JP2011054521A - Poor contact measuring method and poor contact measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a poor contact measuring method and a poor contact measurement determination device, capable of measuring existence of a poor contact while a male terminal and a female terminal are connected to each other. <P>SOLUTION: In the poor contact measuring method and a poor contact measurement determination device, an electromagnetic wave La capable of penetrating housings 110, 118 is irradiated from the outside of the housings 110, 118 of a coupler unit 100 to the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116 under a current conduction state; intensity of a first reflected wave as a reflected wave Lb of the electromagnetic wave La to the male terminal 108 and intensity of a second reflected wave as the reflected wave Lb of the electromagnetic wave La to the female terminal 116 are detected; and existence of generation of a potential difference between the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116 on the basis of a difference of the intensity of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a contact failure measuring method and a contact failure measuring apparatus capable of measuring the presence or absence of contact failure while a male terminal and a female terminal are connected.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a diagnostic device is known that identifies a failure location by reading a failure code recorded in an electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle electronic control system (Patent Document 1). ). In Patent Literature 1, when a failure occurs in a peripheral device connected to the ECU (1) of the vehicle, failure information is created by the self-diagnosis function (101) and stored in the failure information storage means (102) (Patent Literature). 1 [0016]). For example, when a failure of the vehicle speed sensor (4A) as a peripheral device is detected, the failure location (by displaying an inspection procedure on the failure diagnosis device (2) based on the failure code and the failure information as failure information) (Failure system etc.) is specified (same paragraphs [0029] to [0061], FIGS. 4 to 6).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-172703

  A failure diagnosis method using a conventional failure diagnosis device as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is useful because it can identify an abnormal system (an electric circuit in which an abnormality has occurred) relatively easily. However, for actual fault repair, it is necessary to take specific measures such as identifying a specific faulty part or defective part and replacing the part, and it is often difficult to specify the part to be repaired.

  Specifically, ECU parts, sensors, actuators, wiring, couplers, etc. can be considered as repair targets, but in the method of trying parts replacement easily, if the contact failure of the coupler is the cause, The attachment / detachment operation temporarily returns to normal, leading to a misdiagnosis in which normal parts are replaced without knowing that the coupler is in poor contact, and no evidence of failure can be left.

  When such a diagnosis is made, the repair is not essential, and the customer's trust is lost due to the recurrence of the failure. In addition, there is a disadvantage that normal parts are treated as “defective products”, and at the same time, there is a problem that accurate quality analysis cannot be performed as a manufacturer.

  Furthermore, it is very difficult to diagnose a contact failure that temporarily occurs due to vibration or the like that occurs during traveling, and it is necessary to perform a failure diagnosis while performing a test traveling for a reproduction test.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and a contact failure measuring method and a contact failure measuring apparatus capable of measuring the presence or absence of contact failure with the male terminal and the female terminal connected. The purpose is to provide.

  The contact failure measuring method according to the present invention measures the presence or absence of contact failure between a male terminal and a female terminal in a terminal fitting portion of a coupler unit including a male terminal side coupler and a female terminal side coupler, In an energized state, the male terminal and the female terminal are irradiated with an electromagnetic wave that passes through the housing from the outside of the resin housing of the coupler unit, and a first reflected wave as a reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the male terminal And the intensity of the second reflected wave as the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the female terminal, and based on the difference between the intensity of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave, The presence or absence of occurrence of a potential difference with the female terminal is displayed.

  According to the present invention, the operator can measure whether the connection state of the male terminal and the female terminal is poor contact while the male terminal side coupler and the female terminal side coupler are fitted. . Therefore, it is possible to measure the presence or absence of contact failure in the state where the abnormal state has occurred, and the detection accuracy of the contact failure portion can be improved. In addition, it is possible to radiate electromagnetic waves to the coupler unit in a non-contact manner. When such a configuration is adopted, non-contact measurement can be performed, thus avoiding accidental damage to each terminal and each housing. can do. Furthermore, since the coupler unit is waterproof, even if the airtightness is high, the coupler unit is not required to be disassembled, so that the waterproof property is not impaired.

