JP2018016137A - adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapter that can supply power to a variety of external devices from a vehicle side relatively readily.SOLUTION: An adapter includes: a power incoming connector 5 connected to a vehicle-side constant power supply connector 50 provided in a position accessible from an occupant-side of a vehicle so as to be detachable; and a power supply connector, such as USB connector 2, mini USB connector 3 and a cigar socket 4, for supplying power to an external device 10 based on electrical power supplied from the power supply connector 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter or the like that can supply power from a vehicle to an external device.

  As a port for outputting information from the in-vehicle computer, for example, an in-vehicle network to which a computer for controlling each part of the vehicle is connected, a signal line to which a computer for outputting information for failure diagnosis is connected, or the like. The connected port is known. A failure diagnosis system mounted on a vehicle is known as, for example, OBDII (On-Board Diagnostic II). In this type of failure diagnosis system, for example, various in-vehicle computers provided for vehicle control, such as ECU (Engine Control Unit), obtain signals from the sensors and switches provided in each part of the vehicle. Then, based on the acquired state or the like, information for failure diagnosis or information to be transmitted to another in-vehicle computer is generated and transmitted to an in-vehicle network such as CAN. The in-vehicle network is connected to the failure diagnosis port. By connecting a failure diagnosis machine provided outside the vehicle such as a repair shop to this failure diagnosis port, the failure and state of each part of the vehicle are confirmed from the failure diagnosis machine outside the vehicle.

  This type of failure diagnosis system is originally mounted on a vehicle for the purpose of failure diagnosis. For example, as described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, an adapter is attached to the port of this failure diagnosis system. A proposal has been made that the user can check the state of the vehicle even at times other than failure diagnosis by connecting and acquiring information of a computer that controls the vehicle via this adapter and outputting it to a display installed in the vehicle. Yes.

JP 2012-206621 A JP 2012-206622 A

  By the way, various portable electronic devices such as smart phones and digital cameras operate on batteries. If the battery runs out, these devices can no longer be used. In general, these devices can be charged by receiving power from a USB. Therefore, various products for supplying USB power from a cigar socket provided in a vehicle have been sold.

  However, power is not supplied from the vehicle to the cigar socket when the accessory switch (hereinafter referred to as ACC) is turned off as in parking. Vehicles are usually parked longer than they are driving. On the other hand, in order to always supply power, it has been necessary to attach the battery directly to the conventional battery, and there is a problem that it is difficult for general users to perform such work.

  Since the adapter described in the above-mentioned patent document is connected to the vehicle fault diagnosis system, power is supplied from the vehicle battery even when the ACC is turned off. However, the conventional adapter is exclusively information from the in-vehicle computer. It did not have a charging function for smart phones and digital cameras.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an adapter that allows even a general user to power various external devices from the vehicle side relatively easily.

(1) The adapter according to the present invention is supplied from a power receiving connector connected to a vehicle-side constant power supply type connector provided at a position accessible from the vehicle occupant side, and from the power receiving connector. It is characterized by having a power supply connector for supplying power to an external device based on the power. In this way, even a general user can constantly supply power from the vehicle to various external devices relatively easily.

  The position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle is particularly preferably a position accessible from the vehicle interior of the vehicle, for example. In particular, it may be a place where the vehicle-side cover provided in the passenger compartment opens. In this way, even a general user can easily feed power from the vehicle to various external devices by simply opening the cover. Also, it should be a place without a cover. In this way, it is possible to constantly supply power from the vehicle to various external devices simply by inserting the power receiving connector from the vehicle occupant side to the power supply connector. As the passenger side, the driver side is particularly preferable. In particular, a connector provided around the driver's seat is preferable. In this way, the driver can easily supply power constantly from the vehicle to various external devices.

  The vehicle-side constant power supply connector is preferably a connector provided for use from the passenger compartment. For example, it is good to use the connector which outputs the information which changes with operation of the driver | operator of a vehicle. Further, for example, a connector that is not likely to be used when the user of the vehicle is used may be used.

(2) As for the said power receiving connector, it is good in the vehicle side continuous power supply type connector connected there being a connector provided in the output port of the failure diagnosis system provided in the vehicle, for example. The connector provided at the output port of the failure diagnosis system is mainly intended to be used in a vehicle repair shop, and is likely not to be used when the vehicle user uses it. In particular, since the connector provided at the output port of the failure diagnosis system is always supplied with power from the vehicle side so that the failure diagnosis machine can be connected and diagnosed even when the vehicle ACC is off, This connector is preferably used as a constant power supply type connector. This is because the connector provided at the output port of the failure diagnosis system is provided in the passenger compartment near the driver's seat and is easily accessible by the user. As a connector provided in a vehicle to which a failure diagnosis machine can be connected, for example, an OBDII standard connector may be used.

For example, the power feeding connector may be a standardized connector for charging from a power supply device that is not mounted on a vehicle generally used for the external device. For example, as a connector standardized for charging from a power supply device not mounted on a general vehicle, for example, standardized to charge from a household power source for equipment used in the home A connector may be used, and particularly a connector used for a portable device.
For example, the power supply connector may be a connector that is commonly used in a plurality of types of external devices in order to charge the external devices from a power supply device not mounted on the vehicle. The plurality of types of external devices are particularly preferably portable devices and the like, and in particular, portable devices that require charging of the battery.
As such a connector, for example, a USB standard connector may be used as the power feeding connector.
As other power supply connectors, for example, a cigar socket, a rectangular connector used for power supply to various other devices, a pin plug connector, or the like can be used. In particular, a standard connector that is commonly used for power supply to various electronic devices may be used. For example, it may be a cigar socket. However, it is preferable to use a standard connector that is commonly used even in places other than the vehicle, and it is even better to use a USB connector as described above.

(3) The power supply connector may be a USB connector or a cigar socket. USB connectors that only supply power used to charge electronic devices (referred to as power supply type USB connectors) and those that also serve as signal lines for power supply and information transmission (referred to as communication type USB connectors) Any USB connector can be used.

(Shape of power supply connector and power reception connector, etc.)
The power feeding connector and the power receiving connector may be provided integrally with the adapter case, or may be connected to the adapter case by a cord or a cable. Further, the power receiving connector may be connected so as to be detachable with respect to the constantly powered connector provided at a position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle. A connector that fits into a connector that fits into a power receiving connector that is connected to a connector that fits into the always-fed connector itself. For example, a second connector connected to the power cable from the first connector fitted to the OBD connector may be provided, and the connector fitted to the second connector may be used as the power receiving connector of the adapter.
When it is integrated with the case, it can be miniaturized, and when connected by a cord or cable, an adapter, a power supply connector, or a power receiving connector can be installed at a distant position. Can be charged near

  According to such a configuration, electric power is supplied from the vehicle side to the power supply connector provided in the adapter via the vehicle's constant power supply type connector, and thus depends on the traveling state of the vehicle and the open / closed state of the ACC. Therefore, it is possible to always charge the external device. In particular, when the user leaves the vehicle with the ACC turned off, in the prior art, the power supply to the cigar socket is turned off and the external device cannot be charged, but this is the case in the present invention. There is also an advantage that the battery of the external device can be charged. In particular, it is preferable that the constant power supply connector on the vehicle side is always supplied with power from a battery provided in the vehicle.

(A) USB connector, etc. Currently, various external devices equipped with a USB connector charging function such as smart phones, mobile phones, tablet terminals, digital cameras, video cameras, and other small home appliances are on sale. In this case, it is possible to use and charge a wide variety of external devices equipped with these USB connectors even when the power supply to the cigar socket is stopped. .

(B) A plurality of power supply connectors, etc. In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a plurality of power supply connectors having at least any one of shape, function, performance and the like for the adapter. For example, when a USB connector and a cigar socket are provided, both a device equipped with a USB connector such as a smart phone and an in-vehicle device compatible with a cigar socket widely sold for in-vehicle use can be used. When a general-purpose connector such as a square connector or pin plug connector is used in addition to a USB connector, use a large connector such as a cigar socket for an anti-theft device, in-vehicle audio equipment, back camera, etc. Power can be supplied without any problems. Further, the number of power supply connectors provided in advance in the vehicle is limited, but in this way, a plurality of different external devices can be easily connected.

(Multiple power supply connectors + No control unit + Different power supply capacity, etc.)
It is preferable to provide a plurality of power supply connectors having the same shape with different power supply current values (for example, it is preferable to provide 2A and 1A USB connectors. In this way, for example, quick charging and normal charging can be used together, and the vehicle battery can be used together. It is possible to achieve both the load problem and the charging speed problem.

(C) Information acquisition from power receiving connector and control unit, etc. The adapter of the present invention may use a connector having a function of receiving information from the vehicle side as the power receiving connector. The adapter itself may be provided with a controller that receives information from the vehicle side and outputs a power on / off command to the power connector. The information from the vehicle side may be various data such as vehicle speed, various temperatures, driving source and battery status. Further, it may be configured to acquire power line noise, current and voltage fluctuations as information from the vehicle side through a constant power supply type connector. In particular, a configuration in which both are performed is preferable. Based on such knowledge, an OBD connector that fits an OBD connector in a vehicle is most suitable as a power receiving connector.

(4) The controller has a function of receiving information from the vehicle side via the power receiving connector, and the controller is provided with a control unit that receives information from the vehicle side and controls power feeding to the power feeding connector. A configuration is good.
For example, it is good to have the structure which judges the state of a vehicle based on the information from a vehicle, and to the structure which stops the electric power feeding from the battery with respect to an electric power feeding connector at the time of ACC OFF similarly to the conventional cigar socket. In particular, a plurality of power supply connectors may be provided in the adapter, and any one of the power supply connectors may be a constant power supply type, and the other power supply connector may be configured to stop power supply when the vehicle is stopped or the ACC is turned off. In this way, for example, for external devices, for example, external devices with high power consumption are charged only when the vehicle is in operation, and smart phones with low power consumption are charged from a power supply connector that is constantly powered. And power consumption on the vehicle side can be prevented. In the configuration in which power supply from the vehicle side is performed from the battery on the vehicle side, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the in-vehicle battery from decreasing. For example, a structure having a function of receiving information from the vehicle side in a housing having a power receiving connector is preferable.

(C-1) Detection of vehicle state by control unit, etc. (5) The control unit has a function of detecting a signal from the vehicle and controlling the supply or stop of power to the power supply connector according to the signal. A configuration is good.
The signal from the vehicle side includes a signal flowing through a communication path of data handled by the vehicle, for example, voltage, current, battery state, water temperature, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature supplied to the vehicle from sensors provided in each part of the vehicle. , Engine speed, accelerator opening, vehicle type, door opening / closing information, user seating information, manufacturer name of vehicle and on-vehicle electronic device mounted thereon, vehicle type, and the like.

  In addition to the communication path, a signal on the power line on the vehicle side, for example, a voltage value, power noise, or the like may be used. In particular, when starting and running the engine, noise and voltage values with waveforms different from those at the time of stoppage are generated on the power supply line. It is effective when connecting the adapter of the present invention.

  In this way, it is possible to control the power supply from the adapter to the external device according to the information on the vehicle side. Therefore, various external devices connected to the adapter can be appropriately controlled according to the state of the vehicle. It becomes possible to charge or to turn on / off the external device. As a result, it is possible not only to exchange electric power between the external device and the vehicle but also to control the external device connected to the adapter according to the state of the vehicle.

(C-2) Discrimination of vehicle type by control unit, etc. (6) The control unit has a function of discriminating whether or not the vehicle equipped with the adapter is a vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined amount or more. In the case where the vehicle is not a vehicle, it is preferable that the power supply is stopped at a predetermined time, while in the case of a vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery, the power supply is not stopped.
According to such a configuration, in a vehicle equipped with a battery having a relatively small capacity, such as an engine-equipped vehicle (a vehicle that is driven by an engine and not driven by a motor), it is possible to prevent the engine from being unable to start due to running out of the battery. At the same time, in a vehicle having a large capacity battery such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, charging of the device can be performed with priority.
Whether the vehicle equipped with the adapter is a vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined amount or more may be determined based on a signal from the vehicle side. For example, it may be configured such that the user makes settings such as selection on a dip switch or screen. However, since it is automatically determined in this way, it does not require the user's trouble and is convenient.

(C-3) Detection of vehicle state, etc. (7) The control unit detects on / off of the engine based on a signal from the vehicle side, and does not stop power supply when the engine is on, while it supplies power when the engine is off. It is good to make it the structure which stops.
According to this structure, it can prevent that the capacity | capacitance of a vehicle-mounted battery falls too much by charging only at the time of charge of the vehicle-mounted battery by an engine. For example, when a plurality of power supply connectors are provided, at least one of them is turned off when the engine is stopped by a command from the control unit. By performing charging only at the time of charging, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the in-vehicle battery from being excessively reduced.
(8) The control unit detects at least one of the remaining battery level, the engine speed, and the accelerator opening based on a signal from the vehicle, and stops the power supply when the detected value falls below a predetermined value. It is good to have the function to do.
For example, when the control unit detects the remaining battery level and the remaining battery level of the vehicle is less than a predetermined value, for example, less than a level at which the engine can be started several times, the power supply may be stopped. In addition, it may have a function of turning on the power supply to the power supply connector when the accelerator opening is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, when the engine speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or when the speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

  In this way, the external device can be charged only when the power is supplied to the in-vehicle battery by starting the engine or when the capacity of the in-vehicle battery remains sufficiently. It is possible to prevent a decrease in capacity.

(C-4) Driving status detection and power feeding control by the control unit (9) The control unit has a function of controlling on / off of a plurality of power feeding connectors according to the driving status of the vehicle acquired from the vehicle. good.
If it does in this way, according to the driving situation of vehicles, operation of equipment can be turned on and off. For example, it is possible to set the correspondence between the driving status and ON / OFF of multiple power supply connectors so that the driver does not need to turn on / off various external devices installed in the room. Based on this configuration, the operability of the external device is greatly improved by controlling the on / off of the plurality of power supply connectors.
For example, the control unit may acquire turn signal information of the vehicle, turn on the power supply to the right power supply connector when the right turn signal is removed, and turn on the power supply to the left power supply connector when the left turn signal is removed.
It also acquires vehicle speed and impact (change in acceleration) and turns on power to cameras, video, drive recorders, etc., and turns on power to fans according to indoor and outdoor temperatures. It is good to have the function to operate.

(C-5) (Control of multiple connectors in different modes, etc.)
(10) A plurality of power supply connectors may be provided, and power supply control to the plurality of power supply connectors may be different.
If it does in this way, operation | movement of each external apparatus connected to each connector for electric power feeding can be made into a different aspect. For example, as a plurality of power supply connectors, a connector for an external device that requires constant power supply (for example, for a battery-free device) and a connector for an external device that does not require constant power supply (for example, for a battery-equipped device) are provided. The power supply to the connector for the external device that requires constant power supply may be given priority. In addition, the adapter is provided with a control unit for detecting the remaining amount of battery of the vehicle, and when the remaining amount of battery of the vehicle is low according to the detection result of the control unit, the power supply to the connector for the external device that does not always require power supply is performed first. It is good to have a configuration that stops.

(C-6) (Control by priority of power supply, etc.)
(11) The plurality of power supply connectors include a connector for an external device that requires constant power supply and a connector for an external device that does not require constant power supply, and the control unit is for an external device that requires constant power supply. It is preferable to provide a function for giving priority to power supply to the connector.
In this way, it is possible to operate a device that needs constant power supply with priority over a device that does not need power until constant power supply. Devices that require constant power supply, for example, devices that consume large amounts of power, devices that require data communication, monitoring or standby for a long time, and warning lights that must be charged in an emergency And disaster prevention radio, etc. are particularly good because they can be powered preferentially. A connector for an external device that is not required until constant power supply may be connected to a device that has a battery or the like and operates on a battery when power is not supplied.

(D-1) (Hub function etc.)
(12) A plurality of power supply connectors are provided, and at least one of the plurality of power supply connectors is a connector having a communication path for control signals in addition to power from the battery, and one of the plurality of power supply connectors is a host. It is preferable to use a connector for connecting a device and another connector as a connector for connecting a peripheral device.

