JP2002108407A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To normally switch a state in a controller where the main control circuit part 11 of a main controller 1 controls the operation circuit part 21 of an auxiliary controller 2 by using the system of an operation state by setting either a first system constituted of the first control part 12a and the first communication line 3a of the main controller 1 and the first control part 22a of the auxiliary controller 2 or a second system constituted of the second control part 12b and the second communication line 3b of the main controller 1 and the second control part 22b of the auxiliary controller 2 to be the operation state. SOLUTION: The main control circuit part 11 and the two first control parts 12a and 22a or the main control circuit part 11 and the two second control parts 12b and 22b switch the operation state and a stand-by state at same timing based on a switch indication which one side emits.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for controlling a main control device and a sub-control device by setting one of a first system and a second system, which connect the main control device and the sub-control device, to an operation state. The present invention relates to a control device that controls a control device and sets the other to a standby state, and particularly to a control device that normally (without malfunction) performs switching between an operation state and a standby state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in an electronic control device in which a main control device and a sub control device are remotely located and the main control device controls the sub control device via a communication line, the main control device and the sub control device are not connected to each other. Is connected via two systems, and one of the systems is set to the operating state (that is, for example, in a state where it can be currently used), and the main controller controls the sub-controller via the other system. The other system is set to a standby state (that is, for example, the one system is set to standby).

Here, an example of the operation of an electronic control device having the above-described duplex switching function will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 1 used in the description of an embodiment of the present invention described later. That is, the electronic control device shown in FIG. 1 includes a first control unit 12a provided in the main control device 1, a first communication line 3a, and a first control unit 22a provided in the sub control device 2. And a second control unit 12b provided in the main control unit 1, a second communication line 3b, and a second control unit 22b provided in the sub control unit 2. System is provided.

In such an electronic control device, one of the first system and the second system is set to an operating state and the other system is set to a standby state, and the main control unit One main control circuit 11 controls the operation circuit unit 21 of the sub-control device 2 using the system in the operating state.

[0005]

However, in the conventional electronic control equipment, when the state of each system (operating state and standby state) can be switched, the main control circuit unit 11 and the system to be switched (first system) can be used. And the second system) have different timings at which the states of the two control units (the control unit of the main control device 1 and the control unit of the sub control device 2) are switched. There is a problem that a malfunction or the like occurs due to such a timing shift.

More specifically, the first system described above will be described as an example. In a conventional electronic control device, when the state of the first system is switched, the state of the main control circuit unit 11 (the operating state and the operating state) is changed. A standby state), a state of the first controller 12a of the main controller 1 (operating state and standby state), and a state of the first controller 22a of the sub controller 2 (operating state and standby state).
In other words, a state inconsistency occurs between the two processing states, that is, a situation occurs in which one processing unit is in the operating state and another processing unit is in the standby state. Then, in a situation where such a state mismatch occurs, the operation of the entire system is not normal, and a malfunction or the like occurs.

Incidentally, the control of the state switching of the above-mentioned first system and the above-mentioned second system is usually performed by the main controller 1 and the sub-controller via the first communication line 3a or the second communication line 3b. Device 2
Is performed by transmitting a signal (for switching the state) between the communication lines 3a and 3b. This is considered to be one of the major causes of the problem.

The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and operates one of a first system and a second system connecting a main control device and a sub-control device. In a configuration in which the main control device controls the sub-control device via the system as the status while the other control device is in the standby status, the control device can normally (without malfunction) switch between the operating status and the standby status. The purpose is to provide.

In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the control units 12a and 12b provided in the main control unit 1 described above are provided.
And the control units 22a and 22 provided in the sub-control device 2 described above.
When 2b detects an abnormality in the communication lines 3a, 3b, these control units 12a, 12b, 22a, 22b take the initiative to switch the state of the system (first system or second system). I do.

