JP2022023966A - 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

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an adapter or the like capable of supplying power from a vehicle to an external device.

Ports to which information from the in-vehicle computer is output include, 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, and the like. The connected port is known. The failure diagnosis system mounted on the 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 controlling the vehicle such as an ECU (Engine Control Unit) acquire signals such as the status from sensors and switches provided in each part of the vehicle. Then, based on the acquired state and the like, information for failure diagnosis and information to be transmitted to other in-vehicle computers are 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 installed outside the vehicle such as a repair shop to this failure diagnosis port, the failure and condition of each part of the vehicle can be 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, but as described in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, an adapter is attached to the port of this failure diagnosis system. It has been proposed that the user can check the condition of the vehicle even when the failure is not diagnosed by connecting and acquiring the information of the computer that controls the vehicle via this adapter and outputting it to the display installed in the vehicle. There is.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-206621 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-206622

By the way, various portable electronic devices such as smart phones and digital cameras are powered by batteries. When the battery runs out, these devices can no longer be used. Generally, these devices receive power from USB and can be charged. Therefore, various products for USB power supply from the cigar socket provided in the vehicle have been sold conventionally.

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

Since the adapter described in the above patent document is connected to the failure diagnosis system of the vehicle, the power is supplied from the battery of the vehicle even when the ACC is turned off, but the conventional adapter is exclusively information from the in-vehicle computer. It was intended to obtain a patent, and did not have a charging function for smartphones and digital cameras.

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

(1) The adapter of the present invention is supplied from a power receiving connector provided so as to be accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle and connected to a constant power supply type connector on the vehicle side so as to be connectable and detachable, and the power receiving connector. It is characterized by having a power supply connector that supplies power to an external device based on the power supplied. By doing so, even a general user can relatively easily supply power from the vehicle to various external devices at all times.

As the position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle, for example, it is particularly preferable to set the position accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In particular, it is preferable to use a place where the cover on the vehicle side provided in the vehicle interior can be opened. In this way, even a general user can easily supply power from the vehicle to various external devices simply by opening the cover. Also, it is better to have a place without a cover. By doing so, it is possible to constantly supply power from the vehicle to various external devices by simply inserting the power receiving connector from the passenger side of the vehicle into the power supply connector. On the passenger side, it is particularly preferable to use the driver's seat side. In particular, it is preferable to use a connector provided around the driver's seat. In this way, the driver can easily supply power from the vehicle to various external devices at all times.

As the constant power supply type connector on the vehicle side, it is preferable to use a connector provided especially for use from the vehicle interior. Further, for example, it is preferable to use a connector that outputs information that changes with the operation of the driver of the vehicle. Further, for example, it is preferable to use a connector that is unlikely to be used when used by a vehicle user.

(2) As for the power receiving connector, it is preferable that the constant power supply type connector on the vehicle side connected to the power receiving connector is, for example, a connector provided in the output port of the failure diagnosis system provided in the vehicle. The connector provided on the output port of the fault diagnosis system is mainly intended to be used in a vehicle repair shop and is likely not used when used by a vehicle user. In particular, the connector provided on the output port of the failure diagnosis system is always supplied with power from the vehicle side so that the failure diagnosis device can be connected and the failure diagnosis can be performed even when the ACC of the vehicle is off. It is advisable to use this connector as a constant power supply type connector. This is because the connector provided on the output port of the failure diagnosis system is provided in the passenger compartment near the driver's seat and is easily accessible to the user. The connector provided on the vehicle to which the failure diagnosis device can be connected may be, for example, an OBDII standard connector.

For example, the power supply connector may be a standardized connector for charging the external device from a power supply device that is not installed in a general vehicle. For example, as a connector standardized for charging from a power supply device that is not installed in a general vehicle, for example, it is standardized for charging a device used in a house from a household power supply. A connector is preferable, and a connector used especially for a portable device is preferable.
For example, the power supply connector may be a connector commonly used by a plurality of types of external devices in order to charge the external device from a power supply device not mounted on the vehicle. As the plurality of types of external devices, a portable device or the like is particularly preferable, and a portable device that requires charging of a battery is particularly preferable.
As such a connector, for example, a USB standard connector may be used as the power supply connector.
As the other power supply connector, for example, a cigar socket, a square connector used for power supply to various other devices, a pin plug type connector, or the like can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use a standard connector that is commonly used for supplying power to various electronic devices. For example, a cigar socket is good. However, it is preferable to use a standard connector that is commonly used even in places other than vehicles, and it is even better to use a USB connector as described above.

(3) The power supply connector may be configured as a USB connector or a cigar socket. USB connectors are those that supply power exclusively for charging electronic devices (called a power supply type USB connector) and those that also connect signal lines for power supply and information transmission (called a communication type USB connector). However, any USB connector can be used.

(Shape of power supply connector and power receiving connector, etc.)
The power supply connector and the power receiving connector may be provided integrally with the case of the adapter, or may be connected to the case of the adapter by a cord or a cable. Further, the power receiving connector may be connected so as to be connectable and detachable to a constant power supply type connector provided at a position accessible from the passenger side of the vehicle, and even a connector that fits into the constant power supply type connector itself may be used. It is preferable to use a connector that fits into the constant power supply type connector itself and a connector that fits into the connected power receiving connector. For example, it is preferable to provide a second connector connected to the power cable from the first connector fitted to the OBD connector and to use the connector fitted to the second connector as the power receiving connector of the adapter.
When integrated with the case, it can be miniaturized, and when connected by a cord or cable, an adapter, power supply connector, or power receiving connector can be installed at a remote position. For example, an external device can be installed in the driver's seat or passenger seat. Can be charged near.

According to such a configuration, electric power is supplied from the vehicle side to the power supply connector provided on the adapter via the constant power supply type connector of the vehicle, so that it depends on the running state of the vehicle and the open / closed state of the ACC. It becomes possible to constantly charge an external device without having to do so. 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 it becomes impossible to charge the external device, but in the present invention, this is the case. Also has the advantage of being able to charge the battery of an external device. In particular, it is preferable that the constant power supply type connector on the vehicle side is configured to constantly supply electric power from the battery provided in the vehicle.

(A) USB connector, etc. Currently, various external devices equipped with a USB connector charging function, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet terminals, digital cameras, video cameras, and other small household appliances, are on the market. , The connector for power supply should be a USB connector, and in that 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) Multiple power supply connectors, etc. In the present invention, it is preferable to provide the adapter with a plurality of power supply connectors having different shapes, functions, performances, and the like. For example, when a USB connector and a cigar socket are provided, both a device having a USB connector such as a smart phone and an in-vehicle device compatible with a cigar socket that is widely sold for in-vehicle use can be used. When using a general-purpose connector such as a square connector or pin plug type connector in addition to the USB connector, use a large connector such as a cigar socket for anti-theft devices, in-vehicle audio equipment, back cameras, etc. It can be supplied without power. Further, although the number of connectors for power supply provided in advance in the vehicle is limited, 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 good to provide multiple power supply connectors of the same shape with different power supply current values (for example, it is good to provide 2A and 1A USB connectors. In this way, for example, quick charge and normal charge can be used together, and the battery of the vehicle can be used. It is possible to achieve both the problem of load and the problem of charging speed.

(C) Information acquisition from the 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. Further, it is preferable to provide the adapter itself with a control unit that receives information from the vehicle side and outputs a power supply on / off command to the power supply connector. Information from the vehicle side may be various data such as vehicle speed, various temperatures, drive source, and battery status. In addition, it is preferable to acquire information from the vehicle side such as noise of the feeder line, fluctuation of current and voltage through the constant feeding type connector. In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration in which both are performed together. Based on these findings, the OBD connector that fits into the OBD connector of the vehicle is the most suitable as the power receiving connector.

(4) It has a function of receiving information from the vehicle side via the power receiving connector, and the adapter is provided with a control unit that receives information from the vehicle side and controls power supply to the power feeding connector. It is good to have a configuration.
For example, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the state of the vehicle is determined based on information from the vehicle, and a configuration in which power supply from the battery to the power supply connector is stopped when the ACC is turned off, as in the conventional cigar socket. In particular, it is preferable that the adapter is provided with a plurality of power supply connectors, one of the power supply connectors is a constant power supply type, and the other power supply connector is configured to stop power supply when the vehicle is stopped or the ACC is turned off. By doing so, for example, the application of the external device, for example, the external device having a large power consumption is charged only when the vehicle is in operation, and the smart phone having a small power consumption is charged from the power supply connector which is constantly supplied with power. It is possible to prevent power consumption on the vehicle side. In a configuration in which power is supplied from the vehicle side battery from the vehicle side battery, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the capacity of the in-vehicle battery. For example, it may be configured to have a function of receiving information from the vehicle side in a housing having a power receiving connector.

(C-1) Detection of the state of the vehicle by the control unit, etc. (5) The control unit has a function of detecting a signal from the vehicle and controlling the supply or stop of electric power to the power supply connector according to the signal. It is good to have a configuration.
The signal from the vehicle side is a signal flowing through the 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 open / close information, user seating information, manufacturer name of vehicle and in-vehicle electronic devices mounted on it, vehicle type, etc.

In addition to the communication path, signals on the power supply line on the vehicle side, such as voltage values and power supply noise, may be used. In particular, when the engine is started or running, noise and voltage values with waveforms different from those when the engine is stopped are generated on the power supply line. On the other hand, it is effective when connecting the adapter of the present invention.

By doing so, it is possible to control the power supply from the adapter to the external device according to the information on the vehicle side, so it is appropriate for various external devices connected to the adapter according to the state of the vehicle. It will be possible to charge and turn on / off of external devices. As a result, it is possible not only to exchange electric power between the external device and the vehicle side, 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 the control unit, etc. (6) The control unit has a function of determining whether the vehicle equipped with the adapter is a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery of a predetermined amount or more, and has a large capacity battery. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery, it is preferable not to stop the power supply at a predetermined point in the case of a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery.
According to such a configuration, in a vehicle equipped with a relatively small capacity battery such as a vehicle equipped with an engine (a vehicle driven by an engine but not driven by a motor), it is possible to prevent the engine from being unable to start due to a dead battery. At the same time, in a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, charging of the device can be prioritized.
It is preferable to determine whether or not the vehicle equipped with the adapter is a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery of a predetermined amount or more based on a signal from the vehicle side. For example, it may be configured to be set by the user such as a DIP switch or a selection on the screen. However, since it is automatically determined in this way, it is easy to use without the user's trouble.

(C-3) Detection of the state of the vehicle, etc. (7) The control unit detects on / off of the engine based on the signal from the vehicle side, and does not stop the power supply when the engine is on, while the power supply is supplied when the engine is off. It is good to have a configuration to stop.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the vehicle-mounted battery from being excessively reduced by charging only when the vehicle-mounted 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, so that an external device that requires a large capacity charge can be an in-vehicle battery by the engine. By charging only during 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 the signal from the vehicle, and stops the power supply when the detected value becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. It is good to have a function to do.
For example, when the control unit detects the remaining battery level and the remaining battery level of the vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, for example, the engine can be started several times or less, the power supply may be stopped. In addition, it may have a function of turning on power supply to the power supply connector when the accelerator opening is at least a predetermined value, the engine speed is at least a predetermined value, or the speed is at least a predetermined speed.

By doing so, 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 is sufficient. Therefore, the in-vehicle battery can be charged by charging the external device. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the capacity of the battery.