  In this way, a peripheral device connected to another connector can be used from the host device connected to the connection connector of the host device. In particular, a plurality of power supply connectors provided on the adapter may be networked. In this way, data can be exchanged between various external devices connected to the plurality of power supply connectors. Moreover, it is good to set it as the structure which controls the electric power supply stop of each electric power feeding connector using the data which each external apparatus acquired. Further, in order to use a peripheral device connected to another connector from the host device, a hub function may be provided.

(D-2) Power supply control to the peripheral device by the host (13) The adapter is provided with a control unit that receives information from the host device connection connector and controls power supply to the peripheral device connection connector. Good to be.
When a connector having a communication path for control signals is used as the power supply connector in addition to the power from the vehicle battery, one of the power supply connectors is used as a connection device for the host device, and the other connector is used for connection to the peripheral device. It can be a connector. In this case, it is possible to access a peripheral device connected to another power supply connector from the host device. Further, it is preferable to control power supply to each power supply connector or the like based on a signal from the host device. .

  According to such a configuration, the adapter can be used as a hub for a plurality of external devices, and can be used as a means for exchanging data between external devices. In particular, when using a plurality of electronic devices such as personal computers, smart phones, and digital cameras in a vehicle, and exchanging files between them, the adapter of the present invention can be used without providing a dedicated hub. . In particular, it is preferable to control the power supply of each power supply connector from an external device such as a smart phone or a personal computer connected to the adapter, and in particular, a setting is made to charge a plurality of external devices in priority order according to the user's wishes. It may be configured.

(E-1) (Various settings by mobile terminal)
(14) The adapter includes a connection unit with the mobile terminal and a control unit that performs various settings related to the adapter, and the control unit performs various settings related to the adapter based on a signal received from the mobile terminal at the connection unit. Good to do.

(14-1) Connection of portable terminal For example, the adapter includes a wireless communication unit connected to a portable terminal such as a smart phone, and the control unit performs various settings related to the adapter based on a signal received by the wireless communication unit. Or the power supply state of the power supply connector and / or the power reception connector may be controlled. In this case, the wireless communication unit uses a low-power wireless connection means such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), RFID, etc. that is not required for the user, such as a smart phone. can do.

(14-2) Wired connection with portable terminal In the present invention, the means for controlling the control unit of the adapter from the portable terminal is not limited to the wireless connection means as described above. For example, in an adapter having a USB connector, it is also possible to connect a portable terminal and an adapter with a cable using a USB cable, and transmit a control signal from the portable terminal to the controller of the adapter. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a wireless communication means in the adapter, and various settings can be made for the control unit even though the adapter itself has a simple structure.

(14-3) Condition setting from portable terminal Examples of condition setting include the following.
(1) The controller may be configured to set the vehicle type of the vehicle on which the adapter is mounted according to a signal from the mobile terminal so that the adapter corresponds to a plurality of different vehicle types. Can be recognized. For example, it can be used to acquire or output information according to the vehicle type, or to control power feeding to the power feeding connector.
(2) The control unit sets a current value of the power feeding connector and / or the power receiving connector according to a signal from the mobile terminal.
(3) The control unit sets conditions for starting and stopping power supply from the in-vehicle battery to the power feeding connector according to a signal from the mobile terminal. For example, the power supply connector condition can be set based on a signal from an in-vehicle electronic device. For example, in the case of providing n USB connectors 1 to n, when the light on of the vehicle is detected, for example, the power of the USB connector 2 is turned on and the power of the USB connector 2 is turned off when the light is turned off. When a signal from a portable terminal such as turning off is received, control according to the received content is performed.
(4) The control unit sets power supply conditions between the vehicle and the portable battery as control from the smart phone according to a signal from the mobile terminal. For example, when the power supply from the in-vehicle battery is interrupted as the power supply condition, the power supply connector is set with a condition for starting the power supply and a condition for ending the power supply, such as power supply from the portable battery for 5 minutes, Based on this setting, the start / end of power feeding may be controlled.

(Effects of setting conditions on mobile devices)
In-vehicle electronic devices vary depending on the driving source such as engine-equipped vehicles and electric vehicles, types of small cars, large cars, passenger cars, freight cars, manufacturers, dealers, etc. The optimum conditions to do are also different. For this reason, it is troublesome to prepare various types of adapters in advance to set appropriate conditions according to various on-vehicle electronic devices. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible for the manufacturer and seller of an adapter to set the optimal conditions according to the vehicle-mounted electronic device of each vehicle using a portable terminal, and it is necessary to prepare many types of adapters. Disappears.

  For example, as shown in (1) to (4) above, the user can freely set the power supply conditions for the external device according to the type of the user's vehicle, the driving situation thereof, or the type of the external device connected to the adapter. Therefore, it is possible not only to charge the internal battery of the external device but also to automatically control various types of external devices according to the state of the vehicle and the driving situation.

(E-2) (Setting for adapter by mobile terminal)
(15) The adapter includes a connection unit with the mobile terminal and a control unit that performs various settings related to the adapter, and the control unit is provided with power based on a signal received from the mobile terminal at the connection unit. Control the power supply of the connector.

  For example, while the adapter is in use, the portable terminal may transmit a power supply connector or a power receiving connector switching signal to the adapter control unit. In this way, it is possible to perform an operation different from the preset condition from the mobile terminal. As a result, the user can arbitrarily control the external device connected to the adapter each time corresponding to the situation where the user or the vehicle is placed. For example, a control program for controlling the controller of the adapter is built in the mobile terminal, and the adapter is controlled from the mobile terminal according to the time, position, acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. detected by the mobile terminal. Send commands to the department. In this way, there is an advantage that each connector of the adapter can be controlled based on information that cannot be detected by the in-vehicle electronic device.

(F) Power feeding and charging to portable battery (16) The external device is a portable battery, and the adapter includes a power feeding connector from the adapter to the portable battery, and a power feeding connector from the portable battery to the adapter. Good to be.
In the present invention, a portable battery generally called a mobile battery can be used as the external device. That is, a small portable battery called a mobile battery is sold for charging a battery built-in device such as a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a digital camera, and a video camera. This mobile battery charges the built-in battery using a USB cable or the like when the capacity of the built-in battery of the electronic device is reduced. The present invention can use this type of mobile battery as an external device to be charged.

  When providing a connector for connecting the portable battery to the adapter, the connector may be a power feeding connector from the portable battery to the adapter, in addition to the power feeding connector from the adapter to the portable battery. For example, when the adapter is provided with a plurality of power supply connectors, at least one of the power supply connectors may be used for supplying power to the portable battery, and at least one may be used for supplying power from the portable battery. With one power supply connector, it is possible to combine power supply to the portable battery and power supply from the portable battery.

  Then, the power from the portable battery may be supplied to various devices connected to the adapter via the adapter, for example, on-vehicle electronic devices and other external devices that receive power from the adapter. . In addition, it is preferable that the adapter is provided with a changeover switch or the type of connector provided on the adapter is changed so that the power feeding direction between the adapter and the portable battery can be switched. The adapter may be provided with a control unit that switches the feeding direction under specific conditions.

(F-1) Power feeding from the portable battery to the vehicle (17) A function of determining a voltage drop of the battery mounted on the vehicle is provided, and when the voltage drop of the battery is detected, the portable battery moves from the portable battery side to the vehicle side. It is good to have a function to supply power. According to such a configuration, by supplying power to the electric wiring in the vehicle via the adapter, the indoor lamp that normally receives power supply from the vehicle-mounted battery using the power of the portable battery, etc. It is possible to use other electric devices, start the engine, charge the in-vehicle battery, and the like. The function of determining the voltage drop of the battery mounted on the vehicle may be determined by monitoring the voltage supplied from the power receiving connector. Moreover, you may make it a control part acquire and determine the information regarding the state of the battery of a vehicle.

(F-2) Power supply from portable battery to external device (18) As said control part, when the capacity | capacitance of a vehicle battery falls, the electric power from the connector which connected the portable battery was supplied to the other power supply provided in the adapter It is preferable to have a function of switching to supply to the connector. In that case, the external device connected to the adapter can be charged and used using the power of the portable battery.

(G) Mounting of storage means such as an SD card (19) A connector having a data communication path may be provided. For example, a connector for mounting an SD card, USB memory, or other storage means may be provided. In this way, it becomes possible to read and write data stored in the storage means to an external device attached to a power supply connector having a data communication path, and to a portable terminal or smart phone without an SD card slot or the like in the vehicle. Data can be recorded.
(20) The adapter of the present invention outputs an output signal input from a port of a failure diagnosis system mounted on a vehicle and a signal based on the signal received by the input unit to an external device or an internal device. It is good to provide the output part which performs.

  In this way, the function desired by the user can be realized more easily than in the past. For example, by connecting various external devices, various functions of the external device can be exhibited in addition to the functions of the adapter itself. For example, if an internal device having image and sound output means is provided in the adapter, or an external device having image and sound output means is connected to the adapter, information from the failure diagnosis system is transmitted to the user in various ways. be able to. For example, by connecting external devices with displays such as radar detectors, navigation devices, and drive recorders to the adapter, information from the fault diagnosis system can be displayed in various forms of images and sounds that were impossible with the adapter alone. The user can easily and reliably recognize the state of the vehicle. The signal output from the output unit based on the signal received by the input unit may be, for example, the signal input from the adapter as it is or a signal processed inside the adapter.

  In particular, it is preferable that the adapter connected to the port of the failure diagnosis system is detachably provided and connected to one or a plurality of units. It is preferable to connect a plurality of the same units. However, it is particularly preferable that a plurality of different types of units be connected. In particular, it may be configured to output information from a vehicle computer (for example, an ECU or the like) to various types of external devices and / or internal devices according to the user's request. In this way, the functions desired by the user can be easily combined and realized.

(21) (Adapter has built-in speaker and / or display) The internal device may be at least one of a speaker, an image display device, and a warning light built in the adapter.

  In this way, since the adapter incorporates a speaker, an image display device, etc., audio information and image information obtained from the vehicle side can be output from the adapter. In this respect, there is an advantage that information on the vehicle side can be output with a single adapter compared to a technique that simply increases the number of ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness or the like. For example, based on the information obtained from the failure diagnosis system, warning sound or voice guidance, blinking of warning light, guidance by characters or images may be output to the user as a single adapter. For example, when the internal device is a speaker, a warning sound and voice guidance can be output based on information from the failure diagnosis system even when the adapter is arranged at a location that is difficult for the user to see.

(22) (Definition of external device) The external device may be a device having at least one of an audio output function and an image display function.

  Information acquired by the adapter from the failure diagnosis system may be various information such as vehicle speed, engine speed, oil temperature, water temperature, accelerator opening, and the like. Based on these pieces of information, for example, images such as numerical values and graphs, and sounds such as warning sounds and voice guidance are generated. An external device connected to the adapter may include at least one of an audio output function and an image display function, and provide information output via the adapter in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

(23) (External device is a navigation device or the like) The external device may be at least one of a navigation device, a radar detector, and a drive recorder.

  In particular, the control unit of the adapter sends information to the control unit of these devices and the like so as to use the image and audio output function provided in the navigation device, radar detector, drive recorder, etc. already owned by the user. Good. In this way, there is no need to connect an adapter and a dedicated image and audio output device to the adapter. In particular, such a device may be installed at a location that is easy for the user of the vehicle to see. In this way, the user can easily confirm information from the vehicle obtained via the adapter.

(24) (Acquisition of information from external device) An external device input unit for receiving information from the external device is provided, and predetermined voice guidance and information are provided based on information from the external device and information from the failure diagnosis system. It is preferable to include an information processing unit that displays an image.

  In this way, not only the information from the adapter but also information from the external device can be output to other external devices and internal devices to which the adapter is connected. For example, the information processing unit compares the position information from the navigation device or radar detector with the speed and accelerator position information from the fault diagnosis system, so that the curve or obstacle in the traveling direction of the vehicle It is possible to determine whether it is dangerous in view of the driving situation and to output the result to other external devices or internal devices. In particular, such a function is an advantage that cannot be obtained by simply increasing the number of output ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness.

(25) (Output of information to the adapter) An adapter output unit may be provided that outputs information received from at least one of the external device and the internal device to the adapter.

  In this way, the information acquired from the external device or the internal device can be transmitted to the adapter. For example, the adapter can perform failure diagnosis based on information from the failure diagnosis system and information from the external device or internal device. By providing an information processing unit that performs various determinations and operations that are impossible only by information from the system, various information processing can be performed on the adapter side. For example, by comprehensively judging the information about the vehicle obtained by the failure diagnosis system, the situation around the vehicle acquired by the external device, the information about the driver, etc. Can be provided to the user. For example, various operations and parameter settings relating to the adapter and the failure diagnosis system itself can be performed by commands from an external device or an internal device.

(26) (Information processing unit in adapter) Information for generating an image and / or audio signal to be output to at least one of the external device and the internal device based on information received from at least one of the adapter and the external device It is good to have a processing part.

  In this way, by providing the information processing unit in the adapter, it is possible not only to output the information input from the adapter or the external device as it is, but also to process and output it in a form that is easy for the user to understand. For example, numerical data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, temperature at various locations, battery level, etc. input from the adapter is converted into a graph or image for display, or the input numerical value is compared with a preset threshold value. Thus, warning sound and voice guidance can be performed. For example, by processing information received from an external device or comparing it with information from an adapter, more variety of information can be output to the external device or internal device in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

(27) (Connecting a plurality of external devices) A plurality of signal output units for external devices may be provided.

  In this way, by processing the signals output to a plurality of external devices into different ones depending on the signal output unit provided in the adapter, for example, from the type and location of the external device, from the failure diagnosis system Depending on the type and size of the signal, the optimum information for the user can be output from the optimum external device. For example, the volume of an audio signal output from each external device can be changed or the content of an image to be displayed can be varied according to the level of signal warning obtained from the failure diagnosis system. For example, information with a high degree of urgency is displayed on a navigation device provided at a position that is most easily seen by the user, and a radar detector with a smaller display screen than normal navigation devices such as the engine speed, water temperature / oil temperature display, etc. For example, various patterns can be displayed and voice guidance can be performed by combining the information processing unit and a plurality of external devices.

(28) (Hub Adapter) One set of the plurality of input units and output units may be a connection unit of an external device as a host, and the other input unit and output unit may be a connection unit of an external device as a peripheral device.

  In this way, for example, the adapter can be used as a hub for a plurality of external devices, and information from the failure diagnosis system can be distributed to various external devices. For example, data between external devices can be exchanged via an adapter. That is, it is convenient to use this adapter without using a dedicated hub when a plurality of electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a digital camera are used in a vehicle and files are exchanged between them. For example, by controlling other external devices, adapters, or various functions of the adapter from an external device with an input function such as a smart phone or a personal computer connected to the adapter, parameter setting or Various operations can be performed easily. For example, by providing an information processing unit, information acquired by the external device of the host can be processed and transmitted to other external devices that are peripheral devices. It is preferable to superimpose the image acquired in step 1 on the signal from the failure diagnosis system and display it on another external device such as a navigation device.

(29) (Mobile terminal: including wireless and wired) The external device may be a mobile terminal.

  In this way, for example, by using a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, the data acquired by the adapter from the vehicle can be displayed on the screen of the smart phone using an application provided for the smart phone in advance. Can do. For example, by installing a combination of an adapter connected to a mobile terminal and an adapter having other functions, the program and data of an external device connected to the adapter having other functions can be updated from the mobile terminal side. . For example, it is possible to update the latest control information to an external device such as a radar using a personal computer or a smart phone.

(30) (Bluetooth adapter) It may be connected to the portable terminal by wireless communication.
Many portable terminals such as smart phones and tablet computers have a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth in addition to a wired communication function using a USB cable. In such a portable terminal, data can be easily exchanged without preparing connection means such as a cable by connecting the adapter and the portable terminal by wireless communication. For example, all units and mobile terminals may be connected by wireless communication. When connecting the unit to the adapter, if the terminal unit is always connected, it is preferable to provide a wireless communication function only for the terminal unit.