[0010]

To achieve the above object, a control device according to the present invention comprises a main control circuit section, a first main control side control section, and a second main control side control section. A control device, a sub-control device having a first sub-control-side control portion, a second sub-control-side control portion, and an operation circuit portion; a first main control-side control portion and a first sub-control side control portion And a second communication line connecting the second main control side control unit and the second sub control side control unit. The first main control side control unit and A first system comprising a first communication line and a first sub-control side control unit, and a second system comprising a second main control side control unit and a second communication line and a second sub control side control unit. In one configuration, the main control circuit controls the operating circuit using the system in the operating state while one of the two is set to the operating state and the other is set to the standby state. , As follows, to switch the state of the first system and the second system (operating state and the standby state).

That is, the main control circuit section, the first main control side control section, and the first sub control side control section, or the main control circuit section, the second main control side control section, and the second sub control side The side control unit switches between the operating state and the standby state at the same timing based on a switching instruction issued by any of them.

That is, with respect to the first system, when any one of the main control circuit unit, the first main control side control unit, and the first sub control side control unit issues a switching instruction, All of the main control circuit unit, the first main control side control unit, and the first sub control side control unit execute switching between the operating state and the standby state at the same timing. Similarly, for the second system,
When one of the main control circuit unit, the second main control side control unit, and the second sub control side control unit issues a switching instruction,
All of the main control circuit unit, the second main control side control unit, and the second sub control side control unit execute switching between the operating state and the standby state at the same timing.

Accordingly, the states of the main control circuit and the two control units (main control side control unit and sub control side control unit) provided in the system to be switched (first system and second system) are changed. Since the switching timing is matched, the switching between the operating state and the standby state can be executed normally (without malfunction).

Here, as the mode of switching the state at the same timing referred to in the present invention, for example, a mode of switching the state with zero timing shift (that is, simultaneously) is preferably used. As long as normal state switching can be executed, there may be some practical error (that is, if the state is practically effective, the state switching is performed almost simultaneously. Good).

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a system configuration of an electronic control device (control device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic control device of the present example shown in FIG. 1 includes a main control device 1 and a sub-control device 2 which are arranged remotely from each other, and the main control device 1 and the sub-control device 2 are connected to each other.
Are connected via two systems.

More specifically, the main control device 1 includes a main control circuit unit 11, a first control unit 12a, and a second control unit 12b, and the sub control unit 2 includes an operation circuit unit 21. And the first
And a second control unit 22b. The first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 and the sub control device 2
Is connected via the first communication line 3a, and the second control unit 12b of the main control device 1 and the second control unit 22b of the sub-control device 2 are connected to each other. Are connected via two communication lines 3b.

A first system is constituted by the first control unit 12a and the first communication line 3a provided in the main control device 1 and the first control unit 22a provided in the sub control device 2. And the second control unit 12b provided in the main control device 1.
And the second communication line 3b and the second
A second system is constituted by the control unit 22b. Here, in the electronic control device of the present example, the same circuit is used as the circuit forming the first system and the circuit forming the second system. (Duplexed portion).

In the electronic control device of this embodiment, the first system and the second system described above are used in accordance with, for example, the state of the circuit and the state of the communication lines 3a and 3b (for example, occurrence of an abnormality). The main control circuit 11 of the main control unit 1 switches the operation of the sub-control unit 2 by using the system in which the one of the systems is in the operation state and the other system is in the standby state. The circuit unit 21 is controlled.