(C-4) Operation status detection and power supply control by the control unit (9) The control unit has a function of controlling on / off of a plurality of power supply connectors according to the vehicle operation status acquired from the vehicle. good.
By doing so, the operation of the device can be turned on and off according to the driving situation of the vehicle. For example, the configuration allows the driver to set the correspondence between the operating status and the on / off of multiple power supply connectors so that the driver does not have to turn on / off various external devices installed in the room by himself / herself. If the configuration is such that the on / off of a plurality of power supply connectors is controlled based on this, the operability of the external device is significantly improved.
For example, it is preferable that the control unit acquires the turn signal information of the vehicle and turns on the power supply to the power supply connector on the right side when the right turn signal is turned on, and turns on the power supply to the power supply connector on the left side when the left turn signal is turned on.
In addition, it acquires the speed and impact (acceleration change) of the vehicle and turns on the power supply to the camera, video, drive recorder, etc. according to it, and turns on the power supply to the fan according to the indoor and outdoor temperature. It is good to have a function to operate it.

(C-5) (Control of multiple connectors in different modes, etc.)
(10) It is preferable that a plurality of power supply connectors are provided and the power supply control to the plurality of power supply connectors is different.
By doing so, the operation of each external device connected to each power feeding connector can be made different. For example, as a plurality of power supply connectors, a connector for an external device that requires constant power supply (for example, for a device without a battery) and a connector for an external device that does not require constant power supply (for example, for a device with a battery) are provided. It is preferable to give priority to power supply to the connector for external devices that require constant power supply. In addition, the adapter is provided with a control unit that detects the remaining battery level of the vehicle, and according to the detection result of this control unit, when the remaining battery level of the vehicle is low, power is supplied to the connector for external devices that does not require constant power supply. It is good to have a configuration that stops at.

(C-6) (Control by power supply priority, etc.)
(11) 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 is for an external device that requires constant power supply. It is good to have a function to give priority to power supply to the connector.
In this way, a device that requires constant power supply can be operated with priority over a device that does not require constant power supply. Equipment that requires constant power supply, for example, equipment that consumes a large amount of power, equipment that requires data communication, monitoring, and standby for a long period of time, and warning lights that must be charged in an emergency. And disaster prevention radios are especially good because they can be given priority in supplying power. As an external device, for example, a device that has a battery and operates on a battery when power is not supplied may be connected to the connector for an external device that does not require constant power supply.

(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 a control signal in addition to the power from the battery, and hosts one of the plurality of power supply connectors. It is advisable to use a connector for connecting devices and another connector as a connector for connecting peripheral devices.

By doing so, it is possible to use the peripheral device connected to the other connector from the host device connected to the connector for connecting the host device. In particular, it is advisable to network a plurality of power supply connectors provided on the adapter. In this way, data can be exchanged between various external devices connected to a plurality of power supply connectors. Further, it is preferable to use the data acquired by each external device to control the power supply stop of each power supply connector. In addition, since peripheral devices connected to other connectors from the host device are used, it is preferable to have a hub function.

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

With 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 the external devices. In particular, it is convenient because the adapter of the present invention can be used without providing a dedicated hub when using a plurality of electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a digital camera in a vehicle and exchanging files between them. .. In addition, it is particularly good to control the power supply of each power supply connector from an external device such as a smartphone or personal computer connected to the adapter, and in particular, set to charge multiple external devices in the order of priority according to the user's wishes. It is good to have a configuration.

(E-1) (Various settings by mobile terminal)
(14) The adapter includes a connection unit with a mobile terminal and a control unit for making various settings related to the adapter, and the control unit makes 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 Mobile Terminal For example, the adapter is provided with a wireless communication unit for connecting to a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, and the control unit makes various settings related to the adapter based on the signal received by the wireless communication unit. It is good to go and control the power supply state of the power supply connector and / or the power receiving connector. In this case, the wireless communication unit uses low-power wireless connection means such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and RFID, which are provided on mobile terminals such as smart phones and do not require a license for users. can do.

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

(14-3) Condition setting from a mobile terminal Examples of condition setting are as follows.
(1) The adapter that the control unit sets the vehicle type of the vehicle equipped with this adapter according to the signal from the mobile terminal should be configured to correspond to a plurality of different vehicle types, and the adapter itself should be configured according to this configuration. Can recognize if it is connected to. For example, it can be used to acquire and output information according to the vehicle type and to control power supply to the power supply connector.
(2) The control unit sets the current value of the power feeding connector and / or the power receiving connector according to the signal from the mobile terminal.
(3) The control unit sets a condition for starting and stopping the power supply from the in-vehicle battery to the power supply connector according to the signal from the mobile terminal. For example, it is possible to set the power supply connector condition based on the signal from the in-vehicle electronic device. For example, when n USB connectors of USB connectors 1 to n are provided, when the on of the vehicle light is detected, for example, when the power of the USB connector 2 is turned on and the light is turned off, the power of the USB connector 2 is supplied. When a signal from a mobile terminal such as turning off is received, control is performed according to the received content.
(4) The control unit sets the power supply conditions between the vehicle and the portable battery as control from the smart phone according to the signal from the mobile terminal. For example, as the power supply condition, when the power supply from the in-vehicle battery is interrupted, the power supply connector is set with the condition for starting the power supply and the condition for ending the power supply, such as supplying power from the portable battery for 5 minutes. It is advisable to control the start / end of power supply based on this setting.

(Effect of condition setting by mobile terminal)
In-vehicle electronic devices vary depending on the drive source such as engine-equipped vehicles and electric vehicles, the types of small cars, large cars, passenger cars, freight cars, manufacturers and dealers, and accordingly, power supply or power reception to external devices. The optimum conditions to do are also different. Therefore, it is complicated to prepare a large number of types of adapters in advance to set appropriate conditions according to various in-vehicle electronic devices. According to the present invention, it is possible for a manufacturer or a seller of an adapter to set optimum conditions for an adapter according to an in-vehicle electronic device of each vehicle by using a mobile terminal, and it is necessary to prepare various types of adapters. Is gone.

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, its operating condition, or the type of the external device connected to the adapter. Therefore, it is possible not only to charge the built-in battery of the external device but also to automatically turn on / off various kinds of external devices according to the state of the vehicle and the driving situation.

(E-2) (Settings for adapters by mobile terminals)
(15) The adapter includes a connection unit with a mobile terminal and a control unit for making various settings related to the adapter, and the control unit is provided on the adapter based on a signal received from the mobile terminal at the connection unit. It is good to control the power supply of the connector.

For example, while the adapter is in use, the mobile terminal may transmit a power supply or power receiving state switching signal of the power feeding connector or the power receiving connector to the control unit of the adapter. By doing so, it becomes possible to perform an operation different from the preset conditions from the mobile terminal. As a result, the user can arbitrarily control the external device connected to the adapter each time the user or the vehicle is placed. For example, a control program that controls the control unit of the adapter is built in the mobile terminal side, and the adapter is controlled from the mobile terminal according to the time, position, acceleration, outside air temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. detected by the mobile terminal. It is advisable to send a command 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 supply and charging to the portable battery (16) The external device is a portable battery, and the adapter includes a power supply connector from the adapter to the portable battery and a power supply connector from the portable battery to the adapter. It is good to have it.
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 devices with a built-in battery 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 by using a USB cable or the like when the capacity of the built-in battery of the electronic device is reduced. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can use this kind of mobile battery as an external device to be charged.

When the adapter is provided with a connector for connecting the portable battery, the connector may be a power supply connector from the portable battery to the adapter in addition to the power supply 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 power supply to the portable battery, and at least one may be used for power supply from the portable battery. With one power supply connector, it is possible to use both power supply to the portable battery and power supply from the portable battery.

Then, the electric power from the portable battery may be supplied to various devices connected to the adapter via the adapter, for example, an in-vehicle electronic device or another external device receiving power from the adapter. .. Further, it is preferable to provide a changeover switch on the adapter or change the type of the connector provided on the adapter so that the power supply direction between the adapter and the portable battery can be switched. Further, it is preferable to provide the adapter with a control unit for switching the feeding direction under specific conditions.

(F-1) Power supply to the vehicle from the portable battery (17) It has a function to judge the voltage drop of the battery mounted on the vehicle, and when the voltage drop of the battery is detected, the portable battery is moved to the vehicle side. It is good to have a function to supply power. According to such a configuration, by supplying electric power to the electric wiring in the vehicle via the adapter, the electric power of the portable battery is used, and the electric power is normally supplied from the in-vehicle battery, such as an interior light. Other electrical equipment can be used, the engine can be started, and the in-vehicle battery can be charged. 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. Further, the control unit may acquire and determine the information regarding the state of the battery of the vehicle.

(F-2) Power supply from the portable battery to an external device (18) As the control unit, when the capacity of the vehicle battery decreases, the power from the connector to which the portable battery is connected is supplied to another power supply provided in the adapter. It is preferable to have a function to switch to supply to the connector. In that case, the power of the portable battery can be used to charge or use the external device connected to the adapter.

(G) Mounting of a storage means such as an SD card (19) It is preferable to provide a connector having a data communication path. For example, it is preferable to provide a connector for mounting an SD card, a USB memory, or other storage means. In this way, data stored in the storage means can be read and written to an external device attached to a power supply connector having a data communication path, and can be used in a mobile terminal or smartphone that does not have an SD card slot. It becomes possible to record data.
(20) The adapter of the present invention outputs a signal based on an input unit of an output signal from a port of a failure diagnosis system mounted on a vehicle and a signal received by the input unit to an external device or an internal device. It is good to have an output unit.

By doing so, it is possible to easily realize the function desired by the user as compared with the conventional case. For example, by connecting various external devices, it is possible to exert various functions of the external device in addition to the functions of the adapter itself. For example, if the adapter is provided with an internal device having an image or audio output means, or if an external device having an image or audio output means is connected to the adapter, information from the failure diagnosis system is transmitted to the user in various modes. be able to. For example, by connecting an external device with a display such as a radar detector, navigation device, or drive recorder to the adapter, information from the failure diagnosis system can be displayed in various forms of images and sounds that were not possible with the adapter alone. This makes it possible for the user to easily and surely 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 the signal processed inside the adapter.

In particular, it is preferable that the adapter is detachably provided for the adapter connected to the port of the failure diagnosis system and one or a plurality of units are connected. It is preferable to connect multiple identical units. However, it is particularly preferable to connect a plurality of units of different types. In particular, it is preferable to output information from the vehicle-side computer (for example, ECU, etc.) to various external devices and / or internal devices in a quantity according to the user's request. By doing so, it is possible to easily combine and realize the functions desired by the user.

(21) (The adapter has a 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.

By doing so, since the adapter has a built-in speaker, an image display device, and the like, the audio information and the image information obtained from the vehicle side can be output from the adapter. In this respect, there is an advantage that information can be output on the vehicle side by the adapter alone, as compared with the technology of simply increasing the number of ports on the vehicle side by using a branch harness or the like. For example, based on the information obtained from the failure diagnosis system, it is advisable to output a warning sound, voice guidance, blinking warning light, and text or image guidance to the user by the adapter alone. For example, when the internal device is a speaker, a warning sound or voice guidance can be output based on information from the failure diagnosis system even when the adapter is arranged in a place that is difficult for the user to see.

(22) (Definition of External Device) It is preferable that the external device is a device having at least one of an audio output function and an image display function.

The information acquired by the adapter from the failure diagnosis system may be, for example, various information such as vehicle speed, engine speed, oil temperature, water temperature, and accelerator opening. Based on this information, for example, images such as numerical values and graphs, and voices such as warning sounds and voice guidance are generated. It is preferable that the external device connected to the adapter has at least one of an audio output function and an image display function, and provides 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 should send information to the control unit of these devices so as to utilize the image and sound output functions of the navigation device, radar detector, drive recorder, etc. that the user already owns. It is good to do it. In this way, it is not necessary to connect the adapter or the dedicated image and audio output device to the adapter. In particular, such equipment should be installed in a location that is easy for the user of the vehicle to see. In this way, the user can easily confirm the information from the vehicle obtained via the adapter.

