JPH0563870B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

<Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a connection configuration in automotive audio equipment. <Prior art and its problems> A so-called car stereo that is installed at any location such as a dash board in a car interior is well known. Traditionally, cassette decks have been widely used as audio equipment for automobiles, but in recent years, with the spread of digital audio equipment such as compact disc (CD) players and digital audiotape (DAT) players, the software of these CDs and DATs has become more popular. There is an increasing demand for devices that can also be used in automobiles. In order to meet these demands, we have developed a CD for automobiles.
Although various players and DAT players have been provided or proposed, there are usually one or two opening spaces provided in a car, especially a dart board, to accommodate such audio equipment. It is practically impossible to permanently install more than one number of different audio devices in a car. Multiple information playback devices such as a cassette deck section and a CD player section are incorporated into a single device, and this can be configured so that it can be attached to the opening space of the dart board from both directions, so that it can be used as both information playback devices. An audio device for automobiles configured to achieve this has also been proposed (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 48084/1984).
In this case, if a plurality of information reproducing devices are incorporated into a single device, the device will inevitably become larger. Furthermore, if such a device is installed in the limited opening space of a vehicle's dash board, approximately half of the device will protrude into the vehicle interior, which may interfere with driving, etc. <Means for Solving the Problems> The present invention has been devised in consideration of the circumstances in the prior art as described above, and is a method for connecting multiple automotive audio devices compatible with various software. The main purpose is to provide configuration. In particular, when audio equipment such as a cassette deck, CD placer, or DAT player is used in a car, the present invention provides connection terminals such as manual terminals for front and rear speakers, and accessory input terminals for interlocking with the car's accessory switch. but,
The purpose is to achieve the above objective by focusing on the fact that all types of audio equipment are commonly installed. That is, the present invention is configured so that a plurality of audio devices having substantially the same external dimensions and a group of connection terminals arranged in a common arrangement at a common position can be used in common, and can be installed anywhere in the interior of a vehicle. a single sleeve that is attached to the opening and has an inner dimension that corresponds to a common outer dimension of the audio equipment; and a single sleeve that corresponds to the group of connection terminals of the audio equipment when the acoustic air equipment is housed within the sleeve; connector means disposed on the back side of the sleeve so as to fit together; and when the audio equipment is housed in the sleeve, the connecting terminal group of the audio equipment, at least the battery and the speaker. External connection means connected to the connector means for achieving connection with external equipment including a speaker power amplifier and a tuner unit, and an external connection means for operating the power amplifier in conjunction with ON/OFF of the audio equipment. A connection configuration for automotive audio equipment, comprising a first control means and a second control means for remotely controlling the operation of the tuner unit through an operation on the audio equipment. be. In the present invention, when the audio equipment includes a digital device, it is preferable that the audio device further includes a D/A converter for converting the digital output from the digital device into an analog output and inputting the analog output to the tuner unit. Further, when the audio equipment includes analog equipment and digital equipment, the analog output from the analog equipment is input to the tuner unit via the connector means and external connection means,
On the other hand, it is preferable that the digital output from the digital device is input to the tuner unit via a D/A converter. In the latter case, the apparatus further includes means for receiving an identification signal for determining whether the audio device in the sleeve is an analog device or a digital device, and selecting one of the analog signal input paths to the tuner unit accordingly. It is preferable that In addition, if the external equipment includes a CD changer, a third
It is preferable that the CD changer is further provided with a control means, or that the CD changer is also controlled by the second control means. <Function> According to the present invention, various information reproducing devices, such as cassette decks, CD players, and DAT players, all have approximately the same outer dimensions and a common group of connection terminals are arranged at a common position. Since a sleeve equipped with connectors corresponding to the group of connection terminals is installed in an opening space in a car, for example, a dash board, the user can select an information reproducing device according to the software desired and install it in the space. You can enjoy the software just by entering it. <Embodiment> The first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is replaceably attached to a single sleeve that is fixedly or removably attached to a predetermined location in a vehicle, particularly an opening space formed in a dash board. As a plurality of head units with a built-in tuner configured to
It includes a DAT player 14. These head units are all constructed to have the same external dimensions to enable attachment to a single sleeve. In addition, each of these head units has an operation panel on its front, and a series of contact terminals with a common structure are provided on the back at a common position, and the signals flowing to each terminal are the same. . FIG. 8 shows the head unit (the cassette deck 10 is shown as an example) in a state immediately before being attached to the sleeve, and the connection between the contact terminal group of the cassette deck 10 and external equipment is as follows in this embodiment. , socket 1 forming the connection terminal group
03 and a plug 102 attached to the inner part of the sleeve 101.