That is, when the first system is in the operating state, the main control circuit unit 11 of the main control unit 1 controls the first control unit 12a, the first communication line 3a, and the first control unit 22a.
The operation performed by the operation circuit unit 21 of the sub control device 2 is controlled via the. Similarly, when the second system is in the operating state, the main control circuit unit 11 of the main control device 1 communicates via the second control unit 12b, the second communication line 3b, and the second control unit 22b. Thus, the operation performed by the operation circuit unit 21 of the sub control device 2 is controlled.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the two control units 12a and 12b provided in the main control unit 1 and the two control units 22a and 22b provided in the sub control unit 2 described above. It is. Here, these four control units 12
Since the configurations of a, 12b, 22a, and 22b are, for example, substantially the same, they are collectively shown as a control unit C in the same drawing, and a schematic configuration example of the control unit C is shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit C of this embodiment includes an interface unit 31, a transmission unit 32, and a reception unit 3.
3, a failure detection unit 34, and a switching control unit 35. Here, for the first control unit 12a and the second control unit 12b provided in the main control device 1, the interface unit 31 and the main control circuit unit 11 are connected, and
The interface unit 31 and the operation circuit unit 21 are connected to the first control unit 22b and the second control unit 22b provided in the sub control device 2.

The first control unit 12a provided in the main control unit 1 and the first control unit 2 provided in the sub-control unit 2
As for 2a, the transmission unit 32 and the reception unit 33 are connected to the first communication line 3a, and the second control unit 12b provided in the main control device 1 and the second control unit 12b provided in the sub-control device 2. The second control unit 22b includes a transmission unit 32 and a reception unit 33.
And the second communication line 3b are connected.

The interface unit 31 inputs and outputs signals to and from a processing unit (the main control circuit unit 11 and the operation circuit unit 21) connected to the interface unit 31 and becomes a transmission target to the transmission unit 32. And outputs a signal.
Is received from the receiving unit 33.

The transmitting unit 32 and the receiving unit 33 have a function of performing communication by controlling communication lines (the first communication line 3a and the second communication line 3b). Is transmitted and output through the communication line,
Receives and inputs signals transmitted via the communication line.

The failure detecting unit 34, based on, for example, the status of communication processing by the transmitting unit 32 and the receiving unit 33, and the like, includes the transmitting unit 32, the receiving unit 33, other circuit units, and a communication line (first communication line 3a and the second communication line 3b) have a function of constantly monitoring the state thereof and detecting an abnormality (failure) occurring therein. When an abnormality is detected, the state is switched (in this case, A signal (abnormality detection signal) instructing switching from the operating state to the standby state is output to the switching control unit 35.

When an abnormality detection signal is input from the failure detection unit 34, the switching control unit 35 activates the state of the system (the first system or the second system) that includes itself based on the signal. The other control unit provided in its own system via the interface unit 31, the transmission unit 32, and the communication line (the first communication line 3a or the second communication line 3b) transmits a switching signal for switching from the state to the standby state. (Control unit 12 of main controller 1)
a, 12b or the control units 22a, 22 of the sub-control device 2.
b). In addition, the first controller provided in main controller 1
For the control unit 12a and the second control unit 12b, the switching control unit 35 transmits a similar switching signal to the interface unit 31.
To the main control circuit unit 11 via

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, a specific example of a process of switching between the operating state and the standby state by the electronic control device of this embodiment will be described. Since the process of switching the status of the first system and the process of switching the status of the second system are the same, in this example, the process of switching the status of the first system is represented as a representative. A specific example will be described. Further, in this example, a specific example of the processing will be described as an example in which the first system in the operating state is switched from the operating state to the standby state.

As a first example, referring to FIG. 3, an example of a process for switching the state of the system according to an instruction from the main control circuit unit 11 of the main control device 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the main control circuit unit 11 sends a signal (switching instruction signal) for instructing the switching of the state to the first control unit 12a (in addition,
When switching the state of the second system, the second control unit 12
b, and the same applies to the following) at time T1.

In this case, as shown in FIG.
The first control unit 12a, which has received the switching instruction signal from the main control circuit unit 11, sends a signal (switching signal) for instructing switching to the first communication line 3a (the second system) in response to the reception. Is switched to the second communication line 3b, and the same applies to the following. The first control unit 22a of the sub-control device 2 (when the state of the second system is switched, 2 is transmitted at time (T1 + t1).