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

In this way, not only the information from the adapter but also the information from the external device can be output to other external devices and internal devices to which the adapter is connected. For example, in the information processing unit, by comparing the position information from the navigation device or radar detector with the speed and accelerator opening information from the failure diagnosis system, the curve or obstacle in the traveling direction of the vehicle can be found at present. It is possible to judge whether or not it is dangerous from the viewpoint of operating conditions, and output the result to other external 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 by using a branch harness.

(25) (Output of information to the adapter) It is preferable to include an output unit for an adapter that outputs information received from at least one of the external device and the internal device to the adapter.

By doing so, the information acquired from the external device or the internal device can be transmitted to the adapter. For example, the adapter is diagnosed based on the information from the failure diagnosis system and the information from the external device or the internal device. By providing an information processing unit that allows various judgments and operations that could not be performed only with information from the system, it becomes possible to perform various information processing on the adapter side. For example, by comprehensively judging the information about the vehicle obtained by the failure diagnosis system and the information about the surrounding conditions of the vehicle and the driver acquired by the external device, various things that were not possible with the failure diagnosis system alone. Information can be provided to the user. For example, it is possible to set various operations and parameters related to the adapter and the failure diagnosis system itself by a command from an external device or an internal device.

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

By providing the information processing unit in the adapter in this way, it is possible not only to output the information input from the adapter or the external device as it is, but also to process it into a form that is easy for the user to understand and output it. For example, numerical data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, temperature at various locations, and remaining battery level input from the adapter can be converted into graphs and images for display, or the input values can be compared with preset threshold values. This makes it possible to provide warning sounds and voice guidance. For example, by processing the information received from the external device or comparing it with the information from the adapter, more diverse 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) It is preferable to have a plurality of signal output units for the external devices.

By doing so, the signals output to a plurality of external devices can be processed into different ones depending on the signal output unit provided in the adapter, for example, from the type and installation location of the external device, and the failure diagnosis system. According to the type and magnitude of the signal, the optimum information for the user can be output from the optimum external device. For example, the volume of the audio signal output from each external device can be changed or the content of the displayed image can be changed according to the warning degree of the signal obtained from the failure diagnosis system. For example, information with a high degree of urgency is displayed on a navigation device installed in the most visible position for the user, and normal engine speed, water temperature, oil temperature display, etc. are displayed on a radar detector with a smaller display screen than the navigation device. By combining the information processing unit and a plurality of external devices, various patterns can be displayed and voice guidance can be performed.

(28) (Hub Adapter) It is preferable that one set of the plurality of input units and output units is used as a connection unit for an external device serving as a host, and the other input unit and output unit are used as a connection unit for an external device serving 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 because this adapter can be used without providing a dedicated hub when using a plurality of electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a digital camera in a vehicle and exchanging files between them. For example, by controlling various functions of other external devices, adapters or adapters from external devices with input functions such as smartphones and personal computers connected to the adapter, parameter settings can be set for external devices that do not have an operation unit. Various operations can be easily performed. For example, by providing an information processing unit, information acquired by the host's external device can be processed and transmitted to other external devices that are peripheral devices. It is advisable to superimpose the image acquired in step 1 on the signal from the failure diagnosis system side and display it on another external device such as a navigation device.

(29) (Mobile terminal: including wireless and wired) It is preferable that the external device is a mobile terminal.

By doing so, for example, by using a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, the data acquired from the vehicle by the adapter can be displayed on the screen of the smart phone using the application provided for the smart phone in advance. Can be done. For example, by attaching an adapter to which a mobile terminal is connected and an adapter having other functions in combination, it is possible to update programs and data of an external device connected to the adapter having other functions from the mobile terminal side. .. For example, it is possible to update the latest crackdown information to external devices such as radar using a personal computer or a smart phone.

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

(31) (Logging Adapter) It is preferable to include a recording unit for information received from at least one of an in-vehicle computer, an external device, and an internal device.

By doing so, the information collected from the vehicle while driving and the position information collected from GPS can be written to a storage medium such as an SD card provided in the adapter or the unit connected to the adapter, which is useful for safe driving and operation management. It is possible to collect the information to be collected as a log. The information collected on the storage medium can be used for safe driving by analyzing the operation information, operation trajectory, driving habits, etc. by using a dedicated application on a personal computer or a mobile terminal. For example, when the unit is connected to the adapter, the recording unit may be provided in all the units, but when the terminal unit is always connected, the recording unit may be provided only in 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, and the air pressure detection device and the adapter are connected by wireless communication, and the information processing unit is used. , It is preferable to output at least one of the image display and the audio output from at least one of the other external device and the internal device connected to the adapter based on the information from the air pressure detection device.

By doing so, for example, the state of the tire pressure can be displayed as a graph, the outline of the vehicle can be displayed by superimposing the tire position and the air pressure, and a voice or a warning sound can be output in the event of an abnormality. It is possible to display the tire pressure in various states. In particular, when a plurality of external devices are connected to the adapter, the tire pressure can be displayed in different modes 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 the information from the obstacle detection radar device and the information from the adapter. It is preferable to output at least one of the control command, the warning sound, and the voice guidance of the external device 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 a range of about 100 m using, for example, a millimeter-wave radar, so that the distance to the obstacle in front can be measured or the front can be measured. The speed against obstacles can be measured. For example, based on the information acquired from the millimeter-wave radar and the information acquired by the adapter from the vehicle, an inter-vehicle non-holding warning is output from another external device connected to the adapter to assist in avoiding danger. It can be useful for preventing collision accidents. For example, obstacle detection radar devices are attached to the left and right sides of the vehicle, and when a turn signal is issued to change course while the vehicle is running, this turn signal is detected from the failure diagnosis system via the adapter, and the adapter control device is used. 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 on the side of changing course, a warning sound can be sent to notify the danger.

(34) (Connecting the expansion unit to the adapter) It is preferable that the adapter is provided with a mounting portion for fixing the expansion unit. Further, it is preferable that each unit is provided with a mounting portion for fixing other units.

By doing so, it is possible to connect a wide variety 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 connected at the end after connecting the plurality of units to the adapter. By doing so, the mounting portion for connecting the other unit is not exposed to a part of the last connected unit, so that a dustproof effect can be obtained and the appearance is good. For example, a terminal unit having no mounting part for connecting other units can secure a large space for installing other devices on the surface thereof, so that a large speaker that covers the entire surface of the unit can be used as an internal device. , The quality of output audio can be improved.

(35) (Stacking of Adapter and Unit) It is preferable that the adapter and the unit are fixed in a state of being stacked in a plurality of stages. By doing so, the adapter and the multiple units connected to it have the appearance of one block, so that the whole is compactly integrated while having many functions, and there is no discomfort inside the vehicle. Can be placed.

(36) (A large number of units are provided side by side with the adapter) It is preferable that the adapter is provided with a plurality of unit mounting portions adjacent to each other, and the plurality of units are arranged adjacent to each other on the adapter.

By doing so, it is possible to arrange a plurality of units in one adapter in a small area without stacking the plurality of units. For example, if each unit and an external device are connected by wireless communication, a connector for connecting the unit and the external device is not required, and a chip-shaped or card-shaped miniaturized unit can be used. become. For example, if the unit mounting portion provided on the adapter is a USB port, a plurality of units can be mounted on one adapter by using a standardized connection structure.

For example, multiple units of the same shape (shape that has the same width and height when attached to the adapter), which are smaller than the adapter, can be placed on one side of the adapter (particularly several to ten or more). By arranging them side by side, it is possible to compactly connect a plurality of units having external devices and internal devices having various functions to the adapter. In particular, it is good to arrange them side by side without any gaps. By doing so, it is possible to solve the problem that dust gets into the gap and the dirt becomes conspicuous in a place where dust is likely to be generated, such as in a vehicle interior.

(37) (Network connection) In the unit, the failure diagnosis system is connected to a plurality of sensors arranged in the vehicle by a network provided in the vehicle, and the adapter is connected to this network. It is preferable that the local network is connected to the network via the adapter, 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 by, for example, a network inside the vehicle called a CAN network, and collects data that is the basis of failure diagnosis. For example, by connecting a local network provided in an adapter to this type of network in a vehicle and exchanging information with an external device via the local network, information from a failure diagnosis system or information from a failure diagnosis system can be obtained. Information from each external device can be delivered in real time to adapters, failure diagnosis systems, units, external devices, internal devices, etc. connected to the network.

In other words, since multiple external devices are connected to the local network compared to the case where the adapter and the unit are connected by serial communication, each unit can receive information from the adapter and other external devices at the same time as the other units. Will be able to receive. As a result, even when a large number of units are combined or a large number of external devices are connected, compared to the case where the devices of each company are serially connected or each external device is directly connected to a network such as CAN in the vehicle, There is no information delay. For example, a vehicle driving at high speed needs to instantly issue a warning or take an evasive action based on the information collected by an external device or a failure diagnosis system, but such a prompt response is required. The present invention can also be applied to such systems.

(38) (The adapter and the unit are wirelessly connected) The unit may be wirelessly connected to the adapter.

In this way, since the adapter and the unit are wirelessly connected, there is no need for a mounting part for connecting the unit and the adapter, a connector for transmitting and receiving signals, etc., and the adapter and the unit are miniaturized. be able to. For example, by providing multiple internal devices such as speakers and SD card recording units, and wireless devices for connecting external devices and adapters in one case, multiple functions can be realized with one miniaturized unit. can. For example, since there are no restrictions on the installation location of such a unit, the unit can be arranged at a position away from the adapter or at a position where the user can easily operate the unit.

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

In this way, for example, a smart phone, a personal computer, or the like can be charged using the battery on the vehicle side. For example, the port of the failure diagnosis system is constantly powered by the battery, and 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. It can be carried out.

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

By doing so, by supplying the electric 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 of the mobile battery is insufficient, the power of the mobile battery can be supplied to the vehicle side to use various devices on the vehicle side.

It is preferable to combine at least any two of (1) to (40) described above. In particular, it is preferable to combine at least one of (2) to (40) on the premise of the configuration of (1). Further, the constituent elements described in (1) to (40) may be selected and combined.
(A) A device that supplies power to equipment retrofitted to a vehicle from a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle.
The function of connecting to the vehicle's in-vehicle network via the failure diagnosis connector and
The function to detect the on state of the vehicle and
When the vehicle is on, it has a function to transmit a signal based on the data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device.
It is preferable to have a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is not in the on state.

In this way, the equipment attached to the vehicle can be easily supplied with power from the failure diagnosis connector, and can also be supplied with power without blocking the cigar socket, for example. Information from the vehicle's in-vehicle network 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 the devices to be retrofitted 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.
As the failure diagnosis connector, for example, an OBDII connector is particularly preferable. In particular, a connector installed in the vehicle interior may be easily connected by the user.

(B) It has a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is on.
It is preferable to have a function of notifying the device whether the vehicle is in the on state or not (off state).

In this way, the device attached to the vehicle can easily receive the power supply and can know whether the vehicle is in the on state or the off state. In particular, the line for supplying power and the signal line for notifying whether the vehicle is on or off may be one cable covered with the same coating. By doing this, you can receive the power supply and the signal of whether the vehicle is on or not by just wiring one cable, and the wiring to the retrofit equipment in the vehicle is extremely easy. Be smart and easy.

