JP2005302403A - Connector device with control function, address setting system and address setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for omitting trouble of managing respective connector devices with control functions address for each address. <P>SOLUTION: This connector device with a control function is connected to external wiring and an electric apparatus for carrying out predetermined control related to the electric apparatus used as a connection destination by carrying out communication with an external apparatus through the external wiring. The connector device is provided with: an antenna 14; a radio circuit 32; and an ID setting storage circuit 30 for writing a setting address provided through the antenna 14 and the radio circuit 32 in a storage means as its own address. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for setting an address in a connector device with a control function that incorporates control functions such as load control and communication control.

  In a system in which one or more control devices control a plurality of controlled devices using multiplex communication, it is necessary to set an address for each controlled device in order for the control device to identify the controlled device. .

  In this case, a system is conceived in which an address is set in a connector device connected to each controlled device, and each controlled device is identified with the address set in this connector device.

  As a technique for setting an address for each connector device, in addition to regular terminal pins for communication and power supply, the connector device is provided with terminal pins for address setting that are connected to ground, etc. There is a technique for setting an address according to a difference in connection pattern on the load side depending on a terminal pin.

  As a prior art related to the invention of the present application, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-127646

  However, in the connector device, it is necessary to incorporate terminal pins for address setting in accordance with the address to be given at the manufacturing and assembly stage.

  For this reason, it is necessary to separately manufacture and manage the types of connector devices by the number of address types.

  Therefore, the present invention is to provide a technique that can save the trouble of managing each connector device with a control function for each address.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the connector with a control function is connected to the external wiring and the electrical equipment, communicates with the external equipment via the external wiring, and performs predetermined control regarding the electrical equipment. A device-side wireless communication means for performing wireless communication, a storage means for storing an address, and a setting address given through the connector-side wireless communication means as its own address in the storage means Address setting control means for writing.

  When an inspection signal designating a predetermined address is given through the wireless weekly means, it is determined whether or not the predetermined address matches the address stored in the storage means, and according to the determination result And inspection control means for transmitting a response signal through the connector-side wireless communication means.

  Further, the second aspect of the present invention is connected to an external wiring and electrical equipment, communicates with the external equipment via the external wiring, and has a control function for performing predetermined control related to the electrical equipment. An address setting system for setting an address in a connector device, comprising: a system side wireless communication means for performing wireless communication; and an address setting system control means for wirelessly transmitting a setting address through the system side wireless communication means. It is provided.

  In this case, the address setting system control unit wirelessly transmits a setting address through the system-side wireless communication unit, and then transmits an inspection signal designating the setting address through the system-side wireless communication unit, The presence / absence of address setting may be checked according to the response result.

  Moreover, the structure which further equipped with the electromagnetic wave shielding housing | casing which can accommodate the said connector apparatus with a control function, and the antenna part of the said system side radio | wireless communication means was arrange | positioned in the said electromagnetic shielding housing may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, the structure by which the said system side radio | wireless communication means and the said electromagnetic wave shielding housing | casing were provided with two or more may be sufficient.

  Further, a third aspect of the present invention is provided with a control function that is connected to external wiring and electrical equipment, communicates with the external equipment via the external wiring, and performs predetermined control on the electrical equipment. An address setting method for setting an address in a connector device, wherein a plurality of connector devices with a control function are connected to the external wiring, and then each of the connector devices with a control function is set by wireless communication separately. The address is set for each of the connector devices with a control function.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the connector-side wireless communication means for performing wireless communication, the storage means for storing the address, and the setting address given through the connector-side wireless communication means are assigned to their own addresses. Since the address setting control means for writing to the storage means is provided, the address can be easily written by wireless communication after the assembly of the connector device with a control function. Therefore, the trouble of managing each connector device with a control function for each address can be saved.

  In this case, if an inspection control means is further provided, it is possible to inspect whether a predetermined address is set or not after giving an address for setting by wireless communication.

  Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, system-side wireless communication means for performing wireless communication, address setting control system means for wirelessly transmitting a setting address through the system-side wireless communication means, and the control function An electromagnetic shielding case that can accommodate the attached connector device, and since the antenna part of the system side wireless communication means is disposed in the electromagnetic shielding case, after assembly of the connector device with a control function, An address can be easily written to the connector device with a control function by wireless communication. Therefore, the trouble of managing each connector device with a control function for each address can be saved.

  The address setting system control unit wirelessly transmits a setting address through the system-side wireless communication unit, then transmits an inspection signal designating the setting address through the system-side wireless communication unit, and the response result Accordingly, when the presence / absence of address setting is inspected, the presence / absence of address setting can be easily and reliably inspected.

  In this case, an address is set when the system further includes an electromagnetic wave shielding housing capable of accommodating the connector device with a control function, and the antenna unit of the system-side wireless communication means is disposed in the electromagnetic wave shielding housing. By disposing the connector device with a desired control function to be installed in the electromagnetic shielding casing, it is possible to easily set an address only for the desired connector device with a control function.

  In addition, when a plurality of system-side wireless communication means and a plurality of electromagnetic shielding cases are provided, addresses can be set in a short time while preventing mutual interference for a plurality of connector devices with a control function. it can.

  Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, after connecting the plurality of connector devices with a control function to the external wiring, separately for each of the connector devices with a control function, an address for setting by wireless communication Is transmitted, and addresses are set for the connector devices with control functions, so that it is possible to save the trouble of managing the connector devices with control functions according to addresses in this previous stage.

  Hereinafter, a connector device 10 with a control function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a connector device 10 with a control function.

  First, an application example of the connector device with control function 10 will be described. The connector device with control function 10 is used in a control system as shown in FIG.

  In this control system, an air conditioner ECU (electronic control unit) 2 as a control device is connected to a connection cable (external wiring) 4, and a plurality of actuators 3 as electrical equipment are connected by a bus. The connector device 10 with a control function is interposed between the actuator 3 and the connection cable 4 and is fitted and connected to a connector fitting portion (not shown) provided in the actuator 3 to electrically connect and mechanically connect them. Fixing is performed. A communication address is set for each connector device 10 with a control function, and the actuator 3 is controlled based on a control signal multiplexed from the air conditioner ECU 2 via the connection cable 4. . As the actuator 3, for example, a servo motor device for driving various operating units (for example, a wind direction control unit of a blowing unit) installed on an instrument panel or the like in an in-vehicle air conditioner can be considered. As the electrical equipment connected to the control equipment using the connector device 10 with control function, various sensors are assumed in addition to the various actuators 3 as described above.

  The connection cable 4 includes a plurality of resin-coated electric wires, and specifically includes, for example, a power supply line 4a for supplying power, a ground line 4b, and a signal line 4c for signal transmission.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connector device 10 with a control function includes a bus communication circuit 22, an actuator control circuit 24, an ID setting storage circuit 30, a wireless circuit 32, an inspection circuit 36, and the like (described later). The circuit board 12 is mounted with an electronic component such as an antenna 14, an antenna 14, a press-connecting portion 16, and a housing 18 for housing them.

  The press contact connection portion 16 includes a plurality of (here, three) press contact terminals that can be electrically connected by press contact with the core portion of the electric wire. Each power line 4a, ground line 4b, and signal transmission signal line 4c of the connection cable 4 are pressed against each pressure contact terminal of the pressure contact connection portion 16 by the pressure contact cover 17 to be pressure contact connected. Thereby, each power supply line 4a, the ground line 4b, and the signal line 4c are electrically connected to the board | substrate 12 etc. via each press-contact terminal.

  The control function-equipped connector device 10 includes a connector portion (not shown) connected to the connector on the actuator 3 side, through which drive power is supplied to the actuator 3 and control signals are transmitted and received. Is called.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the connector device 10 with a control function.