Then, the first control unit 22 of the sub-control device 2
a receives the switching signal from the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1, and the reception time is, for example, the time required for the transmission process performed by the transmission unit 32 or the reception unit 33, or the first time.
Is delayed by a predetermined time t2 from the time (T1 + t1) at which the first controller 12a of the main controller 1 transmits the switching signal due to the time required for signal transmission performed by the communication line 3a.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main control circuit section 11 is set in advance so as to switch its state to the time (T1 + t1 + t2). Similarly, as shown in FIGS. First, the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 and the first control unit 22a of the sub control device 2 are preset so as to switch the state to time (T1 + t1 + t2).

That is, in this example, the state switching by the main control circuit unit 11 is performed when a predetermined time (t1 + t2) has elapsed (delayed) since the switching instruction signal was transmitted by the main control circuit unit 11. The state switching is performed by the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1, and a predetermined time t2 elapses after the switching signal is transmitted by the first control unit 12a. (Delay) is set to be performed when it occurs.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main control circuit 11
And the two control units (the control units 12a and 12b of the main control device 1 and the control units 22a and 22b of the sub control device 2) constituting the system to be switched (the first system and the second system) Are executed at the same time, thereby preventing an abnormal state from occurring in the system.

As a second example, referring to FIG. 4, the first control unit 12a of the main control unit 1 (the second control unit 12b when switching the state of the second system is described below. The same applies to the circuit and the first communication line 3a (the second communication line 3a).
When the state of the system is switched, the state becomes the second communication line 3b, and the same applies to the following.) In response to the detection of the abnormality that has occurred, the state of the system is switched by the instruction of the first control unit 12a. An example of the processing in the case will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first control unit 12a of the main control unit 1 sends a signal (switching signal) for instructing the switching of the state to the main control circuit unit 11 and the sub control unit 2
It is assumed that the first control unit 22a (at the time of switching the state of the second system, becomes the second control unit 22b, and so on) is transmitted at time T2.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the switching signal from the first control unit 12a of the main control unit 1 is changed to the main control circuit unit at time (T2 + t3-t4). 1
1 and at the time (T2 + t3) by the first control unit 22a of the sub control device 2. In addition,
As described above, such a time delay is caused by, for example, the time required for transmission processing performed by the transmission unit 32 or the reception unit 33, or the time required for signal transmission performed by the first communication line 3a. Occurs.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main control circuit section 11 is set in advance so that the state is switched to the time (T2 + t3). Similarly, as shown in FIGS. First, the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 and the first control unit 22a of the sub-control device 2 change the state to the time (T2 +
It is set in advance to switch to t3).

That is, in this example, the state switching by the main control circuit unit 11 is performed when a predetermined time t4 has elapsed (delayed) since the main control circuit unit 11 received the switching signal. And the main controller 1
The state switching by the first control unit 12a is set to be performed when a predetermined time t3 has elapsed (delayed) since the switching signal was transmitted by the first control unit 12a.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main control circuit 11
And the two control units (the control units 12a and 12b of the main control device 1 and the control units 22a and 22b of the sub control device 2) constituting the system to be switched (the first system and the second system) Are executed at the same time, thereby preventing an abnormal state from occurring in the system.

As a third example, referring to FIG. 5, the first control unit 22a of the sub control unit 2 (when switching the state of the second system, the second control unit 22b is used. The same applies to the circuit and the first communication line 3a (the second communication line 3a).
In the case where the state of the system is switched, the state becomes the second communication line 3b, and the same applies to the following.) In response to the detection of the abnormality that has occurred, the state of the system is switched by the instruction of the first control unit 22a. An example of the processing in the case will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first control unit 22a of the sub control unit 2 sends a signal (switching signal) for instructing the switching of the state to the first control unit of the main control unit 1. 12a
(When switching the state of the second system, the second control unit 12b is used, and the same applies to the following.)
3 is transmitted.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the first control of the main control unit 1 which has received the switching signal from the first control unit 22a of the sub-control unit 2 Part 12a
Sends a signal (switching signal) instructing switching to the main control circuit unit 11 at time (T3 + t5-t) in response to the reception.
Send to 6). Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the switching signal from the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 is received by the main control circuit unit 11 at time (T3 + t5). As described above, for example, the transmission and reception of the switching signal is performed due to the time required for the transmission processing performed by the transmission unit 32 and the reception unit 33 and the time required for the signal transmission performed by the first communication line 3a. There is a delay time between them.