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

(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 the ON state.
In this way, the device can easily determine whether or not the vehicle is on based on whether or not there is a signal transmission based on the 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 the ON state.
In this way, when the vehicle is not in the on state, for example, the in-vehicle computer for controlling the vehicle connected to the in-vehicle network may be put into the start state or the on state when the in-vehicle computer is in the sleep state or the off 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) The on state of the vehicle may be a state in which the vehicle charges the battery of the vehicle. The engine on state may be provided as the on state of the vehicle.
(G) When the vehicle is not in the ON state, it is preferable that power is not supplied to the cigar socket of the vehicle.
(H) It is preferable to have a function of transmitting a signal to the effect that the device has been turned off, and to perform processing based on the signal to the effect that the device has been turned off.
(I) The device is a drive recorder, and it is preferable to switch the video recording mode based on the reception of the signal indicating that the device is in the off state.

(J) The video recording mode may be switched from the recording mode in the vehicle on state (for example, continuous recording mode) to the recording mode in the vehicle off state (for example, parking monitoring recording mode).
For example, the parking monitoring recording mode may be an image in which the bit rate of the captured image to be recorded is lower than that in the continuous recording mode. For example, it is advisable to reduce the frame rate of the video, reduce the resolution, increase the compression rate, or perform at least one of these.

(K) When the vehicle is not in the ON state, it has a function of stopping the supply of power to the device.
It is preferable to have a sensor and a function to start supplying power to the device even when the vehicle is not in the ON state based on the signal of the sensor.
If power is continuously supplied to the equipment attached to the vehicle based on the power supply from the failure diagnosis connector while the vehicle is off, there is a concern that the vehicle battery will run out due to the power supply to the equipment. If the power is supplied based on the signal of the sensor as described above, such anxiety can be alleviated. 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 in the vicinity of the vehicle. Then, for example, when there is an approach of a person, when the shaking of the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state, or when the sound near the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state, at least one of the cases, the power supply to the device is supplied. Supply should be resumed. These predetermined states may be states corresponding to artificial shaking or sound caused by a thief or the like.

Whether or not to supply power to the device when the vehicle is not on is set based on the signal from the device to the device, and the device is based on the setting and the device is not in the on state of the vehicle. It is advisable to control the on / off of power supply to the device. For example, even when the device is set not to supply power when the vehicle is not on by this function, the vehicle is provided with a sensor as shown in (K) and based on the signal of the sensor. It is preferable to have a function to start supplying power to the device even when the device is not in the ON state.

(L) The sensor may be an acceleration sensor. Then, when the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor is in a predetermined state, it is preferable to restart the supply of power to the device even if the vehicle is not in the on state. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to the addition of acceleration to the vehicle by a person such as a thief. For example, it is preferable that an acceleration of a predetermined value or more occurs.
(M) The sensor may be provided in a housing provided with a connector that fits into a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the exposure of the wiring and the like from the failure diagnosis connector to the sensor, and it is possible to install the device or device smartly and easily.

(N) It is preferable to have a function of receiving a signal for controlling the power supply from the device of the device and controlling the power supply from the device to the device based on the signal.
The signal for controlling the power supply from the device of the device may include at least one of off or on of the power supply from the device to the device. The power supply may be turned off or turned on immediately after receiving the signal, or may be performed after a predetermined time. For the predetermined time, it is preferable to send a signal instructed from the device to the device so that the device performs the predetermined time 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, supplies power to the device during the time, and then supplies power to the device. You may want to stop.

(O) The device has a communication function, the device has a function of performing communication by the communication function when the vehicle is not in the ON state, and after the communication is completed, the device is supplied with a power supply to the device. It is preferable that the device that receives the signal to transmit a signal for stopping the supply of the device is provided with 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 vehicle has a function of transmitting captured video data by the communication function and recording video data that could not be transmitted. In order to provide the function of transmitting the recorded video data that could not be transmitted in the non-on state by the communication function, and to stop the power supply to the device to the device after the communication is completed. The device that transmits the signal and receives the signal may have a function of stopping the supply of power to the device.

(P) It is preferable to have a function of stopping the power supply to the device when the power supply from the failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle reaches a predetermined state. If you do this
(Q) The device is 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 by a general drive recorder.

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

The perspective view which shows the 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 the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a perspective view showing a state in which an external device is connected by a USB connector having a communication function. In the second embodiment, a perspective view of a state in which an external device is connected by a low power radio. In the second embodiment, a perspective view showing a state in which a portable battery is connected. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which a plurality of USB connectors are provided on the adapter in the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which an SD card slot is provided in the adapter in the second embodiment. The perspective view of the third embodiment. The block diagram of the 4th Embodiment. The block diagram of the 4th embodiment. The block diagram of the 5th Embodiment. The block diagram of the fifth embodiment. The block diagram of the sixth embodiment. The block diagram of the sixth embodiment. The block diagram of the 7th Embodiment. The block diagram of the 7th embodiment. The block diagram of the eighth embodiment. The block diagram of the ninth embodiment. The block diagram of the tenth embodiment. The block diagram of the eleventh embodiment. The block diagram of the twelfth embodiment. The perspective view which shows an example of the adapter and the unit in 12th Embodiment. The block diagram of the thirteenth embodiment. The block diagram of the 14th embodiment. The perspective view which shows the modification of the 14th Embodiment.

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

In the present embodiment, as the power supply connector, a USB connector 2, a mini USB connector 3, and a cigar socket 4 are provided on one side surface of the adapter 1. 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 similarly provided at the end of the USB cable. The male-shaped 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. The USB connector has a power supply that is used exclusively for charging electronic devices (called a power supply type USB connector) and a USB connector that also connects a signal line for power supply and information transmission (communication type USB connector). Although both connectors can be used, the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 of the present embodiment may have a simple configuration in which only the power supply used for charging the electronic device is supplied. The capacity of the supply 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 surface different from the power feeding connector of the box-shaped adapter 1, and is connected to and detached from the connector 50 of the output port of the OBDII standard failure diagnosis system provided in the passenger compartment near the driver's seat. Can be connected. Specifically, the connector 50 is arranged together with a fuse box or the like inside a pocket provided at the lower part of the dash boat 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 inside of the vehicle. ing. Since the output port of the failure diagnosis system is constantly supplied with power from the vehicle side so that the failure diagnosis device can be connected and the failure diagnosis can be performed even when the ACC of the vehicle is off, the connector 50 provided there is constantly supplied with power. 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 power from the battery to the radar detector and relates to a vehicle supplied from the connector 50 of the failure diagnosis port. The data is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[1-2. Effect of the first embodiment]
According to this embodiment, power is constantly 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 in the adapter via the constant power supply type connector 5 of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to constantly 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 the ACC turned off.

Since the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 are provided as the power supply connector, a wide variety of external devices equipped with a USB connector charging function such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet terminals, digital cameras, video cameras, and other small household appliances. Can be used and charged. Since the USB connectors 2 and 3 and the cigar socket 4 are provided, both devices equipped with a USB connector such as a smart phone and in-vehicle devices compatible with cigar sockets widely sold for in-vehicle use can be used. 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 load on the vehicle battery and the problem of charging speed are compatible. Can be planned.

Since the radar detector 10 having a liquid crystal display is connected to the adapter 1 in addition to the power supply connector, not only can various external devices be used and charged when the ACC is off, but also the liquid crystal display of the radar detector can be used. It becomes possible to display the information from the failure diagnosis port. 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 USB connector 2, the mini USB connector 3, the power supply connector such as the cigar socket 4, and the power receiving connector 5 are integrated with the case, the entire adapter can be miniaturized.

[1-3. Modification 1 of the 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, which are power supply connectors, may be connected to the adapter 1 using the cable 12 to the adapter 1. Then, the power receiving connector 5 may be connected to the adapter 1 by using the cable 12. According to this modification, when the power supply connector and the power receiving connector 5 are connected to the adapter by the cable 12, the power supply connector or 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 or passenger's 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, the information from the failure diagnosis system can be displayed in various forms of images and sounds, which was not possible with the conventional adapter alone, and the user can easily and surely 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 light 1c such as an LED is preferably the one that outputs the signal received from the vehicle by the adapter as it is. The signal processed inside the adapter may be used. By doing so, since the adapter 1 has a built-in speaker 1a, an image display device 1b, and the like, 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 can be output on the vehicle side by the adapter alone, as compared with the technology of simply increasing the number of ports on the vehicle side by using a branch harness or the like. For example, based on the information obtained from the failure diagnosis system, it is possible to output a warning sound, voice guidance, blinking warning light, and guidance by characters or images to the user by the adapter alone. For example, when the internal device is a speaker, a warning sound or voice guidance can be output based on information from the failure diagnosis system even when the adapter is arranged in a place that is difficult for the user to see.

[2. 2nd Embodiment] (Adapter having power supply function and control function)
[2-1. Configuration of the second embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the adapter 1 is provided with a control unit 11 to control power supply to the power supply connector. The control unit 11 includes a control microcomputer 111 that controls the 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 of the present embodiment is stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 11 as a program executed by the control microcomputer 111, and is realized by being executed by the control microcomputer 111.

As the functions realized by the computer by the program possessed by the control microcomputer 111, a function (c-1, c-2, c-3) for acquiring information from the vehicle and determining the type and state of the vehicle has been set. A function (c-4, c-5, c-6) that controls the on / off of power supply to each power supply connector by comparing the power supply conditions with the type and status of the vehicle, multiple external devices connected to the adapter, or Hub function for exchanging information with the vehicle (d-1), host processing function for operating other external devices connected to the adapter by command from the host device connected to the adapter (d-2), portable There are various setting functions (e-1, e-2) by the terminal, a control function (f) of the portable battery connected to the adapter, an information output function (g) to the external device connected to the adapter, and the like.

(C-1) Vehicle state detection function by the control unit 11 In order to realize the vehicle state detection function by the control unit 11, various receiving units for acquiring information on the vehicle side are connected to the control microcomputer 111. There is. That is, the control microcomputer 111 includes an engine state receiving unit 112 that detects the start / stop of the engine, an analog signal detecting 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 are connected. In the present embodiment, these receiving units are connected to the OBDII standard connector 50 provided on the vehicle side via the power receiving connector 5 provided on the adapter 1.

The engine state receiving unit 112 detects the start / stop of the engine based on the fluctuation pattern and magnitude of noise and voltage values appearing on the feeder line 5L when the engine is started or stopped, and the engine state receiving unit 112 detects the start / stop of the engine. When it detects that a specific noise or voltage value has appeared, the control microcomputer 111 determines whether to start or stop the engine based on the detection signal, and supplies power to a part or all of the power supply connector. Output a 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 charged. Controls.

The analog signal detection unit 113 is from various analog signals (for example, 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 thereof. The output signal) is detected, and the detection result is output to the control microcomputer 111. The control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply control unit 119 based on the information from various devices input from the analog signal detection unit 113.

The K-LINE communication control unit 114 is connected to the K-LINE 114L wired to various devices such as sensors installed inside the vehicle. The K-LINE 114L is a low-speed bus dedicated to diagnosis, and has been used in diagnostic systems even before the spread of CAN. 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 it can be mounted on a vehicle equipped with the K-LINE 114L, and is a control microcomputer. It is possible to output to 111. As a result, the control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply control unit 119 based on the 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 the CAN 115N wired inside the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, for example, power train ECUs such as engines, ABS, AT, body ECUs such as doors, seats and air conditioners, multimedia ECUs such as car navigation systems, audio systems and drive recorders, speed sensors, oil temperature / water temperature sensors, directions In many vehicles such as meter / switch ECUs such as indicators, as many as 100 units of ECUs are provided, and these ECUs are connected to the CAN 115N. The CAN 115N is provided with a connector 50 of an OBDII standard failure diagnosis port, and a power receiving connector 5 provided on the adapter 1 is detachably fitted to the connector 50.