  As shown in the figure, the connector device with control function 10 includes a bus communication circuit 22 and an actuator control circuit 24 as a control circuit. The bus communication circuit 22 is connected to the signal line 4 c of the connection cable 4 and is also connected to the actuator control circuit 24.

  The actuator control circuit 24 communicates with the air conditioner ECU 2 as an external device via the bus communication circuit 22 and receives, for example, a control command for the connected actuator 3 including its own address. And the predetermined control regarding the electrical equipment connected based on this control command, for example, drive control of the actuator 3, is performed. In addition, the connector apparatus 10 with a control function performs control according to the type of electrical equipment to be connected. For example, when the electrical equipment to be connected is a sensor, a predetermined signal process is performed on the detection output of the sensor and the process is sent to the air conditioner ECU 2.

  The connector device 10 with a control function includes an ID setting storage circuit 30 as storage means and address setting control means, a wireless circuit 32 and an antenna 14 as wireless communication means on the connector side, and an inspection circuit as inspection control means. 36.

  The radio circuit 32 is connected to the antenna 14, the ID setting storage circuit 30, and the inspection circuit 36, and demodulates signals between them.

  The ID setting storage circuit 30 has a built-in storage means for storing an address, and has a function of writing the setting address given through the antenna 14 and the radio circuit 32 as its own address to the built-in storage means. doing. As the storage means built in the ID setting storage circuit 30, a non-volatile memory such as FROM or EEPROM is used.

  That is, when a signal including a predetermined setting address and its write command is wirelessly transmitted from an ID setting machine 46, which will be described later, this signal is received by the antenna 14, then demodulated by the wireless circuit 32, and ID setting is performed. The data is supplied to the memory circuit 30. Then, the ID setting storage circuit 30 writes the setting address as its own address in the storage means. The address written in the storage means is held as the address of the connector device with control function 10.

  Further, the test circuit 36 has a function of receiving a test signal designating a predetermined address and transmitting a response signal by determining whether or not the test signal matches the address stored in the storage means. .

  That is, when an inspection signal designating a predetermined address is wirelessly transmitted from an ID setting unit 46 described later, this signal is received by the antenna 14, demodulated by the wireless circuit 32, and applied to the inspection circuit 36. Then, the inspection circuit 36 compares the address designated for the inspection with the address held in the storage means, and outputs a normal signal if they match. The normal signal is modulated by the wireless circuit 32 and then wirelessly transmitted through the antenna 14.

  When the connector device 10 with a control function performs the address setting operation and the inspection operation, power may be supplied through the connection cable 4 or by an induced electromotive force by a radio wave. It may be configured to operate by generating power.

  An address setting system for performing address setting on the connector device 10 with a control function configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the system, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a shield housing in the system.

  The address setting system 40 includes a plurality of shield housings 50, a plurality of sets of radio circuits 42 and antennas 44 as system-side wireless communication means disposed in each shield housing 50, and address setting system control means. ID setting machine 46.

  The ID setting machine 46 is configured by, for example, a general computer, etc., and in accordance with the contents set in advance by an operator or the like, the wireless circuit 42 and the antenna 44 of each set are set separately or sequentially. And a signal including this write command is transmitted. The ID setting unit 46 transmits a signal including a setting address, and then transmits an inspection signal designating the setting address through each set of the radio circuit 42 and the antenna 44. Then, it is checked whether or not an address is set for each connector device with control function 10 according to the presence or absence of a response signal from each connector device with control function 10. Then, for example, a predetermined abnormality detection signal is output in accordance with the inspection result, and the fact is notified through notification means such as a monitor.

  Each shield housing 50 is formed in a bowl shape that can accommodate each of the control function-equipped connector devices 10 and is formed of a material capable of shielding electromagnetic waves, for example, an electromagnetic wave reflecting material such as metal, or an electromagnetic wave absorbing material. ing.

  Here, each shield housing 50 includes a metal tray 52 and a metal case body 54.

  The metal tray 52 is a member having a recess in which the single connector device 10 with a control function can be placed. Here, the metal tray 52 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is formed so that the peripheral edge portion extends obliquely upward and outward.

  The metal case body 54 is formed in a bowl shape that opens downward, and the lower opening is formed in a shape and size that can be accommodated in the recess of the metal tray 52. And it is comprised so that the connector apparatus 10 with a control function on the metal saucer 52 may be accommodated, and the upper space of this metal saucer 52 may be covered.

  Each set of the radio circuit 42 and the antenna 44 is accommodated in the metal case body 54 in a state where the radio circuit 42 and the antenna 44 are accommodated in a predetermined radio case body 45. Note that the wireless case body 45 may be omitted, or only the antenna 44 may be disposed in the shield housing 50.

  The wireless case body 45 is formed in a bowl shape that opens downward. The wireless circuit 42 and the antenna 44 are incorporated in the wireless case body 45 with the antenna 44 disposed on the lower side.

  The radio circuit 42 is connected to the antenna 44 in the radio case body 45 and is connected to the ID setting machine 46 through a wiring extending outside the shield housing 50, and performs signal re-modulation between them.

  The antenna 44 is disposed at a position deeper (upper) than the peripheral edge of the lower opening of the wireless case body 45. As a result, as will be described later, in a state where the wireless case body 45 is disposed above the connector device 10 with a control function, a certain distance can be secured between the antenna 44 and the connector device 10 with a control function. An electromagnetic wave shielding effect by the wireless case body 45 can be expected between the antenna 44 and the connector device 10 with a control function.

  Then, in a state in which the connector device 10 with a single control function is placed on the metal tray 52, when the metal case body 54 is placed on the metal tray 52 and the upper space is covered, the metal tray 52 is placed. The antenna 44 is configured to be opposed to the upper connector device 10 with a control function. In this state, the radio wave transmitted from the antenna 44 is transmitted to the connector device 10 with a control function on the metal tray 52 through the lower opening of the wireless case body 45, and conversely, the metal tray 52 The radio wave from the control function-equipped connector device 10 is received by the antenna 44 through the lower opening of the wireless case body 45. At this time, since the radio wave propagation space between the connector device with control function 10 and the antenna 44 is surrounded by the wireless case body 45, the metal case body 54, and the metal tray 52, leakage of radio waves to the outside is prevented. The

  As described above, a plurality of shield cases 50 incorporating the radio circuit 42 and the antenna 44 are prepared according to the number of connector devices 10 with a control function connected to a predetermined connection cable 4. And it arranges and arranges in the predetermined interval according to the space | interval of the connector apparatus 10 with a control function in the state connected to the connection cable 4. FIG.

  Next, a procedure for setting an address in the connector device 10 with a control function using the address setting system 40 will be described.

  First, in a predetermined harness assembling line, the number of the control function-equipped connector devices 10 connected to the predetermined connecting cable 4 to be assembled is collected.

  Next, in this harness assembling line, each connector device 10 with a control function is connected to the connection cable 4 including a plurality (three in this case) of covered wires 4a, 4b, and 4c that have been cut to a predetermined length in advance. Connect by pressure connection. At this time, each connector device with control function 10 is connected to the connection cable 4 at a predetermined mounting position corresponding to the mounting position of the actuator 3 or the like. Thereby, the form as one wire harness is assembled.

  Next, an address is set for each connector device 10 with a control function.

  That is, the individual control function-equipped connector devices 10 are separately arranged on the metal tray 52. Then, the metal case 52 and the metal case body 54 are moved relatively close to each other so that the lower opening of the metal case body 54 is fitted into the recess of the metal tray 52 so that the metal case body 54 is placed on the metal tray 52. Put on. At this time, the connection cable 4 is drawn out through the space between the recess of the metal tray 52 and the lower opening of the metal case body 54.

  In this state, separate setting addresses and their writing commands are transmitted sequentially or simultaneously from the ID setting device 46 to each wireless circuit 42, and this signal is modulated by each wireless circuit 42 and wirelessly transmitted from each antenna 44. Is done.