(31) (Logging adapter) It may be provided with a recording unit for information received from at least one of an in-vehicle computer, an external device, and an internal device.

  In this way, the information collected from the vehicle while traveling and the position information collected from the GPS are written in a storage medium such as an SD card provided in the adapter or a unit connected to the adapter, which is useful for safe driving and operation management. Information can be collected as a log. The information collected in the storage medium can be used for safe driving by analyzing operation information, operation trajectory, driving habits, etc. using a dedicated application on a personal computer or mobile terminal. For example, when a unit is connected to the adapter, a recording unit may be provided for all the units. However, when the terminal unit is always connected, it is preferable to provide a recording unit only for the terminal unit.

(32) (TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) adapter) The external device is an air pressure detection device mounted on a tire of a vehicle, the air pressure detection device and the adapter are connected by wireless communication, and the information processing unit is Based on information from the air pressure detection device, at least one of image display and audio output may be output from at least one of other external devices and internal devices connected to the adapter.

  In this way, for example, the state of the tire air pressure is displayed as a graph, the vehicle outline drawing and the tire position and the air pressure are overlaid, or a sound or warning sound is output in the event of an abnormality. The tire air pressure can be displayed in various states. In particular, when a plurality of external devices are connected to the adapter, the tire air pressure can be displayed in a different manner depending on the type of the external device, and the user's visibility and voice guidance function can be further improved.

(33) (Millimeter wave radar receiving adapter) The external device is an obstacle detection radar device, and the information processing unit is connected to the adapter based on information from the obstacle detection radar device and information from the adapter. It is preferable to output at least one of an external device control command, a warning sound, and voice guidance to at least one of the other external device and the internal device.

  In this way, the obstacle detection radar device detects a situation in the range of about 100 m using, for example, a millimeter wave radar, and therefore measures the distance to the obstacle in front or Speed against obstacles can be measured. For example, based on the information acquired from the millimeter wave radar and the information acquired from the vehicle by the adapter, by outputting an inter-vehicle non-retention warning etc. from other external devices connected to the adapter, assist for risk avoidance, It can be used to prevent collisions. For example, obstacle detection radar devices are also installed on the left and right sides of the vehicle, and when a turn signal is issued to change the course while the vehicle is running, this turn signal is detected via the adapter from the fault diagnosis system, and the adapter control device By comparing the information from the obstacle detection radar device with the information from the failure diagnosis system, if there is another vehicle on the side of the vehicle to be changed, a warning sound can be sent to notify the danger.

(34) (Connect an expansion unit to the adapter) It is preferable to provide a mounting portion for fixing the expansion unit to the adapter. Each unit may be provided with a mounting portion for fixing another unit.

  In this way, it is possible to connect many types of external devices by connecting adapters to different units according to the type of external device desired by the user. For example, one of the plurality of units may be a terminal unit having only a mounting portion fixed to the adapter, and the terminal unit may be finally connected after the plurality of units are connected to the adapter. In this way, since the mounting portion for connecting the other unit is not exposed to a part of the unit connected last, a dustproof effect is obtained and the appearance is good. For example, a terminal unit that does not have a mounting part for connecting other units can secure a large space for installing other devices on the surface, so that a large speaker that covers the entire unit surface can be used as an internal device. , The quality of the output voice can be improved.

(35) (Stacking of adapter and unit) The adapter and the unit may be fixed in a state of being stacked in a plurality of stages. In this way, since the adapter and a plurality of units connected to it have a single block-like appearance, there is no sense of incongruity inside the vehicle while having a large number of functions and being integrated as a whole. Can be arranged.

(36) (A large number of units are provided in the adapter) The adapter is provided with a plurality of unit mounting portions adjacent to each other, and the plurality of units may be disposed adjacent to each other on the adapter.

  If it does in this way, a plurality of units can be arranged in a small area in one adapter, without stacking a plurality of units. For example, if each unit is connected to an external device by wireless communication, a connector for connecting the unit and the external device is not necessary, and a unit that is miniaturized in a chip shape or a card shape can be used. become. For example, if the unit mounting portion provided in the adapter is a USB port, a plurality of units can be mounted on one adapter using a standardized connection structure.

  For example, a plurality of units (especially several to a dozen) on the side surface of the adapter having the same shape that is smaller than the adapter (the shape that has the same width and height when attached to the adapter) By arranging them side by side, a plurality of units having external devices and internal devices having various functions can be compactly connected to the adapter. In particular, arrange them side by side without any gaps. In this way, it is possible to solve the problem that the dust enters the gap in a place where dust is likely to be generated, such as in the vehicle compartment, and the dirt becomes conspicuous.

(37) (Network connection) In the unit, the failure diagnosis system is connected to a plurality of sensors arranged in a vehicle by a network provided in the vehicle, and the adapter is connected to the network. It is preferable that a local network connected to the network via the adapter is provided, and the unit, the external device, and / or the internal device are connected to the local network.

  In this way, the failure diagnosis system is connected to various sensors on the vehicle side through a network inside the vehicle called a CAN network, for example, and collects data as a basis for failure diagnosis. For example, by connecting a local network provided in the adapter to this type of network in the vehicle and exchanging information with external devices via the local network, information from the fault diagnosis system, Information from each external device can be distributed in real time to an adapter, fault diagnosis system, unit, external device, internal device, etc. connected to the network.

  In other words, compared to the case where the adapter and the unit are connected by serial communication, since multiple external devices are connected to the local network, each unit can receive information from the adapter and other external devices simultaneously with other units. Can be received. As a result, even when many units are combined or many external devices are connected, compared to the case where each company's devices are serially connected or when each external device is directly connected to a network such as CAN in the vehicle, There is no delay in information. For example, a vehicle that is driving at high speed needs to be alerted instantly based on information collected by external equipment or a fault diagnosis system, or to perform an avoidance action, but such a prompt response is required. The present invention can also be applied to a system.

(38) (Adapter and unit are wirelessly connected) The unit is preferably wirelessly connected to the adapter.

  In this way, since the adapter and the unit are wirelessly connected, a mounting portion for connecting the unit and the adapter, a connector for signal transmission and the like are not required, and the adapter and the unit are reduced in size. be able to. For example, by providing multiple internal devices such as speakers and SD card recording units, as well as external devices and adapters in one case, a single unit can be used to achieve multiple functions. it can. For example, since such a unit has no restriction on the installation location, the unit can be arranged at a position away from the adapter or at a position where the user can easily operate.

(39) The unit may be provided with a power supply connector that supplies the vehicle-side power supplied via the adapter to the external device as charging power.

  If it does in this way, a smart phone, a personal computer, etc. can be charged using the battery by the side of a vehicle, for example. For example, the port of the fault diagnosis system is always supplied with power from a battery, and this power is supplied to an external device connected to the unit via an adapter, so that the external device can be charged even when the accessory switch of the vehicle is turned off. It can be carried out.

(40) (Power receiving connector from the external device to the unit) In the unit, the external device is a mobile battery, and the power receiving connector for supplying power from the mobile battery to the vehicle side and / or other external devices. It is good to provide.

  In this way, by supplying the power from the mobile battery to other external devices or the vehicle side, for example, when the accessory switch of the vehicle is turned off, the other external devices can be charged or used, or the in-vehicle battery can be used. When the capacity is insufficient, the power of the mobile battery is supplied to the vehicle side, and various devices on the vehicle side can be used.

It may be configured by combining at least any two of (1) to (40) described above. In particular, on the premise of the configuration of (1), it may be configured by combining at least one of (2) to (40). Moreover, you may select and combine the component as described in (1) to (40).
(A) A device that supplies power to a device retrofitted to a vehicle from a fault diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle,
A function of connecting to an in-vehicle network of the vehicle via the fault diagnosis connector;
A function to detect the on state of the vehicle;
A function of transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device when the vehicle is in an on state;
A function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is not on may be provided.

  In this way, the device attached to the vehicle can be easily supplied with power from the failure diagnosis connector, and can be supplied with power without closing the cigar socket, for example. Information from the in-vehicle network of the vehicle can be received when the vehicle is on, and power can be supplied even when the vehicle is not on.

Various devices can be used as a device attached to the vehicle, and for example, a drive recorder is particularly preferable.
The in-vehicle network to be connected may be, for example, CAN or K-line.
The fault diagnosis connector is particularly preferably an OBDII connector, for example. In particular, if the connector is installed in the vehicle compartment, the user may be able to connect easily.

(B) a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is on;
A function of notifying the device whether the vehicle is in an on state or not in an on state (off state) may be provided.

In this way, a device retrofitted to the vehicle can be easily supplied with power and can know whether the vehicle is on or off. In particular, the power supply line and the signal line for notifying whether the vehicle is on or not are preferably one cable covered with the same sheath. In this way, it is possible to receive power supply and a signal indicating whether or not the vehicle is in an on state only by wiring a single cable, and the wiring of the retrofit device in the vehicle is extremely difficult. Be smart and easy.

(C) The device may have a function of changing an operation of the device by a function of notifying whether the vehicle is in an on state or not in an on state (off state).
For example, when the device is a drive recorder, the recording parameter may be switched between the two modes as a constant recording mode if the vehicle is on and a parking monitoring mode if the vehicle is not on.

(D) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state.
In this way, the device can easily determine whether or not the vehicle is in an ON state based on whether or not there is a signal transmission based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network.

(E) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal to the in-vehicle network when the vehicle is not in an on state.
In this way, when the vehicle is not in the on state, there is a possibility that the in-vehicle computer for controlling the vehicle connected to the in-vehicle network, for example, in the sleep state or the off state may be in the activated state or the on state. Can be reduced. This is because these in-vehicle computers may transition from a sleep state or an off state to a start state or an on state when a signal flows through the in-vehicle network.

(F) As an on state of the vehicle, the vehicle may be charged with respect to the vehicle battery. An engine-on state may be provided as the vehicle-on state.
(G) When the vehicle is not in an on state, it is preferable that power is not supplied to the cigar socket of the vehicle.
(H) A function of transmitting a signal indicating that the device has been turned off may be provided, and processing based on the signal indicating that the device has been turned off may be performed.
(I) The device may be a drive recorder, and the video recording mode may be switched based on receiving a signal indicating that the device is in the off state.

(J) The video recording mode may be switched from a recording mode in a vehicle-on state (for example, a constant recording mode) to a recording mode in a vehicle-off state (for example, a parking monitoring recording mode).
For example, the parking monitoring recording mode may be an image in which the bit rate of the captured image recorded is lower than that in the constant recording mode. For example, the video frame rate may be decreased, the resolution may be decreased, the compression rate may be increased, or at least one of these may be performed.

(K) When the vehicle is not in an on state, the vehicle has a function of stopping power supply to the device;
A sensor may be provided, and a function of starting supply of power to the device may be provided even when the vehicle is not in an on state based on a signal from the sensor.
If power is continuously supplied to the equipment retrofitted to the vehicle based on the power supply from the fault diagnosis connector in the vehicle off state, there is a concern that the battery of the vehicle may be raised by the power supply to the equipment. If the power is supplied based on the signal from the sensor as described above, such anxiety can be reduced. In addition, the load on the vehicle battery can be reduced.

  The sensor may be a sensor that detects at least one of the approach of a person to the vehicle, the shaking of the vehicle, and the sound near the vehicle. For example, when there is a person approaching, when the vehicle shake corresponds to a predetermined state, or when at least one of the cases where the sound near the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state, The supply should be resumed. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to artificial shaking or sound caused by a bandit or the like.

  Whether to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not on is set based on a signal from the device to the device, and the device is based on the setting when the vehicle is not on. It is preferable to control on / off of power supply to the device. For example, even if the function is set so that power is not supplied to the device when the vehicle is not in an ON state, a sensor is provided as in (K), and the vehicle is based on the signal of the sensor. Even if it is not in the ON state, it is preferable to have a function of starting the supply of power to the device.

(L) The sensor may be an acceleration sensor. Then, when the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor is in a predetermined state, the supply of power to the device may be resumed even when the vehicle is not in an on state. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to the addition of acceleration to the vehicle by a person such as a bandit. For example, the acceleration may be greater than a predetermined value.
(M) The sensor may be provided in a housing having a connector that fits into a fault diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to eliminate exposure of wiring and the like from the failure diagnosis connector to the sensor, and it is possible to install devices and devices smartly and easily.

(N) It is good to have the function which receives the signal for controlling the power supply from the said apparatus of the said apparatus, and controls the supply of the power supply from the said apparatus to the said apparatus based on the said signal.
The signal for controlling the power supply from the device to the device may include at least one of turning off or on the power supply from the device to the device. Turning off the power supply or turning on the power supply may be performed immediately upon receiving the signal, or may be performed after a predetermined time. It is preferable that the device sends a signal for instructing the device from the device so that the device performs the signal after the predetermined time based on the signal. Further, for example, a signal relating to the time for supplying power is sent from the device to the device, and the device receives the signal and supplies power to the device for the time, and then supplies power to the device. You may make it stop.

(O) The device has a communication function, and the device has a function of performing communication by the communication function when the vehicle is not in an on state, and the power to the device is supplied to the device after the communication ends. It is preferable that the device receiving the signal transmits a signal for stopping the supply of power, and has a function of stopping the supply of power to the device.
In particular, the device is a drive recorder, and when the vehicle is on, the device has a function of transmitting captured video data with the communication function and recording video data that could not be transmitted, In order to stop the supply of power to the device to the device after the end of the communication, provided with a function to transmit the recorded video data that could not be transmitted in a state that is not on It is preferable that the device receiving the signal and having the function of stopping the supply of power to the device.

(P) It may be provided with a function of stopping power supply to the device when the power from the failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle is in a predetermined state. In this way,
(Q) The device may be a drive recorder and may have a function of automatically starting recording when power is supplied. In this way, the car security function can be easily realized with a general drive recorder.

(R) The configuration of the apparatus is particularly preferably configured by combining at least any two of (A) to (Q). In particular, on the premise of the configuration of (A), it may be configured by combining at least one of (B) to (R). In addition, the constituent elements described in (A) to (Q) may be selected and combined. Further, at least one of (1) to (40) and at least one of (A) to (Q) may be combined. Further, it may be configured by combining at least one of the components described in (1) to (40) and at least one of the components described in (a) to (r).

The perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the other modification of 1st Embodiment. The block circuit diagram of 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which connected the external apparatus with the USB connector which has a communication function in 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view of the state which connected the external apparatus by the low electric power wireless in 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which connected the portable battery in 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the example which provided the some USB connector in the adapter in 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the example which provided the slot of the SD card in the adapter in 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view of 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram of 4th Embodiment. The block diagram of 4th Embodiment. The block diagram of 5th Embodiment. The block diagram of 5th Embodiment. The block diagram of 6th Embodiment. The block diagram of 6th Embodiment. The block diagram of 7th Embodiment. The block diagram of 7th Embodiment. The block diagram of 8th Embodiment. The block diagram of 9th Embodiment. The block diagram of 10th Embodiment. The block diagram of 11th Embodiment. The block diagram of 12th Embodiment. The perspective view which shows an example of the adapter and unit in 12th Embodiment. The block diagram of 13th Embodiment. The block diagram of 14th Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the modification of 14th Embodiment.

[1. First Embodiment] (Adapter having power supply function)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the adapter 1 according to the present embodiment includes three power supply connectors provided in a box-shaped housing and one power reception connector.

  In this embodiment, a USB connector 2, a mini USB connector 3, and a cigar socket 4 are provided on one side of the adapter 1 as power feeding connectors. A male USB plug 20 provided at the end of the USB cable connecting the adapter 1 and the external device 10 is inserted into the USB connector 2, and the mini USB connector 3 is also provided at the end of the USB cable. The inserted male USB plug 30 is inserted.

  The USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 have different power supply current capacities, such as 2A for the USB connector 2 and 1A for the mini USB connector 3. USB connectors that only supply power used to charge electronic devices (referred to as power supply type USB connectors) and those that also serve as signal lines for power supply and information transmission (referred to as communication type USB connectors) Although both connectors can be used, the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 of the present embodiment can be configured simply so as to perform only the power supply used for charging the electronic device. The capacity of the supplied current of the cigar socket 4 is also set to a value different from that of the USB connectors 2 and 3, specifically, 5A.