The control microcomputer 111 connects the power supply control unit 119 to each power supply connector according to the 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. Outputs a power supply start command 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) Room temperature
(6) Outdoor temperature
(7) Engine speed
(8) Accelerator opening
(9) Vehicle type
(10) Information about electronic devices installed in vehicles
(11) Door opening and closing
(12) User seated 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 vehicle information every 0.5 seconds. Vehicle information that can be acquired from the vehicle side includes, for example, 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, and average load. , Maximum load, throttle opening, average throttle opening, maximum throttle opening, ignition timing, fuel level, in-mani pressure, maximum in-mani 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, average fuel consumption on general roads, average fuel consumption on highways , Moving average fuel consumption, maximum moving average fuel consumption, driving time, running time, idle time, idle ratio, mileage, lifetime mileage, 0-20km / h acceleration time, 0-20km / h average acceleration, 0-20km / h Shortest acceleration, 0-40km / h acceleration time, 0-40km / h average acceleration, 0-40km / h shortest acceleration, 0-60km / h acceleration time, 0-60km / 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 running time, 20-40km / h running time, 40-60km / h running time, 60 There are vehicle data such as -80km / h running time, 80km / h or more running time, lifetime engine mileage, and lifetime engine running ratio. In the present invention, it is possible to appropriately set the conditions for charging the external device via the adapter from these information, but in particular, the information from (1) to (12) above is in-vehicle. Since it affects the state of charge of the battery, it is suitable as a condition for starting and stopping power supply.

The control unit 11 includes a database 116 for storing various data input to the control unit 11. The database 116 can be realized by a non-volatile memory (for example, NAND Flash memory) inside 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 regarding threshold values 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 done. Some of this information is registered in the database 116 in advance at the time of shipment of the adapter, and some is added or updated by the user thereafter.

The control microcomputer 111 has a wired communication unit 117 such as USB, WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), RFID, and other wireless devices in order to acquire information from an external device connected to the adapter 1. The communication unit 118 is connected. The USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3 of the present embodiment output the output from the wired communication unit 117 with a USB cable by using a communication type USB connector that also connects a signal line for power supply and information transmission. 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 used. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the control microcomputer 111 receives the information from the smart phone 61 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 according to a command from the control microcomputer 111. This power supply control unit 1
Reference numeral 19 is provided between the power supply line 5L and each power supply connector 2 to 4, and when power supply from the adapter to the external device is turned on / off and a portable battery is connected to the adapter, the portable battery is connected to the adapter. Turns the power supply on and off. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the portable battery 62 is connected to the adapter and the portable battery 62 is charged from the adapter, and the portable battery 62 is connected to the vehicle-mounted battery or the adapter via the adapter and other external devices. Indicates the state of supplying power to the device.

(C-2) Vehicle Type Discrimination Function by Control Unit The control unit 11 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. That is, the control microcomputer 111 acquires information such as the vehicle type and the capacity of the vehicle-mounted 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 vehicle equipped with a large-capacity battery, a command to stop power supply at a predetermined time point is output to the power supply control unit 119. On the other hand, in the case of a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery, the 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 relatively small capacity battery such as a vehicle equipped with an engine (a vehicle driven by an engine but not driven by a motor), it is possible to prevent the engine from being unable to start due to a dead battery. At the same time, in a vehicle equipped with a large capacity battery such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, charging of the device can be prioritized. Further, since the control microcomputer 111 acquires the vehicle information and automatically determines whether or not the power supply is possible, the user does not have to take the trouble and the usability is good.

(C-3) Vehicle state detection function (a) Engine on / off function The control microcomputer 111 includes an engine state receiving unit 112, an analog signal detection unit 113, a K-LINE communication control unit 114, and a CAN communication control. It has a function of detecting on / off of the engine based on the 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 line 5L and the pattern stored in the database 116. Determine whether to start or stop the engine. 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, while it 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, so that an external device that requires a large capacity charge can be an in-vehicle battery by the engine. By charging only during charging, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the in-vehicle battery from being excessively reduced.

(B) Detection function of remaining battery level, engine speed, and accelerator opening The control microcomputer 111 has a battery based on a 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, the engine speed, and the accelerator opening is detected. The control microcomputer 111 compares the detected value with the threshold value stored in advance in the database 116, and when the detected value becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, the control microcomputer 111 stops the power supply to the power supply control unit 119. 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 below the threshold value, for example, below the level at which the engine can be started several times. do. Control microcomputer 111
Turns on the power supply to the power supply connector based on any one of the cases where the opening degree of the accelerator received from the vehicle is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the engine speed is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the speed is equal to or higher than the threshold value, or a combination thereof.

By doing so, 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 is sufficient. Therefore, the in-vehicle battery can be charged by charging the external device. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the capacity of the battery.

(C-4) Driving status detection and power supply control function by the control unit The control unit 11 has a function of controlling on / off of a plurality of power supply connectors according to the driving status of the vehicle acquired from the vehicle. That is, the control microcomputer 111 acquires the turn signal information of the vehicle from the CAN communication control unit 115, and in the database 116, when the right turn signal is turned on, the power supply to the right power supply connector is turned on, and when the left turn signal is put out. The information that the power supply to the power supply connector on the left side is turned on is stored in advance. As a result, 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 vehicle speed and impact (acceleration change) by the K-LINE communication control unit 114 and / or the CAN communication control unit 115, and operates a camera, a video, a drive recorder, or the like accordingly. It also has the function of operating the fan according to the indoor and outdoor temperatures. 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, a video, or a drive recorder is connected to the USB connector 2 or the like. The control microcomputer 111 always supplies electric power from the feeder line 5L to these external devices to charge the built-in battery of the external devices. When the speed or acceleration information received from the vehicle by the control microcomputer 111 exceeds the threshold value stored in the database 116, a start command is output to the drive recorder connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3. , Start recording.

When a USB connector 2 or the like that does not have a communication function is used, when an external device such as a drive recorder starts supplying power to the USB connector 2 by a power supply command of the control microcomputer 111, the power supply of the external device is turned on. It is turned on and recording starts. In this case, if the information from the vehicle is less than the threshold value, the control microcomputer 111 does not output the power supply command to the power supply control unit 119, so that the external device connected to the power supply connector cannot be charged. For devices that generally do not have a built-in battery, such as drive recorders, around-view cameras, and back cameras, the power-on of the devices can be controlled by the adapter of the present embodiment. Similarly, if the control microcomputer 111 acquires 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, it depends on 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, the configuration allows the driver to set the correspondence between the operating status and the on / off of multiple power supply connectors so that the driver does not have to turn on / off various external devices installed in the room by himself / herself. If the configuration is such that the on / off of a plurality of power supply connectors is controlled based on this, the operability of the external device is significantly improved.

(C-5) Control function for a plurality of connectors in different modes As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of USB connectors 2a to 2d. The control microcomputer 111 performs different power supply control to these USB connectors 2a to 2d. The control microcomputer 111 outputs a power supply command to the power supply control unit 119 so as to function as a connector for a non-battery-equipped device that requires constant power supply for the USB connectors 2a and 2b, and outputs a power supply command to the USB connectors 2c and 2d. A power supply command is output to the power supply switch so that it functions as a connector for battery-equipped devices that do not require constant power supply. The command of the control microcomputer 111 stores the control mode of each USB connector 2a to 2d in the database 116 in advance. Further, the adapter 1 is provided with a switch so that the driver can freely set it, or the driver sets which USB connectors 2a to 2d are to be constantly 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 mode of power supply is not limited to whether or not continuous 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 constant power supply is not required and the cigar socket 4 is always supplied. .. As for the mode of power supply, it is also possible to change whether or not continuous power supply is possible for each power supply connector according to the time zone and day and night (brightness outside the vehicle).

When the adapter 1 has a built-in voltage regulator, the control microcomputer 111 controls the power supply voltage and current differently for each power supply connector. A plurality of mini USB connectors 3 are provided, and a current of 1 A is supplied to the mini USB connector 3 for charging a smart phone or the like, and a current of 2.1 A is supplied to the mini USB connector 3 for charging a tablet terminal or the like. In the adapter provided with the USB connector 2 and / or the mini USB connector 3 and the cigar socket 4, a voltage of 5 V is supplied to the USB connector and a voltage of 12 V is supplied to the cigar socket 4.

(C-6) Control function based on power supply priority The control microcomputer 111 has a function of prioritizing power supply to 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 of the vehicle. When the remaining battery level is less than the threshold value, control is performed to stop the power supply to the USB connectors 2c and 2d, which do not require constant power supply, first. As a result, it is possible to give priority to power supply to the USB connectors 2a and 2b for external devices that require constant power supply.

In this way, devices that require constant power supply, such as devices that consume large amounts of power, devices that require long-term data communication, monitoring, and standby, and that are always charged in an emergency. The required warning lights, disaster prevention radios, etc. can be preferentially supplied with power by connecting them to the USB connectors 2a and 2b, which require constant power supply. To the USB connectors 2c and 2d for external devices that do not require constant power supply, for example, a device having a battery or the like and operating on the battery when power supply is not performed is connected to the USB connectors 2c and 2d.

(D-1) Hub Function As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the adapter 1 of the present embodiment includes USB connectors 2, 2a to 2c, and a mini USB connector 3 connected to the wired communication unit 117. These 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 the power from the vehicle-mounted battery. Of these USB connectors, for example, the USB connector 2 is used as a connector for connecting a host device, and the other connector is used as a connector for connecting a peripheral device. Which USB connector is used for connecting the host device and the other USB connector is used for connecting the peripheral device is stored in the database 116 in advance. It is advisable to provide a switch on the adapter or set it with a smartphone connected to the USB connector.

By doing so, the plurality of USB connectors 2, 2a to 2c provided in the adapter 1 and the mini USB connector 3 can be networked, so that data can be obtained 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 the USB and using the data acquired by each external device.

(D-2) Power supply control function for peripheral devices by the 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 the connector 2 for the host device. Information from the smart phone 61 is received via the above to control power supply to the mini USB connector 3 for connecting peripheral devices and the cigar socket 4.

In FIG. 5, a host device is connected to the USB connector 2, a mobile terminal such as another smart phone or tablet as a peripheral device is connected to the mini USB connector 3, and the smart phone 61 and another mobile terminal such as a smart phone or tablet are connected. Data is exchanged between the two, and other mobile terminals are operated and set by the smart phone 61. As peripheral devices, connect digital cameras, video cameras, car navigation systems, drive recorders, etc. to the power supply connectors for peripheral devices so that these peripheral devices can be accessed. In addition to the adapter of FIG. 5, in the adapters of FIGS. 6 to 8 having the control unit 11, one of the USB connectors or the mini USB connector is used as a power supply connector for connecting the host device, and the other USB connector or the like is connected to the peripheral device. It is used as a power supply connector for. Further, the host device is not limited to the smart phone 61, and a mobile terminal or a personal computer having an input / output function is appropriately used.

With 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 the external devices. In particular, it is convenient because the adapter of the present invention can be used without providing a dedicated hub when using a plurality of electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a digital camera in a vehicle and exchanging files between them. .. Further, 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 in the order of priority according to the user's request.

(E-1) Various setting functions by the mobile terminal The adapter includes a connection unit with a mobile terminal such as a smart phone 61 and a control unit 11 for making various settings related to the adapter, and the signal received from the mobile terminal at the connection unit is provided. Based on this, the control unit 11 makes 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 for connecting 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 this, various settings related to the adapter are made, and the power supply state of the power supply connector and / or the power receiving connector is controlled. In this case, the wireless communication unit 118 uses low-power wireless connection means such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and RFID provided in a mobile terminal such as a smart phone.