  The terminal fitting portion may be vibrated during the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave to continuously compare the strengths of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave. Thereby, it becomes easy to confirm the occurrence of contact failure.

  In the state where the image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is displayed and the potential difference does not occur, the luminance of the image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is aligned, and in the state where the potential difference occurs, the male terminal In addition, the luminance of the image corresponding to the female terminal may be displayed differently. Thereby, the user can visually determine the contact failure by the contrast of the images corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal.

  The contact failure measuring apparatus according to the present invention measures the presence or absence of contact failure between a male terminal and a female terminal in a terminal fitting portion of a resin coupler unit including a male terminal side coupler and a female terminal side coupler. In an energized state, an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit that irradiates the male terminal and the female terminal from the outside of the housing of the coupler unit with an electromagnetic wave that passes through the housing, and a reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the male terminal A reflected wave detector for detecting the intensity of the first reflected wave and the intensity of the second reflected wave as the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the female terminal; and the intensity of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave And a display unit that displays presence or absence of potential difference between the male terminal and the female terminal based on the difference.

  According to the present invention, the operator can measure whether the connection state of the male terminal and the female terminal is poor contact while the male terminal side coupler and the female terminal side coupler are fitted. . Therefore, it is possible to measure the presence or absence of contact failure in the state where the abnormal state has occurred, and the detection accuracy of the contact failure portion can be improved. In addition, it is possible to radiate electromagnetic waves to the coupler unit in a non-contact manner. When such a configuration is adopted, non-contact measurement can be performed, thus avoiding accidental damage to each terminal and each housing. can do. Furthermore, even if the airtightness is high because the coupler unit is waterproof, it is not necessary to disassemble the coupler unit for determining contact failure, so that the waterproofness is not impaired.

  The display unit displays an image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal, and in a state where the potential difference does not occur, the luminance corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is aligned, and the potential difference is generated. Then, you may display by varying the brightness | luminance of the image corresponding to the said male terminal and the said female terminal. Thereby, the user can visually determine the contact failure by the contrast of the images corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal.

  The contact failure measuring device further continuously stores data on the intensity of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave, and determines the intensity of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave that form a pair. You may have a memory | storage device which can read data continuously and can display on the said display part.

  According to the present invention, the operator can measure whether the connection state of the male terminal and the female terminal is poor contact while the male terminal side coupler and the female terminal side coupler are fitted. . Therefore, it is possible to measure the presence or absence of contact failure in the state where the abnormal state has occurred, and the detection accuracy of the contact failure portion can be improved. In addition, it is possible to radiate electromagnetic waves to the coupler unit in a non-contact manner. When such a configuration is adopted, non-contact measurement can be performed, thus avoiding accidental damage to each terminal and each housing. can do. Furthermore, since the coupler unit is waterproof, even if the airtightness is high, the coupler unit is not required to be disassembled, so that the waterproof property is not impaired.

It is a figure which shows the schematic block configuration of the contact failure diagnostic system provided with the diagnostic apparatus as a contact failure measuring device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the schematic internal structure of the coupler unit as the measuring object. It is a figure which shows simply a part of external appearance of the said contact failure diagnostic system, and the schematic internal structure of the said coupler unit. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that the said coupler unit is arrange | positioned in an engine room. It is a figure which shows simply a some coupler unit and the site | part to which they are connected. It is a flowchart which shows the user's work procedure for measuring the contact failure between the terminals in a terminal fitting part. It is a figure which shows an example of the output characteristic of a water temperature sensor. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the said diagnostic apparatus at the time of a user measuring whether the poor contact has generate | occur | produced in the said terminal fitting part using the said diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of the male terminal and the female terminal displayed on the display unit when the potentials of the male terminal and the female terminal are equal. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of the male terminal and the female terminal displayed on the display unit when the potentials of the male terminal and the female terminal are different. It is a figure which shows the example in which the some coupler unit was provided in both the ECU side and the intake pressure sensor side. It is a figure which shows an example of the output characteristic of an intake pressure sensor. It is a figure which shows the waveform of the electric potential by the side of a male terminal in case the poor contact has generate | occur | produced in the said terminal fitting part. It is a figure which shows a mode that it measures by moving a pick-up part with respect to the outer periphery of a coupler unit.

A. Embodiment 1 FIG. Configuration of Contact Failure Diagnosis System 10 and Coupler Unit 100 (1) Outline FIG. 1 shows a contact failure diagnosis system 10 (hereinafter referred to as “diagnostic system 10”) having a diagnosis device 12 as a contact failure measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2) is a diagram illustrating a schematic block configuration and a schematic internal configuration of a coupler unit 100 as a measurement target. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a part of the appearance of the diagnostic system 10 and a schematic internal configuration of the coupler unit 100.

  The diagnostic device 12 in the present embodiment is for a vehicle, irradiates the terminal fitting portion 102 of the coupler unit 100 as a measurement target with an electromagnetic wave La (La1, La2, La3), and the reflected wave Lb (Lb1, Based on Lb2 and Lb3), the contact failure between the terminals in the terminal fitting portion 102 can be determined. Examples of the contact failure between the terminals mentioned here include generation of an oxide film, breakage or disconnection of the pins constituting the terminals, and adhesion of oil or dust.

(2) Diagnostic system 10
The diagnostic system 10 basically includes the diagnostic device 12 and a personal computer 14 (hereinafter referred to as “USB cable 16”) connected to the diagnostic device 12 by a universal serial bus cable 16 (hereinafter referred to as “USB cable 16”). PC14 ").

  The diagnostic device 12 includes a main body 20 that generates an electromagnetic wave La and performs various controls and calculations, a pickup unit 22 that irradiates the electromagnetic wave La and detects a reflected wave Lb, and a cable that connects the main body 20 and the pickup unit 22. And a unit 24. The main body unit 20 includes an input unit 30, an electromagnetic wave generation unit 32, a control unit 34, a storage unit 36, a display unit 38, and a USB port 40. The pickup unit 22 includes an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit 50 and a reflected wave detection unit 52. The cable unit 24 includes an optical fiber cable 60 that transmits the electromagnetic wave La from the main body unit 20 to the pickup unit 22, and communication lines 62 and 64 that are used for communication between the main body unit 20 and the pickup unit 22.

  The input unit 30 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons 42, 44, and 46 (FIG. 2), and can input a command to the control unit 34 from the user regarding determination of poor contact. The electromagnetic wave generator 32 is, for example, a laser diode that generates infrared light as the electromagnetic wave La, and outputs the electromagnetic wave La in accordance with a command from the controller 34. The electromagnetic wave La output from the electromagnetic wave generation unit 32 is transmitted to the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit 50 via the optical fiber cable 60 of the cable unit 24.

  The electromagnetic wave irradiation unit 50 irradiates the terminal fitting unit 102 with the electromagnetic wave La received from the electromagnetic wave generation unit 32. The reflected wave detection unit 52 detects the intensity of the reflected wave Lb from the terminal fitting unit 102 and transmits a signal indicating the intensity to the control unit 34. As the electromagnetic wave irradiation part 50 and the reflected wave detection part 52, the optical system used for a confocal laser measuring device or a laser microscope can be used, for example. Alternatively, an optical system other than the confocal method can be used as long as it can measure the presence / absence, intensity, phase, and the like of the reflected wave Lb.

  The control unit 34 controls the electromagnetic wave generation unit 32, the storage unit 36, the display unit 38, the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit 50, and the reflected wave detection unit 52 according to an input to the input unit 30.

  The PC 14 includes a control unit 70, a storage unit 72, and a USB port 74, and can communicate with the main body unit 20 via the USB cable 16. Thereby, after acquiring data by the main-body part 20, detailed analysis of the said data, preparation of a report, preparation of a database, etc. can be performed in PC14.

(3) Coupler unit 100 and its periphery FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coupler unit 100 is arranged in the engine room. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the coupler unit 100 and a portion to which the coupler unit 100 is connected.

  The coupler unit 100 is disposed, for example, in an engine room (see FIG. 3), and connects the vehicle electronic control device 200 (hereinafter referred to as “ECU 200”) and one end of the wiring 122. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, a coupler unit 101 that connects a vehicle sensor (water temperature sensor 202 and intake air temperature sensor 204) and the other end of the wiring 122 is also provided.

  The coupler units 100 and 101 are waterproof coupler units including a male terminal side coupler 104 and a female terminal side coupler 106 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4).

  The male terminal side coupler 104 includes a male terminal 108, a housing 110 that fixes the male terminal 108 therein via a waterproof rubber 112, and a wiring 114 that connects the male terminal 108 to the ECU 200 or the water temperature sensor 202 and the intake air temperature sensor 204. And have. Similarly, the female terminal side coupler 106 includes a female terminal 116, a housing 118 that fixes the female terminal 116 therein via a waterproof rubber 120, a female terminal 116 of the coupler unit 100, and a female terminal 116 of the coupler unit 101. And a wiring 122 for connecting the two. In FIG. 4, the housings 110 and 118 and the waterproof rubbers 112 and 120 are omitted.

  The water temperature sensor 202 measures the water temperature Tw [° C.], which is the temperature of the cooling medium circulating in the vehicle radiator (not shown). The intake air temperature sensor 204 measures an intake air temperature Ts [° C.], which is the temperature of intake air in an intake manifold (not shown). The water temperature sensor 202 and the intake air temperature sensor 204 have thermistors 206 and 208, respectively, and form a voltage dividing circuit with the resistors 210 and 212 of +5 [V] of the power supply voltage, respectively, and a voltage Vtw corresponding to the water temperature Tw and The ECU 200 can detect the voltage Vts corresponding to the intake air temperature Ts.

  The housings 110 and 118 are both made of resin that transmits the electromagnetic wave La. Examples of resins constituting the housings 110 and 118 include high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer synthetic resin (ABS resin), polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide (6,6 nylon). ), Polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polytrifluoride ethylene, polyacetal (delrin), cellulose acetate, phenol resin, diallyl phthalate, epoxy resin, silicone resin, and unsaturated polyester can be used. Moreover, it is preferable that the dielectric constant of the said resin exists in the range of 1-5, for example. In addition, about the resin which lets electromagnetic wave La pass, the technique used for the radome as a cover which protects an outdoor antenna can also be used, for example.

2. Measurement of Contact Failure FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a user's work procedure for measuring contact failure between terminals in the terminal fitting portion 102.

  In step S1, the user of the diagnosis system 10 (or the company to which the diagnosis system 10 belongs) receives a failure notification from the customer of the vehicle. The communication is triggered by, for example, engine malfunction or lighting of a warning light on the instrument panel.

  In step S <b> 2, the user connects the main unit 20 and the ECU 200 of the vehicle with a cable (not shown), and checks whether there is a failure code from the main unit 20 to the ECU 200.

  The failure code is stored in the ECU 200 when measured values of various sensors indicate abnormal values. For example, the failure code described in Patent Document 1 can be used. In the present embodiment, the failure code related to the water temperature sensor 202 is determined as follows. That is, in FIG. 6, the characteristic 300 indicates the relationship between the water temperature Tw stored in advance in the ROM in the ECU 200 and the voltage Vtw output from the water temperature sensor 202 according to the water temperature Tw. According to the characteristic 300, for example, when the voltage Vtw is about 2.2 [V], the water temperature Tw is about 60 [° C.]. Further, when the water temperature sensor 202 is operating normally, the voltage Vtw does not exceed 4.9 [V]. For this reason, when the voltage Vtw reaches a value in the region 302 that is 4.9 [V] or more, the ECU 200 outputs the failure code F01. Similarly, when the water temperature sensor 202 is operating normally, the voltage Vtw never falls below 0.1 [V]. For this reason, when the voltage Vtw becomes a value in the region 304 that is 0.1 [V] or less, the ECU 200 outputs the failure code F02.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when there is a failure code in step S <b> 2 (S <b> 2: YES), in step S <b> 3, the user confirms whether the symptom corresponding to the failure code is actually reproduced. For example, when the fault code F01 (Vtw ≧ 4.9 [V]) exists, the voltage Vtw is confirmed, and when the voltage Vtw is 4.9 [V] or more, the fault is reproduced. Judge that you are doing.

  When the symptom is reproduced (S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S6. When the symptom is not reproduced (S3: NO), in step S4, the user examines the reproduction condition in the service manual or the like, and reproduces the symptom by trial and error. At that time, the reproduction test can be performed by actually driving the vehicle. If there is no failure code in step S2 (S2: NO), in step S5, the user refers to the wiring diagram of the service manual, etc. ).

  In step S6, the user uses the diagnostic device 12 to determine whether a contact failure has occurred in the terminal fitting portion 102 of each coupler unit 100, 101 in the wiring path specified in the operation of FIG. . For example, when the above-described failure code F01 exists, the electromagnetic wave La from the pickup unit 22 to the terminal fitting unit 102 related to the water temperature sensor 202 in the coupler units 100 and 101 as shown in FIGS. , And the presence or absence of contact failure is measured using the reflected wave Lb from the terminal fitting portion 102.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the diagnostic device 12 when the user measures whether or not a contact failure has occurred in the terminal fitting portion 102 using the diagnostic device 12.

  In step S <b> 11, the control unit 34 of the diagnostic device 12 determines whether a power source (not shown) of the main body unit 20 is turned on. In other words, the control unit 34 does not operate unless the power supply is turned on. If the power is not turned on (S11: NO), step S11 is repeated.

  When the power is turned on (S11: YES), in step S12, the control unit 34 is activated, and the control unit 34 inquires of the user whether measurement is necessary. Specifically, when the preparation for measurement (including the alignment of the pickup unit 22) is completed, the control unit 34 causes the display unit 38 to display a message requesting to press a predetermined button of the input unit 30. .

  In addition, as described above, the user sequentially selects one of the coupler units 100 and 101 of the abnormal system identified in step S5 according to the failure code as the terminal fitting unit 102 to be measured.

  The alignment of the pickup unit 22 can be specified by visual observation, for example, by making the housings 110 and 118 transparent or translucent. At this time, in order to specify the irradiation position of the electromagnetic wave La, a camera (not shown) that displays an image at a position corresponding to the irradiation position is provided in the pickup unit 22, and the image of the camera is displayed on the display unit 38. By doing so, the user may perform alignment.

  In step S <b> 13, the control unit 34 confirms whether measurement needs to be started (whether the predetermined button has been pressed). If the measurement has not been started yet (S13: NO), the process returns to step S12. When measurement is started (S13: YES), in step S14, the control unit 34 generates an electromagnetic wave La from the electromagnetic wave generation unit 32 and transmits the electromagnetic wave La to the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit 50 via the optical fiber cable 60. The electromagnetic wave irradiation part 50 irradiates the terminal fitting part 102 with the electromagnetic wave La using the optical system (not shown) described above.

  In subsequent step S <b> 15, the control unit 34 causes the reflected wave detection unit 52 to detect the reflected wave Lb from the terminal fitting unit 102. The reflected wave detection unit 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected intensity of the reflected wave Lb to the control unit 34.

  In step S <b> 16, the control unit 34 continuously stores the intensity data (detection value) of the reflected wave Lb indicated by the signal received from the reflected wave detection unit 52 in the storage unit 36 in the order of input. The data stored here is, for example, continuous 10-minute data and can be updated as needed. Further, the data can be stored at the same time including the data for 5 minutes before and after at the timing of auto trigger or manual trigger described later. The stored data can be transferred to the PC 14 via the USB cable 16 and processed in the PC 14.

  In step S17, the control unit 34 causes the display unit 38 to display simple images 400 and 402 of the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116 (see FIGS. 2, 8A, and 8B). Then, paying attention to the difference in intensity between the reflected wave Lb on the male terminal 108 side and the reflected wave Lb on the female terminal 116 side, the luminance of the image 400 of the male terminal 108 and the image 402 of the female terminal 116 is changed. For example, if the difference in intensity (potential) between the reflected waves Lb at both terminals is within a predetermined value, the brightness of the images 400 and 402 is made uniform, and the difference in intensity (potential) between the reflected waves Lb at both terminals is the predetermined value. In the case of exceeding, the brightness of the images 400 and 402 is varied.

  For example, FIG. 8A shows a state in which the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116 are normally connected, and since no contact failure has occurred, no potential difference occurs between the two terminals. Is displayed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows a state where a contact failure has occurred. In this case, a potential difference between the potential on the ECU side and the potential on the sensor side appears between both terminals. Accordingly, since the image 400 of the male terminal 108 is bright and the image 402 of the female terminal 116 is dark, a difference in brightness appears between the images 400 and 402, so that the corresponding coupler units 100 and 101 cause poor contact. It is estimated that

  In addition, as a threshold value for determining the contact failure, a threshold value of a difference between the intensity of the reflected wave Lb from the male terminal 108 and the intensity of the reflected wave Lb from the female terminal 116 is set in the storage unit 36 in advance. When the difference exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 34 may determine that the contact failure has occurred and store the data as it is without deleting it (auto trigger function). Alternatively, the data can be stored as it is without being erased by a user operation (manual trigger function).

3. Effects of this Embodiment As described above, according to this embodiment, whether there is a contact failure between the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116 while the male terminal side coupler 104 and the female terminal side coupler 106 are connected. Can be measured. Therefore, it is possible to measure the presence or absence of contact failure in the coupler units 100 and 101 in a state where an abnormality such as a failure has occurred, and the measurement accuracy of contact failure can be improved. Further, since the electromagnetic wave La is radiated to the coupler units 100 and 101 in a non-contact manner, it is not necessary to apply external force directly to the male terminal 108, the female terminal 116, the housings 110 and 118, and their peripheral parts. Damage can be avoided. Further, since the coupler units 100 and 101 are waterproof, even if the airtightness is high, measurement can be performed without impairing the waterproof property.

  Even if it is not specified that the contact failure in the coupler units 100 and 101 is the cause, the vehicle cannot be replaced without replacing parts or simply by replacing the sensor unit connected to the coupler units 100 and 101. When returned to the customer, the abnormality recurs and the customer's trust is lost. However, according to the embodiment, such disadvantage can be prevented. Further, when the replacement of the sensor unit is selected, it is uneconomical because it is treated as a defective product even if the sensor unit is normal, but according to the above embodiment, such disadvantages can be prevented. .

  Furthermore, it is possible to continuously monitor and compare for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds to several minutes), and it is possible to accurately detect an unstable connection state. In addition, by recording the measurement data, evidence that a contact failure has occurred can be left.

  In the above embodiment, the luminance of the image 400 of the male terminal 108 and the image 402 of the female terminal 116 is changed according to the difference in intensity of the reflected wave Lb. Thereby, the user can visually determine the contact failure based on the contrast between the images 400 and 402 of the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116. Note that the change in luminance referred to here can include substitution by a change in color.

  In the above embodiment, the main body 20 and the pickup unit 22 of the diagnostic device 12 are connected by the cable unit 24. For this reason, when checking the presence or absence of reproduction of a contact failure while driving the vehicle, the user of the diagnostic device 12 (the operator of the main body unit 20) can work while sitting on the passenger seat of the vehicle.

B. Modifications It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be adopted based on the contents described in this specification. For example, the following configuration can be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the diagnostic device 12 is used for a vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the diagnostic device 12 may be applied to other applications using the coupler or the coupler units 100 and 101.

  In the above embodiment, the coupler units 100 and 101 are for connecting the ECU 200, the water temperature sensor 202, and the intake air temperature sensor 204, but are not limited thereto.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which the coupler units 100 and 101 are provided on both the ECU 200 side and the intake pressure sensor 500 side. The intake pressure sensor 500 measures intake pressure Ps [kPa], which is the pressure of intake air in the intake manifold. The intake pressure sensor 500 includes a comparator 502 and a resistor 504, and forms a voltage dividing circuit with a resistor 506 having a power supply voltage of +5 [V], and the ECU 200 detects a voltage Vps [V] corresponding to the intake pressure Ps. It can be done.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of output characteristics of the intake pressure sensor 500. In FIG. 10, a characteristic 600 indicates the relationship between the intake pressure Ps stored in advance in the ROM in the ECU 200 and the voltage Vps output from the intake pressure sensor 500 in accordance with the intake pressure Ps. According to the characteristic 600, for example, when the voltage Vps is 3.0 [V], the intake pressure Ps is 40 [kPa]. In addition, when the intake pressure sensor 500 is operating normally, the voltage Vps does not exceed 4.6 [V]. For this reason, when the voltage Vps reaches a value in the region 602 that is 4.6 [V] or more, the ECU 200 outputs the failure code F03. Similarly, when the intake pressure sensor 500 is operating normally, the voltage Vps does not fall below 0.2 [V]. For this reason, when the voltage Vps becomes a value in the region 604 where the voltage Vps is 0.2 [V] or less, the ECU 200 outputs a failure code F04.

  Therefore, when the operator specifies the failure location, when the ECU 200 outputs the failure code F03 or the failure code F04, the worker selects the part to be measured in the coupler units 100 and 101 according to the failure code. Then, the presence or absence of poor contact is measured using the diagnostic system 10 for the relevant part. Thereby, effects similar to the above, such as non-contact measurement, can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, when a contact failure occurs between the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116, it is detected that a certain potential difference (magnitude) appears between the two terminals. The present invention is not limited to this as long as the difference between the potential and the potential on the female terminal 116 side can be determined. For example, the difference between both potentials can be determined by comparing patterns of potential changes.

  When no contact failure occurs between the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116, the noise waveform is the same for the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116. When the coupler units 100 and 101 are arranged in the engine room as in the above embodiment, the noise of the alternator is generated as a small AC waveform in each wiring during operation of the engine. On the other hand, when the contact failure occurs, different noise appears on the sensor side (for example, the intake pressure sensor 500 side in FIG. 9) and the ECU 200 side, and a difference appears in the voltage waveform. FIG. 11 shows an example of measured values of potentials at the terminal portions on the ECU 200 side and the intake pressure sensor 500 side when contact failure occurs. In FIG. 11, a waveform 700 is a measured value on the ECU 200 side, and a waveform 702 is a measured value on the intake pressure sensor 500 side. Such a difference occurs when a contact failure occurs, current does not flow through the coupler units 100 and 101, and the ECU 200 side is fixed to the potential of the ECU 200 (for example, 5V), while the intake pressure sensor 500 side is unstable. This is because the noise of the alternator appears as a relatively large AC voltage waveform.

  In the above embodiment, infrared light is used as the electromagnetic wave La. However, the infrared light is not limited as long as it transmits through the housings 110 and 118. For example, visible light (red light, blue light, green light, etc.) or ultraviolet light is used. Radio waves (millimeter wave, submillimeter wave) may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the user performs the alignment of the pickup unit 22 with respect to the terminal fitting unit 102 of the coupler units 100 and 101 and determines the contact failure one by one has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the presence or absence of contact failure of the plurality of terminal fitting portions 102 may be simultaneously measured while sequentially moving the pickup portion 22 with respect to the coupler units 100 and 101 (see FIG. 12).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the images 400 and 402 of the male terminal 108 and the female terminal 116 were displayed on the display part 38, it is not restricted to this, The waveform of the electric potential on the male terminal 108 side and the waveform of the electric potential on the female terminal 116 side Can also be displayed side by side on the display unit 38.

  In the above embodiment, the contact failure is measured with the terminal fitting portion 102 stationary. However, the measurement is not limited to this, and for example, the coupler units 100 and 101 are vibrated according to a command from the control unit 34. A vibration applying mechanism is provided, and while the coupler units 100 and 101 are vibrated by the vibration applying mechanism, the terminal fitting portion 102 is continuously monitored, and the potentials on the male terminal 108 side and the female terminal 116 side are continuously compared. Thus, the occurrence of contact failure may be confirmed.

10 ... Contact failure diagnosis system 12 ... Diagnosis device (contact failure measurement device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Personal computer 20 ... Main-body part 22 ... Pickup part 32 ... Electromagnetic wave generation part 34 ... Control part 36 ... Memory | storage part 38 ... Display part 50 ... Electromagnetic wave irradiation part 52 ... Reflected wave detection part (potential detection part) 100, 101 ... Coupler Unit 102 ... Terminal fitting part 104 ... Male terminal side coupler 106 ... Female terminal side coupler 108 ... Male terminals 110 and 118 ... Housing 116 ... Female terminal 400 ... Image of male terminal 402 ... Image of female terminal La, La1, La2, La3 ... electromagnetic waves Lb, Lb1, Lb2, Lb3 ... reflected waves

Claims (6)

A contact failure measurement method for measuring the presence or absence of contact failure between a male terminal and a female terminal in a terminal fitting portion of a coupler unit comprising a male terminal side coupler and a female terminal side coupler,
In the energized state, irradiate the male terminal and the female terminal from the outside of the resin housing of the coupler unit with electromagnetic waves that pass through the housing,
Detecting the intensity of the first reflected wave as the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the male terminal and the intensity of the second reflected wave as the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the female terminal;
The contact failure measurement method, wherein presence / absence of a potential difference between the male terminal and the female terminal is displayed based on a difference in intensity between the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave. The contact failure measuring method according to claim 1,
The contact fitting measurement method, wherein the terminal fitting portion is vibrated during the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave, and the strengths of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave are continuously compared. In the contact failure measuring method according to claim 1 or 2,
Display images corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal,
In the state where the potential difference does not occur, the luminance of the image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is aligned, and in the state where the potential difference occurs, the luminance of the image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is displayed differently. A contact failure measurement method characterized by: A contact failure measuring device for measuring presence or absence of contact failure between a male terminal and a female terminal in a terminal fitting portion of a resin coupler unit including a male terminal side coupler and a female terminal side coupler,
In an energized state, an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves that pass through the housing from the outside of the housing of the coupler unit to the male terminal and the female terminal;
A reflected wave detector that detects the intensity of the first reflected wave as the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the male terminal and the intensity of the second reflected wave as the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the female terminal;
And a display unit that displays presence or absence of potential difference between the male terminal and the female terminal based on a difference in intensity between the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave. Defect measuring device. The contact failure measuring device according to claim 4,
The display unit
Display images corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal,
In the state where the potential difference does not occur, the luminance of the image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is aligned, and in the state where the potential difference occurs, the luminance of the image corresponding to the male terminal and the female terminal is displayed differently. This is a contact failure measuring device. In the contact failure measuring device according to claim 4 or 5,
Further, the intensity data of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave are continuously stored, and the intensity data of the first reflected wave and the second reflected wave which are paired are continuously read out. A contact failure measuring device comprising: a storage device capable of displaying on the display unit.

Images