JP2018188146A - Vehicle module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle module which can perform communication even if the module is mounted with apparatuses different in protocols, and can complete the vehicle by efficiently combining the apparatuses.SOLUTION: A vehicle module comprises: a gateway part 20 which is communicatively connected to a plurality of apparatuses D different in protocols in a vehicle; a trunk line connecting part 40 for connecting trunk lines TL in the vehicle; and a power control part 30 for receiving power from a vehicle battery side, and distributing and supplying the received power to a power-necessary apparatus which requires the supply of power. This configuration enables the vehicle module to perform communication even if the module is mounted with apparatuses different in protocols, and to complete the vehicle by efficiently combining the apparatuses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle module.

  Conventionally, various communication devices in a vehicle communicate by transmitting and receiving signals through electric wires or the like (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-168922 A

  By the way, with the diversification of in-vehicle devices, there is a tendency that a plurality of communication devices having different protocols are mounted in the vehicle, and the vehicle module in which the above-described communication devices are mounted is efficiently combined. There is room for further improvement in terms of completing.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and can perform communication even when devices having different protocols are mounted, and can be efficiently combined to complete the vehicle. To provide a module.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a vehicle module according to the present invention connects a gateway unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of devices having different protocols in the vehicle, and a trunk line in the vehicle. The power supply device includes a main line connection unit and a power control unit that receives power from the vehicle battery side and distributes and supplies the received power to a power-required device that needs to supply power.
In addition, the vehicle system is modularized according to the assembly structure of the vehicle, and each of the vehicle modules includes a gateway unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of devices having different protocols in the vehicle. A main line connecting the gateway units.

  In the vehicle system, each of the plurality of vehicle modules is preferably modularized according to a position provided on a body of the vehicle.

  In the above vehicle system, when the gateway unit is communicably connected to two or more devices having different protocols in the same vehicle module, and a signal is input from the communicably connected device, the gateway unit responds to the input signal. A transmission determination unit that determines the device or other gateway unit that is the transmission destination of the received information and transmits information, and the information transmitted by the transmission determination unit of the other gateway unit is input, and the transmission destination device of the input information It is preferable to have a transmission function unit that determines and transmits the information.

  Moreover, the said vehicle system WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said gateway part has a wired communication part which connects the said gateway part and the apparatus in the said same vehicle module so that communication is possible by wire.

  Moreover, the said vehicle system WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said gateway part has a radio | wireless communication part which connects the said gateway part and the apparatus in the said same vehicle module so that communication is possible by radio | wireless.

  In the vehicle system, at least one of the plurality of vehicle modules receives power from a vehicle battery side, and distributes the received power to a power-required device that needs to supply power in the same vehicle module. It further comprises a power control unit to supply and a main line connection unit for connecting a main line in the vehicle, and the gateway unit, the power control unit, and the main line connection unit constitute a vehicle module control device. preferable.

  In the vehicle system, the trunk line includes an inter-module communication line that transmits information between the gateway units of each of the vehicle modules, and an inter-module power line that transfers power between the power control units of the vehicle modules. It is preferable to contain.

  In the vehicle system, the gateway unit is preferably connected to an in-vehicle router capable of communicating with a communication device outside the vehicle via the trunk line.

  Further, in the above vehicle system, the plurality of vehicle modules include a front module provided at a front portion of the vehicle body, and an instrument panel disposed in a vehicle compartment adjacent to the front portion of the vehicle body. An instrument panel module provided in a vehicle, a rear module provided in a rear part of the vehicle body, a first floor module provided along a floor located between the front part and the rear part of the vehicle body, A second floor module provided in parallel with the first floor module along the floor of the vehicle body; and a roof module provided on a roof disposed facing the floor of the vehicle body in a height direction. And preferably.

Further, the vehicle module is preferably modularized according to a position provided on the vehicle body.
Moreover, the said vehicle module WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said gateway part, the said power control part, and the said main line connection part comprise a vehicle module control apparatus.
Moreover, the said vehicle module WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said gateway part is connected via the said trunk line with the vehicle-mounted router which can communicate with the communication apparatus outside the said vehicle.