(B) Wired connection with a mobile terminal As shown in FIG. 5, in an adapter provided with a USB connector 2, a USB cable 20 is used to connect the smart phone 61 and the adapter 1 by wire, and the smart phone 61. Sends a control signal to the control microcomputer 111 of the adapter. In this case, it is preferable to make various settings for the control unit 11 so that the adapter itself has a simple structure without providing the wireless communication unit 118 in the adapter 1.

(C) Condition setting from a mobile terminal A smart phone 61 connected to the wired communication unit 117 or the wireless communication unit 118 as described above.
Examples of setting start and / or stop conditions for power supply to the control microcomputer 111 by an external device such as the following are as follows.
(1) Using adapters corresponding to a plurality of different vehicle types, the control microcomputer 111 sets the vehicle type of the vehicle equipped with the adapter according to the signal from the smart phone 61. As a result, it is possible to recognize to which vehicle type 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 control microcomputer 111 follows a signal from a mobile terminal such as a smart phone 61, and the current value of the power supply connector such as the USB connector 2, 2a to 2c, the mini USB connector 3, and the cigar socket 4 and / or the power receiving connector 5. To set.
(3) The control microcomputer 111 sets the conditions for starting and stopping the power supply from the in-vehicle battery to each power supply connector according to the signal from the 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 of the vehicle light is detected in the database 116 of the control unit 11 from the mobile terminal through the wired communication unit 117 or the wireless communication unit 118. When this is done, the power of the USB connector 2 is turned on, and when the light is detected to be off, the power of the USB connector 2 is turned off. In that state, when the control microcomputer 111 detects the on / off 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 by the mobile terminal to the database 116. The start command or the stop command of is output to the power supply control unit 119.
(4) In a state where the portable battery 62 as shown in FIG. 7 is connected to the adapter 1, the control microcomputer 111 sets the power supply condition between the vehicle and the portable battery according to the signal from the mobile terminal. For example, when the power supply from the in-vehicle battery is cut off from the mobile terminal, the database 116 is set to supply power from the portable battery 62 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes) to each power supply connector. When the control microcomputer 111 detects that the power supply to the vehicle-mounted battery is interrupted from the CAN communication control unit 115, the power of the portable battery 62 connected to the power supply connector is transferred to another power supply connector (mini USB in FIG. 5). Controls power supply to the connector 3 and the 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, the manufacturer or seller of the adapter can set the optimum conditions for the adapter according to the in-vehicle electronic device of each vehicle by using the mobile terminal, and prepare various types of adapters. No need. In particular, as shown in (1) to (4) above, the user can freely set the conditions for supplying power to the external device according to the type of the user's vehicle, its operating condition, or the type of the external device connected to the adapter. Therefore, it is possible not only to charge the built-in battery of the external device but also to automatically turn on / off various kinds of external devices according to the state of the vehicle and the driving situation.

(E-2) Setting function for the adapter by the mobile 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 mobile terminal, and is connected to the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector. A mobile terminal such as a smart phone 61 writes the power supply conditions for each power supply connector to the database 116. The power equipment conditions include the voltage and current supplied from each power supply connector to the external device, or the power supply start or stop command of each power supply connector according to the time, position, vehicle acceleration, outside air temperature, brightness, and room temperature. There is. Information that is the basis for the control microcomputer 111 to determine these conditions may be acquired from the vehicle through the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like. However, it is preferable that the control microcomputer 111 acquires from various sensors of the mobile terminal itself. Writing to the database 116 may overwrite the power supply condition or the like 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 the 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 according to the current value and the 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 the time, position, vehicle acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, and room temperature acquired from the mobile terminal, the control microcomputer 111 obtains information. By comparing it with the conditions in the database 116, power supply on / off control for each power supply connector is performed. In this case, in the present embodiment, when the control microcomputer 111 receives the switching signal from the mobile terminal, the 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 transmits a power supply or power receiving state switching signal of the power feeding connector or the power receiving connector to the control unit 11 of the adapter, which is preset in the database 116. It becomes possible to perform operations different from the conditions. As a result, the user can arbitrarily control the external device connected to the adapter each time the user or the vehicle is placed. For example, a control program for the adapter is built into the mobile terminal, and commands are sent from the mobile terminal to the control unit of the adapter according to the time, position, acceleration, outside temperature, brightness, room temperature, etc. detected by the mobile terminal. In this 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 the portable battery As shown in FIG. 7 or 8, in the present embodiment, the portable battery 62 generally called a mobile battery as an external device is connected to the USB connector 2 or 2a which is the power supply connector. Will be 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. 8 receive power from the power receiving connector 5 and the USB connector 2 Alternatively, it is connected to the power supply control unit 119 so as to receive power from the portable battery 62 connected to 2a. With one power supply connector, it is possible to use both power supply to the portable battery and power supply from the portable battery.

The control microcomputer 111 transfers the electric power from the portable battery 62 from various devices connected to the adapter via the adapter 1, for example, an in-vehicle electronic device or an adapter under specific conditions written in the database 116 in advance. Control to supply to other external devices that receive power. In addition to switching the feeding direction by the control microcomputer 111, the adapter 1 is provided with a switching of the feeding direction (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 both the adapter 1 and the portable battery 62 are supplied with power from the USB connector 2 to be mini. Power is received by the USB connector 3. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between power supply and power reception only by the shape of the connector.

(F-1) Power supply function from the portable battery to the vehicle In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control microcomputer 111 determines the voltage drop of the battery mounted on the vehicle from the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like. It has a function to supply power to the vehicle side from the portable battery 62 connected to the adapter when a voltage drop of the battery is detected. According to such a configuration, by supplying electric power to the electric wiring in the vehicle via the adapter, the electric power of the portable battery 62 is used, and the electric power is normally supplied from the in-vehicle battery. It is possible to use other electric devices such as, start the engine, and charge the in-vehicle battery.

(F-2) Power supply function from the portable battery to an external device In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the control microcomputer 111 is capable when the CAN communication control unit 115 or the like detects a decrease in the capacity of the vehicle-mounted battery. Power from a power supply connector (for example, USB connector 2 or 2a) to which the portable battery 62 is connected is supplied 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 to. In this case, the threshold value for switching when the capacity of the in-vehicle battery is reduced is set in advance in the database 116 or set by the user in the database 116 from the mobile terminal. This makes it possible to charge and use other external devices connected to the adapter by using the electric power of the portable battery 62.

(G) Mounting of a storage means such as an SD card In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the power feeding connectors 2 to 3, a connector 63a to which the SD card 63 is mounted is provided as a connector having no power feeding function. prepare. Not limited 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, the 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, and the data stored in the SD card 62 can be read and written in the car to a mobile terminal or a smart phone having no slot of the SD card 62. It becomes possible to record data with.

[3. Third Embodiment] (Adapter for connecting the unit)
[3-1. Configuration of the third embodiment]
FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment. The third embodiment is a combination of the adapter shown in the first embodiment or the second embodiment with an optional unit for expansion (hereinafter referred to as a unit).

In FIG. 10, the adapter 1 is provided with an OBDII standard input connector (hidden on the back side of the adapter 1 in FIG. 10) which is a power receiving connector 5 on the input side surface thereof, and is a power supply connector on the output side surface thereof. It is equipped with an OBDII standard output connector 50a. The adapter 1 receives information from various parts of the vehicle and electric power from an in-vehicle battery by fitting the input connector into the output connector 50 of the OBDII standard, which is a power supply connector provided in the vehicle. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the adapter 1 is provided with a power supply connector for the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3. The adapter 1 is provided with a cable 12 provided with 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 another unit can be connected to the output side thereof. Like the adapter 1, the unit 100a is provided with an OBDII standard input connector serving as a power receiving connector 5 on its input side surface, and an OBDII standard output connector 50a serving as a power feeding connector on its output side surface. By fitting the input connector into the output connector 50 of the adapter 1, the unit 100a receives information from each part of the vehicle and electric power from the vehicle-mounted battery via the adapter 1.

An external device 10 such as a radar detector, a car navigation system, a drive recorder, and 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 electric power from the vehicle-mounted 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. Display on. The unit 100a is provided with a cigar socket 4 as a power supply connector.

A second unit 100b is fitted in the output connector 50a of the unit 100a. Like the adapter 1 and the intermediate unit 100a, the second unit 100b includes an OBDII standard input connector as a power receiving connector 5 on the input side surface thereof. The terminal unit 100b receives information from each part of the vehicle and electric power from the vehicle-mounted 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 light 1c. As a result, the terminal unit 100b alone displays various data related to the vehicle supplied from the connector 50 of the failure diagnosis port to the liquid crystal display 1a. Various warnings and guidance are given to the driver by using the speaker 1b and / or the LED warning light 1c.

[3-2. Modification example]
In FIG. 10, two units 100a and 100b are 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 to be 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 light 1c, and it is preferable to provide these output means in all the units. Alternatively, it may be provided in either unit depending on the intended use of the unit.

In FIG. 10, the power supply connector is provided to all of the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b, but it is preferable to provide the power supply connector only to the adapter 1. If the unit is not provided with a power supply connector, the unit can be downsized. On the other hand, if 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 miniaturized and only the driver who needs to charge the external device has the power supply connector. You can purchase it and connect it to the adapter 1, which enhances convenience.

[3-3. Action effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b are the signals based on the input side connector 5 of the output signal from the port of the failure diagnosis system mounted on the vehicle and the signal received by the input side connector 5. The output side connector 50 is provided for an external device 10 such as a car navigation system or an internal device such as an adapter 1 or an internal device such as a liquid crystal display 1a provided on the units 100a and 100b.

By doing so, it is possible to easily realize the function desired by the user as an in-vehicle device. For example, by connecting various external devices 10 to the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b, it is possible to exert various functions of the external device 10 in addition to the functions of the adapter and the unit itself. It will be possible. If an internal device having an image or audio 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 an image or audio output means is connected to the adapter, the failure diagnosis system can be used. 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, and a drive recorder to the adapter 1 and the units 100a and 100b, various information from the failure diagnosis system could not be obtained by the adapter alone. It can be displayed as an image or voice of the aspect, and the user can easily and surely recognize the state of the vehicle.
In this case, the signal to be output based on the signal received by the adapter 1 or the units 100a and 100b should be, for example, the signal input from the vehicle side, the adapter or the unit in the previous stage 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 to connect a plurality of the same units. As shown in FIG. 10, when a plurality of units of different types are connected, information from a vehicle-side computer (for example, an ECU or the like) is output to various external devices and / or internal devices in a quantity according to the user's request. It is possible to easily combine and realize the functions desired by the user.

Since the unit includes a liquid crystal display 1a, a speaker 1b, and a liquid crystal display warning light 1c like the terminal unit 100b, audio information and image information obtained from the vehicle side can be output from the terminal unit 100b. By using the terminal unit 100b and the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 3, the information output on the vehicle side can be output by the unit or the adapter alone, as compared with the technology of simply increasing the number of ports on the vehicle side by 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 failure diagnosis system, a warning sound, voice guidance, blinking warning light, and text or image guidance are output to the user by the adapter or unit alone. can do. With the speaker 1b, even when the adapter 1 or the unit 100b is arranged in a place that is difficult for the user to see, it is possible to output a warning sound or voice guidance based on the information from the failure diagnosis system.

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

[4. Fourth Embodiment] (Unit for connecting an external device 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 thereof 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 OBDII standard adapter that is also suitable for each user. By modifying the connection between the OBDII standard adapter and the connected device, and easily installing one or more different units of different types, it is possible to customize the adapter to meet the user's needs. Can be done.

There are several devices that can be connected to the OBDII standard adapter, such as radar, PND, and drive recorder, but generally only one of them can be connected to the adapter. According to this embodiment, three or more external devices can be connected at the same time, which is convenient.

The adapter 1 of the fourth embodiment is provided with a USB connector 2 and a mini USB connector 3 as a power supply connector, and the unit 100a is provided with a mini USB connector 3. If the unit 100a is provided with the USB connector 2 and the mini USB connector 3, it is possible to charge and exchange information with various external devices having different connector sizes. However, when the unit 100a is formed into a thin plate as shown in the figure, , The mini USB connector 3 is advantageous.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 12, in the adapter 1, as in the second embodiment, the control microcomputer 111, the engine state detection unit 112, the analog signal detection unit 113, the K-LINE communication control unit 114, and the CAN 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 this embodiment, since each external device is connected to the unit 100a by the cable 12, 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's similar. In this case, if the external device connection units 117a to 117n are provided with a USB connector 2 for power supply or a mini USB connector 3, they can be used as they are to be a serial communication type connection unit. It is possible, and there is no need to provide a communication unit for wired connection separately from the connection unit for the power supply system. The external device connection units 117a to 117n are not limited to the serial communication type connection unit, and high-speed information exchange may be performed by Hitsyou Naba Aini using a signal transmission means such as a wired LAN or a CAN network.

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

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. This makes it possible, and 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 in a place that is easy for the user of the vehicle to see due to their nature, the user can easily confirm the information from the vehicle obtained via the adapter 1.

[4-2. Various functions by the control microcomputer]
The adapter and the unit of this embodiment have the following functions. These functions may be provided by the adapter and all of the units connected to the adapter 1, but may be provided only by the adapter or only a specific unit. These functions are realized by executing a predetermined program on the control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter or the 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. It is also possible to configure a processing unit that exerts these functions by hardware such as an electronic circuit, without using the control microcomputer 111.

(A) Information acquisition function from an external device The external device connection units 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100a shown in FIG. 12 are provided with an input function for an external device for receiving information from the external devices 10a to 10n, and are external. Equipment 1
The control microcomputer 111 has an information processing function for performing predetermined voice guidance and / or image display based on the information from 0a to 10n and the information from the failure diagnosis system obtained via the adapter 1.

According to this function, not only the information from the vehicle via the adapter 1 but also the information from the external devices 10a to 10n can be output 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 the radar detector with the speed and accelerator opening information from the failure diagnosis system, a curve in the traveling direction of the vehicle can be obtained. It is possible to determine whether an obstacle is dangerous in view of the current operating conditions and output the result to other external or internal equipment. In particular, such a function is an advantage that cannot be obtained by simply increasing the number of output ports on the vehicle side by 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, if 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 configured. Can be simplified.

(A) Information output function to the adapter or unit The adapter 1 or unit 100a of the present embodiment has a function of outputting information received from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal device to another unit and / or the adapter 1. According to this function, the information acquired from the external devices 10a to 10n and the internal device 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 based on the information from the failure diagnosis system and the information from the external device or the internal device, which was not possible only with the information from the failure diagnosis system. By realizing the processing unit by the control microcomputer 111, it becomes possible to perform various information processing on the adapter or unit side.

For example, it is not possible 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 surrounding conditions of the vehicle and the driver acquired by the external devices 10a to 10n. It is possible to provide the user with various information that has existed. Further, according to a command from the external devices 10a to 10n or the internal device, various operations and parameter settings related to the adapter 1 and each unit connected to the adapter 1 or the failure diagnosis system itself can be set to any of the external devices connected to the unit 10a0. It is also possible to do it from.

(C) Information processing function in adapters and units Adapters 1 and / or units 100a refer to at least one of external devices 10a to 10n and internal devices based on information received from at least one of vehicles and external devices 10a to 10n. It has an information processing function to generate an image and / or an audio signal to be output. This function is realized by the control microcomputer 111 provided in the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a.

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

(D) Function for performing different information processing for a plurality of external devices The adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a is a signal output unit provided for each external device 10a to 10n, for example, an external device connection unit in FIG. It has a function of outputting signals of different formats and types to 117a to 117n, 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 acquires information acquired from the vehicle or each external device 10a to 10n according to the type and configuration of the external device to be output, and the adapter 1 or the unit 100a. It has the function of processing internally and outputting in different modes 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 depending on 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 effects are exhibited.
(1) According to the type and installation location of the external device, the type and magnitude of the signal from the failure diagnosis system, the optimum information for the user can be output from the optimum external device.
(2) The volume of the audio signal output from each external device can be changed or the content of the displayed image can be changed according to the warning level of the signal obtained from the failure diagnosis system.
(3) Information with a high degree of urgency is displayed on the navigation device installed in the most visible position for the user, and the normal engine speed, water temperature, oil temperature display, etc. are displayed on a smaller radar detection screen than the navigation device. By combining the information processing unit and a plurality of external devices, such as displaying on a machine, various patterns can be displayed and voice guidance can be performed.

(E) Hub function Of the plurality of external device connection units 117a to 117n provided in the unit 100, one of the predetermined ones is used as the connection part of the external device to be the host, and the other connection part is used as the peripheral device. The connection part of. Which external device connection part is used for host device connection and the other external device connection part 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 on the adapter 1 or the unit 100a, and the external device connection portion to which the host is connected is selected by switching the switch. Also, with a smartphone connected to one of the external connection parts, set which connection part is for the host. As shown in FIG. 10, when the adapter 1 and the unit 100a are each provided with an external device connection portion, the control microcomputer so as to host the external device connected to either the adapter 1 or the unit 100a in advance. It is controlled 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 and information from other external devices can be used as various external devices. Can be delivered to the device. 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 because this adapter can be used without providing a dedicated hub when using a plurality of electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smart phone, and a digital camera in a vehicle and exchanging files between them.
(2) An external device that does not have an operation unit by controlling various functions of other external devices, adapters, or adapters from an external device that has an input function, such as a smart phone or personal computer connected to the adapter 1 and / or unit 100a. You can easily set parameters and perform various operations for devices.
(3) In the adapter 1 and / or the unit 100a, by processing the information described in (d) above by the control microcomputer 111, the information acquired by the external device of the host is processed into other peripheral devices. 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 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 terminal unit 100b of the present embodiment has a speaker 1b and a mini USB connector 3. The terminal unit 100b includes an input side connector 5 for receiving vehicle information and electric power from an in-vehicle battery from the adapter 1, a control microcomputer 111, a buzzer control unit 14a connected to the control microcomputer 111, and a voice reproduction control unit 14b. , Has a ROM 14c that stores message data. When a plurality of units are connected to the adapter 1, the terminal 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 the information acquired from the vehicle by the adapter 1. Output a warning sound. In addition to the warning by the buzzer, the message data stored in the ROM 14c is used to guide the user by voice. The control microcomputer 111 uses the power supply control unit 119 to connect the USB connector 2 or the mini USB connector 3 provided on the adapter 1 or the unit 100 to the external device connected to the adapter 1 or the unit 100 with respect to the power of the vehicle-mounted battery, the figure, or the like. Power is supplied from the portable battery 62 as shown in FIG.

As a result, even if the adapter 1 does not have an output means such as voice, information from the vehicle and information from each external device connected to the adapter for charging can be output. For example, charging completion 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 are satisfied with the functions provided by the adapter 1 alone, by attaching a terminal unit 100b that only sends sound from a buzzer or speaker to the adapter 1, announcing changes in the vehicle state and implementation of active control. can do.

[6. 6th 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 mobile terminal 61 is connected by the wired connection unit 117 or the wireless connection unit 118 provided in the units 100b and 100c, as in the case of the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 15, of the plurality of units 100a to 100c connected to the adapter 1, the unit 100c 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, a wireless communication unit 118 is provided inside the unit 100c in addition to the input side connector 5, the output side connector 50, the control microcomputer 111, and the power supply control unit 119. ..

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

According to the present embodiment, by using a 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 by using the application provided for the smart phone in advance. be able to. Further, by mounting the unit 100c to which the mobile terminal 61 is connected in combination with the adapter 1 or unit having another function, the program or data of the external device connected to the adapter or unit having other functions can be transferred to the mobile terminal. It can be updated from the 61 side. For example, it is possible to update the latest crackdown information 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, the present embodiment includes, as an external device, a recording unit of information received from at least one of an in-vehicle computer, an external device, and an internal device in the unit 100d. 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, it is preferable to provide an SD card mounting portion on the adapter 1 and other units, for example, the unit 100a and the terminal unit 100b to which an external device is connected, in addition to the unit 100d.

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 GPS and recording it on 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 predetermined timings set in advance in the database 116 according to a command 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 on the SD card 63 as a vehicle status log.

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

[8. Eighth Embodiment] (TPMS unit)
As shown in FIG. 19, in this embodiment, an air pressure detection device TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) mounted on a tire of a vehicle is connected to the unit 100e 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 TPMS control unit is controlled by the control microcomputer 111. Based on the information from the air pressure detection device TPMS by the TPMS control unit and the control microcomputer 111, other external devices 10a to 10n connected to the adapter 1, the unit 100a or the terminal unit 100b, the liquid crystal display 1a, the speaker 1b, and the like. At least one of the image display and the audio output is output from any one or a plurality of internal devices such as the LED warning light 1c.

According to this embodiment, for example, in an external device (for example, a car navigation system or a radar detector) of another unit 100a combined with the TPMS unit 100e, the state of tire pressure can be displayed as a graph, or the outline of the vehicle and the tire can be displayed. It is possible to display the tire pressure in various states, such as displaying the position and its air pressure in an overlapping manner, and outputting a voice 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 another unit 100a, the tire pressure is displayed in different modes according to the type of the external device, so that the user's visibility can be seen. And voice guidance function can be further improved.

In the present embodiment, a dedicated TPMS unit 100e that is wirelessly connected to the air pressure detection device TPMS is shown, but it is preferable to incorporate the air pressure detection device TPMS into any or all of the above units 100a to 100d to form a TPMS unit 100e. Similar to the terminal unit 100b of FIG. 10, the TPMS unit 100e may be provided with audio or image output means, or the TPMS unit 100e itself may not be provided with any output means and may be externally connected to the adapter 1 or another unit. A device or an internal device may be used to output audio or an image related to the TPMS.

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

According to the present embodiment, since the millimeter wave radar MWR is used as an obstacle detection radar device to detect a situation in a range of about 100 m, the distance to an obstacle in front can be measured or an obstacle in front can be measured. You can measure the speed with respect to an object. 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 another external device connected to the unit. By doing so, it is possible to assist for avoiding danger and help prevent collision accidents and the like.

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

[10. 10th Embodiment] (Connecting an expansion unit to the adapter)
As shown in FIG. 21, the adapter 1 includes a mounting portion for fixing the expansion unit. Similarly, each unit except the terminal unit 100b is provided with a mounting portion for fixing the other unit. Therefore, by connecting adapters to different units according to the type of external device desired by the user, it is possible to connect various types of external devices. 21 (a) to 21 (c) show each example of the connection mode, but the type and number of units to be connected are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the user's wishes. Is.

When the adapter 1 and a plurality of units are combined, one of the plurality of units is a terminal unit 100b having only a mounting portion fixed to the adapter, and after connecting the plurality of units to the adapter 1, the terminal unit 100b is finally connected. do. By doing so, since the mounting portion to which the other unit is connected is not exposed to a part of the unit 100b connected last, the dustproof effect can be obtained and the appearance is good. Since the terminal unit 100b having no mounting portion for connecting other units can secure a large space for installing other devices on the surface thereof, a large speaker 1b that covers the entire surface of the unit can be used as an internal device. , The quality of 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 of being overlapped in a plurality of stages. As shown in each of the above-described embodiments, the units 100b to 100c include a control microcomputer 111, a CAN communication control unit 115, and other means, whereby each unit 100b via the adapter 1 is incorporated. ~ 100c is connected to the CAN network 115N on the vehicle side. By doing so, since the adapter 1 and the plurality of units 100b to 100d connected to the adapter 1 have a block-like appearance, the inside of the vehicle is compactly integrated while having many functions. It can be arranged without any discomfort.