  The power receiving connector 5 is provided on a different surface from the power supply connector of the box-shaped adapter 1, and is connected to and disconnected from the connector 50 of the output port of the OBDII standard fault diagnosis system provided in the passenger compartment near the driver's seat. Connected as possible. Specifically, the connector 50 is disposed with a fuse box or the like inside a pocket provided at the lower part of the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle, and the opening of the pocket is covered with a cover that can be opened and closed from the vehicle interior. ing. Even when the vehicle ACC is off, the output port of the failure diagnosis system is constantly supplied with power from the vehicle side so that a failure diagnosis machine can be connected and diagnose the failure. However, power is always supplied from the vehicle side.

  An external device 10 is connected to the adapter 1 via a cable 12. In the present embodiment, the external device 10 is a radar detector provided with a liquid crystal display, and the adapter 1 supplies electric power from a battery to the radar detector and also relates to a vehicle supplied from a connector 50 of a failure diagnosis port. The data is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[1-2. Effect of First Embodiment]
According to this embodiment, constant power is supplied from the connector 50 of the failure diagnosis port to the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4 provided on the adapter via the constantly powered connector 5 of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to always charge the external device without depending on the running state of the vehicle or the open / closed state of the ACC. In particular, there is an advantage that the battery of the external device can be charged even when the user leaves the vehicle with ACC turned off.

  Since USB connector 2 and mini USB connector 3 are provided as power supply connectors, a wide variety of external devices equipped with a USB connector charging function, such as smart phones, mobile phones, tablet terminals, digital cameras, video cameras, and other small home appliances Can be used and charged. Since the USB connectors 2 and 3 and the cigar socket 4 are provided, it is possible to use both devices equipped with a USB connector such as a smart phone and cigar socket compatible in-vehicle devices widely sold for in-vehicle use. Since the current values of the power supply of the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4 are different, for example, quick charging and normal charging can be used together, and both the problem of the load on the vehicle battery and the problem of the charging speed Can be achieved.

  Since the radar detector 10 having a liquid crystal display is connected to the adapter 1 in addition to the power feeding connector, it is possible not only to use and charge various external devices when the ACC is off, but also to the liquid crystal display of the radar detector. Information from the failure diagnosis port can be displayed. As a result, the user can easily grasp the state of the vehicle, which can contribute to improvement of safety, early detection of vehicle failure or abnormality, failure diagnosis, and the like.

  Since the power connector such as the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4 and the power receiving connector 5 are integrated with the case, the entire adapter can be reduced in size.

[1-3. First Modification of First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4 that are power feeding connectors may be connected to the adapter 1 using the cable 12. Then, the power receiving connector 5 may be connected to the adapter 1 using the cable 12. According to this modification, when the power feeding connector and the power receiving connector 5 are connected to the adapter by the cable 12, the power feeding connector and the power receiving connector can be installed at a position away from the output port of the failure diagnosis system. External devices can be charged near the driver's seat and passenger seat.

[1-3. Modification 2 of the first embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the adapter 1 includes a speaker 1a, an image display device 1b such as a liquid crystal display, and a warning light 1c such as an LED. As a result, information from the failure diagnosis system can be displayed in various forms of images and sounds that are impossible with a conventional adapter alone, and the user can easily and reliably recognize the state of the vehicle. Become. In this case, the information output from the speaker 1a, the image display device 1b such as a liquid crystal display, and the warning lamp 1c such as an LED is preferably output as it is from the signal received from the vehicle by the adapter. It may be a signal processed inside the adapter. In this way, since the adapter 1 incorporates the speaker 1a, the image display device 1b, etc., audio information and image information obtained from the vehicle side can be output from the adapter. In this respect, there is an advantage that information on the vehicle side can be output with a single adapter compared to a technique that simply increases the number of ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness or the like. For example, based on information obtained from the failure diagnosis system, a warning sound or voice guidance, blinking of a warning lamp, or guidance by characters or images can be output to the user as a single adapter. For example, when the internal device is a speaker, a warning sound and voice guidance can be output based on information from the failure diagnosis system even when the adapter is arranged at a location that is difficult for the user to see.

[2. Second Embodiment] (Adapter having power supply function and control function)
[2-1. Configuration of Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a controller 11 is provided in the adapter 1 to control power supply to the power supply connector. The control unit 11 includes a control microcomputer 111 that controls power supply to the power supply connector (specifically, the USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4). Each function in the adapter according to the present embodiment is stored on the EEPROM of the control unit 11 as a program executed by the control microcomputer 111 and is realized by the control microcomputer 111 executing the program.

  The function realized by the computer by the program of the control microcomputer 111 is a function (c-1, c-2, c-3) for acquiring information from the vehicle and determining the type and state of the vehicle. A function (c-4, c-5, c-6) for controlling power supply on / off for each power supply connector by comparing power supply conditions with the type and state of the vehicle, a plurality of external devices connected to the adapter, or Hub function (d-1) for exchanging information with the vehicle, host processing function (d-2) for performing operations on other external devices connected to the adapter in response to commands from the host device connected to the adapter, portable There are various setting functions (e-1, e-2) by a terminal, a control function (f) of a portable battery connected to the adapter, an information output function (g) for an external device connected to the adapter, and the like.

(C-1) Vehicle State Detection Function by Control Unit 11 In order to realize the vehicle state detection function by control unit 11, various receiving units for acquiring vehicle-side information are connected to control microcomputer 111. Yes. That is, the control microcomputer 111 includes an engine state reception unit 112 that detects start / stop of the engine, an analog signal detection unit 113 that receives an analog signal from an electronic device installed inside the vehicle, and a K-LINE communication control unit. 114, and a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication control unit 115 wired inside the vehicle. In the present embodiment, these receiving units are connected to an OBDII standard connector 50 provided on the vehicle side via a power receiving connector 5 provided on the adapter 1.

  The engine state receiving unit 112 detects engine start / stop based on noise and voltage fluctuation patterns and magnitudes appearing on the power supply line 5L when the engine is started or stopped. When detecting that a specific noise or voltage value has appeared, the control microcomputer 111 determines start / stop of the engine based on the detection signal, and supplies power to part or all of the power supply connector. Output start or stop signal. In the present embodiment, for the cigar socket 4, the power supply is stopped when the engine is stopped, and for the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3, the power supply is maintained even when the engine is stopped and stopped. Control.

  The analog signal detection unit 113 is a variety of analog signals (for example, from analog audio signals and temperature sensors) output by various devices such as in-vehicle acoustic devices and various sensors connected to the analog LINE 113L according to the operation status. Output signal) and the detection result is output to the control microcomputer 111. The control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply control unit 119 based on information from various devices input from the analog signal detection unit 113.

  The K-LINE communication control unit 114 is connected to a K-LINE 114L wired to various devices such as sensors installed inside the vehicle. The K-LINE 114L is a low-speed bus dedicated for diagnosis, and has been used in a diagnosis system before CAN has become widespread. The adapter 1 of the present embodiment acquires information from various devices connected to the K-LINE 114L by the K-LINE communication control unit 114 so that the adapter 1 can be mounted on a vehicle equipped with the K-LINE 114L. 111 can be output. Accordingly, the control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply control unit 119 based on information from each device connected to the K-LINE 114L.

  The CAN communication control unit 115 is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of each part of the vehicle via a CAN 115N wired inside the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, for example, power train ECUs such as engines, ABS and AT, body ECUs such as doors, seats and air conditioners, multimedia ECUs such as car navigation systems, audio and drive recorders, speed sensors, oil temperature / water temperature sensors, directions In many vehicles, such as meter switch ECUs such as indicators, ECUs are provided, and these ECUs are connected to CAN 115N. The CAN 115N is provided with a fault diagnosis port connector 50 of the OBDII standard, and the power receiving connector 5 provided in the adapter 1 is detachably fitted into the connector 50.

The control microcomputer 111 sends power to the power supply connector 119 with respect to each power supply connector in accordance with signals input from the engine state reception unit 112, the analog signal detection unit 113, the K-LINE communication control unit 114, and the CAN communication control unit 115. Output power supply start or stop command. Specifically, the control microcomputer 111 detects the following information connected to one or more of the analog signal detection unit 113, the K-LINE communication control unit 114, and the CAN communication control unit 115.
(1) Battery output voltage
(2) Battery output current
(3) Battery charge status
(4) Cooling water temperature
(5) Indoor temperature
(6) Outdoor temperature
(7) Engine speed
(8) Accelerator opening
(9) Vehicle type
(10) Information on electronic devices mounted on vehicles
(11) Door open / close
(12) User sitting state

  In the present embodiment, since the power receiving connector 5 provided in the adapter 1 is an OBDII standard connector, for example, the power receiving connector 5 can acquire various types of vehicle information every 0.5 seconds. Examples of vehicle information that can be acquired from the vehicle side include speed, average speed, maximum speed, 5-second speed, average 5-second speed, maximum 5-second speed, rotation speed, average rotation speed, maximum rotation speed, engine load, average load. , Maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, intake manifold pressure, maximum intake manifold pressure, MAF, INJ, cooling water temperature, maximum cooling water temperature, intake air temperature, maximum intake air temperature , Outside temperature, maximum outside temperature, remaining fuel, fuel flow rate, maximum fuel flow rate, fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, maximum current fuel consumption, lifetime fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, general road average fuel consumption, expressway average fuel consumption , Moving average fuel consumption, Maximum moving average fuel consumption, Driving time, Travel time, Idle time, Idle ratio, Travel distance, Lifetime travel distance, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration 0-20 km / h shortest acceleration, 0-40 km / h acceleration time, 0-40 km / h average acceleration, 0-40 km / h shortest acceleration, 0-60 km / h acceleration time, 0-60 km / h average acceleration, 0- 60km / h shortest acceleration, 0-80km / h acceleration time, 0-80km / h average acceleration, 0-80km / h shortest acceleration, 0-20km / h traveling time, 20-40km / h traveling time, 40-60km / There are vehicle data such as h travel time, 60-80 km / h travel time, travel time greater than 80 km / h, lifetime engine travel distance, lifetime engine travel ratio. In the present invention, conditions for charging an external device via an adapter can be appropriately set from these pieces of information. In particular, the information in the above (1) to (12) Since the charging state of the battery is influenced, it is suitable as a condition for starting and stopping power feeding.

  The control unit 11 includes a database 116 that stores various data input to the control unit 11. The database 116 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (for example, a NAND flash memory) in the microcomputer of the control unit 11 or externally attached to the microcomputer. In the database 116, in order to realize each of the above functions, information on thresholds and conditions when each power supply connector turns on / off power supply according to the state of the vehicle obtained from the power receiving connector 5 of the OBDII standard is registered. Has been. Such information includes information registered in the database 116 at the time of shipment of the adapter and information added or updated thereafter by the user.

  In order to acquire information from an external device connected to the adapter 1, the control microcomputer 111 has a wired communication unit 117 such as USB, wireless communication such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and RFID. A communication unit 118 is connected. The USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 of the present embodiment use a communication type USB connector that also serves to connect a signal line for power supply and information transmission, so that the output from the wired communication unit 117 is output by a USB cable. it can. In FIG. 5, the smart phone 61 is connected to the USB connector 2 using a USB cable, power is supplied from the adapter, and information from the smart phone 61 is received by the control microcomputer 111 via the wired communication unit 117. Indicates the state to be performed. FIG. 6 shows a state in which information from the smart phone 61 is received by the control microcomputer 111 via the wireless communication unit 118.

  The control unit 11 is provided with a power supply control unit 119 that starts and stops power supply to each of the power supply connectors 2 to 4 in accordance with a command from the control microcomputer 111. The power supply control unit 119 is provided between the power supply line 5L and each of the power supply connectors 2 to 4, and is portable when the power supply from the adapter to the external device is turned on / off and a portable battery is connected to the adapter. Turns on / off the power supply from the battery to the adapter. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the portable battery 62 is connected to the adapter, the portable battery 62 is charged from the adapter, and the vehicle-mounted battery or other external battery connected to the adapter from the portable battery 62 via the adapter. Indicates the state of supplying power to the device.

(C-2) Vehicle Type Discriminating Function by Control Unit The control unit 11 has a function of discriminating whether a vehicle equipped with an adapter is a vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined amount or more. That is, the control microcomputer 111 acquires information such as the vehicle type and the capacity of the in-vehicle battery from the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115, and compares this information with the information stored in the database 116. If the vehicle equipped with the adapter is not a large-capacity battery-equipped vehicle, a command to stop power feeding at a predetermined time is output to the power feeding control unit 119. On the other hand, in the case of a vehicle with a large capacity battery, a power supply stop command is not output to the power supply control unit 119.

  According to such a configuration, in a vehicle equipped with a battery having a relatively small capacity, such as an engine-equipped vehicle (a vehicle that is driven by an engine and not driven by a motor), it is possible to prevent the engine from being unable to start due to battery exhaustion. At the same time, in a vehicle having a large capacity battery such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, charging of the device can be performed with priority. In addition, since the control microcomputer 111 obtains vehicle information and automatically determines whether or not power supply is possible, it does not require user trouble and is convenient.

(C-3) Vehicle State Detection Function (a) Engine On / Off Function The control microcomputer 111 includes an engine state reception unit 112, an analog signal detection unit 113, a K-LINE communication control unit 114, and CAN communication control. It has a function of detecting on / off of the engine based on a signal from the vehicle side acquired by any one of the units 115 or a combination thereof. That is, the control microcomputer 111 compares the information acquired from each receiving unit with the information stored in the database 116, for example, the noise pattern on the feeder 5L and the pattern stored in the database 116, Determine whether the engine starts or stops. According to this determination result, the control microcomputer 111 does not output a power supply stop command to the power supply control unit 119 when the engine is on, and outputs a power supply stop command to the power supply control unit 119 when the engine is off.

  According to this function, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the in-vehicle battery from being excessively reduced by charging only when the in-vehicle battery is charged by the engine. For example, when a plurality of power supply connectors are provided, at least one of them is turned off when the engine is stopped by a command from the control unit. By performing charging only at the time of charging, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the in-vehicle battery from being excessively reduced.

(A) Battery remaining amount, engine speed, accelerator opening detection function The control microcomputer 111 is based on the signal from the vehicle acquired by the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115. At least one value of the remaining amount, engine speed, and accelerator opening is detected. The control microcomputer 111 compares the detected value with a threshold value stored in advance in the database 116, and stops power supply to the power supply control unit 119 when the detected value falls below the threshold value. Specifically, the control microcomputer 111 outputs a command to stop power supply to the power supply control unit 119 when the detected remaining battery level of the vehicle is equal to or less than a threshold value, for example, enough to start the engine several times. To do. The control microcomputer 111 supplies power to the power supply connector based on one or a combination of the case where the accelerator opening received from the vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold, the engine speed is equal to or greater than the threshold, and the speed is equal to or greater than the threshold. turn on.

  In this way, the external device can be charged only when the power is supplied to the in-vehicle battery by starting the engine or when the capacity of the in-vehicle battery remains sufficiently. It is possible to prevent a decrease in capacity.

(C-4) Operation status detection and power supply control function by control unit The control unit 11 has a function of controlling on / off of a plurality of power supply connectors according to the vehicle operation status acquired from the vehicle. That is, the control microcomputer 111 acquires vehicle turn signal information from the CAN communication control unit 115, and when the right turn signal is released, the database 116 turns on the power supply to the right power supply connector and the left turn signal is output. Information that power supply to the left power supply connector is turned on is stored in advance. Thereby, the control microcomputer 111 can turn on / off the power supply to the left and right power supply connectors based on the turn signal information of the vehicle.

  The control microcomputer 111 acquires the speed and impact (acceleration change) of the vehicle by the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115, and operates the camera, video, drive recorder and the like accordingly. Or has a function of operating the fan in accordance with indoor or outdoor temperature. That is, the adapter 1 is provided with a USB connector 2 or a mini USB connector 3 having a communication function, and a camera, video, or drive recorder is connected to the USB connector 2 or the like. The control microcomputer 111 normally supplies power from the power supply line 5L to these external devices to charge the internal battery of the external device. When the speed and acceleration information received from the vehicle by the control microcomputer 111 exceeds the threshold value stored in the database 116, an activation command is output to a drive recorder connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3. Start recording.

  When the USB connector 2 or the like having no communication function is used, when an external device such as a drive recorder starts to supply power to the USB connector 2 by a power supply command from the control microcomputer 111, the power supply of the external device is turned on. Input and start recording. In this case, when the information from the vehicle is less than the threshold value, the control microcomputer 111 does not output a power supply command to the power supply control unit 119, and thus cannot charge the external device connected to the power supply connector. In general, devices such as a drive recorder, an around view camera, and a back camera that do not have a built-in battery can be controlled by the adapter of this embodiment. Similarly, if the control microcomputer 111 obtains the temperature inside or outside the vehicle via the CAN communication control unit 115 and connects the power cord of the fan to the adapter, the control microcomputer 111 corresponds to the state of the vehicle. The fan can be operated automatically.

  According to the present embodiment, the operation of the device can be turned on / off according to the driving situation of the vehicle. For example, it is possible to set the correspondence between the driving status and ON / OFF of multiple power supply connectors so that the driver does not need to turn on / off various external devices installed in the room. Based on this configuration, the operability of the external device is greatly improved by controlling the on / off of the plurality of power supply connectors.

(C-5) Control Function in Different Modes of Multiple Connectors As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 1 of the present embodiment is provided with multiple USB connectors 2a to 2d. The control microcomputer 111 performs different power supply controls on the USB connectors 2a to 2d. For example, the control microcomputer 111 outputs a power supply command to the power supply control unit 119 so that the USB connectors 2a and 2b function as connectors for non-battery-equipped devices that require constant power supply, and the USB connectors 2c and 2d. A power supply command is output to the power supply switch so as to function as a connector for a battery-equipped device that does not require constant power supply. The command of the control microcomputer 111 is stored in advance in the database 116 in the control mode of each of the USB connectors 2a to 2d. In addition, a switch is provided in the adapter 1 so that the driver can freely set it, and the driver sets which USB connectors 2a to 2d are always supplied from an external device such as a smart phone.

  As the plurality of power supply connectors provided in the adapter 1, it is not necessary to use the same type as shown in FIG. 8, and different types of power supply connectors can be controlled differently. Further, the power supply mode is not limited to whether or not constant power supply is possible. In the adapter having different types of power supply connectors as shown in FIG. 5, the control microcomputer 111 controls the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 so that the power supply is not always required and the cigar socket 4 is always supplied. . As for the mode of power supply, it is also possible to change whether power can be always supplied for each power supply connector according to the time zone or day and night (brightness outside the vehicle).

  When the voltage adjusting device is built in the adapter 1, the control microcomputer 111 performs different control of the power supply voltage and current for each power supply connector. A plurality of mini USB connectors 3 are provided to supply a current of 1 A for the mini USB connector 3 for charging a smart phone or the like, and a current of 2.1 A for the mini USB connector 3 for charging a tablet terminal or the like. The adapter provided with the USB connector 2 and / or the mini USB connector 3 and the cigar socket 4 supplies a voltage of 5V for the USB connector and 12V for the cigar socket 4.

(C-6) Control function based on priority of power supply The control microcomputer 111 has a function of giving priority to power supply to the USB connectors 2a and 2b for external devices that require constant power supply. The control microcomputer 111 detects the remaining amount of the battery mounted on the vehicle via the K-LINE communication control unit 114 or the CAN communication control unit 115, and compares it with the threshold value stored in the database 116. When the remaining battery level is less than the threshold value, control is performed to stop power supply to the USB connectors 2c and 2d that do not require constant power supply first. As a result, power can be preferentially supplied to the USB connectors 2a and 2b for external devices that require constant power supply.

  In this way, equipment that needs constant power supply, such as equipment that consumes a large amount of power, equipment that requires data communication, monitoring, and standby for a long time, and that it is always charged in an emergency. The required warning light, disaster prevention radio, etc. can be preferentially powered by being connected to the USB connectors 2a, 2b that require constant power feeding. For example, an external device, such as a battery, that has a battery or the like and is operated with a battery is connected to the USB connectors 2c and 2d for external devices that are not required until the regular power supply.

(D-1) Hub Function The adapter 1 of the present embodiment includes USB connectors 2 and 2a to 2c and a mini USB connector 3 connected to the wired communication unit 117, as shown in FIGS. The plurality of power supply connectors are communication type USB connectors, and have a communication path for a control signal from the control microcomputer 111 in addition to electric power from the in-vehicle battery. Of these USB connectors, for example, the USB connector 2 is used as a connection connector for a host device, and the other connectors are used as connection connectors for peripheral devices. Which USB connector is used for host device connection and which other USB connector is used for peripheral device connection is stored in the database 116 in advance. It is recommended to set the adapter with a switch or a smartphone connected to the USB connector.

  In this way, since the plurality of USB connectors 2, 2a to 2c and the mini USB connector 3 provided on the adapter 1 can be networked, data can be transmitted between various external devices connected to the plurality of power supply connectors. It is possible to control the power supply stop of each power supply connector by exchanging or using data acquired by each external device.

(D-2) Power Supply Control Function to Peripheral Device by Host As shown in FIG. 5, a smart phone 61 is connected as a host device to the USB connector 2 for connecting the host device, and the control microcomputer 111 is connected to the host device connector 2 The information from the smart phone 61 is received via, and power supply to the mini USB connector 3 and cigar socket 4 for connecting peripheral devices is controlled.

  In FIG. 5, a host device is connected to the USB connector 2, a portable terminal such as another smart phone or a tablet as a peripheral device is connected to the mini USB connector 3, and the smart phone 61 and another portable terminal such as a smart phone or tablet are connected. Data is exchanged between them, and other mobile terminals are operated and set by the smart phone 61. As peripheral devices, a digital camera, a video camera, a car navigation system, a drive recorder, and the like are connected to a power supply connector for peripheral devices so that these peripheral devices can be accessed. In addition to the adapter of FIG. 5, in the adapter of FIGS. 6 to 8 having the control unit 11, any USB connector or mini-USB connector is used as a power supply connector for connecting a host device, and other USB connectors are connected to peripheral devices. Power supply connector. The host device is not limited to the smart phone 61, and a portable terminal or a personal computer having an input / output function is used as appropriate.

  According to such a configuration, the adapter can be used as a hub for a plurality of external devices, and can be used as a means for exchanging data between external devices. In particular, when using a plurality of electronic devices such as personal computers, smart phones, and digital cameras in a vehicle, and exchanging files between them, the adapter of the present invention can be used without providing a dedicated hub. . In addition, by controlling the power supply of each power supply connector from an external device such as a smart phone or a personal computer connected to the adapter, it is possible to charge a plurality of external devices with a priority order according to the user's wishes.

(E-1) Various setting functions by the mobile terminal The adapter includes a connection unit with a mobile terminal such as the smart phone 61, and the control unit 11 that performs various settings related to the adapter, and receives signals from the mobile terminal at the connection unit. Based on this, the control unit 11 performs various settings related to the adapter.

(A) Wireless connection of mobile terminal As shown in FIG. 6, the adapter 1 includes a wireless communication unit 118 that connects to a mobile terminal such as a smart phone 61, and the control microcomputer 11 receives a signal received by the wireless communication unit 118. Based on various settings related to the adapter, the power supply state of the power supply connector and / or the power reception connector is controlled. In this case, as the wireless communication unit 118, a low-power wireless connection unit such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or RFID provided in a mobile terminal such as a smart phone is used.

(A) Wired connection with portable terminal As shown in FIG. 5, in the adapter having the USB connector 2, the smart phone 61 and the adapter 1 are connected by wire using the USB cable 20. A control signal is transmitted from the adapter to the microcomputer 111 for controlling the adapter. In this case, the adapter 1 is not provided with the wireless communication unit 118, and the adapter itself has a simple structure.

(C) Condition setting from portable terminal Condition for starting and / or stopping power supply to control microcomputer 111 by external device such as smart phone 61 connected to wired communication unit 117 or wireless communication unit 118 as described above Examples of setting are as follows.
(1) Using an adapter corresponding to a plurality of different vehicle types, the control microcomputer 111 sets the vehicle type of the vehicle on which the adapter is mounted according to a signal from the smart phone 61. As a result, it is possible to recognize to which vehicle model the adapter itself is connected. For example, the control microcomputer 111 acquires or outputs information corresponding to the vehicle type from the database 116 and controls power supply to each power supply connector.
(2) The current value of the power feeding connector and / or the power receiving connector 5 such as the USB connectors 2, 2 a to 2 c, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4 according to the signal from the portable terminal such as the smart phone 61, etc. Set.
(3) The control microcomputer 111 sets conditions for starting and stopping power supply from the in-vehicle battery to each power supply connector according to a signal from a mobile terminal such as the smart phone 61. For example, the adapter 1 is provided with n USB connectors of a plurality of USB connectors 1 to n, and the on-light of the vehicle is detected in the database 116 of the control unit 11 from the portable terminal through the wired communication unit 117 or the wireless communication unit 118. When the power is turned on, the USB connector 2 is turned on, and when the light is detected to be turned off, the USB connector 2 is turned off. In this state, when the control microcomputer 111 detects the on / off state of the light via the CAN communication control unit 115, the control microcomputer 111 supplies power to the USB connector 2 according to the signal written in the database 116 by the portable terminal. The start command or stop command is output to the power supply control unit 119.
(4) In the state where the portable battery 62 as shown in FIG. 7 is connected to the adapter 1, the control microcomputer 111 sets power supply conditions for the vehicle and the portable battery according to the signal from the portable terminal. For example, when the power supply from the in-vehicle battery is stopped from the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal is set in the database 116 to supply power to each power supply connector from the portable battery 62 for a fixed time (for example, 5 minutes). When the control microcomputer 111 detects from the CAN communication control unit 115 that the in-vehicle battery power supply is interrupted, the control microcomputer 111 uses the power of the portable battery 62 connected to the power supply connector to another power supply connector (in FIG. Control is performed to supply power to the connector 3 and cigar socket 4). In this case, a power supply control unit 119 having a circuit capable of appropriately switching the power supply direction is used.

  According to the present embodiment, it becomes possible for an adapter manufacturer or a seller to set optimal conditions according to the in-vehicle electronic device of each vehicle using a portable terminal, and prepare various types of adapters. There is no need. In particular, as shown in (1) to (4) above, the user can freely set the power supply conditions for the external device according to the type of the vehicle of the user, the driving situation thereof, or the type of the external device connected to the adapter. Therefore, it is possible not only to charge the internal battery of the external device but also to automatically control various types of external devices according to the state of the vehicle and the driving situation.

(E-2) Setting function for adapter by portable terminal In the present embodiment, the adapter 1 is provided with a wired connection unit 117 and / or a wireless connection unit 118 with the portable terminal, and is connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector. The power supply condition for each power supply connector is written in the database 116 from the portable terminal such as the smart phone 61. Power device conditions include voltage and current supplied to each external device from each power supply connector, or power supply start or stop command for each power supply connector according to time, position, vehicle acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. There is. The control microcomputer 111 may acquire information that is a basis for determining these conditions from the vehicle through the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like. And it is good for the control microcomputer 111 to acquire from the various sensors which portable terminal itself has. The writing to the database 116 may be overwritten on the power supply conditions already stored in the database 116. However, in the present embodiment, the already set power supply condition and the power supply condition written from the mobile terminal are switched by a signal output from the mobile terminal to the control unit 11.

  The control microcomputer 111 controls the amount of power supplied to each power supply connector in accordance with the current value or voltage value written in the database 116 from the mobile terminal. Further, when the control microcomputer 111 acquires information on the vehicle side obtained from the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like, or information on time, position, acceleration of the vehicle, outside temperature, brightness, and room temperature acquired from the mobile terminal, Compared with the conditions in the database 116, power supply on / off control for each power supply connector is performed. In this case, in this embodiment, when the control microcomputer 111 receives a switching signal from the mobile terminal, power supply to each power supply connector is controlled based on the power supply condition written by the mobile terminal.

  In the present embodiment, while the adapter is in use, the mobile terminal is preset in the database 116 by transmitting a power feeding connector or power receiving connector power switch or a power receiving state switching signal to the adapter controller 11. It becomes possible to perform an operation different from the condition. As a result, the user can arbitrarily control the external device connected to the adapter each time corresponding to the situation where the user or the vehicle is placed. For example, an adapter control program is built in the mobile terminal, and a command is sent from the mobile terminal to the adapter control unit according to the time, position, acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. detected by the mobile terminal. In such a case, there is an advantage that each connector of the adapter can be controlled based on information that cannot be detected by the in-vehicle electronic device.

(F) Power Supply and Charging Function for Portable Battery As shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a portable battery 62 generally called a mobile battery is connected as an external device to the USB connector 2 or 2a that is a power supply connector. Is done. The power supply connector other than the USB connector 2 to which the portable battery 62 is connected, the mini USB connector 3 and the cigar socket 4 in FIG. 7, and the USB connectors 2b to 2d in FIG. Alternatively, the power supply control unit 119 is connected so as to receive power from the portable battery 62 connected to 2a. With one power supply connector, it is possible to combine power supply to the portable battery and power supply from the portable battery.

  The control microcomputer 111 receives power from the portable battery 62 from various devices connected to the adapter via the adapter 1 under specific conditions previously written in the database 116, for example, in-vehicle electronic devices and adapters. Control to supply to other external devices receiving power supply. In addition to switching the power feeding direction by the control microcomputer 111, the adapter 1 is provided with a power feeding direction switching switch (not shown).

  Depending on the type of power supply connector, the power supply direction between the adapter 1 and the portable battery 62 can be switched. That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adapter 1 and the portable battery 62 are provided with the USB connector 2 and the mini-USB connector 3, and the adapter 1 or the portable battery 62 supplies power from the USB connector 2 to The USB connector 3 receives power. If it does in this way, electric power feeding and electric power reception can be distinguished only by the shape of a connector.

(F-1) Power Supply Function from Portable Battery to Vehicle In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control microcomputer 111 determines a voltage drop of the battery mounted on the vehicle from the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like. When a battery voltage drop is detected, the portable battery 62 connected to the adapter supplies power to the vehicle. According to such a configuration, the indoor lamp that normally receives power from the in-vehicle battery using the power of the portable battery 62 by supplying power to the electrical wiring in the vehicle via the adapter. It is possible to use other electrical devices, start the engine, charge the on-board battery, etc.

(F-2) Function for Power Supply from Portable Battery to External Device In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control microcomputer 111 is enabled when the capacity reduction of the in-vehicle battery is detected from the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like. Supply power from a power supply connector (for example, USB connector 2 or 2a) connected to the portable battery 62 to another power supply connector (for example, another USB connector 2c, 2d or mini USB connector 3) provided on the adapter. It has a function to switch so as to. In this case, the threshold value for switching to the extent that the capacity of the in-vehicle battery decreases is set in the database 116 in advance, or the user sets in the database 116 from the mobile terminal. This makes it possible to charge and use other external devices connected to the adapter using the power of the portable battery 62.

(G) Mounting of storage means such as SD card In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the power feeding connectors 2 to 3, a connector 63a for mounting the SD card 63 is provided as a connector having no power feeding function. Provide. In addition to the connector for the SD card 63, a connector for mounting a micro SD card, a nano SD card, a USB memory, or the like may be provided.

  In this way, data stored in the SD card 62 can be read and written from an external device attached to the USB connector 2 having a data communication path. It becomes possible to record data.

[3. Third Embodiment] (Adapter for connecting units)
[3-1. Configuration of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, an extension option unit (hereinafter referred to as a unit) is combined with the adapter shown in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 10, the adapter 1 is provided with an OBDII standard input connector to be the power receiving connector 5 on its input side surface (hidden on the back side of the adapter 1 in FIG. 10), and becomes a power supply connector on its output side surface. An output connector 50a conforming to the OBDII standard is provided. The adapter 1 receives the information from each part of the vehicle and the power supplied from the in-vehicle battery by fitting the input connector into the output connector 50 of the OBDII standard that is a power supply connector provided in the vehicle. As in the first and second embodiments, the adapter 1 is provided with a power supply connector of a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3. The adapter 1 is provided with a cable 12 having a connector 13 for connecting an external device such as a car navigation system or a drive recorder.

  The unit 100a is fitted in the output connector 50a of the adapter 1. This unit 100a is called an intermediate unit because other units can be connected to its output side. Similar to the adapter 1, the unit 100a includes an OBDII standard input connector serving as the power receiving connector 5 on the input side surface, and an OBDII standard output connector 50a serving as a power supply connector on the output side surface. The unit 100a receives the information from each part of the vehicle and the power supplied from the in-vehicle battery via the adapter 1 by fitting the input connector into the output connector 50 of the adapter 1.

  An external device 10 such as a radar detector, a car navigation system, a drive recorder, or a video camera is connected to the unit 100a by a cable 12. In the present embodiment, the external device 10 is a car navigation system, and the unit 100a supplies power from the in-vehicle battery to the car navigation system 10 and displays various data related to the vehicle supplied from the connector 50 of the failure diagnosis port on its liquid crystal display. To display. The unit 100a is provided with a cigar socket 4 as a power feeding connector.

  The second unit 100b is fitted into the output connector 50a of the unit 100a. Similar to the adapter 1 and the intermediate unit 100a, the second unit 100b includes an OBDII standard input connector serving as the power receiving connector 5 on the input side. The terminal unit 100b receives the information from each part of the vehicle and the power supplied from the in-vehicle battery via the adapter 1 and the intermediate unit 100a by fitting the input connector into the output connector 50b of the intermediate unit 100a.

  The terminal unit 100b is provided with a liquid crystal display 1a, a speaker 1b, and an LED warning lamp 1c. Thereby, various data regarding the vehicle supplied from the connector 50 of the failure diagnosis port is displayed on the liquid crystal display 1a by the terminal unit 100b alone. Various warnings and guidance are given to the driver using the speaker 1b and / or the LED warning lamp 1c.

[3-2. Modified example]
FIG. 10 shows two units 100a and 100b connected to the adapter 1, but the number of units connected to the adapter 1 may be one or three or more. Since the second unit 100b in FIG. 10 does not have an output connector, it is suitable as a terminal unit connected to the final stage. The unit connected to the final stage is not necessarily limited to providing the liquid crystal display 1a, the speaker 1b, and the LED warning lamp 1c, and these output means may be provided in all units. Or it is good to provide in either unit according to the use of a unit.

  In FIG. 10, the power supply connector is provided in all of the adapter 1 and the units 100 a and 100 b, but the power supply connector may be provided only in the adapter 1. If the power supply connector is not provided in the unit, the unit can be reduced in size. On the other hand, when the power supply connector is provided only in the unit and the power supply connector is not provided in the adapter 1, the adapter can be reduced in size, and only the driver who needs to charge the external device has the unit having the power supply connector. Since it only has to be purchased and connected to the adapter 1, the convenience is enhanced.

[3-3. Effect]
As described above, in this embodiment, the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b are provided with the input-side connector 5 of the output signal from the port of the failure diagnosis system mounted on the vehicle, and the signal based on the signal received by the input-side connector 5. Is output to an external device 10 such as a car navigation system or an internal device such as the liquid crystal display 1a provided in the adapter 1 or the units 100a and 100b.

  In this way, the function desired by the user as an in-vehicle device can be easily realized. For example, by connecting various external devices 10 to the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b, various functions of the external device 10 can be exhibited in addition to the functions of the adapter and the unit itself. It becomes possible. If an internal device having image or sound output means is provided in the terminal unit 100b of FIG. 10 or the adapter 1 of FIG. 3, or an external device 10 having image or sound output means is connected to the adapter, the failure diagnosis system can Information can be communicated to the user in various ways.

  For example, by connecting an external device 10 having a display such as a radar detector, a navigation device, or a drive recorder to the adapter 1 or the units 100a and 100b, information from the failure diagnosis system cannot be obtained by using the adapter alone. It can display with the image and sound of an aspect, and it becomes possible for a user to recognize the state of a vehicle easily and reliably. In this case, the signal output based on the signal received by the adapter 1 or the units 100a and 100b may be, for example, the signal input from the vehicle side, the adapter, or the previous unit as it is, but it is easy for the user to understand. The signal processed inside the adapter or unit is good.

  In particular, since one or a plurality of units are detachably connected to the adapter 1 connected to the port of the failure diagnosis system, different types of units can be appropriately combined according to the user's wishes. That is, it is preferable that a plurality of the same units be connected. As shown in FIG. 10, when a plurality of different types of units are connected, information from a vehicle-side computer (for example, an ECU or the like) is output to various types of external devices and / or internal devices according to the user's request. And can be realized by easily combining the functions desired by the user.

  Like the end unit 100b, the unit includes the liquid crystal display 1a, the speaker 1b, and the liquid crystal display warning lamp 1c, so that audio information and image information obtained from the vehicle side can be output from the end unit 100b. By using the terminal unit 100b and the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle-side information output can be performed with the unit or the adapter alone, as compared with the technique of simply increasing the number of ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness or the like. There are advantages that are possible. By using the speaker 1b and LED warning light 1c, based on the information obtained from the fault diagnosis system, warning sound and voice guidance, flashing warning light, guidance by text and image are output to the adapter or unit alone can do. Even when the adapter 1 or the unit 100b is arranged at a location that is difficult for the user to visually check, the speaker 1b can output a warning sound and voice guidance based on information from the failure diagnosis system.

  Information acquired by the adapter 1 from the failure diagnosis system includes various information such as a vehicle speed, an engine speed, an oil temperature, a water temperature, and an accelerator opening. Based on these pieces of information, for example, images such as numerical values and graphs, and sounds such as warning sounds and voice guidance are generated. The external device 10 and the internal device connected to the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b have at least one of an audio output function and an image display function, so that information output via the adapter 1 or the units 100a and 100b can be obtained. It can be provided in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

[4. Fourth Embodiment] (unit for connecting external devices by wire)
[4-1. Basic configuration]
In the fourth embodiment, the external devices provided in the unit 100a are a navigation device 10a, a radar detector 10b, and a drive recorder 10c. As shown in FIG. 11, three types of external devices 10a to 10c are connected to the unit 100a, but the number is not limited.

  Providing at least one external device having a display unit such as a liquid crystal display has an advantage that information on the vehicle side can be confirmed by an image. In particular, even if each user purchases the same adapter, the purpose is various, and it becomes possible to customize the function of the adapter of the OBDII standard that each user has. Realize customization of adapters that meet the needs of users by simply changing the connection between the OBDII standard adapter and the connected device, and simply attaching one or more different units of different types. Can do.

  There are a number of devices that can be connected to an OBDII standard adapter, such as radar, PND, and drive recorder, but in general only one of them can be connected to the adapter. According to the present embodiment, three or more external devices can be connected simultaneously, which is convenient.

  In the adapter 1 of the fourth embodiment, a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3 are provided as power feeding connectors, and a mini USB connector 3 is provided in the unit 100a. When the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 are provided in the unit 100a, charging and information exchange can be performed for various external devices having different connector sizes. However, when the unit 100a is formed in a thin plate shape as shown in the figure. The mini USB connector 3 is advantageous.

  As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 12, the adapter 1 includes a control microcomputer 111, an engine state detector 112, an analog signal detector 113, a K-LINE communication controller 114, a CAN, as in the second embodiment. A communication control unit 115 and a power supply control unit 119 are provided. In the unit 100a, a plurality of external device connection units 117a to 117n are provided corresponding to the control microcomputer 111, the power supply control unit 119, and the external devices 10a to 10n connected to the unit 100.

  In the present embodiment, each external device is connected to the unit 100a by the cable 12, so that the external device connection portions 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100a are connected to the wired connection portion 117 provided in the adapter 1 of the second embodiment. It is similar. In this case, as the external device connection units 117a to 117n, when the power supply USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3 is provided, the external device connection units 117a to 117n may be used as they are to form a serial communication type connection unit. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a wired communication unit separately from the connection part of the power feeding system. The external device connection units 117a to 117n are not limited to serial communication type connection units. For high-speed information exchange, Hitachi Ainai may use signal transmission means such as a wired LAN or a CAN network.

  The adapter 1 is provided with an OBD II standard output side connector 50 serving as a power supply connector, and the units 100a and 100b are provided with an OBD II standard input side connector 5 serving as a power receiving connector. By connecting these connectors 5 and 50, the power supplied from the adapter 1 to the units 100a and 100b from the adapter 1 and the information on each part of the vehicle are transmitted.

  According to the present embodiment, by connecting the unit 100a to the adapter 1, the image and audio output functions provided in the navigation device 10a, the radar detector 10b, the drive recorder 10c, etc., already owned by the user are used. Therefore, there is no need to incorporate an image display device in the adapter 1 or connect a dedicated image and audio output device to the adapter 1. Since these external devices are installed at locations that are easy to see from the user of the vehicle due to their nature, the user can easily confirm information from the vehicle obtained via the adapter 1.

[4-2. Various functions by control microcomputer]
The adapter and unit of this embodiment have the following functions. These functions are preferably provided in the adapter and all the units connected to the adapter 1, but are preferably provided only in the adapter or only in a specific unit. These functions are realized by executing a predetermined program on the control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter or unit. In an adapter or unit that does not have a control microcomputer, the control microcomputer 111 in the adapter or the control microcomputer 111 provided in another unit may realize these functions. Instead of using the control microcomputer 111, a processing unit that exhibits these functions can be configured by hardware such as an electronic circuit.

(A) Information acquisition function from external device As an external device connection unit 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100a shown in FIG. 12, an external device input function for receiving information from the external device 10a to 10n is provided. Based on information from the devices 10a to 10n and information from the failure diagnosis system obtained via the adapter 1, the control microcomputer 111 has an information processing function for performing predetermined voice guidance and / or image display.

  According to this function, it is possible to output not only information from the vehicle via the adapter 1 but also information from the external devices 10a to 10n to other external devices and internal devices connected to the unit 100a. For example, as an information processing function by the control microcomputer 111, by comparing the position information from the navigation device or radar detector with the information on the speed and accelerator opening from the failure diagnosis system, It is possible to determine whether the obstacle is dangerous in view of the current driving situation and to output the result to other external devices or internal devices. In particular, such a function is an advantage that cannot be obtained by simply increasing the number of output ports on the vehicle side using a branch harness.

  If this function is realized by the control microcomputer 111 provided in the unit 100a, the program executed by the control microcomputer 111 can be simplified for the unit b to which no external device is connected. On the other hand, when this function is realized by the control microcomputer 111 built in the adapter 1 based on the information of the external devices 10a to 10n transmitted to the adapter 1 via the unit 100a, the configuration of the unit 100a for connecting the external device is realized. It can be simplified.

(A) Information Output Function for Adapter and Unit The adapter 1 and unit 100a of the present embodiment have a function of outputting information received from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal device to other units and / or the adapter 1. According to this function, information acquired from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal devices can be transmitted to the adapter 1 and other units. For example, information that causes the adapter 1 or the unit 100a to make various judgments and operations that are impossible only by the information from the failure diagnosis system, based on the information from the failure diagnosis system and the information from the external device or the internal device. By realizing the processing unit by the control microcomputer 111, various types of information processing can be performed on the adapter or unit side.

  For example, it is impossible with the failure diagnosis system alone by comprehensively judging the information about the vehicle obtained by the failure diagnosis system and the information about the situation around the vehicle and the driver acquired by the external devices 10a to 10n. Various kinds of information can be provided to the user. In addition, according to commands from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal devices, various operations and parameter settings related to the adapter 1 and each unit connected to the adapter 1 or the fault diagnosis system itself can be set to any one of the external devices connected to the unit 10a0. It is also possible to do from.

(C) Information processing function in adapter or unit The adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a is based on the information received from at least one of the vehicle and the external devices 10a to 10n, and to at least one of the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal devices. Information processing function for generating image and / or audio signals to be output. This function is realized by the control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a.

  In this way, by providing the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a with an information processing function, not only the information input from the vehicle or the external device is output as it is, but also processed into a form that is easy to understand for the user, It becomes possible to output to the devices 10a to 10n and internal devices. For example, numerical data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, temperature at various locations, battery level, etc. input from the vehicle is converted into graphs and images and displayed on the liquid crystal display of external devices or internal devices. By comparing with a preset threshold value, a warning sound or voice guidance can be performed by the speaker 1b or the LED warning lamp 1c of the external device or the internal device. Further, by processing the information received from the external devices 10a to 10n or comparing it with information from the vehicle, more variety of information can be output to the external device and the internal device in a form that is easy for the user to understand.

(D) Function of performing different information processing on a plurality of external devices The adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a is a signal output unit provided for each of the external devices 10a to 10n, for example, the external device connection unit of FIG. 117a to 117n, and a function of outputting signals of different formats and types to the wired connection unit 117 or the wireless connection unit 118 of FIG. That is, the control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a matches the information acquired from the vehicle or each of the external devices 10a to 10n with the format and configuration of the external device to be output in accordance with the adapter 1 and the unit 100a. It has a function of processing inside and outputting in a different manner for each signal output unit.

According to this function, signals output to a plurality of different external devices 10a to 10n can be processed into different signals by the signal output unit provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a. As a result, according to the present embodiment having such a function, for example, the following operational effects are exhibited.
(1) The optimum information can be output from the optimum external device according to the type and location of the external device and the type and size of the signal from the failure diagnosis system.
(2) The volume of the audio signal output from each external device can be changed or the content of the displayed image can be varied according to the degree of warning of the signal obtained from the failure diagnosis system.
(3) Information with a high degree of urgency is displayed on a navigation device provided at the position that is most easily seen by the user, and the normal engine speed, water temperature and oil temperature display, etc. are displayed on a radar screen with a smaller display screen than the navigation device. Various patterns can be displayed and voice guidance can be performed by combining the information processing unit and a plurality of external devices, such as displaying on a machine.

(E) Hub function Among the plurality of external device connection units 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100, one predetermined unit is used as a connection unit for an external device as a host, and the other connection unit is an external device as a peripheral device. The connection part. Which external device connection unit is used for host device connection and which other external device connection unit is used for peripheral device connection is set in advance in the database 116 provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a.

  A switch is provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100a, and an external device connection unit to which the host is connected is selected by switching the switch. In addition, with a smart phone or the like connected to one of the external connection units, which connection unit is used for the host is set. As shown in FIG. 10, when the adapter 1 and the unit 100a are provided with external device connection portions, respectively, the control microcomputer is set so that the external device connected to either the adapter 1 or the unit 100a in advance is used as the host. Control by 111.

According to this function, for example, the adapter 1 or the unit 100a can be used as a hub of a plurality of external devices 10a to 10n, and information from a failure diagnosis system or information from other external devices can be used as various external devices. Can be distributed to devices. For example, the following effects are exhibited.
(1) Data between the external devices 10a to 10n can be exchanged via the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a. That is, it is convenient to use this adapter without using a dedicated hub when a plurality of electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a digital camera are used in a vehicle and files are exchanged between them.
(2) An external device that does not have an operation unit by controlling other external devices, adapters, or various functions of the adapter from an external device having an input function such as a smart phone or a personal computer connected to the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a. Parameter settings and various operations can be easily performed on devices.
(3) In the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a, by processing the information described in the above (d) by the control microcomputer 111, the information acquired by the external device of the host is processed to become another peripheral device. Can be sent to an external device. For example, a smart phone or the like is used as an external device on the host side, and an image or the like acquired by the smart phone is superimposed on a signal from the failure diagnosis system side and displayed on another external device such as a navigation device.

[5. Fifth embodiment] (terminal unit)
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the end unit 100 b of this embodiment includes a speaker 1 b and a mini USB connector 3. The terminal unit 100b includes an input-side connector 5 for receiving vehicle information and power from the in-vehicle battery from the adapter 1, a control microcomputer 111, a buzzer control unit 14a connected to the control microcomputer 111, and a sound reproduction control unit 14b. ROM 14c storing message data. When a plurality of units are connected to the adapter 1, the end unit 100b is connected to the final stage and does not have an output connector.

  By connecting the unit 100 having the speaker 1b to the adapter 1 having no output function, the control microcomputer 111 uses the buzzer control unit 14a to inform the user based on information acquired from the vehicle by the adapter 1. Outputs a warning sound. In addition to the warning by the buzzer, the voice data is provided to the user by using the message data stored in the ROM 14c. The control microcomputer 111 uses the power supply control unit 119 to connect the power of the in-vehicle battery from the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3 provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100 to the external device connected thereto, Electric power is supplied from a portable battery 62 as shown in FIG.

  Thereby, even if there is no output means such as voice in the adapter 1, information from the vehicle and information from each external device connected to the adapter for charging can be output. For example, the completion of charging of an external device connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3 can be output from the speaker 1b. For users who need only the function provided by the adapter 1 alone, the terminal unit 100b that only sends out sound from the buzzer or speaker is attached to the adapter 1, thereby announcing changes in the state of the vehicle and active control. can do.

[6. Sixth embodiment] (wireless communication unit)
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the sixth embodiment, a mobile terminal 61 such as a smart phone is connected to the wireless communication unit 100c as an external device. The portable terminal 61 is connected by the wired connection unit 117 or the wireless connection unit 118 provided in the units 100b and 100c, similarly to the case of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 15, among the units 100 a to 100 c connected to the adapter 1, the unit 100 c adjacent to the adapter 1 is connected to the smart phone 61 by low-power wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Therefore, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 16, in addition to the input side connector 5, the output side connector 50, the control microcomputer 111, and the power supply control unit 119, a wireless communication unit 118 is provided in the unit 100c. .

  Many portable terminals 61 such as smart phones and tablet computers have a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth in addition to a wired communication function using a USB cable. In such a portable terminal, by connecting the unit 100c and the portable terminal 61 by wireless communication, it is possible to easily exchange data without preparing connection means such as a cable. All the units 100 to 100c and the portable terminal 61 may be connected by wireless communication. When a unit is connected to the adapter 1, if it is configured to always connect the end unit 100b, it is preferable to provide a wireless communication function only to the end unit.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the mobile terminal 61 such as a smart phone, the data acquired from the vehicle by the adapter 1 is displayed on the screen of the smart phone using an application provided in advance for the smart phone. be able to. In addition, by mounting the unit 100c to which the portable terminal 61 is connected in combination with the adapter 1 or unit having other functions, the program or data of the external device connected to the adapter or unit having other functions can be transferred to the portable terminal. It can be updated from the 61 side. For example, the latest control information can be updated to an external device such as a radar detector using a personal computer or a smart phone.

[7. Seventh Embodiment] (Logging Unit)
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the present embodiment, the unit 100d includes a recording unit for information received from at least one of an in-vehicle computer, an external device, and an internal device as an external device. The unit 100d includes a recording unit 63a of the SD card 63 as an information recording unit. The information recording unit is not limited to the SD card 63, and a mini SD card or micro SD card recording unit may be provided. Although not shown, in addition to the unit 100d, the adapter 1 and other units, for example, a unit 100a or an end unit 100b to which an external device is connected may be provided with an SD card mounting portion.

  The unit 100d includes an SD card control unit 120 that controls reading and writing of the SD card 63 by the recording unit 63, and a GPS unit for acquiring position information from the GPS and recording it in the SD card 63 or recording it in the database 116. A control unit 121 is provided. The SD card control unit 120 and the GPS unit control unit 121 acquire position information at a predetermined timing set in advance in the database 116 in accordance with an instruction from the control microcomputer 111, and use the acquired position information and time as a vehicle travel log. Record on the SD card 63. In addition to the information from the GPS, the control microcomputer 111 records the vehicle information acquired by the logging unit 11d via the adapter 1 in the SD card 63 as a vehicle state log.

  According to the present embodiment, safe driving and operation can be performed by writing information collected from the vehicle during traveling and position information collected from the GPS into a storage medium such as an SD card provided in the adapter 1 or the unit 100d connected thereto. Information useful for management can be collected as a log. The information collected in the storage medium can be used for safe driving by analyzing operation information, operation trajectory, driving habits, etc. using a dedicated application on a personal computer or mobile terminal. For example, when a unit is connected to the adapter 1, a recording unit may be provided in all the units 100a to 100f. However, when the terminal unit 1b is always connected, a recording unit is provided only in the terminal unit 1b. It is good to provide.

[8. Eighth Embodiment] (TPMS unit)
As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, a unit 100e is connected to an air pressure detection device TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) mounted on a vehicle tire as an external device. The air pressure detection device TPMS and the unit 100e are connected by wireless communication. Although not shown, a TPMS control unit is provided in the TPMS unit 100e, and the control microcomputer 111 controls the TPMS control unit. Based on the information from the air pressure detection device TPMS, the external device 10a to 10n connected to the adapter 1 or the unit 100a or the terminal unit 100b, the liquid crystal display 1a, the speaker 1b, by the TPMS control unit and the control microcomputer 111. At least one of image display and audio output is output from any one or a plurality of internal devices such as the LED warning lamp 1c.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, a tire air pressure state is displayed as a graph in an external device (for example, a car navigation system or a radar detector) of another unit 100a combined with the TPMS unit 100e. It is possible to display the tire air pressure in various states, such as displaying the position and the air pressure superimposed on each other, or outputting a sound or a warning sound in the event of an abnormality. In particular, when a plurality of different external devices 10a to 10n are connected to the adapter 1 or other unit 100a, the tire air pressure is displayed in a different manner depending on the type of the external device, so that the visibility of the user is improved. And voice guidance function can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the dedicated TPMS unit 100e wirelessly connected to the air pressure detection device TPMS is shown. However, the air pressure detection device TPMS may be incorporated into any or all of the units 100a to 100d to form the TPMS unit 100e. Similarly to the terminal unit 100b of FIG. 10, the TPMS unit 100e may be provided with a voice or image output means, or the TPMS unit 100e itself is not provided with any output means and is connected to the adapter 1 or other unit. You may output the audio | voice and image regarding TPMS using an apparatus and an internal apparatus.

[9. Ninth Embodiment] (obstacle detection radar receiving unit)
As shown in FIG. 20, in the present embodiment, an obstacle detection radar receiver is connected to the unit 100f as an external device. As an obstacle detection radar, a millimeter wave radar MWR is used. In the unit 100f, although not shown, in addition to the control microcomputer 111, other external devices and internal devices connected to the adapter 1 based on information from the obstacle detection radar device and information from the adapter 1 At least one of them is provided with a radar control unit that outputs at least one of an external device control command, warning sound, and voice guidance. In the present embodiment, only the receiving device of the millimeter wave radar MWR is connected as an external device, but a transmitting / receiving device of the millimeter wave radar MWR may be connected. In that case, the functions of the control microcomputer 111 and the radar control unit are changed accordingly.

  According to the present embodiment, the millimeter wave radar MWR is used as an obstacle detection radar device to detect the situation in the range of about 100 m, so that the distance to the obstacle in front is measured or the obstacle in front You can measure the speed of objects. For example, based on the information acquired by the unit 100f from the receiver of the millimeter wave radar MWR and the information acquired by the adapter 1 from the vehicle, an inter-vehicle non-holding warning or the like is output from the adapter 1 or other external device connected to the unit. Therefore, it is possible to assist in avoiding danger and to help prevent a collision accident.

  In this embodiment, it is preferable that the obstacle detection radar devices are also attached to the left and right sides of the vehicle, and the information from the left and right radars is received by the unit 100f. In this way, when a turn signal is issued to change the course while the vehicle is running, the turn signal is detected via the adapter 1 from the failure diagnosis system, and the radar from the unit 100f to which the obstacle detection radar device is connected. By acquiring the information and comparing the two information with the control microcomputer 111 in the adapter 1, if there is another vehicle on the side of the vehicle on the side where the course is to be changed, a warning sound can be sent to notify the danger. .

[10. Tenth Embodiment] (Connect expansion unit to adapter)
As shown in FIG. 21, the adapter 1 includes a mounting portion for fixing an expansion unit. Similarly, each unit except the end unit 100b includes a mounting portion for fixing other units. Therefore, it is possible to connect many types of external devices by connecting adapters to different units according to the type of external device desired by the user. FIGS. 21A to 21C show examples of connection modes, but the type and number of units to be connected are not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate according to the user's wishes. It is.

  When combining the adapter 1 and a plurality of units, one of the plurality of units is connected to the adapter 1 as a terminal unit 100b having only a mounting portion fixed to the adapter, and finally connected to the terminal unit 100b. To do. In this way, since the mounting portion for connecting other units is not exposed to a part of the unit 100b that is connected last, a dustproof effect is obtained and the appearance is good. Since the terminal unit 100b having no mounting portion for connecting other units can secure a wide space for installing other devices on the surface thereof, a large speaker 1b that covers the entire unit surface can be used as an internal device. , The quality of the output voice can be improved.

[11. Eleventh Embodiment] (Stacking of adapter and unit)
As shown in FIG. 22, in the present embodiment, the adapter 1 and the units 100b to 100d are fixed in a state where they are overlapped in a plurality of stages. Each unit 100b to 100c incorporates a control microcomputer 111, a CAN communication control unit 115, and other means as shown in the above-described embodiments, whereby each unit 100b is connected via the adapter 1. To 100c are connected to the CAN network 115N on the vehicle side. In this way, since the adapter 1 and the plurality of units 100b to 100d connected to the adapter 1 have a single block-like appearance, the entire interior is compactly integrated while having many functions. It can be arranged without a sense of incongruity.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 22, three units are connected to the adapter 1, but the number of units connected to the adapter 1 is not limited to this. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection surface of the adapter 1 and each unit has the same shape. However, a unit smaller in connection surface with the adapter 1 and smaller than the adapter may be used. In this way, various power supply connectors and units can be disposed on the same surface of the adapter 1.

[12. [Twelfth embodiment] (Adapter has many units)
As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, in the present embodiment, a plurality of units mounting portions 101 are provided adjacent to the adapter 1 so that the units 100 a to 100 f are arranged adjacent to each other on the adapter 1. The units 100a to 100f have the same shape that is smaller than that of the adapter 1, and particularly have the same width and height when mounted on the adapter. A plurality of units 100a to 100f having such shapes are arranged side by side on the side surface of the adapter, in particular, several to a dozen. In the figure, two external device connection units 100a, a wireless communication unit 100c, a logging unit 100d, a TPMS unit 100e, and a terminal unit 100b are arranged, but the number and types of units connected to the adapter 1 are not limited thereto.

  According to this embodiment, a plurality of units 100a to 100f can be arranged in a small area in one adapter 1 without stacking a plurality of units as in the eleventh embodiment. For example, if each unit 100a to 100f is connected to an external device by wireless communication, a connector for connecting the units 100a to 100f and the external device becomes unnecessary, and the unit is miniaturized into a chip shape or a card shape. Can be used. If the unit mounting portion 101 provided in the adapter 1 is a USB port, a plurality of units 100a to 100f can be mounted on one adapter 1 using a standardized connection structure.

  According to the present embodiment, a plurality of units 100a to 100f having external devices and internal devices having various functions can be connected to the adapter 1 in a compact manner. In particular, when the units 100a to 100f are arranged side by side without a gap as shown in the drawing, it is possible to solve the problem that the dust enters the gap at a place where dust is likely to be generated, such as in the passenger compartment, and the dirt becomes conspicuous.

  When the cable 12 or the like connected to the external device extends from each unit, the arrangement of the mounting portions 101 of each unit provided in the adapter 1 may be arranged in the horizontal direction with a space therebetween. If it does in this way, a clearance gap will be made between adjacent units, and wiring, such as cable 12, will become easy. When a plurality of units are directly attached to the adapter 1, the combined shape of the adapter and the unit becomes large. Therefore, it is possible to connect the adapter 1 and all or some of the units connected thereto with a cable. If it does in this way, the connection position of an adapter and a unit can be left | separated, and a unit can be arrange | positioned in the location close | similar to the external apparatus to connect.

[13. 13th Embodiment] (Network connection)
As shown in FIG. 25, in the present embodiment, the adapter 1 is connected to a CAN network 115N in which a failure diagnosis system is provided in the vehicle via the input-side connector 5, and is arranged in the vehicle by the CAN network 115N. Connected to a plurality of sensors. Each of the units 100a to 100f includes a local network LAN connected to the CAN network 115N via the adapter 1, and the units 100a to 100f, the external devices 10a to 10n, and / or the internal devices are connected to the local network LAN. Is connected.

  The failure diagnosis system is connected to various sensors on the vehicle side via a network inside the vehicle called a CAN network 115N, and collects data as a basis for failure diagnosis. According to the present embodiment, a local network LAN provided in the adapter 1 is connected to this type of network in the vehicle, and between the external devices connected to the units 100a to 100f via the local network LAN. By exchanging information, the information from the failure diagnosis system and the information from each external device in real time, the adapter 1 connected to the network, the failure diagnosis system, each unit 100a to 100f, the external devices 10a to 10n, Can be distributed to internal devices.

  That is, compared to the case where the adapter 1 and each unit 100a to 100f are connected by serial communication, the plurality of external devices 10a to 10n are connected to the local network LAN. Simultaneously with the unit, it is possible to receive information from the adapter 1 and other external devices 10a to 10n. As a result, even when a large number of units are combined or a large number of external devices 10a to 10n are connected, compared to a case where devices of various companies are serially connected or a case where each external device is directly connected to a network such as CAN in the vehicle. Thus, no information delay occurs. For example, a vehicle that is driving at high speed needs to be alerted instantaneously or to perform an avoidance operation based on information collected by the external devices 10a to 10n or the failure diagnosis system. The present invention can also be applied to a system that requires the above.

[14. Fourteenth Embodiment] (Adapter and unit are wirelessly connected)
As shown in FIG. 26, in the present embodiment, the units 100a to 100f are wirelessly connected to the adapter 1 by a low-power radio such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, since the adapter 1 and the units 100a to 100f are wirelessly connected, a mounting portion for connecting the units 100a to 100f and the adapter 1 and a connector for signal transmission / reception are not required. The adapter 1 and the units 100a to 100f can be reduced in size. For example, the size of the unit is reduced by providing a plurality of internal devices such as the speaker 1b and the SD card recording unit 63b, and the wireless devices for connecting the external devices 10a to 10n and the adapter 1 in the case of one unit. Multiple functions can be realized with one unit. Since such a unit has no restriction on its installation location, the unit can be arranged at a position away from the adapter 1 or a position where the user can easily operate.

  In FIG. 27, a plurality of functions shown in the above embodiments, for example, the speaker 1b, the LED warning lamp 1c, and the SD card recording unit 63a are built in one unit 100a. 1 is connected wirelessly. The unit 100a is provided with four connectors 102 for connecting external devices as an example, and external devices having functions that cannot be implemented by the functions built in the unit 100a, such as car navigation systems, drive recorders, radars, etc. Connect a detector, millimeter-wave radar oscillator, etc. This simplifies the configuration of the unit 100a having a plurality of functions and connects only a relatively large external device to the unit. Therefore, the entire system including the adapter 1, the unit 100a and the external device Miniaturization can be achieved.

[15. Other Embodiments]
The present invention includes other embodiments as follows.
(1) A power supply connector that supplies vehicle-side power supplied via the adapter 1 to all or any of the units 100a to 100f as power for charging to the external devices 10a to 10n, for example, USB connector 2, mini USB connector 3, and cigar socket 4 are all or any one of them. If it does in this way, a smart phone, a personal computer, etc. can be charged using the battery by the side of vehicles. The port of the fault diagnosis system is always supplied with power from the battery. By supplying this power to the external device connected to the unit via the adapter, the external device can be charged even when the accessory switch of the vehicle is turned off. Can do.

(2) Each unit is provided with a power receiving connector for supplying power from a portable battery such as a mobile battery to the vehicle side and / or other external devices. In this way, by supplying the power from the portable battery to other external devices or the vehicle side, for example, when the accessory switch of the vehicle is turned off, other external devices can be charged or used, When the capacity of the battery is insufficient, the power of the portable battery can be supplied to the vehicle side and various devices on the vehicle side can be used.

(3) The adapter 1 and all the units need not be provided with a power feeding function. Without providing the adapter 1 with the power supply connector, any or all of the units may be provided with the power supply connector. A mode in which the power supply function is not provided in the adapter 1 and all the units is also included in the present invention.

(4) The configuration and functions provided in the adapter 1 in FIGS. 1 to 9 may be provided in all of the units, or in any one or a plurality of units. The configuration and function provided independently in each unit 100a to 100f may be provided in appropriate combination with each unit or adapter. For example, the adapter 1 may be provided with a logging function, a TPMS function, and a radar reception function. If the adapter itself has various functions, fewer units can be combined.

The adapter 1 or unit 100 may be provided with a 3G / 4G / 5G communication unit, a Bluetooth unit, or the like.
It is good to have a unit that can manage the data collected directly from the vehicle, each unit, etc. to the cloud. The data uploaded to the cloud may be used, for example, for operation history or operation management with a dedicated application.

  In addition, if a mail notification destination is set in advance, it may be configured to notify by mail or the like when any change is detected in another unit. With this communication unit, users can communicate with their smartphones and mobile phones by e-mail even if they are far away from the vehicle.

For example, a configuration in which notifications (impact detection, vehicle tilt detection, approach detection, etc.) notified from a device that can communicate with the Bluetooth unit (simple security) are sent from the Bluetooth unit to the user's mobile phone via email. Good.
There are the following methods for setting the mail notification destination and selecting and setting notification items.
(1) By attaching a Bluetooth unit, it can be set with a dedicated app from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
(2) If the unit shown in the above embodiment is attached, it can be set from a radar, a navigation, a drive recorder, or the like.

(3) It is good to be able to set using a setting application from a smartphone. (It is recommended to send an email directly from the dedicated application to the 3G / 4G communication unit.
Simple security that has a Bluetooth communication interface, etc., when there is a Bluetooth unit and an OBD adapter that is equipped with this 3G / 4G / 5G communication unit, will notify the user of an abnormality detected on the vehicle by e-mail Therefore, communication with other devices makes it possible to monitor the state of the vehicle and makes it more functionally convenient. For example, the configuration may be such that the door lock state of the car is notified by inquiring the OBD adapter by email to the OBD adapter. If it is in the unlocked state, it may be configured to instruct to lock by e-mail and to send a door lock instruction to the vehicle based on this instruction.

  An external device that supplies power from the adapter 1 or the unit 100 is particularly preferably provided with the following functions as a drive recorder. That is, it is particularly preferable that an external device that supplies power from the OBD adapter has the following functions as a drive recorder. In particular, the drive recorder may include a recording function during traveling and a recording function during parking (referred to as a parking monitoring function).

The drive recorder is a device that takes power from the OBD. This OBD adapter
(1) A function of discharging vehicle information acquired from a vehicle when the engine is ON to a drive recorder.
(2) Function for supplying power to the drive recorder when the engine is off (parking monitoring).
(3) A function that can start recording by supplying power to the DVR if the G sensor reacts even when parking monitoring is turned off by incorporating the G sensor in the OBD adapter.
(4) A function to stop the power supply for the convenience of the drive recorder (a function to stop the output of the power supply to the drive recorder when a power supply stop signal from the drive recorder is input to the OBD adapter).
(5) A function of stopping power supply when the vehicle battery voltage reaches a threshold value is provided.
With regard to (3), if the power is always supplied to the conventional drive recorder, the car battery may run out, but even if the monitoring recording is turned off, the G sensor detection will start recording, The load of.

  When the G sensor is built in, it is assumed that the G sensor reacts frequently due to strong winds, fireworks, etc. as malfunctions. In order to prevent this, the OBD adapter may output a signal indicating that the engine has been turned off to the drive recorder when the engine is turned off based on the signal from the vehicle. When the drive recorder inputs a signal indicating that the engine has been turned off, a normal monitoring / impact monitoring / OFF selection screen is displayed on the display screen, etc. of the drive recorder, and these are displayed based on the operation from the user. It is preferable that an operation is selected from among them and the selected operation is performed.

It is advisable to make the contents of the setting clear by reversing the image. Normal monitoring records for a set time regardless of G sensor response. Impact monitoring is recorded for a set time only when the G sensor reacts. OFF is an operation that does not record.
With regard to (4), the drive recorder is particularly preferably a 3G / 4G / 5G built-in drive recorder, and such a drive recorder may be recorded on a recording means such as an SD card in a place where the communication environment is poor. In a drive recorder having an event recording function, an event recording video is stored in a recording means such as an SD card. Video data and the like shot on the cloud are always sent to the cloud using a communication function such as 4G. The timing for sending the data recorded on the SD card or the like to the cloud is preferably after the engine is stopped.

A power supply that supplies power only for the time of transferring data recorded on the SD card or the like is necessary, and power supply from OBD is perfect.
For example, when the data transfer after the engine stop is completed with the configuration of (4), a power stop signal is sent from the drive recorder to the OBD adapter from the drive recorder to the OBD adapter, and the OBD adapter receives this power stop signal. In this case, the output of the power source to the drive recorder may be stopped.

The apparatus in (A) to (R) described below may be the adapter 1 or the unit 100, and the device in (A) to (R) may be a drive recorder.
(A) A device that supplies power to a device retrofitted to a vehicle from a fault diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle,
A function of connecting to an in-vehicle network of the vehicle via the fault diagnosis connector;
A function to detect the on state of the vehicle;
A function of transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device when the vehicle is in an on state;
A function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is not on may be provided.

  In this way, the device attached to the vehicle can be easily supplied with power from the failure diagnosis connector, and can be supplied with power without closing the cigar socket, for example. Information from the in-vehicle network of the vehicle can be received when the vehicle is on, and power can be supplied even when the vehicle is not on.

Various devices can be used as a device attached to the vehicle, and for example, a drive recorder is particularly preferable.
The in-vehicle network to be connected may be, for example, CAN or K-line.
The fault diagnosis connector is particularly preferably an OBDII connector, for example. In particular, if the connector is installed in the vehicle compartment, the user may be able to connect easily.

(B) a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is on;
A function of notifying the device whether the vehicle is in an on state or not in an on state (off state) may be provided.
In this way, a device retrofitted to the vehicle can be easily supplied with power and can know whether the vehicle is on or off. In particular, the power supply line and the signal line for notifying whether the vehicle is on or not are preferably one cable covered with the same sheath. In this way, it is possible to receive power supply and a signal indicating whether or not the vehicle is in an on state only by wiring a single cable, and the wiring of the retrofit device in the vehicle is extremely difficult. Be smart and easy.

(C) The device may have a function of changing an operation of the device by a function of notifying whether the vehicle is in an on state or not in an on state (off state).
For example, when the device is a drive recorder, the recording parameter may be switched between the two modes as a constant recording mode if the vehicle is on and a parking monitoring mode if the vehicle is not on.

(D) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device when the vehicle is not in an on state.
In this way, the device can easily determine whether or not the vehicle is in an ON state based on whether or not there is a signal transmission based on data acquired from the in-vehicle network.

(E) The device may have a function of not transmitting a signal to the in-vehicle network when the vehicle is not in an on state.
In this way, when the vehicle is not in the on state, there is a possibility that the in-vehicle computer for controlling the vehicle connected to the in-vehicle network, for example, in the sleep state or the off state may be in the activated state or the on state. Can be reduced. This is because these in-vehicle computers may transition from a sleep state or an off state to a start state or an on state when a signal flows through the in-vehicle network.

(F) As an on state of the vehicle, the vehicle may be charged with respect to the vehicle battery. An engine-on state may be provided as the vehicle-on state.
(G) When the vehicle is not in an on state, it is preferable that power is not supplied to the cigar socket of the vehicle.
(H) A function of transmitting a signal indicating that the device has been turned off may be provided, and processing based on the signal indicating that the device has been turned off may be performed.

(I) The device may be a drive recorder, and the video recording mode may be switched based on receiving a signal indicating that the device is in the off state.
(J) The video recording mode may be switched from a recording mode in a vehicle-on state (for example, a constant recording mode) to a recording mode in a vehicle-off state (for example, a parking monitoring recording mode).
For example, the parking monitoring recording mode may be an image in which the bit rate of the captured image recorded is lower than that in the constant recording mode. For example, the video frame rate may be decreased, the resolution may be decreased, the compression rate may be increased, or at least one of these may be performed.

(K) When the vehicle is not in an on state, the vehicle has a function of stopping power supply to the device;
A sensor may be provided, and a function of starting power supply to the device may be provided even when the vehicle is not in an on state based on a signal from the sensor.
If power is continuously supplied to the equipment retrofitted to the vehicle based on the power supply from the fault diagnosis connector in the vehicle off state, there is a concern that the battery of the vehicle may be raised by the power supply to the equipment. If the power is supplied based on the signal from the sensor as described above, such anxiety can be reduced. In addition, the load on the vehicle battery can be reduced.

The sensor may be a sensor that detects at least one of the approach of a person to the vehicle, the shaking of the vehicle, and the sound near the vehicle. For example, when there is a person approaching, when the vehicle shake corresponds to a predetermined state, or when at least one of the cases where the sound near the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state, The supply should be resumed. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to artificial shaking or sound caused by a bandit or the like.
Whether to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not on is set based on a signal from the device to the device, and the device is based on the setting when the vehicle is not on. It is preferable to control on / off of power supply to the device.

For example, even if the function is set so that power is not supplied to the device when the vehicle is not in an ON state, a sensor is provided as in (K), and the vehicle is based on the signal of the sensor. Even if it is not in the ON state, it is preferable to have a function of starting the supply of power to the device.
(L) The sensor may be an acceleration sensor. Then, when the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor is in a predetermined state, the supply of power to the device may be resumed even when the vehicle is not in an on state. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to the addition of acceleration to the vehicle by a person such as a bandit. For example, the acceleration may be greater than a predetermined value.

(M) The sensor may be provided in a housing having a connector that fits into a fault diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to eliminate exposure of wiring and the like from the failure diagnosis connector to the sensor, and it is possible to install devices and devices smartly and easily.
(N) It is good to have the function which receives the signal for controlling the power supply from the said apparatus of the said apparatus, and controls the supply of the power supply from the said apparatus to the said apparatus based on the said signal.

  The signal for controlling the power supply from the device to the device may include at least one of turning off or on the power supply from the device to the device. Turning off the power supply or turning on the power supply may be performed immediately upon receiving the signal, or may be performed after a predetermined time. It is preferable that the device sends a signal for instructing the device from the device so that the device performs the signal after the predetermined time based on the signal. Also, for example, a signal related to the time for supplying power is sent from the device to the device, and the device receives the signal and supplies power to the device for the time, and then supplies power to the device You may make it stop.

(O) The device has a communication function, and the device has a function of performing communication by the communication function when the vehicle is not in an on state, and the power to the device is supplied to the device after the communication ends. It is preferable that the device receiving the signal transmits a signal for stopping the supply of power, and has a function of stopping the supply of power to the device.
In particular, the device is a drive recorder, and when the vehicle is on, the device has a function of transmitting captured video data with the communication function and recording video data that could not be transmitted, In order to stop the supply of power to the device to the device after the end of the communication, provided with a function to transmit the recorded video data that could not be transmitted in a state that is not on It is preferable that the device receiving the signal and having the function of stopping the supply of power to the device.

(P) It may be provided with a function of stopping power supply to the device when the power from the failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle is in a predetermined state. In this way,
(Q) The device may be a drive recorder and may have a function of automatically starting recording when power is supplied. In this way, the car security function can be easily realized with a general drive recorder. (R) The configuration of the apparatus is particularly preferably configured by combining at least any two of (A) to (Q).

  In particular, on the premise of the configuration of (A), it may be configured by combining at least one of (B) to (R). In addition, the constituent elements described in (A) to (Q) may be selected and combined. Further, at least one of (1) to (40) and at least one of (A) to (Q) may be combined. Further, it may be configured by combining at least one of the components described in (1) to (40) and at least one of the components described in (a) to (r).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Adapter 2 ... USB connector 20 ... USB plug 3 ... Mini USB connector 30 ... Mini USB plug 4 ... Cigar socket 40 ... Cigar plug 5 ... Power receiving connector (input side connector)
50 ... Feed connector (output side connector)
61 ... Smart phone 62 ... Portable battery 63 ... SD card 10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... External device 11 ... Control unit 111 ... Control microcomputer 112 ... Engine state detection unit 113 ... Analog signal detection unit 114 ... K-LINE communication Control unit 115 ... CAN communication control unit 116 ... database 117 ... wired communication unit 118 ... wireless communication unit 119 ... power feeding control unit 12 ... cable 13 ... connector 100a ... external device connection unit 100b ... terminal unit 100c ... wireless communication unit 100d ... logging Unit 100e ... TPMS unit 100f ... Obstacle detection radar receiving unit 101 ... Unit mounting part

Claims (19)

  A power receiving connector that is detachably connected to a vehicle-side constantly-fed connector provided at a position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle, and power to an external device based on the power supplied from the power receiving connector An adapter comprising a power supply connector for supplying.   2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle-side constant power supply type connector connected to the power receiving connector is a connector provided at an output port of a failure diagnosis system provided in the vehicle.   The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the power supply connector is a USB connector or a cigar socket. Having a function of receiving information from the vehicle side via the power receiving connector;
The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adapter is provided with a control unit that receives information from the vehicle and controls power supply to the power supply connector.   The adapter according to claim 4, wherein the controller has a function of detecting a signal from a vehicle and controlling supply or stop of electric power to the power feeding connector according to the signal.   The controller has a function of determining whether a vehicle equipped with an adapter is equipped with a large-capacity battery of a predetermined amount or more based on a signal from the vehicle. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein the adapter is stopped at a predetermined time, and is not stopped in the case of a vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery.   7. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein the control unit detects an on / off state of the engine based on a signal from a vehicle, and has a function of stopping power supply when the engine is on while stopping power supply when the engine is off.   The control unit detects at least one of the remaining battery level, the engine speed, and the accelerator opening based on a signal from the vehicle, and stops power feeding when these values are below a certain value. The adapter in any one of Claim 5 to 7 provided.   The adapter according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the controller has a function of controlling on / off of the power feeding connector in accordance with vehicle driving information acquired from the vehicle.   The adapter according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of the power supply connectors, wherein the control unit has a function of changing power supply control to the plurality of power supply connectors.   The plurality of power supply connectors are composed of a connector for an external device that requires constant power supply and a connector for an external device that does not require constant power supply, and the control unit connects to a connector for an external device that requires constant power supply. The adapter according to claim 5, further comprising a function for giving priority to power feeding.   A plurality of power supply connectors are provided, and at least one of the plurality of power supply connectors is a connector having a communication path for control signals in addition to power from the battery, and one of the plurality of power supply connectors is connected to a host device. 12. The adapter according to claim 4, wherein the connector is a connector for a peripheral device and the other connector is a connector for a peripheral device.   The adapter according to claim 12, wherein the adapter is provided with a control unit that receives information from the host device connector and controls power supply to the peripheral device connector. The adapter includes a connection unit with a mobile terminal, and a control unit that performs various settings related to the adapter,
The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control unit performs various settings related to the adapter based on a signal received from the mobile terminal in the connection unit. The adapter includes a connection unit with a mobile terminal, and a control unit that performs various settings related to the adapter,
The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control unit controls power supply of a power feeding connector provided in the adapter based on a signal received from a portable terminal in the connection unit. The external device is a portable battery,
The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the adapter includes a power feeding connector from the adapter to the portable battery and a power feeding connector from the portable battery to the adapter.   The control unit has a function of determining a voltage drop of a battery mounted on the vehicle based on information from the vehicle, and has a function of supplying power from the portable battery to the vehicle side when a voltage drop of the battery is detected. The adapter according to claim 16.   The control unit switches to supply power from a connector connected to a portable battery to another power supply connector provided in the adapter when the capacity of the vehicle battery is reduced. The listed adapter.   The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a connector not having a power feeding function is provided in addition to the power feeding connector.

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