Therefore, in this example, the main control circuit unit 11 is preset so that the state is switched to the time (T3 + t5), and similarly, as shown in FIGS. In addition, the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 and the first control unit 22a of the sub control device 2 change the state to the time (T3 +
It is set in advance to switch to t5).

That is, in this example, the execution of the state switching by the first control unit 22a of the sub-control unit 2 is performed for a predetermined time t after the switching signal is transmitted by the first control unit 22a.
5 is set to be performed when the time elapses (delayed), and the execution of the state switching by the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 causes the first control unit 12a to transmit a switching signal. It is set to be performed when a predetermined time t6 elapses (delays) after being performed.

As described above, in this example, the main control circuit 11
And the two control units (the control units 12a and 12b of the main control device 1 and the control units 22a and 22b of the sub control device 2) constituting the system to be switched (the first system and the second system) Are executed at the same time, thereby preventing an abnormal state from occurring in the system.

As described above, in the electronic control device of this embodiment,
Switching between the operating state and the standby state of the first system and the second system,
For example, by switching the state of itself (each processing unit) at a time delayed from the time when each processing unit issues or receives the switching instruction as needed, it is realized that the processing is executed at the same timing. As a result, switching between the two systems (redundant circuits) can be performed smoothly, and occurrence of a malfunction or the like due to a mismatch between the states (the operating state and the standby state) can be performed, and normal state switching can be performed.

Specifically, in the electronic control device of the present embodiment, as described above, the time difference between the time when each processing unit issues or receives a switching instruction and the time when switching is executed is performed as necessary. Since it is provided, the main control circuit unit 11 and the control unit of the main control device 1 (the first control unit 12a and the second control unit 1
2b) or any of the control units of the sub-control device 2 (the first control unit 22a and the second control unit 22b) issues a switching instruction, and all the processing units switch at the same timing. Can be performed.

In the electronic control device of this embodiment, the control units (the first control unit 12a and the second control unit
b) or any of the control units (the first control unit 22a or the second control unit 22b) of the sub-control device 2 is a circuit or a communication line (the first communication line 3a or the second communication line). It is realized that when an abnormality of the line 3b) is detected, an instruction to switch the state of the system (the first system or the second system) (automatic duplex switching) is realized. Can be switched normally (without malfunction).

Further, in the electronic control device of the present embodiment, for example, the time required from when an instruction to switch the state of the system (first system or second system) is issued to when the switching process is executed is shortened. By making such a setting, it is possible to minimize the time during which the electronic control device cannot operate, and thus, for example, even when an abnormality occurs in a system circuit or a communication line, the system can be operated. Operation downtime can be minimized.

As an example, when the electronic control device of the present embodiment is applied to a system for making a call using a communication signal, the call may be interrupted even in a situation where an abnormality has occurred in the system, for example. And noise can be prevented from occurring, and normal operation can be continuously compensated.

Similarly, as another example, when the electronic control device of the present example is applied to a system that performs data communication by using a communication signal, for example, even in a situation where an abnormality occurs in the system, It is possible to switch the state of the system (the first system or the second system) without causing a communication error, thereby improving the operation rate of the system and improving the reliability of the system. .