  When each wireless signal is received by each connector device 10 with a control function, a separate address is written and set in each connector device 10 with a control function. For example, when three connector devices 10 with a control function are connected, addresses such as “4”, “5”, and “6” are set in order from the one closest to the air conditioner ECU 2. At this time, since the space between the antenna 44 and the connector device 10 with control function is electromagnetically shielded by the shield housing 50, the leakage of the radio wave is prevented from being leaked to the other connector device 10 with control function. It is possible to prevent a situation where the same address is set by mistake.

  An address is also set for the air conditioner ECU 2. About this air-conditioner ECU2, you may perform address setting by wireless communication similarly to the above, and may perform address setting via a connector terminal.

  Further, in the case of the air conditioner ECU 2, since it is the only server in the multiplex communication, a connector with a control function that is connected to a sensor or actuator may be fitted and connected to the air conditioner ECU 2 or multiplexed on the air conditioner ECU 2 side. Instead of including a circuit for controlling communication, the connector itself fitted to the air conditioner ECU 2 may not include a control function.

  Thereafter, the inspection signal including the setting address is transmitted from the ID setting unit 46 to each wireless circuit 42 sequentially or simultaneously, and this signal is modulated by each wireless circuit 42 to be transmitted to each antenna 44. Is transmitted wirelessly. Also in this case, the electromagnetic shielding action of the shield housing 50 can prevent the situation in which the radio wave including the inspection signal is propagated to the control function-equipped connector device 10 that is not the target, as described above.

  When a normal signal is wirelessly transmitted from each connector device 10 with control function and received by each antenna 44, it is demodulated by the wireless circuit 42 and transmitted to the ID setting device 46. The ID setting unit 46 determines whether or not a predetermined address has been set for each connector device with control function 10 based on the presence or absence of a normal signal response from each connector device with control function 10. As a result, when an unset address or an incorrect setting related to the connector device with control function 10 is detected, an abnormality detection signal is output and a notification to that effect is given.

  After confirming that a predetermined address has been set for all the control function-equipped connector devices 10, the metal receiving tray 52 and the metal case body 54 are moved relatively apart from each other, and each control function-equipped connector on each metal receiving tray 52 is moved. When the device 10 and the connection cable 4 are taken out, the assembly and manufacturing of the wire harness having the plurality of connector devices 10 with control functions for which separate addresses are set is completed.

  According to the control function-equipped connector device 10 configured as described above, the wireless circuit 32 and the antenna 14 for performing wireless communication, and the setting address given through the wireless communication are stored as its own address. And the ID setting storage circuit 30 for writing to the connector device 10 with control function. After the assembly of the connector device 10 with control function, for example, after connecting to the connection cable 4, the connector device 10 with control function is connected to each connector device 10 with control function by wireless communication. Address can be set easily. Therefore, the trouble of managing each connector device with a control function for each address can be saved.

  Moreover, when an inspection signal designating a predetermined address is given, it is determined whether or not the predetermined address matches the address stored in the storage means, and a response signal corresponding to the determination result is transmitted. Since the circuit 36 is provided, it is possible to easily and accurately inspect whether or not a predetermined address is set after giving an address for setting by wireless communication.

  Further, conventionally, since the address is set using the terminal pins for address setting, it is necessary to incorporate a large number of terminal pins when the address type increases, which causes an increase in the size of the connector device. In the connector device with control function 10 according to the configuration, the address is written by wireless communication, and this is stored in a predetermined storage means. Therefore, even if the number of address types increases, the size is not increased.

  The address setting system 40 includes a wireless circuit 42 and an antenna 44 for performing wireless communication, and an ID setting unit 46 for wirelessly transmitting a setting address through the wireless circuit 42 and the antenna 44. An address to be easily set can be given to the connector device 10.

  In addition, the ID setting machine 46 transmits a signal including an address to be set wirelessly, then transmits an inspection signal, and checks the presence / absence of address setting according to the response result. The presence or absence of address setting can be easily and reliably inspected.

  In addition, the address setting system 40 includes a shield housing 50 that can accommodate the connector device 10 with a control function, and the antenna 44 is disposed in the shield housing 50, so that it is desired to set an address. By arranging the connector device 10 with a control function in the shield casing 50, it is possible to easily set an address only for the desired connector device 10 with a control function.

  Further, since a plurality of such a shield housing 50 in which the antenna 44 and the radio circuit 42 are incorporated are prepared, a plurality of connector devices 10 with a control function can be prevented while preventing mutual interference. Address can be set by time.

  The shield housing 50 is not necessarily provided.

  For example, when an address is set for a predetermined connector device 10 with a control function, to the extent that it cannot be received sufficiently by the adjacent connector device 10 with a control function, in other words, the connector device 10 with a control function to be set. When a radio wave having such a small output that the radio wave is propagated only in the case is used, the shield casing 50 as described above is unnecessary.

  Further, depending on the output and wavelength of the radio wave, the configuration may be such that the connector devices with control functions 10 are simply separated by a plate-shaped shield member.

  Alternatively, when setting an address for a predetermined connector device 10 with a control function, the other connector device 10 with a control function, particularly the antenna 14 portion, is covered with a sheet-shaped radio wave shield member. Also good.

It is a figure which shows the whole schematic structure of the connector apparatus with a control function which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the control system with which the connector apparatus with a control function same as the above is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the connector apparatus with a control function same as the above. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of an address setting system. It is a figure which shows the shield housing | casing in a system same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Actuator 4 Connection cable 10 Connector apparatus with control function 14 Antenna 22 Bus communication circuit 24 Actuator control circuit 30 ID setting memory circuit 32 Radio circuit 36 Inspection circuit 40 Address setting system 42 Radio circuit 44 Antenna 45 Radio case body 46 ID setting machine 50 Shield housing 52 Metal tray 54 Metal case body

Claims (7)

A connector device with a control function that is connected to external wiring and electrical equipment, communicates with the external equipment via the external wiring, and performs predetermined control related to the electrical equipment,
Connector-side wireless communication means for performing wireless communication;
Storage means for storing addresses;
Address setting control means for writing the address for setting given through the connector side wireless communication means to the storage means as its own address;
Connector device with control function. The connector device with a control function according to claim 1,
When an inspection signal designating a predetermined address is given through the wireless weekly means, it is determined whether or not the predetermined address matches the address stored in the storage means, and according to the determination result, A connector device with a control function, further comprising inspection control means for transmitting a response signal through the connector-side wireless communication means. An address setting system that is connected to external wiring and electrical equipment, communicates with the external equipment via the external wiring, and performs address setting on a connector device with a control function that performs predetermined control related to the electrical equipment. There,
System-side wireless communication means for performing wireless communication;
Address setting system control means for wirelessly transmitting an address for setting through the system-side wireless communication means;
Address setting system with The address setting system according to claim 3,
The address setting system control unit wirelessly transmits a setting address through the system-side wireless communication unit, and then transmits an inspection signal designating the setting address through the system-side wireless communication unit. In response, an address setting system that checks for the presence of address settings. The address setting system according to claim 3 or 4,
An electromagnetic shielding housing capable of accommodating the connector device with a control function;
An address setting system in which an antenna section of the system-side wireless communication means is disposed in the electromagnetic shielding casing. The address setting system according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
An address setting system in which a plurality of the system-side wireless communication means and the electromagnetic shielding casing are provided. An address setting method that is connected to external wiring and electrical equipment, communicates with the external equipment via the external wiring, and performs address setting on the connector device with a control function that performs predetermined control related to the electrical equipment. There,
After connecting a plurality of connector devices with a control function to the external wiring, a setting address is separately transmitted to each connector device with a control function by wireless communication, and each connector device with a control function Address setting method to set the address for.

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