  According to the vehicle module according to the present invention, a plurality of vehicle modules each having a gateway unit that is modularized according to the assembly structure of the vehicle and that is communicably connected to a plurality of devices having different protocols in the vehicle, and the vehicle module Since each of the gateway sections is connected to the trunk line, after assembling a plurality of vehicle modules including communication devices, it is possible to realize manufacturing by completing the vehicle by connecting the trunk line to each vehicle module. . As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle module that can communicate even if devices with different protocols are mounted and that can be efficiently combined to complete the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an outline of the vehicle system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing details of the vehicle system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram showing details of the vehicle module control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing one form of the vehicle module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another form of the vehicle module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of vehicle modules according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of vehicle modules according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of vehicle modules according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a vehicle production flow for connecting trunk lines after assembling a plurality of vehicle modules according to the present embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments. The constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the structures described below can be combined as appropriate. Various omissions, substitutions, or changes in the configuration can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Embodiment]
A vehicle system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating an outline of the vehicle system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing details of the vehicle system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram showing details of the vehicle module control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing one form of the vehicle module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another form of the vehicle module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 thru | or FIG. 9 is explanatory drawing which shows the several vehicle module which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a vehicle production flow for connecting trunk lines after assembling a plurality of vehicle modules according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 that are modularized according to the assembly structure of the vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment is also used as a communication control system for performing communication between a plurality of devices D having different protocols in the vehicle and a power control system for these devices D. It functions.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 according to the present embodiment is a structural module that is modularized according to the vehicle assembly structure, and as shown in FIGS. In addition, it is also a communication / power control module corresponding to each of these structural modules. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 is modularized according to a position provided on a vehicle body BD. In the present embodiment, the vehicle modules M1 to M6 will be described as an example. However, the vehicle module M only needs to be modularized according to the assembly structure of the vehicle. The position and the like are not limited to these. Further, the number of vehicle modules M is preferably 10 or less.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 includes a front module M1, an instrument panel module M2, a rear module M3, a first floor module M4, a second floor module M5, and a roof module M6. including. For convenience of explanation, in the following description of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 are respectively represented as a front module M1, an instrument panel module M2, a rear module M3, a first floor module M4, Although referred to as a two-floor module M5 and a roof module M6, in the description after FIG. 3, these are referred to as vehicle modules M1 to M6 without distinction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front module M1 is a vehicle module provided in the front portion of the vehicle body BD. As shown in FIG. 2, the front module M1 further includes an engine module M11, headlamp modules M12 and M13, and a front end module M14. The engine module M11 is a submodule to which various devices such as the engine, various devices around the engine, various devices related to engine control, and the like are communicably connected. The headlamp modules M12 and M13 are submodules to which various devices such as headlamps and sensors and motors related to headlamp control are connected in a communicable manner. The front end module M14 is a sub-module to which various sensors for detecting the situation in the traveling direction of the vehicle, various devices related to sensor control, and the like are communicably connected. In the following description, the engine module M11, the headlamp modules M12 and M13, and the front end module M14 may be simply referred to as submodules M11 to M14. In each of the engine module M11, the headlamp modules M12 and M13, and the front end module M14, the vehicle module control device 10a provided in the front module M1 and the equipment D in each of the submodules M11 to 14 are connected via a connection line CW. Connected. Communication and electric power of the device D in each of the sub modules M11 to M14 are controlled by the vehicle module control device 10a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the instrument panel module M2 is a vehicle module provided in an instrument panel disposed in the vehicle compartment adjacent to the front portion of the vehicle body BD. As shown in FIG. 2, the instrument panel module M2 further includes an instrument panel upper submodule M21 and instrument panel submodules M22 and M23. The instrument panel upper sub-module M21 is a sub-module to which various devices such as a meter, a head-up display (HUD), a carry-in device, and a display provided in the instrument panel are communicably connected. The instrument panel sub-modules M22 and M23 are sub-modules to which various devices such as switches and motors related to the control of the direction indicator and the side mirror adjustment are communicably connected. In the following description, the instrument panel upper submodule M21 and the instrument panel submodules M22 and M23 may be simply referred to as submodules M21 to M23. In each of the instrument panel upper submodule M21 and the instrument panel submodules M22 and M23, the vehicle module control device 10b provided in the instrument panel module M2 and the device D in each of the submodules M21 to M23 are connected via a connection line CW. . Communication and electric power of the equipment D in each of the sub modules M21 to M23 are controlled by the vehicle module control device 10b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rear module M3 is a vehicle module provided at the rear portion of the vehicle body BD. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear module M3 further includes a rear seat module M31, back lamp modules M32 and M33, and a rear end module M34. The rear seat module M31 is a submodule to which various devices such as a switch and a motor related to control such as seat adjustment are communicably connected. The back lamp modules M32 and M33 are submodules to which various devices such as sensors related to the back lamp and head lamp control are connected so as to communicate with each other. The rear end module M34 is a sub-module to which various sensors for detecting a situation in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle, various devices related to sensor control, and the like are communicably connected. In the following description, the rear seat module M31, the back lamp modules M32 and M33, and the rear end module M34 may be simply referred to as submodules M31 to M34. In each of the rear seat module M31, the back lamp modules M32 and M33, and the rear end module M34, the vehicle module control device 10c provided in the rear module M3 and the device D in each of the sub modules M31 to 34 are connected via a connection line CW. Connected. Communication and electric power of the equipment D in each of the sub modules M31 to M34 are controlled by the vehicle module control device 10c.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first floor module M4 is a vehicle module provided along the floor located between the front part and the rear part of the vehicle body BD. As shown in FIG. 2, the first floor module M4 further includes a front seat module M41, a front door module M42, and a rear door module M43. In the present embodiment, the first floor module M4 is provided along the right floor of the vehicle. The front seat module M41 is a sub-module to which various devices such as switches, motors, sensors, and the like related to control such as seat adjustment and warning of whether or not a seat belt is worn are connected. The front door module M42 is a sub-module to which various devices such as a sensor for detecting a situation on the right side of the vehicle, a switch related to control of window opening and closing, a motor, and the like are communicably connected. The rear door module M43 is a sub-module to which various devices such as a sensor for detecting a situation on the right side of the vehicle, a switch related to control of window opening / closing, sliding door opening / closing, raising / lowering assisting step, and a motor are communicably connected. . In the following description, the front seat module M41, the front door module M42, and the rear door module M43 may be simply referred to as sub modules M41 to M43. In each of the front seat module M41, the front door module M42, and the rear door module M43, the vehicle module control device 10d provided in the first floor module M4 and the equipment D in each of the sub modules M41 to M43 are connected via a connection line CW. Connected. Communication and electric power of the equipment D in each of the sub modules M41 to M43 are controlled by the vehicle module control device 10d.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second floor module M5 is a vehicle module provided in parallel with the first floor module M4 along the floor of the vehicle body BD. As shown in FIG. 2, the second floor module M5 further includes a front seat module M51, a front door module M52, and a rear door module M53. In the present embodiment, the second floor module M5 is provided along the left floor of the vehicle. The front seat module M51 is a sub-module to which various devices such as a switch, a motor, a sensor, and the like related to control such as seat adjustment and a warning about whether or not the seat belt is worn are communicably connected. The front door module M52 is a sub-module to which various devices such as a sensor for detecting a situation on the left side of the vehicle, a switch related to control of opening / closing of a window, a motor, and the like are communicably connected. The rear door module M53 is a submodule to which various devices such as a sensor for detecting a situation on the left side of the vehicle, a switch for opening / closing a window, a sliding door opening / closing, a lifting assist step, and other devices such as a motor are communicably connected. . In the following description, the front seat module M51, the front door module M52, and the rear door module M53 may be simply referred to as sub modules M51 to M53. In each of the front seat module M51, the front door module M52, and the rear door module M53, the vehicle module control device 10e provided in the second floor module M5 and the equipment D in each of the sub modules M51 to M53 are connected via a connection line CW. Connected. Communication and electric power of the device D in each of the sub modules M51 to M53 are controlled by the vehicle module control device 10e.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the roof module M <b> 6 is a vehicle module that is provided on a roof that is disposed facing the floor of the vehicle body BD in the height direction. The roof module M6 is communicably connected to various devices such as a vehicle interior lamp and a switch related to lamp control, and various devices such as a switch and a motor related to control such as sunroof opening and closing and sunshade opening and closing. Communication and electric power of the device D in the roof module M6 are controlled by the vehicle module control device 10f. In the present embodiment, the roof module M6 includes at least an in-vehicle router R that can communicate with a communication device outside the vehicle, as shown in FIG. The in-vehicle router R includes vehicle module control devices 10a to 10a provided in a front module M1, an instrument panel module M2, a rear module M3, a first floor module M4, a second floor module M5, and a roof module M6, respectively. 10f and the trunk line TL. The in-vehicle router R communicates with communication devices outside the vehicle by wide area radio and narrow area radio. Note that wide-area wireless systems include radio (AM, FM), TV (UHF, 4K, 8K), TEL, GPS, WiMAX (registered trademark), vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and the like. In addition, narrow-band wireless systems include, for example, ETC / DSRC, VICS (registered trademark), wireless LAN, millimeter wave communication, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, a plurality of devices D are all communicable, and are a body device group D1, a safety device group D2, a powertrain device group D3, and a multimedia device group. D4, a power supply system group D5, a diagnosis system group D6, and a charging system group D7. In the following description, all of the plurality of devices or a part of the plurality of devices regardless of which device group D1 to D7 belongs will be described with the reference sign D. Further, in FIG. 3, in order to simplify the explanation, in which vehicle modules M1 to M6 each of the device groups D1 to D7 is arranged in which three or more devices D1 to D7 are arranged. Although illustrated as an example in which the device D is arranged, the number and arrangement of the devices D are determined according to the configuration of each vehicle, and are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, although the example of the apparatus D contained in each apparatus group D1-D7 is given as an example, it is not limited to these.

  The body system device group D1 includes, for example, a power swing door, a memory seat, an air conditioner, a meter, a shift-by-wire, a lamp, a rear controller, a power trunk, and the like. Note that the communication protocol of the body system device group D1 is, for example, CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, CXPI, narrow area radio, weak radio wave, NFC, Giga-IR, UWB, or the like.

  The safety system device group D2 includes a yaw rate sensor, an airbag, a wheel side sensor, an automatic driving ECU, and the like. The communication protocol of the safety device group D2 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), DSI, wireless transmission, or the like.

  The power train system device group D3 includes a hybrid control unit, a steering sensor, an engine, a suspension, a steering by wire, a transmission, a battery sensor, a brake by wire, and the like. Note that the communication protocol of the powertrain device group D3 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The multimedia device group D4 includes a navigation device, a display, an amplifier, an external communication unit, and the like. Note that the communication protocol of the multimedia device group D4 includes, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), USB 3.1, wireless LAN & transfer jet, NFC, Giga-IR, submillimeter wave, and the like.

  The power supply system device group D5 includes a power supply area master, a power supply area slave, a low voltage / high voltage battery pack, and the like. The communication protocol of the power supply system group D5 is, for example, CAN, power supply backup communication, or the like.

  The diagnostic device group D6 includes a diagnostic tool (scan tool) and the like. The communication protocol of the diagnostic device group D6 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), CAN-FD, wireless LAN, or the like.

  The charging system device group D7 includes a charger and the like. The communication protocol of the charging system device group D7 is, for example, HomePlug-GreenPHY.

  The vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the vehicle in order to perform communication between a plurality of devices D having different communication protocols in the vehicle, and the vehicle module control device 10 (10a to 10f) is provided. Each has a plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6, a trunk line TL, and a connection line CW. The trunk line TL connects the vehicle module control devices 10 of the vehicle modules M1 to M6. The connection line CW connects each vehicle module control device 10 and a plurality of devices D. As shown in FIG. 3, it is connected to two or more devices D having different protocols through a connection line CW.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle module control device 10 has functions as a communication control ECU and a power control ECU for a plurality of devices D, and includes a gateway unit 20, a power control unit 30, and a main line connection unit 40. And is configured. The gateway unit 20, the power control unit 30, and the main line connection unit 40 are connected to each other so that they can communicate and carry power.

  In FIG. 4, the gateway unit 20 is a functional unit that is arranged in each of the vehicle modules M1 to M6 and can communicate with a plurality of devices D having different protocols in the vehicle. The gateway unit 20 includes a transmission determination unit 21, a transmission function unit 22, a wired communication unit 23, and a wireless communication unit 24.

  When a signal is input from the device D that is communicably connected, the transmission determination unit 21 determines the device D or another gateway unit 20 that is a transmission destination of information according to the input signal, and transmits information. The transmission function unit 22 inputs the information transmitted by the transmission determination unit 21 of the other gateway unit 20, determines the transmission destination device D of the input information, and transmits it. The wired communication unit 23 connects the gateway unit 20 and at least the device D in the same vehicle module M so that they can communicate with each other by wire. As shown in FIG. 4, the connection line CW includes an in-module communication line CW1 that transmits information between the device D in the same vehicle module M and the gateway unit 20, and a device D and power control in the same vehicle module M. And an in-module power line CW2 that conveys power to and from the unit 30. For example, in FIG. 4, the wired communication unit 23 is communicably connected to the device Da via the intra-module communication line CW1. The wireless communication unit 24 connects the gateway unit 20 and at least the device D in the same vehicle module M so that they can communicate wirelessly. The wireless communication unit 24 communicatively connects the gateway unit 20 and the device D by short-range wireless communication such as wireless LAN, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or the like. For example, in FIG. 4, the wireless communication unit 24 is connected to be communicable with the device Db by wireless communication. The range of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 24 is not limited to the device D in the same vehicle module M.

  Here, an example will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, it is assumed that the first gateway unit 20 of the vehicle module M1 inputs a signal from the device D of the first body system device group D1 of the vehicle module M1. At this time, the transmission determination unit 21 of the first gateway unit 20 determines whether there is a device D that is a transmission destination of information according to the input signal. If it is determined that there is a device D as a transmission destination, the transmission determination unit 21 of the first gateway unit 20 transmits information corresponding to the input signal to the device D as a transmission destination. At this time, information is transmitted to the device D belonging to any one of the safety device group D2, the power train device group D3, the multimedia device group D4, the power supply device group D5, the diagnostic device group D6, and the charging device group D7. When doing so, the first gateway unit 20 converts the protocol and transmits information.

  Furthermore, the transmission determination unit 21 of the first gateway unit 20 determines whether there is another gateway unit 20 that is a transmission destination of information according to the input signal. In the present embodiment, since the vehicle modules M1 to M6 each have six gateway units 20, one transmission determination unit 21 of the first gateway unit 20 provides information according to the input signal, It is determined whether to transmit to any of the second to sixth gateway units 20 of the vehicle modules M2 to M6. At this time, the transmission determination unit 21 of the first gateway unit 20 connects the devices D (that is, the second to sixth body system device groups D1 and the safety system device groups D2) connected to the second to sixth gateway units 20. It is determined whether or not to transmit based on the information of the device D) belonging to any one of the power train device group D3, the multimedia device group D4, the power supply device group D5, the diagnosis device group D6, and the charging device group D7 . That is, the first gateway unit 20 stores information on the device D connected to the first gateway unit 20 and information on the device D connected to the other gateway unit 20.

  And the transmission judgment part 21 of the 1st gateway part 20 respond | corresponds to the input signal, for example, when it judges that the information according to the input signal should be transmitted to the 2nd gateway part 20 of the vehicle module M2. The transmitted information is transmitted to the second gateway unit 20.

  When the second gateway unit 20 inputs the above information from the transmission determination unit 21 of the first gateway unit 20, the transmission function unit 22 of the second gateway unit 20 transmits the device D that is the transmission destination of the input information. Judging. And the transmission function part 22 of the 2nd gateway part 20 transmits information to the apparatus D used as a transmission destination. At this time, information is transmitted to the device D belonging to any one of the safety device group D2, the power train device group D3, the multimedia device group D4, the power supply device group D5, the diagnostic device group D6, and the charging device group D7. When doing so, the second gateway unit 20 converts the protocol and transmits information. Note that information that has been subjected to protocol conversion by the first gateway unit 20 may be input to the second gateway unit 20.

  Here, in the above description, a case where a signal is input from the device D to which the first gateway unit 20 is connected has been described as an example, but a case where a signal is input from the device D to which the second gateway unit 20 is connected is also as described above. It is the same. Further, communication is performed between the first gateway unit 20 in the vehicle module M1 and the third to sixth gateway units 20 in the vehicle modules M3 to M6 other than the second gateway unit 20 in the vehicle module M2. The same applies to the case.

  In FIG. 4, the power control unit 30 receives power from a power source, for example, the vehicle battery B side, and distributes and supplies the received power to power-required devices that need to supply power within the same vehicle module M. Part. As an example, the device D such as the lamp, the air conditioner, the amplifier, the display, and the power window motor corresponds to a power-required device, but is not limited thereto. The power source may not be the vehicle battery B, but may be another power source such as an alternator or a motor generator (MG). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle battery B is provided in the vehicle module M1 and is connected to the vehicle module control device 10a through the power line PW. It is not limited to this.

  In addition, although not shown, the vehicle module control apparatus 10 is assumed to include a DC / DC converter. Each of the plurality of vehicle module control devices 10 is supplied with the voltage received from the vehicle battery B being stepped down by the DC / DC converter. Here, the gateway unit 20 and the power control unit 30 are configured as one function of the CPU, for example, and the operating voltage is 5 V, for example. On the other hand, the voltage of the vehicle battery B is assumed to be 12 V or higher, and the voltage from the vehicle battery B needs to be stepped down when the gateway unit 20 and the power control unit 30 are operated. Thus, for example, the first DC / DC converter of the vehicle module M1 receives the power supplied to the first vehicle module control device 10 through the power line PW and steps down the first gateway unit 20 or the first gateway. To the power control unit 30. Similarly, the second DC / DC converter of the vehicle module M2 also receives the power supplied to the second vehicle module control device 10 through the trunk line TL and steps down the second gateway unit 20 and the second This is supplied to the power control unit 30.

  In FIG. 4, the power control unit 30 supplies or restricts necessary power to a load or device that requires power when necessary while monitoring the power usage status of the entire vehicle, the remaining battery power, and the like. Is. The power control unit 30 includes a contact power supply unit 31 and a non-contact power supply unit 32. The contact power feeding unit 31 connects the power control unit 30 and the device D in the same vehicle module M so as to be able to carry power by wire. For example, in FIG. 4, the contact power feeding unit 31 is connected to the devices Da and Db via the in-module power line CW2 so as to be able to carry power. The non-contact power feeding unit 32 connects the power control unit 30 and the device D in the same vehicle module M so that power can be conveyed by non-contact power feeding. The non-contact power supply unit 32 connects the power control unit 30 and the device D so as to be able to carry power by a non-contact power supply method such as an electromagnetic induction method, a radio wave reception method, and a resonance method. For example, in FIG. 4, the non-contact power feeding unit 32 is connected to the device Dc so as to be able to carry power by non-contact power feeding. Although not shown, it is assumed that the device Dc is communicably connected to the gateway unit 20 by wire or wireless.

  In FIG. 4, the main line connection unit 40 is a connector that connects the main line TL in the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4, the trunk line TL includes an inter-module communication line TL <b> 1 that transmits information between the gateway units 20 of the vehicle modules M, and an inter-module power line that carries power between the power control units 30 of the vehicle modules M. TL2. In FIG. 4, the main line connection unit 40 is connected to another vehicle module control device 10 ′ provided in another vehicle module M via the main line TL so as to be communicable and capable of carrying power. The communication protocol of the inter-module communication line TL1 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). The main line connection unit 40 includes an information transmission unit 41 and a power transfer unit 42. The main line connection unit 40 may be an integrated connector including the information transmission unit 41 and the power transfer unit 42. The information transfer unit 41 and the power transfer unit 42 may be separate connectors. Also good.

  The information transmission unit 41 connects the other vehicle module control device 10 ′ and the in-vehicle router R so as to be communicable via the inter-module communication line TL <b> 1. The devices D are connected to be communicable. In this way, the trunk line TL connects the gateway units 20 of the vehicle modules M. The power transfer unit 42 connects the other vehicle module control device 10 ′ and the in-vehicle router R so as to be able to transfer power via the inter-module power line TL <b> 2, and a plurality of units in the same vehicle module M via the power control unit 30. Are connected so as to be able to carry power. In this way, the trunk line TL connects the power control units 30 of the vehicle modules M.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle module M may group a state in which a plurality of devices Da to Dc in the same vehicle module M are not connected as a unit, or as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, a state in which a plurality of devices Da to Dc in the same vehicle module M are connected may be described as a unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle module M may not include the device D, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the vehicle module M may include the device D. 5 and 6, the wired communication units 23a and 23b of the vehicle module control device 10 have connectors CTa and CTb for connecting the devices Da and Db to the end portions of the connection lines CWa and CWb, respectively. Yes. The wireless communication unit 24 of the vehicle module control device 10 is connected to be communicable with the device Dc. The main line connection unit 40 of the vehicle module control apparatus 10 is connected to another vehicle module via the main line TL.

  As described above, the vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the trunk line TL that connects the gateway units 20 that are arranged one by one in the plurality of vehicle modules M that are modularized according to the vehicle assembly structure. Therefore, since information is transmitted and received between the gateway units 20, for example, when a signal from a certain device D is input to the first gateway unit 20, as a result of determination by the transmission determination unit 21, the first gateway unit The information is transmitted to another device D connected to 20, or the information is transmitted to another gateway unit 20 such as the second gateway unit 20. For example, information transmitted from the first gateway unit 20 to another gateway unit 20 such as the second gateway unit 20 is appropriately transmitted by the transmission function unit 22 of the other gateway unit 20 such as the second gateway unit 20. It is transmitted to the device D. As described above, communication can be performed even if a device D having a different protocol is installed. Each of the plurality of vehicle modules M also includes a power control unit 30 that distributes and supplies power to a power-required device that requires power supply. Therefore, the vehicle module control device 10 of the vehicle module M is connected to each vehicle module M. It can function as a common central unit for power distribution and communication.

  Furthermore, according to the vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, after assembling a plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 including communication devices, the trunk line TL is provided to each of the vehicle modules M1 to M6. By connecting, it is possible to realize manufacturing that completes the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, first, for six vehicle modules M1 to M6 that are modularized according to positions provided on the body BD of the vehicle, each of the devices D in the vehicle modules M1 to M6, and The vehicle module control devices 10a to 10f are connected so that they can communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly and can be supplied with power by contact or non-contact power feeding. Next, the vehicle modules M1 to M6 prepared in this way are arranged at appropriate positions on the vehicle body BD as shown in FIG. And as shown in FIG. 9, trunk line TLa-TLe is connected to the trunk line connection part 40 with which each vehicle module control apparatus 10a-10f in each vehicle module M1-M6 was equipped. In FIG. 9, the vehicle module M5 and the vehicle module M1 are connected via the trunk line TLa. Vehicle module M5 and vehicle module M2 are connected via trunk line TLb. Vehicle module M5 and vehicle module M3 are connected via trunk line TLc. The vehicle module M5 and the vehicle module M4 are connected via the trunk line TLd. The vehicle module M5 and the vehicle module M6 are connected via the trunk line TLe. In addition to the procedures shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, for example, after preparing the vehicle modules M1 to M6, the trunk line TL is previously installed on the body BD, and then the vehicle modules M1 to M6 are arranged. The vehicle may be completed by a procedure for connecting to the installed trunk line TL.

  Thus, according to the vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, after assembling a plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6 including communication devices, the trunk line TL is connected to each of the vehicle modules M1 to M6. By connecting, it is possible to realize manufacturing that completes the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle system that can perform communication even when a device D having a different protocol is mounted, and can complete the vehicle by efficiently combining the vehicle modules M.

  In addition, in the vehicle system 1 according to the present embodiment, some of the plurality of vehicle modules M can be shared between different vehicle types. Furthermore, by designing many types of vehicle modules M, a wide variety of vehicle systems 1 can be easily constructed from combinations of vehicle modules M having different patterns. Moreover, in the vehicle system 1 of this embodiment, the vehicle module M used as the repair object of a part which constructs the vehicle system 1 can also be replaced | exchanged easily at the time of vehicle repair. Moreover, in the vehicle system 1 of this embodiment, even when the version of the vehicle is upgraded, some of the vehicle modules M to be updated that constitute the vehicle system 1 can be easily changed.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and may be appropriately changed within a possible range. These techniques may be combined.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as the plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6, six vehicle modules modularized according to positions provided in the vehicle body DB are described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The vehicle module M is modularized in accordance with the assembly structure of the vehicle. For example, in the case of a structure in which structural modules constituting the vehicle are stacked and assembled, the vehicle module M has such a structural structure. It may be designed as a communication / power control module having a stackable shape so as to correspond to a simple module. Similarly, for example, in the case of a structure in which structural modules constituting a vehicle are assembled side by side, the vehicle module M has a communication / power control that can be arranged in parallel so as to correspond to such a structural module. It may be designed as a module.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the example which each provides the electric power control part 30 to each vehicle module M1-M6 was demonstrated, it is not limited to this. The electric power control part 30 should just be provided in the some vehicle module M among the vehicle modules M1-M6.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the vehicle system 1 provided with the six vehicle modules M1-M6 provided with at least the gateway unit 20 in the vehicle has been described, the gateway unit 20 is provided in addition to the six vehicle modules M. Other modules that are not provided may be provided in the vehicle system 1.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the vehicle module control apparatus 10e in the vehicle module M5 is connected to the vehicle module control apparatuses 10a to 10d and 10f in the other vehicle modules M1 to M4 and M6 via the trunk line TL. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Among the plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M6, even the vehicle module control device 10 in any vehicle module M may be used as the vehicle module control device 10 having an overall control function like the vehicle module control device 10e of the present embodiment. Good. Further, the plurality of vehicle modules M1 to M4 and M6 may not be indirectly connected to the vehicle module M5 via the trunk line TL, and the vehicle modules M1 to M6 are directly connected to each other via the trunk line TL. It may be.

  Moreover, although the vehicle-mounted router R demonstrated the example connected via the trunk line TL to the vehicle module control apparatus 10e in the vehicle module M5 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. The in-vehicle router R may be connected from the vehicle module control device 10f in the vehicle module M6 via the trunk line TL. Furthermore, the in-vehicle router R is not only directly connected to the vehicle module M5 via the trunk line TL, but may be directly connected to other vehicle modules M1 to M4 and M6 via the trunk line TL.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although trunk line TL demonstrated the example comprised from the intermodule communication line TL1 and the intermodule power line TL2 which connect between each vehicle module control apparatus 10 of each vehicle module M1-M6, It is not limited to. The vehicle module control devices 10 of the vehicle modules M1 to M6 may be configured to be communicable by radio as well as wired, and further connected to be capable of supplying power not only by contact power supply but also by non-contact power supply. It may be.

1 Vehicle System 10, 10a to 10f Vehicle Module Control Device (ECU)
20 Gateway unit 21 Transmission determination unit 22 Transmission function unit 23 Wired communication unit 24 Wireless communication unit 30 Power control unit 31 Contact power supply unit 32 Non-contact power supply unit 40 Main line connection unit 41 Information transmission unit 42 Power transfer unit B Vehicle battery BD Body CTa , CTb Connector CW, CWa, CWb Connection line CW1 In-module communication line CW2 In-module power line D, Da, Db, Dc Equipment D1 Body equipment group D2 Safety system equipment group D3 Powertrain equipment group D4 Multimedia equipment group D5 Power supply System device group D6 Diag system device group D7 Charging system device group M, M1 to M6 Vehicle module M1 Front module
M11 Engine module M12, M13 Headlamp module M14 Front end module M2 Instrument panel module (vehicle module)
M21 Instrument panel upper submodule M22, M23 Instrument panel submodule M3 Rear module (vehicle module)
M31 Rear seat module M32, M33 Back lamp module M34 Rear end module M4 First floor module (vehicle module)
M41 Front seat module M42 Front door module M43 Rear door module M5 Second floor module (vehicle module)
M51 Front seat module M52 Front door module M53 Rear door module M6 Roof module (vehicle module)
PW Power line R Car-mounted router TL, TLa-TLe Trunk line TL1 Inter-module communication line TL2 Inter-module power line

Claims (4)

A gateway unit connected to be able to communicate with a plurality of devices having different protocols in the vehicle;
A main line connecting part for connecting a main line in the vehicle;
A power control unit that receives power from the vehicle battery side and distributes the received power to a power-required device requiring power supply; and
A vehicle module comprising:   The vehicle module according to claim 1, which is modularized according to a position provided on a body of the vehicle. The vehicle module according to claim 1, wherein the gateway unit, the power control unit, and the main line connection unit constitute a vehicle module control device. The vehicle module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gateway unit is connected to an in-vehicle router capable of communicating with a communication device outside the vehicle via the trunk line.

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