In this embodiment, the main control device 1 corresponds to the main control device according to the present invention, the sub control device 2 corresponds to the sub control device according to the present invention, and the first communication line 3a corresponds to the main control device. The second communication line 3b corresponds to the first communication line according to the present invention, and the second communication line 3b corresponds to the second communication line according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, the main control circuit 11 corresponds to the main control circuit according to the present invention, and the first control unit 12a of the main control device 1 controls the first main control side control according to the present invention. The second control unit 12b of the main control device 1 corresponds to a second main control side control unit according to the present invention. In this example,
The first control unit 22a of the sub control device 2 is the first control unit 22a according to the present invention.
The second control unit 22b of the sub control device 2 corresponds to the second sub control side control unit according to the present invention, and the operation circuit unit 21 corresponds to the operation circuit unit according to the present invention. Is equivalent to

In the present embodiment, the first system including the first control unit 12a of the main control unit 1, the first communication line 3a, and the first control unit 22a of the sub control unit 2 is the main system. This corresponds to the first system according to the invention. Further, in the present embodiment, a second system including the second control unit 12b of the main control device 1, the second communication line 3b, and the second control unit 22b of the sub control device 2 is referred to as the present invention. This corresponds to the second system.

Here, the configuration of the control device according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the one described above, and various configurations may be used. Further, the application field of the control device according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described one, and the present invention can be applied to various fields. As an example, the operation performed by the operation circuit unit of the sub control device may be various, and the main control circuit unit of the main control device controls the operation according to the operation.

Various processes performed by the control device according to the present invention include, for example, a configuration in which a processor executes a control program stored in a ROM in a hardware resource including a processor and a memory. May be used, and each functional unit for executing the processing may be configured as an independent hardware circuit. Further, the present invention can be understood as a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD-ROM in which the above-mentioned control program is stored. The processing according to the present invention can be performed by causing a processor to execute the processing.

[0057]

As described above, according to the control device of the present invention, a main control device having a main control circuit section, a first main control side control section, and a second main control side control section, Connecting a first sub-controller, a second sub-controller, and a sub-controller having an operation circuit unit to the first main control-side controller and the first sub-controller. A first communication line, a second communication line connecting the second main control side control unit and the second sub control side control unit, and a first main control side control unit and a first communication line. Either a first system including a line and a first sub-controller, or a second system including a second main control-side control, a second communication line, and a second sub-controller. In a configuration in which the main control circuit unit controls the operation circuit unit using the system in the operating state while setting one to the operating state and the other to the standby state, And first main control side control unit and the first
The sub control side control unit, or the main control circuit unit and the second main control side control unit and the second sub control side control unit, the operating state at the same timing based on the switching instruction issued by either Since the switching between the standby state and the standby state is performed, the switching between the operating state and the standby state can be performed normally (without malfunction).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an electronic control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing of switching between an operating state and a standby state.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of timing for switching between an operation state and a standby state.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing of switching between an operation state and a standby state.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Main control device, 2 ... Sub control device, 3a, 3b
..Communication lines, 11 Main control circuits, 12a, 12
b, 22a, 22b, C control unit, 21 operation control unit, 31 interface unit, 32 transmission unit,
33 reception section, 34 failure detection section, 35 switching control section,

Claims (1)

[Claims] A main control device having a main control circuit, a first main control-side control, and a second main control-side control; a first sub-controller and a second sub-controller; A sub control device having a control unit and an operation circuit unit; a first communication line connecting the first main control side control unit and the first sub control side control unit; and a second main control side control unit A second communication line connecting the first main control side control unit, the first communication line, and the first sub control side control unit. One of the system and the second system comprising the second main control side control unit and the second communication line and the second sub control side control unit is set to the operation state, and the other is set to the standby state, and the operation state is set to the operation state. A control device in which a main control circuit unit controls an operation circuit unit using the system of (1). The unit or the main control circuit unit and the second main control side control unit and the second sub control side control unit switch between the operating state and the standby state at the same timing based on the switching instruction issued by either of them. A control device characterized by performing: