not shown), supplies magnetic energy (trigger) to a portable device 33 attached to the radio key 23, receives a radio wave based on the magnetic energy from the portable device 33, Various controls based on the radio waves are performed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ECU 3 is connected to the battery 13, and the battery voltage B is regulated to a predetermined voltage V by the stabilized power supply circuit 34, and the voltage V
Is always applied to the CPU 31.

The emitter of the transistor TR4 is connected to the "+ B" terminal, and the base of the transistor TR4 is connected to the collector of the transistor TR5 via the resistor R9. The base of the transistor TR5 is connected to the output terminal 31a of the CPU 31 via the resistor R10, and the emitter is grounded. A resistor R11 is connected between the base and the emitter of the transistor TR5.

The collector of the transistor TR4 is connected to the collector of the transistor TR6, the emitter of the transistor TR6 is connected to the input terminal of the trigger supply unit 32, and the base is grounded via the Zener diode ZD1. A resistor R12 is connected between the collector and the base of the transistor TR6. The antenna coil 35 is connected to the trigger supply unit 32.

The RF unit and the RF unit (not shown)
The antenna included in the unit has the same configuration as the RF unit 22 and the antenna 25 included in the ECU 2, and thus detailed description is omitted.

When a radio signal from the portable device 33 is received by the antenna (not shown), the CPU 31 unlocks the door with a reception signal based on the radio signal. This unlocking of the door is performed while the radio signal is transmitted from the portable device 33, that is,
The operation is continuously performed while the driver is in the predetermined area.

On the other hand, even if the driver has the portable device 33 but is outside the predetermined area (for example, when getting off the vehicle), depending on the portable device 33, the antenna coil 3 may be used.
5 cannot receive the magnetic energy, and no radio signal is transmitted from the portable device 33. Therefore, in such a case, the CPU 31 controls the door lock device (not shown) to lock the door. That is, when the driver moves from the predetermined area to the outside of the predetermined area as in the case of getting off, the door is locked when the driver goes out of the predetermined area, and then the driver enters the predetermined area. Until the vehicle enters again, the locked state of the door is maintained.

The trigger unit 32 is a power-supplied means.
(Power supply). The CPU 31 has a ROM 31
b, a RAM 31c and a signal generation circuit 50.
The ROM 31b stores an intermittent drive signal output control program executed by the CPU 31 and the like. RAM 31c
During the processing of the intermittent drive signal output control program,
Data and the like are temporarily stored.

The CPU 31 controls the ROM 31b so as to correspond to the intermittent drive signal output command code included in the data frame for the third communication node input via the transceiver 6.
Process the control program. That is, the CPU 31 outputs the intermittent drive signal having the same on-time T1 and the same intermittent cycle as the first communication node.
Drive control.

(3-2. Intermittent Drive Signal of Third Communication Node) CPU 3 of ECU 3 configured as described above
1 is constantly applied with the voltage V. The ECU 3 allows the driver carrying the portable device 33 to approach the vehicle at any time, that is, to supply magnetic energy (trigger) to the portable device 33 in a predetermined area. An intermittent drive signal is output from the output terminal 31 a of the CPU 31, and a dark current flows through the trigger supply unit 32.

Accordingly, an intermittent drive signal having the same intermittent cycle as that of the first communication node is output from the output terminal 21a. As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the intermittent drive signal output from the output terminal 31a is obtained by inverting the intermittent drive signal output from the output terminal 11a or the output terminal 21a. That is, each of the intermittent drive signals shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C has an ON time T1 at which the output voltage becomes V volts (H level), the ON time T1 and an output voltage of 0 volts (L level). ) Are set to T2 to T4, respectively. The on-time ratios γ1 to γ3 per one cycle are the same as α1 to α3 (β1 to β3), respectively.

(3-3. Operation of Third Communication Node)
When any one of the intermittent drive signals is turned on at V volts (H level), the transistors TR5, TR4, and TR6 are turned on, and dark current is supplied to the trigger supply unit 32. At this time, the CPU 31 sends a request signal having the same intermittent cycle as the intermittent drive signal to the trigger supply unit 32.
Output to Then, based on the request signal, the trigger supply unit 32 outputs the magnetic energy (trigger) to a predetermined area outside the car room via the antenna coil 35. That is, the trigger supply unit 32
1 is amplified and output as magnetic energy to a predetermined area around the vehicle through the antenna coil 35.