(Figure). For this 24-pin connector, for example, the product number manufactured by SMK Co., Ltd.
CSS3124 (socket) and CSCS3124 (plug) can be used. Thus, Kasetsuto Detsuki 1
0 is completely inserted into the sleeve 101, the plug 1 attached to the back side of the sleeve 101
Each pin of 02 is fitted into each hole of the socket 103 provided on the back of the cassette deck 10,
An electrical connection is made between the two. As shown in FIG. 1, input/output signals in each head unit of the first embodiment include an output for the front speaker 20 (SP OUT(F)) and an output for the rear speaker 22.
output (SP OUT(R)), AUX input (AUX
IN), accessory input (ACC) to be supplied with power from the battery via the accessory switch in order to work with the accessory switch of the car, battery power input (BATT) to be supplied directly from the battery, power supply for the above two systems. The ground (GND) corresponding to the input terminal, the light control input (LIGHT CONT) whose voltage changes in conjunction with the illuminance adjustment of various instruments in the car and controls the illuminance adjustment of the head unit, and the antenna installed in the car. Contains antenna input (ANT) and system control signals (SYS/CON). The system control signal (SYS/CON) is sent and received in order to remotely control the CD changer 16, which is installed in the rear trunk of a car, etc., separately from the head unit in the dash board, through the operation section on the front panel of the head unit. In particular, when the cassette deck 10 or the DAT player 14 is selected and installed as a head unit, the CD in the CD changer 16 can be programmed in advance through the operation section of their front panel. It is used to select and play songs according to the In addition, accessory power supply (ACC)
The switch is linked with the accessory switch to turn the head unit's power on and off. Also, the battery power supply (BATT) is turned off when the accessory power is turned off.
The various memories inside the head unit are maintained even in the
Consideration is given to ensuring that a constant voltage is always used to operate the head unit, regardless of the power consumption of other electrical equipment in the vehicle. In addition, each head unit connects the power antenna installed outside the vehicle to the ON/OFF tuner built into the head unit.
A control signal (POWER ANT ON/OFF) for operation in conjunction with OFF is output. Further, each head unit outputs a control signal (POWER ON/OFF) for turning on/off the power of the CD changer 16 in conjunction with the ON/OFF of the power switch of the head unit. Each head unit in this embodiment includes a four-channel power amplifier and tuner. Of course, the tuner may be constructed separately from the main body of the cassette deck, CD player, or DAT. An example of the arrangement of the terminals in the socket 103 and plug 101 of the 24-pin connector 18 in this first embodiment is shown in Table 1 below. In addition
A system control signal (SYS/
A digital data bus ( ^D2B ) capable of bidirectional data transfer is used as the transmission path for transmitting CON. The 9th and 13th pins are reserved terminals for system control signal expansion.

【table】

[Table] The second to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be explained in sequence below, and the same components and members as those in the first embodiment are shown with the same reference numerals, so the description thereof will be Since this is basically the same as in the first embodiment, detailed explanation will be omitted. In addition, components and members corresponding to those in the first embodiment are illustrated with corresponding reference numerals, and therefore, in the second to fourth embodiments, mainly the parts different from those in the first embodiment will be explained. . In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a cassette deck 10a, a CD player 12a, and a DAT player 1 each have a built-in two-channel power amplifier and tuner for a front speaker 20.
