JP2008113554A - Electrical connection box - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrical connection box which protects the setting contents with respect to ECUs mounted, even at suspension of supply of a power source. <P>SOLUTION: In the electrical connection box 1, a plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d to control each kind of output units are detachable, and the supply of the power source and communication to the mounted ECUs 2a to 2d are made available. A backup means 11, included in the electrical connection box 1, supervises a communication state with the connected ECU among the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d. As a result of such a supervision, when it is decided that the supply of the power source to the connected ECU can be suspended, data stored in the connected ECU is first backed up, and the supply of the power source to the ECU connected thereafter is suspended. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical junction box, and more particularly to an electrical junction box connected between a plurality of ECUs for controlling various output devices provided in a vehicle and modules related to various load circuits.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various output devices such as an air conditioner and a power window are mounted on a vehicle, and an electrical connection box called a junction block that performs power distribution to these various output devices is mounted (see Patent Documents 1 to 6). ). This type of electrical junction box is configured to distribute a power source to supply power to a predetermined load circuit by arranging a punched conductor called a bus bar inside or arranging an electric wire. Further, on the upstream side of the power source, a fuse is disposed to protect the wiring line from the electrical junction box to the load circuit.

In addition, as prior art document information relevant to the invention of this application, the following are mentioned including the said patent documents 1-6.
JP 2003-304083 A JP-A-6-153270 JP-A-9-312936 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-312937 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-275635 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-37482 JP-A-6-97683

  However, in recent years, in an electrical junction box, a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) for controlling various output devices are detachable, and power is supplied to the inserted ECUs. (See Patent Document 7). However, since the ECU does not normally have a memory backup function in order to reduce costs, there is a problem in that setting contents are erased when power supply is stopped.

  Therefore, in view of the present situation described above, the present invention has an object to provide an electrical junction box that can protect the set contents even when the power supply is stopped for the mounted ECU.

  The electrical connection box according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, is an electric that is capable of detaching a plurality of ECUs for controlling various output devices and supplying power to and communicating with the inserted ECUs. A connection box that monitors a communication state with a connected ECU among the plurality of ECUs, and determines that power supply to the connected ECU can be stopped as a result of the monitoring. First, backup means for backing up data stored in the connected ECU and then stopping power supply to the connected ECU is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical junction box to which a plurality of ECUs for controlling various output devices are detachably connected, and among the plurality of ECUs, data stored in the connected ECUs Can be protected even when the power supply is stopped, especially when the communication state with the connected ECU is monitored and the power supply to the ECU can be stopped. When the determination is made, the data is first backed up, and then the power supply is stopped, so that the data can be backed up reliably.

  The electrical junction box according to claim 2 is the electrical junction box according to claim 1, wherein the backup means backs up when it is determined that the power supply requirement to the ECU that stopped the power supply has occurred. The data is reloaded to the corresponding ECU.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the power supply requirement to the ECU whose power supply has been stopped has occurred, the backed up data is reloaded into the corresponding ECU. Easy to build.

  The electrical junction box according to claim 3 is the electrical junction box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backup means includes a backup memory that is driven by a backup power source and stores the data.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the backup memory driven by the backup power source is included, an expensive memory becomes unnecessary.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical junction box to which a plurality of ECUs for controlling various output devices are detachably connected, and among the plurality of ECUs, data stored in the connected ECUs Is backed up, it is possible to protect the setting contents of the connected ECU even when the power supply is stopped. For this reason, it is not necessary to newly install an expensive non-volatile memory for backup on the ECU side. Moreover, since data can be backed up, unnecessary power supply to the ECU can be suppressed. In particular, the state of communication with the connected ECU is monitored, and when it is determined that the power supply to the ECU can be stopped, the data is first backed up, and then the power supply is stopped. Data can be backed up to.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the power supply requirement to the ECU whose power supply has been stopped has occurred, the backed up data is reloaded into the corresponding ECU. Easy to build.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, since the backup memory driven by the backup power source is included, an expensive memory is not required.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration common to each embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical junction box 1 is connected between a plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d and a plurality of modules 3a to 3e. Between the electrical connection box 1 and the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d and the plurality of modules 3a to 3e, each component in the electrical connection box 1 includes a power line 16p, a common signal line 16s, and a common common ground line 16g. Are connected to each other.

  The electrical junction box 1 basically has a power distribution function for the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d and the plurality of modules 3a to 3e. That is, the electrical junction box 1 has built-in IPS (semiconductor relays with current detection function) 13a to 13e and 13p, and converts the power supplied from the in-vehicle battery into a predetermined power by the power supply device 12, and a plurality of The ECU 2a to 2d and the plurality of modules 3a to 3e are distributed. The power from the power supply device 12 is also supplied to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 detects that the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d and the plurality of modules 3a to 3e are connected, and automatically controls power supply.

  The electrical junction box 1 also has a communication function between the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d and the plurality of modules 3a to 3e. The CPU 11 manages communication control together with the power distribution. The electrical junction box 1 includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (optional read / write memory), and a backup memory described later, but these are omitted. The CPU 11 controls the gateway unit 17 to enable communication between the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d and the plurality of modules 3a to 3e.

  The electrical junction box 1 also has connector portions 14a to 14d into which a plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d are inserted, connector portions 15a to 15e to which a plurality of modules 3a to 3e and the like are connected, and a ground terminal 15g to be grounded. Each of the connector portions 15a to 15e has the same shape in which the power supply line 16p, the common signal line 16s, and the common ground line 16g connected to the IPS 13a to 13e are formed in the same arrangement. The connector portions 15a to 15e correspond to connection portions in claims. Each component of the electrical connection box 1 is actually mounted or connected to a mother board (not shown).

  The electrical junction box 1 further has a setting function relating to power supply described later, an ECU data backup function, and a current control function. The ECU data backup function is a feature of the present invention and will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Further, as is well known, the ECUs 2a to 2d control various output devices such as an air conditioner and a power window mounted on the vehicle. For example, the ECU 2a controls an air conditioner, and the ECU 2b controls a power window. The ECU connected to the electrical junction box 1 varies depending on the vehicle type and the vehicle case. For this reason, ECU2a-2d is detachable suitably from the said connector parts 14a-14d. Needless to say, the connector portions 14a to 14d may have empty spaces to which no ECU is connected.

  Each of the ECUs 2a to 2d stores data for controlling various related output devices. This data is set automatically or manually when the system is introduced, and is stored in the RAMs of the ECUs 2a to 2d. However, these data are usually lost when the power supply is stopped.

  Each of the modules 3a to 3e has one end connected to the connector parts 15a to 15e and the other end connected to a load circuit such as a motor or a lamp. On the side connected to the connector parts 15a to 15e, as in the connector parts 15a to 15e, a power line, a common signal line, and a common ground line are formed in the same arrangement and can be attached to and detached from the connector parts 15a to 15e. It is a simple shape. Accordingly, the connection relationship between the connector portions 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, and 15e as shown in FIG. 3 and the modules 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e is shown in FIG. It is possible to arbitrarily change the connection relationship between the units 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, and 15e and the modules 3b, 3a, 3c, 3e, and 3d. Needless to say, the connector portions 15a to 15e may have a space where no module is connected.

  Here, for the sake of explanation, the connector portions 15a to 15e and the IPS 13a to 13e may be referred to as output systems (1) to (5), respectively. Moreover, the electrical junction box 1, ECUs 2a to 2d, and modules 3a to 3e have a bidirectional communication function. In such a configuration, various processing procedures will be described below.

  1 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the CPU. Here, a plurality of modules 3a to 3e are initially connected to the electrical junction box 1 as indicated by 3 in FIG.

  When battery insertion is detected in step S101 shown in FIG. 2, initialization is performed in step S102. Next, in step S103, the output system is set to (1), and the process proceeds to steps S104 to S108.

  In step S104, the output system (N) is turned on and a power supply mode request is transmitted. For example, when the output system (1) is turned on, a power supply mode request is transmitted to the module 3a. Next, in step S105, a response signal from the module that transmitted the power supply mode request is waited (N in step S105). If there is a response signal (Y in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106 and the output system ( N) Set the control mode. The response signal includes data relating to current limit (maximum current, filter value), power supply mode (always / event), supply limit (continuous energization time), and part number.

  With such data, for example, a module connected to the output system (N) can be specified. In addition, a current limit, a power supply mode, and a supply limit for the output system (N) can be set. That is, the control mode for the output system (N) can be set.

  If the current limit, power supply mode, supply limit, and part number are associated and registered on the electrical connection box side, the part number for the output system (N), that is, even if the module is detected on the electrical connection box side, Transmission of current limit, power supply mode, and supply limit from the module side becomes unnecessary. The power supply mode request corresponds to the request signal in the claims, and the control mode setting corresponds to the power supply setting in the claims.

  Next, in step S107, the set output system (N) is turned OFF, and in step S108, the next output system (N) is counted up. Then, in step S109, the processing of step S104 to step S108 is repeated until the control mode setting for all systems (1) to (5) is completed (N in step S109). For example, as shown by 3 in FIG. 1, the control modes for the modules 3a to 3e are set for the output systems (1) to (5), respectively. Of course, as shown by 3 'in FIG. 1, when the connection relationship between the output systems (1) to (5) and each module is changed, the control mode for the modules 3a to 3e is set by the same processing. Done.

  In this way, when the setting of the control mode for all the systems (1) to (5) is completed (Y in step S109), in step S110, the power supply control for each module 3a to 3e is performed according to the set control mode. Is executed.

  Steps S103 to S109 constitute setting means.

  As described above, since the plurality of connector portions 15a to 15e having the same shape in which the power supply line, the common signal line, and the common ground line are formed in the same array, the modules 3a to 3e related to the predetermined load circuit can be placed at arbitrary positions. It becomes possible to connect to. In addition, settings relating to power supply are automatically performed for the connected modules. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily cope with a change in the vehicle specifications.

  FIG. 3 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing another processing procedure performed by the CPU.

  In step S201 shown in FIG. 3, the data transmission state to the ECU side is constantly monitored. Based on the monitoring result, it is determined in step S202 whether power is being supplied. If it is determined in step S202 that power is being supplied (Y in step S202), the process proceeds to steps S203 to S207. If it is determined that power is not being supplied (N in step S202), step S202 is performed. The process proceeds to S209 to step S213.

  In step S203, when it is determined that it is possible to stop the power supply of all the connected ECUs 2a to 2d based on the monitoring result (Y in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204, and a notice of supply stop is provided. It transmits toward ECU2a-2d, otherwise (N of step S203) returns to the monitoring process of step S201.

  In step S204, a signal indicating a supply stop notice is transmitted to each of the ECUs 2a to 2d. In step S205, a response indicating the stop acknowledgment from each of the ECUs 2a to 2d is waited (N in step S205). Data backup processing is performed in step S206 for the ECU having the response shown (Y in step S205).

  In this way, the confirmation for all the ECUs 2a to 2d is performed (N in step S207). When the backup of the data for all the ECUs 2a to 2d is completed (Y in step S207), the process proceeds to step S208, and all the ECUs 2a to 2d are completed. Stop power supply to.

  On the other hand, in step S209, the generation of the power supply requirement is awaited (N in step S209), and when it is determined that the power supply requirement has occurred (Y in step S209), the process proceeds to step S210. Restart supply. The power supply requirement is, for example, a case where the ECUs 2a to 2d whose power supply has been stopped are reinserted into the connector portions 14a to 14d.

  Next, in step S211, a response indicating confirmation of power supply from each of the ECUs 2a to 2d is waited (N in step S211), and backed up in step S212 with respect to the responding ECU (Y in step S211). Reload data. In this way, the reload confirmation for all the ECUs 2a to 2d is performed (N in step S213). When the reload confirmation of the data for all the ECUs 2a to 2d is completed (Y in step S213), the process returns to the monitoring process in step S201.

  Steps S201 to S207 constitute the backup means in the claims.

  As described above, among the plurality of ECUs 2a to 2d, data stored in the connected ECU is backed up in the electrical connection box 1, so that the setting contents of the connected ECU can be protected even when the power supply is stopped. it can. For this reason, it is not necessary to newly install an expensive non-volatile memory for backup on the ECU side. Moreover, since data can be backed up, unnecessary power supply to the ECU can be suppressed.

  In addition, the state of communication with the connected ECU is monitored, and when it is determined that the power supply to the ECU can be stopped, the data is backed up first, and then the power supply is stopped. Data can be backed up to.

  In addition, when it is determined that the power supply requirement for the ECU whose power supply has been stopped has occurred, the backed up data is reloaded into the corresponding ECU, so that the system and the reconfiguration are facilitated.

  Note that data backup for the ECU can be similarly realized for the modules 3a to 3e.

  Further description will be made by adding FIGS. 4 and 5 to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing still another processing procedure performed by the CPU. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of current control.

  In step S301 shown in FIG. 4, predetermined power is supplied to the module connected to the connector portion of the output system (N). It is assumed that which of the modules 3a to 3e is connected to the output system (N) has already been detected.

  Next, in step S302 and step S303, when a load drive signal is received from a module connected to the connector part of the output system (N) (Y in step S302 and Y in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304. If no signal is received (N in step S302) or if a signal is received but not a load drive signal (N in step S303), the process proceeds to step S306. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the load drive signal is, for example, a pulse signal indicating that driving of a motor as a load circuit is started.

  When the load drive signal is received, a filter time Ft as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is set in step S304. The current within the filter time Ft may exceed a predetermined overcurrent detection level, but this is an overcurrent that accompanies the start of a load circuit such as a motor, so this overcurrent is necessary without being cut. Provide proper power supply.

  Next, in step S305, a current fluctuation prediction value is set, and the process proceeds to step S306. Since the load circuit connected to the modules 3a to 3e is known in advance, the current fluctuation predicted value is a predicted value in a state in which the load circuit calculated based on this is operating normally. Even when the load drive signal is not received, the predicted value in the non-operating state of the load circuit calculated in advance is set, and the process proceeds to step S306. Note that the prediction value may be a prediction range in which an upper limit and a lower limit are provided.

  Next, in step S306, the current of the output system (N) is detected, and in step S307, a current fluctuation amount that is a fluctuation amount in a predetermined time of the detected current is calculated.

  Next, in step S308, it is determined whether or not the calculated current fluctuation amount is greater than or equal to the set current fluctuation prediction value. If it is determined that the current fluctuation amount is equal to or greater than the current fluctuation prediction value (Y in step S308), the process proceeds to step S312; otherwise (N in step S308), the process proceeds to step S309. Here, if it is determined that the current fluctuation amount is equal to or greater than the current fluctuation prediction value (greater than the upper limit value), it is an emergency situation, and immediately proceeds to step S312 to turn off the output system (N) and stop the power supply. The process proceeds to step S313, and a warning indicating that is output. The warning is performed by buzzer sound (not shown) connected to the electrical junction box 1 or LED light emission.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the current fluctuation amount is not greater than or equal to the predicted current fluctuation value (N in step S308), after the filter time Ft has elapsed in step S309 (Y in step S309), the current fluctuation amount in step S310. It is determined whether the fluctuation amount is none (lower limit value or less) or zero. If it is determined that the current fluctuation amount is none (lower limit value or less) or zero (Y in step S310), as shown in FIG. 5B, a load abnormality or connection abnormality (open) is detected. Since there is, it progresses to step S314 and the warning which shows that is output. The warning here is preferably performed by a buzzer sounding different from Step S313, LED light emission, or the like.

  Further, in step S311, as shown in FIG. 5A, even when an overcurrent is detected (N in step S310 and Y in step S311), since it is an emergency situation, the process proceeds to step S312 and the output system ( N) is turned OFF to stop the power supply, and the process proceeds to step S313 to output a warning indicating that. If no overcurrent is detected in step S311 (N in step S310 and N in step S311), the state is normal, so the process returns to step S302 and the above process is repeated. Such processing is performed on all output systems (1) to (5).

  Steps S301 to S312 constitute current control means, and steps S312, S313, and S314 constitute abnormality processing means.

  Thus, since the current supplied to each module is controlled based on the actual value of the current of the modules 3a to 3e connected to the plurality of connector portions 15a to 15e, the power supply to the connected modules can be efficiently performed. Supply can be made.

  In particular, a current abnormality is detected based on predicted values and actual values related to the currents of the modules 3a to 3e connected to the plurality of connector portions 15a to 15e, and a predetermined abnormality process is performed in the event of an abnormality. Therefore, fuse setting and the like are facilitated.

  Further, when there is no current fluctuation or when the current is zero, a warning is output, and when there is an overcurrent, a warning is output and power supply to the corresponding module is stopped, so that an accident can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical junction box that can protect the set contents even when the power supply is stopped for the mounted ECU.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions common to each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which CPU in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the other process sequence which CPU in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart which shows the further another processing procedure which CPU in FIG. 1 performs. It is a time chart which shows the example of electric current control.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electrical junction box 2a ~ 2d ECU
11 CPU (backup means)

Claims (3)

A plurality of ECUs for controlling various output devices are detachable and an electric connection box capable of supplying power and communicating with the inserted ECU,
When the communication state with the connected ECU is monitored among the plurality of ECUs and it is determined that the power supply to the connected ECU can be stopped as a result of the monitoring, the connected ECU is first An electrical connection box comprising backup means for backing up the data stored in the storage and then stopping the power supply of the connected ECU. The electrical junction box according to claim 1,
The electrical connection box, wherein the backup means reloads the backed-up data to the corresponding ECU when it is determined that a power supply requirement for the ECU that has stopped supplying power has occurred. In the electrical junction box according to claim 1 or 2,
The electrical connection box, wherein the backup means includes a backup memory that is driven by a backup power source and stores the data.

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