When a driver carrying the portable device 33 attached to the radio key 23 approaches the vehicle and enters the predetermined area (for example, when riding), the electric power stored in the portable device 33 is increased. A circuit (not shown) receives magnetic energy via an antenna coil (not shown) and obtains power from the magnetic energy. A transmission circuit (not shown) built in the portable device 33 obtains power from the power circuit, modulates an ID code signal that matches an ID code unique to each vehicle into a radio signal of a predetermined frequency, The signal is transmitted via an antenna (not shown).

When a radio signal from the portable device 33 is received by an antenna of an RF unit (not shown), the CPU 31 unlocks the door lock device according to the received signal.

When any one of the intermittent drive signals is off at 0 volt (L level), the transistor TR5,
Since TR4 and TR6 are turned off, the dark current stops in the trigger supply unit 32.

(Fourth Communication Node) E which is the fourth communication node
In the CU 4, since the CPU obtains electric power by performing a key operation by the driver, a dark current is not particularly supplied.

The ECU 4 comprises, for example, an air conditioner ECU for controlling an air conditioner for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle. Although not shown, the ECU 4 is connected to the battery 13 in the same manner as the ECUs 1 to 3, and is configured to apply a voltage V, which is a constant voltage by the stabilized power supply circuit, to the CPU. Application of voltage V to this CPU (supply of power)
Is an ignition key (in this embodiment, a radio key 2
3) Insert the key into the key cylinder (not shown) and set the ignition switch to “ACC” from “LOCK” position.
This is done by pivoting to a position. The CPU controls the air conditioner based on the driver's operation of the air conditioner switch using the electric power.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the first to third communication nodes of the present embodiment, the transistors TR1, TR3, TR5 (the power supply) that supply power to the door lock switch 12, the RF unit 22, and the trigger supply unit 32 (power supply means). Supply means),
CPUs 1 to 3 (intermittent control means) for intermittently controlling the power supply of the transistors TR1, TR3 and TR5, wherein the CPUs 1 to 3 operate the transistors TR1, TR3 and TR5 at different intermittent periods according to different time zones. The operation is controlled.

In this embodiment, the transistors TR1 and TR1 are used in each of the commuting time zone, the daytime time zone, and the late night time zone.
The intermittent drive signals output to TR3 and TR5 have an intermittent cycle T2 <T3 <T4 according to the time zone. The reason for this is that the ratio of actual use of the vehicle generally decreases in the order of the time period.

As a result, the time during which the dark current flows in the order of the commuting time zone, the daytime time zone, and the midnight time zone is reduced, so that the dark current can be effectively reduced. (2) In the multiplex transmission system 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of communication nodes are connected via a multiplex bus 9 (multiplex transmission path),
Each communication node includes a door lock switch 12, an RF unit 22, a trigger supply unit 32 (power supply means),
A transistor T that supplies power to the door lock switch 12, the RF unit 22, and the trigger supply unit 32
R1, TR3 and TR5 (power supply means) and CPUs 1 to 3 (intermittent control means) for intermittently controlling the power supply of the transistors TR1, TR3 and TR5. And
The CPUs 1 to 3 control the operation of the transistors TR1, TR3 and TR5 at different intermittent periods according to different time zones.

As a result, each of the CPUs 1 to 3 of each communication node
Operate the transistors TR1, TR3, TR5 at different intermittent periods according to different time zones, so that dark current reduction can be realized.

(3) Multiplex transmission system 10 of the present embodiment
Is a timer IC 15 for measuring the time by the first communication node.
(Measurement means) and the timer IC 15 measures the timer IC 15 for the second and third communication nodes when the commuting time zone changes to the daytime time zone or the daytime time zone changes to the late night time zone. A transmitter / receiver 5 (transmitting means) for transmitting an intermittent drive signal output command code (a command to increase the intermittent cycle) related to a time zone to which the time measured belongs. Then, the CPUs 21 and 31 (intermittent control means) of the second and third communication nodes send the second and third communication nodes based on the transmitted instruction to extend the intermittent cycle.
The operation of the transistors TR1 and TR3 (power supply means) of the communication node is controlled at different intervals.

As a result, the timer IC 15 is provided only in the first communication node, and the other second and third communication nodes do not need to be provided, and the number of components can be reduced.
Also, according to a command from the first communication node, the second and third communication nodes can simultaneously reduce the dark current as well as the first communication node.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same or corresponding components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the following peripheral devices are added to the ECU 1 constituting the first communication node of the multiplex transmission system 10. The other components shown in the first embodiment are not shown but are all provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 of the ECU 1
Include switches 42 to 45, a memory 46, a display device 47,
The transceiver 5 is electrically connected. The mode selection switch 42 is for instructing switching between a normal mode, a saving mode, and an automatic mode. Time zone selection switch 4
3 is a first non-use time period, which is a time period (for example, the daytime time period) in which the car is used less frequently than a normal time period (for example, the commute time period) in the saving mode, This is for instructing switching to a second non-use time zone, which is a time zone that is used less frequently (for example, the midnight time zone).

The input switch 44 is used to input the non-use time zone for each day of the week (Monday to Sunday). The registration switch 45 is used when registering the contents of each non-use time zone for each day of the week inputted by the input switch 44 in the memory 46.

The memory 46 is composed of an EEPROM and stores data of each unused time zone for each day of the week, that is, an area capable of storing a first unused time zone map and a second unused time zone map, A data storage area input by the switch 44 is provided.

The display device 47 is composed of a liquid crystal panel used for a navigation system, and is capable of displaying contents necessary for registration of each non-use time zone for each day of the week. still,
The switches 42 to 45 and the display device 47 are provided near the driver's seat.

Now, the operation of the multiplex transmission system 10 configured as described above will be described. When the normal mode is selected by the mode selection switch 42, the CPU 11 of the first communication node transmits the intermittent drive signal shown in FIG. 5A from the signal generation circuit 48 built in the CPU 11 via the output terminal 11a. Continues to be output. Therefore, in this mode, the dark current is not reduced.

On the other hand, the first day of the week
Is registered, and if the saving mode is selected by the mode selection switch 42, the CPU 11
When the first non-use time period on the day of the week is reached based on the data registered in the memory 46, the output terminal 11a
Output an intermittent drive signal having the cycle shown in FIG.
Further, the CPU 11 generates a data frame for the second communication node and a data frame for the third communication node including the intermittent drive signal output command code relating to the first non-use time zone based on the control program, and The data is transmitted to the second communication node and the third communication node via the multiplex bus 9.

As a result, also in the second communication node and the third communication node, the intermittent drive signal (FIG. 5) based on the intermittent drive signal output command code related to the first non-use time zone.
(B) and FIG. 6 (b)) show the CPU 2 of each communication node.
1, 31 output.

A second non-use time zone is registered in the memory 46 in advance on a predetermined day of the week, and the mode selection switch 4
When the saving mode is selected in 2, the CPU 11
In the second non-use time zone of the day, an intermittent drive signal is output from the output terminal 11a in the cycle shown in FIG. Further, the CPU 11 generates a data frame for the second communication node and a data frame for the third communication node including an intermittent drive signal output command code related to the second non-use time zone based on the control program, and The data is transmitted to the second communication node and the third communication node via the multiplex bus 9.

As a result, also in the second communication node and the third communication node, the intermittent drive signal (FIG. 5) based on the intermittent drive signal output command code relating to the second non-use time zone.
(C) and FIG. 6 (c)) show the CPU 2 of each communication node.
1, 31 output.

In the saving mode, the CPU 11 outputs an intermittent driving signal similar to that in the normal mode from the output terminal 11a when the time zone is not registered as each of the unused time zones (usage time zone). I do. At this time, based on the control program, the CPU 11 generates data frames for the second communication node and the third communication node including the intermittent drive signal output command code related to the commuting time zone, 9 to the second and third communication nodes.

As a result, also in the second communication node and the third communication node, the intermittent drive signal (see FIGS. 5A and 6A) based on the intermittent drive signal output command code related to this commuting time zone. ) Are the CPUs 21 and 31 of each communication node.
Output from

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The multiplex transmission system 10 of the present embodiment includes a mode selection switch 42, a time selection switch 43, and an input switch 44 (setting means) for setting the use time zone of the transistors TR1, TR3, TR5 (power supply means). , The mode selection switch 42, the time selection switch 43, and the input switch 44, based on the setting results.
1 (intermittent control means) includes first and second non-use time zones (set use time zones) of the door lock switch 12, the RF unit 22, and the trigger supply unit 32 (power supply means), and other time zones The operation of the transistors TR1, TR3, TR5 (power supply means) is controlled at different intermittent periods in accordance with

As a result, the dark current can be effectively reduced in any time zone of the driver. (2) Particularly, in the present embodiment, when the normal mode, the saving mode, the automatic mode is selected, or when the saving mode is selected,
Registering the first and second non-use time zones for each day of the week can be easily realized by a driver's switch operation.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment embodied in a dark current reducing device will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the present embodiment, in the configuration of the first embodiment,
The difference is that the ECU 3 constituting the third communication node is of a stand-alone type, that is, does not constitute an in-vehicle LAN, and that a learning function is added to the CPU 31 of the ECU 3.

In the configuration of the first embodiment, the corresponding components and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. CPU of the present embodiment
31 includes a timer IC 54 similar to the timer IC 15 of the first embodiment, and is connected to a memory 55. The memory 55 is composed of an EEPROM and has a storage area for storing data on the number of times the vehicle has been used in each non-use time zone for each day of the week. As shown in FIG. 10, the number of times of vehicle use in each time zone is stored in the storage area for each day of the week.

The ROM 31b stores a learning program executed by the CPU 31. Now, the operation of the dark current reducing device configured as described above will be described.

This learning program starts after the CPU 31 is started. First, step 10 (hereinafter, referred to as
The step is called S. ), The current timer I
The information (day of the week, time) of C54 is read, and the number N of vehicles used belonging to the day of the week and the time zone written in the memory 55 is read based on the information (day of the week, time).

In the next steps S20 and S30, it is determined in which range the number N of times of vehicle use falls. In S20, if N <N1, it is determined that the number of times the vehicle has been used is almost zero or small, and the process proceeds to S40.

It is determined as "NO" in S20, and in S30, if it is within the range of N1 <N <N2, it is determined that the number of times of vehicle use is somewhat large, and the process shifts to S50. If N is equal to or greater than N2 in S30, the process proceeds to S60 assuming that the vehicle use frequency N is large.

In steps S40, S50, and S60, the intermittent periods are set to T3 + α, T3, and T3-α, respectively. Note that α (> 0) is a constant. S40, S50, S60
Then, after setting the intermittent cycle respectively, in S70,
At this time, the CPU 31 outputs the request signal to the trigger supply unit 32 at the set intermittent cycle. At this time, the CPU 31 outputs the same intermittent cycle intermittent drive signal to the transistor TR5, and turns on the transistor TR5.
The dark current is supplied to the trigger supply unit 32.

Thereafter, in S80, any ID
It is determined whether a code has been received. If any ID code is received, the intermittent cycle is set to T3-α in S90, and a request signal of this intermittent cycle is output to the trigger supply unit 32. At the same time, CPU
The transistor 31 outputs an intermittent drive signal to the transistor TR5 at the same intermittent cycle, and turns on the transistor TR5 to supply a dark current to the trigger supply unit 32.

At S100, the received ID
It is determined whether the code is a unique ID code of the vehicle. If it is not a unique ID code in S100, it is determined in S110 whether 5 minutes have elapsed,
If five minutes have not elapsed after receiving the first ID code, the process returns to S80. That is, for these 5 minutes,
In the shortest intermittent period, the dark current is supplied to the trigger supply unit 32 and the request signal is output.

If it is determined in S100 that the ID codes match, in S120, the lock of the door lock device is released. In S130, the timer IC 54 is read to read the current information (day, time) of the timer IC 54, and belongs to the day and time zone written in the memory 55 based on the information (day, time). The vehicle usage count N is read.

Then, in S140, after incrementing the vehicle usage frequency N read in S130 by one, the vehicle usage frequency belonging to the predetermined day of the week, time zone, which is a predetermined storage area of the memory 55, is updated, and the process returns to S10.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 (learning unit) that learns the use time period of the power supply unit is provided, and based on the learning result of the CPU 31, the CPU 31 (intermittent control unit) operates the trigger supply unit 32 (power supply unit). The operation of the transistor TR5 (power supply means) is controlled at intermittent periods different from each other according to the use time period of the means) and the other time periods.

Therefore, during a time period when the number of uses of the vehicle is small, the dark current can be automatically reduced according to the learning result. The above embodiments may be modified as follows.

In the configuration of the third embodiment, the present invention is embodied as a stand-alone device, but may be embodied as a multiplex transmission system. In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is embodied in a device mounted on a car, but may be embodied in a house or other consumer equipment.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment,
Although the present invention is embodied in a vehicle having an in-vehicle LAN, each ECU may use its own real-time clock to extend the intermittent cycle in accordance with the time zone.

[0101]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a time zone where there is no possibility of use, power can be intermittently supplied so as to reduce the power supply time, and a constant intermittent cycle is provided. Thus, the dark current can be reduced more effectively than when the current is supplied.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in each communication node of a device capable of multiplex transmission, power can be supplied intermittently so as to reduce the power supply time in a time zone when there is no possibility of use. Compared to the case where power is supplied at intermittent intervals of
The dark current can be effectively reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the transmission means of the predetermined communication node transmits a command to extend the intermittent period to another communication node, so that the intermittent control means of the other communication node transmits the command. Based on the command, the intermittent cycle of the power supply means of the communication node is controlled at a different intermittent cycle. As a result, the dark current can be effectively reduced in the other communication nodes even though it is not necessary to provide the clocking means.

According to the invention of claim 4, on the basis of the learning result of the learning means, the power can be intermittently supplied so as to reduce the power supply time in a time zone where there is no possibility of use. According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to arbitrarily set a time zone in which the power supply cannot be used, and based on the setting result of the setting means, reduce the power-on time in a time zone in which the power supply cannot be used. The energization can be performed intermittently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a multiplex transmission system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of an ECU of the communication node.

FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram of an ECU of the communication node.

FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram of an ECU of the communication node.

5A to 5C are signal waveform diagrams for performing energization control.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are signal waveform diagrams for performing energization control.

FIG. 7 is a control circuit diagram including a CPU according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an electric circuit diagram of a dark current reduction device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart executed by a CPU.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a storage area of an EEPROM.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 3, 4... ECU 3 (constituting a communication node), 5... Transceiver 5 (constituting transmitting means), 6,
7, 8: transceiver, 9: multiplex bus 9 (constitutes multiplex transmission path), 10: multiplex transmission system, 11: CPU (constitutes intermittent control means), 12: door lock switch
(Constituting the power supply means), 13 ... battery, 14
... Stabilized power supply circuit, 15 ... Timer IC 15 (constituting time counting means) 21 ... CPU (constituting intermittent control means), 22 ... RF unit (constituting power supplied means), 24 ... Stabilization Power supply circuit, 25 ... antenna, 31
... CPU (constituting intermittent control means), 32 ... trigger supply unit (constituting power supplied means), 33 ... portable device, 34 ... stabilized power supply circuit, 42 ... mode selection switch, 43 ... time selection Switches, 44... Input switches (which constitute setting means together with the mode selection switch 42 and the time selection switch 43), 45.
Memory, 47 display, 48 signal generator, TR
1, TR3, TR4, TR5 ... Transistors (power supply means).

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Ryuji Mizuno 3-260 Toyota, Oguchi-machi, Niwa-gun, Aichi Prefecture Inside Tokai Rika Electric Works, Ltd. (72) Inventor Shunichi Manabe 3-260 Toyota, Oguchi-machi, Niwa-gun, Aichi Prefecture F-term (reference) 2E250 AA01 AA02 AA21 BB08 BB35 BB53 BB66 CC10 CC15 CC20 DD02 FF24 FF27 FF36 HH01 JJ00 JJ03 KK03 LL00 LL01 QQ02 SS01 SS02 SS04 SS09 SS12 TT03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An intermittent control means for intermittently controlling the power supply of the power supply means to supply power to a power supplied means, wherein the intermittent control means is provided at different time zones. An apparatus having a dark current reduction function, wherein the operation of the power supply means is controlled at different intermittent periods according to the following. 2. An apparatus capable of multiplex transmission in which a plurality of communication nodes are connected via a multiplex transmission line, wherein each of the communication nodes comprises: a power supply unit; Power supply means for supplying the power supply means, and intermittent control means for intermittently controlling the power supply of the power supply means, wherein the intermittent control means controls the power supply means at different intermittent periods according to different time zones. An apparatus having a dark current reduction function characterized by operation control. 3. A predetermined communication node among the communication nodes is provided with a timer means for measuring time, and when a predetermined time zone is reached, the communication node intermittently communicates with another communication node when a predetermined time zone is reached. A transmission unit for transmitting a command to extend the cycle, wherein the intermittent control means for the other communication node sets the intermittent cycle of the power supply means of the communication node to a different intermittent cycle based on the transmitted command to extend the intermittent cycle. The apparatus having a dark current reducing function according to claim 2, wherein the operation is controlled by: 4. A learning means for learning a use time period of the power supplied means, and based on a learning result of the learning means, the intermittent control means determines a use time period of the power supplied means and other time periods. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein operation of the power supply unit is controlled at intermittent periods different from each other in accordance with a band. 5. A setting means for setting a use time zone of the power supplied means, and based on a setting result of the setting means, the intermittent control means determines a set use time zone of the power supplied means and other settings. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation of the power supply unit is controlled at different intermittent periods according to a time zone.