It is envisaged that 4a can be replaceably mounted in a sleeve integrated into the dashboard of a motor vehicle. That is, these head units do not have built-in two-channel power amplifiers for the rear speakers 22, and the two-channel power amplifiers 24 for the rear speakers are installed in the rear trunk of the automobile, etc., separately from each head unit. As a result, the head unit can be made smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the first embodiment. The power amplifier 24 is activated in response to line-out outputs (LINE OUT) from each head unit, and is configured to send a speaker output (SP OUT) to the rear speaker 22. For this purpose, each head unit in this embodiment sends out an output (SP OUT) for the front speaker 20, and also provides a line out output (LINE OUT) to the power amplifier 24 for the rear speaker 22.
Furthermore, turn on/off the power switch of each head unit.
A control signal (POWER ON/OFF) for interlocking the power supply of the power amplifier 24 with the CD changer 16 is sent when the power amplifier 24 is turned OFF. 24-pin connector 18a in this second embodiment
An example of the terminal arrangement is shown in Table 2 below.

[Table] In the third embodiment having the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the head units each having a built-in tuner, that is, the cassette deck 10b, the CD player 12b, and the DAT player 14b, are replaceable and detachable in a single sleeve. can be attached to. Each of these head units has 20 front speakers.
Also, a power amplifier for the rear speaker 22 is not built-in, making it possible to further reduce size and weight and cost compared to the second embodiment. Line out output (LINE OUT(F), LINE
OUT(R)) is sent via the 24-pin connector 18b to a 4-channel power amplifier 26 installed in the rear trunk of a car, and amplified speaker outputs (SP OUT(F), SP OUT( R)) are sent to the front speaker 20 and rear speaker 22, respectively. A control signal (POWER ON/OFF) for interlocking the operation of the power amplifier 26 with the ON/OFF of the head unit is sent from the head unit via the connector 18b as well as the CD changer 16. Connector 18 in the third embodiment shown in FIG.
An example of the pin arrangement of B is shown in Table 3 below.

[Table] The configuration of the fourth embodiment is as shown in FIG.
A plurality of head units, ie, a cassette deck 10b, having the same external dimensions and a common group of connection terminals,
The head unit of either the CD player 12c or the DAT player 14c is optionally configured to be mounted within a sleeve fitted into the opening space of the dash board. Since each head unit prepared in this fourth embodiment does not have a built-in speaker power amplifier or tuner, it is possible to significantly reduce size and weight as well as cost. FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of each head unit in the fourth embodiment. Note that the device configuration is slightly different between when an analog device (cassette deck 10o) is used as the head unit and when a digital device (CD player 12c or DAT player 14c) is used. The figure basically shows the case of analog equipment, and changes for digital equipment are shown in parentheses or dotted lines. After the signal from the head unit mechanism section 30 (in the case of a CD player, it includes an optical pickup, an optical pickup drive motor, a disk motor, etc.) is amplified and shaped by a preamplifier (or RF amplifier) 32, it is sent to a buffer amplifier (or digital signal processing circuit). ) 34 and is output as an analog signal (or digital signal). When analog equipment is used, the buffer amplifier 34 is connected to protect the preamplifier 32 from impedance fluctuations and to eliminate mutual interference (when digital equipment is used, various functions including demodulation processing using PLL are connected). digital signal processing is performed). The mechanism section 30 is also connected to a servo circuit 36, and a first microcomputer 38 controls each operation in the mechanism section 30 through an operation switch 31. Further, the second microcomputer 40 controls a display 42 for displaying the operating state of the head unit by means of an operation switch 31, and also sends out a system control signal (SYS/CON).
The system control signal (SYS/
CON) is transmitted and received to remotely control the CD changer 16, and is also installed separately from each head unit in the vehicle, including the D/A converter unit 50 and tuner unit 60, which will be described later. They also send and receive control signals for remote control. Furthermore, the second microcomputer 40 sends out a power control signal (POWER ON/OFF),
Turn on the power to the CD changer 16, D/A converter unit 50, and tuner unit 60.
Control OFF. An example of the configuration of the D/A converter unit 50 is shown in FIG. as a head unit
When using a digital audio device such as a CD player 12c or DAT14c, the 24-pin connector 18
Digital signal transmitted via c (D/OUT
(1)) Or the digital signal (D/OUT(2)) transmitted from the CD changer 16 is first passed to the PLL 52 via the input changeover switch 90 which is controlled by the system control signal (SYS/CON). After the distortion on the time axis of the digital signal is corrected and unnecessary frequency components are removed by the digital filter 54, the digital signal is converted into an analog signal by the D/A converter 56. From the obtained PAM wave, only the audio signal is extracted by the LPF 58 and sent to the tuner unit 60 as an analog signal (A/OUT). In addition, the periodic signals required when converting to analog signals are system control signals (SYS/CON).
is sent to and received from the head unit by the An example of the configuration of the tuner unit 60 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a digital synthesizer tuner is used, and the system control signal (SYS/CON) in the tuner is
Upon receiving the signal that controls AM/FM selection and tuning, the PLL synthesizer 62 increases/uploads the frequency to match the desired AM or FM channel.
AM tuner section 6 transmits the control signal for DOWN.
4 or to the FM tuner section 66, and the radio signal from the antenna (ANT) is transmitted to the selector switch 68.
via the input selector switch 70, which is controlled by the system control signal (SYS/CON). The input changeover switch 70 is further sent with an AUX input signal (AUX IN) and first and second analog input new signals (A/IN(1), A/IN(2)).
The first analog input signal (A/IN(1)) is an analog output from the cassette deck 10c, which is an analog device, and is sent via the connector 18c, and the second analog signal (A/IN(2)) is When a digital device such as the CD player 12c or DAT 14c is used as a head unit, the signal is converted into an analog signal by the D/A converter unit 50 and sent as an analog signal, as described above. Here, the system control signal (SYS/CON) is
It contains a signal that identifies whether the head unit is an analog device or a digital device,
If the head unit is an analog device, switch the input switch 70 between the analog output (A/OUT(1)) from the head unit and AUX, and if the head unit is a digital device, switch the input switch 70 to D. /Analog output (A/OUT(2)) from A converter unit 50 and ALX
control to switch between the two. Furthermore, AUX input (AUX IN) is provided by the head unit.
is selected, the system control signal (SYS/
CON) controls the input changeover switch 70 to switch to the AUX input. A signal from the input selector switch 70 is sent to a volume control circuit 72, a balance control circuit 74, and is transmitted to a tone control circuit 78 via a buffer amplifier 76. Furthermore, after the output of the front speaker 20 and rear speaker 22 is adjusted by the fader control circuit 82 via the buffer amplifier 80, the line out output (LINE OUT(F), LINE
OUT(R)), and the power amplifier 28
sent to. Here the amplified output signal (SP
OUT(F), SP OUT(R)) are front speakers 20
and the rear speaker 22, respectively, where the output is converted. Here, the volume control circuit 72, the balance control circuit 74, the tone control circuit 78, and the fader control circuit 82 output a system control signal (SYS/CON).
Each is remotely controlled by the This tuner unit 60 has a DC/DC power supply for stabilizing the power supply voltage to each head unit.
A converter 84 is built-in. That is, the battery power (BATT) supplied through the connector 18c is stabilized here and converted into a constant voltage power (DC), which is again supplied to the head unit through the connector 18C. If the head unit operates on plus or minus power,
This DC/DC converter 84 can stabilize the battery power supply (BATT) and convert it into a negative voltage. Naturally, it is necessary to supply power to the D/A converter unit 50 and tuner unit 60 themselves. An example of this is shown in conjunction with FIG. 6 for a D/A converter unit 50. The battery power (BATT) supplied through the connector 18c is converted by the DC/DC converter 86, and the resulting voltages of +5V, -5V and -15V are used within the unit 50. If a particularly large power supply voltage is not required, the power (DC) output from the DC/DC converter 84 built into the tuner unit 60 may be used as is.
Inside the tuner unit 60, a constant voltage power source (DC) is used as in each head unit. Connector 18c used in the fourth embodiment
An example of the pin arrangement is shown in Table 4 below.

[Table] In the second to fourth embodiments described above, the power amplifier was described as being installed in the trunk of a car, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 9,
A power amplifier 110, which has been miniaturized by using a small power IC, is provided with a plug 104 corresponding to the socket 103 behind the head unit (in the illustrated example, the cassette deck 10) on the front side, and a plug 104 located at the back of the sleeve 101.
It is also possible to provide a socket 105 corresponding to the sleeve 101 and to form the power amplifier 110 so that its outer dimensions correspond to the inner dimensions of the sleeve 101, and to arrange the power amplifier 110 between the back surface of the sleeve 101 and the head unit. . In this case, power from the battery is supplied to the head unit via the power amplifier 110. In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, the ON/OFF of the power supply of the power amplifier, etc. is controlled by a control signal (POWER) different from the system control signal (SYS/CON).
ON/OFF).
This control is also performed using the system control signal (SYS/CON).
It is also possible to configure it so that it is performed by. Furthermore, it is sufficient that each head unit is formed so that at least the outer dimensions of the portion mounted inside the sleeve correspond to the inner dimensions of the sleeve, and the shape of the front operation panel of each head unit can be changed as appropriate. Of course there is. <Effects of the Invention> According to the present invention as described above, the head units of various analog or digital audio equipment such as cassette decks, CD players, DAT players, etc. can be replaced, detached, and selected, and the opening space in the dash board of an automobile can be used. Since it can be installed in a single sleaze installed in the vehicle, a variety of software can be enjoyed inside the vehicle. Further, according to the present invention, the power amplifier for the front or rear speakers is separated from each head unit mounted on the dash board and installed as an external device, so it is possible to reduce the size and weight of each head unit and reduce costs. Sound quality is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 are schematic block diagrams showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 5 to 7 are block diagrams showing a schematic structure of each unit in the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and FIGS. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part showing different aspects of the mounting relationship between the head unit and the sleeve. Explanation of symbols, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c:
Case deck, 12, 12a, 12b, 12
c: CD player, 14, 14a, 14b, 14
c: DAT, 18, 18a, 18b, 18c: Connector, 24, 26, 28: Power amplifier, 5
0: D/C converter unit, 60: tuner unit, 101: sleeve, 102: plug,
103: Socket.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A device configured so that a plurality of audio devices having substantially the same outer dimensions and having a group of connection terminals arranged in a common arrangement in a common position can be shared, and which can be used in a vehicle interior. a single sleeve that is attached to any opening location of the audio equipment and has an inner dimension corresponding to a common outer dimension of the audio equipment, and a single sleeve that is attached to the connection terminal group of the audio equipment when the audio equipment is housed in the sleeve connector means disposed on the back side of the sleeve so as to fit in a corresponding manner; and when the audio equipment is accommodated in the sleeve, the connecting terminals of the audio equipment and at least a battery and a power source for a speaker are connected to each other. External connection means connected to the connector means to achieve connection with external equipment including the amplifier and the tuner unit, and an external connection means connected to the connector means for operating the power amplifier in conjunction with ON/OFF of the audio equipment. a first control connection means connected to the connector means; and a second control connection means connected to the connector means for remotely controlling operation of the tuner unit via operation on the audio equipment. Connection configuration for automotive audio equipment. 2. In the case where the audio equipment includes a digital equipment, the claim further comprises a D/A converter for converting the digital output from the digital equipment into an analog output and inputting it to the tuner unit. Connection configuration in the automotive audio equipment according to scope 1. 3. When the audio equipment includes an analog equipment and a digital equipment, the analog output from the analog equipment is input to the tuner unit via the connector means and the external connection means, and the digital output from the digital equipment is input to the tuner unit. 2. The connection configuration for an automobile audio device according to claim 1, wherein the connection configuration is such that the audio signal is input to the tuner unit via a D/A converter. 4 further comprising means for receiving an identification signal for determining whether the audio device housed in the sleeve is an analog device or a digital device, and selecting one of the analog signal input paths to the tuner unit. A connection configuration in an automotive audio device according to claim 3, characterized in that: 5. The external equipment includes a CD changer, and further comprises third control connection means connected to the connector means for remotely controlling the operation of the CD changer via operations on the audio equipment. A connection configuration in an automotive audio device according to claim 1, characterized in that: 6. The external device includes a CD changer, and the second control connection means is also connected to remotely control the operation of the CD changer through operations on the audio device. A connection configuration in an automotive audio device according to claim 1.