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, but it is preferable to use a unit having a smaller connection surface with the adapter 1 and smaller than the adapter. In this way, various power supply connectors and units can be arranged on the same surface of the adapter 1.

[12. 12th Embodiment] (A large number of units are attached to the adapter)
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the present embodiment, by providing the adapter 1 with the plurality of unit mounting portions 101 adjacent to each other, the plurality of units 100a to 100f are arranged adjacent to each other on the adapter 1. Each unit 100a to 100f has the same shape, which is smaller than the adapter 1, and has the same width and height when attached to the adapter. A plurality of units 100a to 100f having such a shape are arranged side by side on one side surface of the adapter, particularly several to ten or more. 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 to this.

According to the present embodiment, the plurality of units 100a to 100f can be arranged in one adapter 1 in a small area without stacking the plurality of units as in the eleventh embodiment. For example, if each unit 100a to 100f and an external device are connected by wireless communication, a connector for connecting the units 100a to 100f and the external device is not required, 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 in one adapter 1 by using a standardized connection structure.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to compactly connect a plurality of units 100a to 100f having external devices and internal devices having various functions to the adapter 1. In particular, if the units 100a to 100f are arranged side by side without gaps as shown in the figure, it is possible to solve the problem that dust enters the gaps and becomes conspicuous in a place where dust is likely to be generated, such as in a vehicle interior.

When a cable 12 or the like connected to an external device extends from each unit, the mounting portions 101 of each unit provided in the adapter 1 may be arranged horizontally at intervals. In this way, a gap is created between adjacent units, and wiring of the cable 12 and the like becomes easy. If a plurality of units are directly attached to the adapter 1, the combined shape of the adapter and the unit becomes large, so that it is possible to connect the adapter 1 and all or some of the units connected to the adapter 1 with a cable. By doing so, the connection positions of the adapter and the unit can be separated from each other, and the unit can be arranged at a position close to the external device to be connected.

[13. 13th Embodiment] (Network connection)
As shown in FIG. 25, in the present embodiment, the adapter 1 is connected to the CAN network 115N provided in the vehicle by the failure diagnosis system via the input side connector 5, and is arranged in the vehicle by the CAN network 115N. It is connected to multiple sensors. Each unit 100a to 100f includes a local network LAN connected to the CAN network 115N via the adapter 1, and for this local network LAN, each unit 100a to 100f, an external device 10a to 10n, and / or an internal device. Is connected.

The failure diagnosis system is connected to various sensors on the vehicle side by a network inside the vehicle called CAN network 115N, and collects data that is the basis of failure diagnosis. According to this 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, information from the failure diagnosis system and information from each external device can be sent in real time to the adapter 1, failure diagnosis system, each unit 100a to 100f, external device 10a to 10n, connected to the network. It can be delivered to internal devices.

That is, since a plurality of external devices 10a to 10n are connected to the local network LAN as compared with the case where the adapter 1 and each unit 100a to 100f are connected by serial communication, each unit 100a to 100f is another unit. It becomes possible to receive information from the adapter 1 and other external devices 10a to 10n at the same time as the unit. As a result, even when a large number of units are combined or a large number of external devices 10a to 10n are connected, comparison is made when the devices of each company are serially connected or when each external device is directly connected to a network such as CAN in the vehicle. Therefore, there is no delay in information. For example, for a vehicle driving at high speed, it is necessary to instantly issue a warning or perform an avoidance operation based on information collected by an external device 10a to 10n or a failure diagnosis system. Such a prompt response is required. The present invention can also be applied to a system in which the above is required.

[14. 14th Embodiment] (The adapter and the 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) or WiFi.

In the present embodiment, since the adapter 1 and each unit 100a to 100f are wirelessly connected, a mounting portion for connecting each unit 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 miniaturized. For example, the size has been reduced by providing a plurality of internal devices such as a speaker 1b and an SD card recording unit 63b in a case of one unit, and a wireless device for connecting the external devices 10a to 10n and the adapter 1. Multiple functions can be realized with one unit. Since there are no restrictions on the installation location of such a unit, the unit can be arranged at a position away from the adapter 1 or at a position where the user can easily operate the unit.

FIG. 27 shows a plurality of functions shown in each of the above-described embodiments built in one unit 100a, for example, a speaker 1b, an LED warning light 1c, and an SD card recording unit 63a, and the unit 100a and an adapter. 1 is wirelessly connected. As an example, the unit 100a is provided with four connectors 102 for connecting external devices, and external devices having functions that cannot be implemented by the functions built in the unit 100a, such as a car navigation system, a drive recorder, and a radar, are provided in the connector 102. Connect a detector, millimeter-wave radar oscillator, etc. By doing so, the configuration of the unit 100a having a plurality of functions is simplified, and only a relatively large external device needs to be connected to the unit. Therefore, the entire system including the adapter 1, the unit 100a, and the external device needs to be connected. It is possible to reduce the size.

[15. Other embodiments]
The present invention includes other embodiments such as:
(1) A power supply connector, for example, a power supply connector that supplies electric power on the vehicle side supplied via the adapter 1 to external devices 10a to 10n as electric power for charging to all or any of the units 100a to 100f. , USB connector 2, mini USB connector 3, and cigar socket 4 are all or any of them. In this way, a smart phone, a personal computer, or the like can be charged using the battery on the vehicle side. The port of the fault diagnosis system is constantly powered by the battery, and 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 be done.

(2) Each unit is provided with a power receiving connector for supplying electric power from a portable battery such as a mobile battery to the vehicle side and / or other external devices. By doing so, by supplying the electric 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, the other external devices can be charged or used, or the vehicle can be mounted. When the capacity of the battery is insufficient, the electric power of the portable battery can be supplied to the vehicle side to use various devices on the vehicle side.

(3) It is not necessary to provide a power supply function to the adapter 1 and all of the units. It is preferable to provide the power supply connector to any or all the units without providing the power supply connector to the adapter 1. The present invention also includes an embodiment in which the adapter 1 and all the units are not provided with the power feeding function.

(4) The configurations and functions provided in the adapter 1 of FIGS. 1 to 9 may be provided in all or any one or a plurality of units of each unit. It is preferable to appropriately combine the configurations and functions provided independently for each unit 100a to 100f with each unit or adapter. For example, it is preferable to provide the adapter 1 with a logging function, a TPMS function, and a radar reception function. If the adapter itself has various functions, the number of units to be combined can be small.

The adapter 1 or the unit 100 may be provided with a 3G / 4G / 5G communication unit, a Bluetooth unit, or the like.
Information collected from vehicles and units should be provided with a unit that can be directly uploaded to the cloud for data management. The data uploaded to the cloud should be used for operation history and operation management, for example, with a dedicated application.

In addition, if the notification destination of the e-mail is set in advance, it is preferable to notify by e-mail or the like when any change is detected in another unit. With this communication unit, even if the user is away from the vehicle, he / she can communicate with the user's smartphone or mobile phone by e-mail.

For example, a configuration that notifies the user's mobile phone via this unit from the Bluetooth unit (impact detection, vehicle tilt detection, approach detection, etc.) notified from a device that can communicate with the Bluetooth unit (simple security). It is good to do it.
There are the following methods for setting the notification destination of e-mail and selecting the notification item.
(1) By attaching a Bluetooth unit, it can be set with a dedicated application from a smartphone, tablet, or notebook PC.
(2) If the unit shown in the above embodiment is attached, it can be set from a radar, a navigation system, a drive recorder, or the like.

(3) It is good to be able to set using a setting-only application from a smartphone or the like. (From the dedicated app, you should send an email directly to the 3G / 4G communication unit by email.
Simple security that has a Bluetooth communication interface will notify the user by e-mail of the abnormality detected regarding the vehicle when there is a Bluetooth unit and an OBD adapter equipped with this 3G / 4G / 5G communication unit. By communicating with other devices, it becomes possible to monitor the condition of the vehicle, which is more functionally convenient. For example, it is advisable to notify the OBD adapter of the door lock status of the car by inquiring about the door lock status of the car by e-mail. If it is in the unlocked state, it is advisable to instruct to lock by e-mail and send a door lock instruction to the vehicle based on this instruction.

It is particularly preferable to use an external device that supplies power from the adapter 1 or the unit 100 as a drive recorder to have the following functions. That is, it is particularly preferable to use an external device that supplies power from the OBD adapter as a drive recorder and have the following functions. In particular, the drive recorder may have a recording function while driving and a recording function while parking (referred to as a parking monitoring function).

The drive recorder is a device that takes power from OBD. This OBD adapter is
(1) A function that discharges vehicle information acquired from the vehicle when the engine is on to the drive recorder.
(2) A function to supply power to the drive recorder when the engine is off (parking monitoring).
(3) By incorporating a G sensor in the OBD adapter, a function that can supply power to the DVR and start recording when the G sensor responds even when parking monitoring is OFF.
(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 the power supply stop signal from the drive recorder is input to the OBD adapter).
(5) It has a function to stop the power supply when the battery voltage of the car reaches the threshold value.
Regarding (3) If you do this, the car battery may run out if you constantly supply power to the conventional drive recorder, but even if you turn off surveillance recording, recording will start with G sensor detection, and to the battery Load is reduced.

When the G sensor is built in, it is assumed that the G sensor frequently reacts to strong winds and the sound of fireworks as a malfunction. In order to prevent this, the OBD adapter should output a signal to the effect that the engine has been turned off to the drive recorder when it detects that the engine has been turned off based on the signal from the vehicle. When the drive recorder inputs a signal to the effect that the engine has been turned off, a telop or the like is displayed on the display screen of the drive recorder to display a normal monitoring / impact monitoring / OFF selection screen, and these are based on the operation from the user. It is advisable to have the operation selected from the inside and perform the selected operation.

The set contents should be understood by inversion of the image or the like. Normal monitoring records for a set time regardless of the G sensor response. Impact monitoring records for a set time only when the G sensor responds. OFF is an operation that does not record.
Regarding (4), the drive recorder may be a drive recorder with a built-in 3G / 4G / 5G, and such a drive recorder may be recorded by a recording means such as an SD card in a place where the communication environment is poor. Further, in a drive recorder equipped with an event recording function, the video of the event recording is stored in a recording means such as an SD card. Video data, etc. shot in the cloud is always transmitted by communication functions such as 4G, but it is desirable that the timing of transmitting the data recorded in the SD card, etc. to the cloud is after the engine is stopped.

A power supply that supplies power only for the time to transfer the data recorded on this SD card etc. is required, and the power supply from OBD is perfect.
For example, with the configuration of (4), when the data transfer after the engine is stopped is completed, the drive recorder sends a power stop signal from the drive recorder to the OBD adapter, and the OBD adapter receives this power stop signal. In that case, it is advisable to stop the output of the power supply to the drive recorder.

The device in (A) to (R) described below may be referred to as the adapter 1 or the unit 100, and the device in (A) to (R) may be referred to as a drive recorder.
(A) A device that supplies power to equipment retrofitted to a vehicle from a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle.
The function of connecting to the vehicle's in-vehicle network via the failure diagnosis connector and
The function to detect the on state of the vehicle and
When the vehicle is on, it has a function to transmit a signal based on the data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device.
It is preferable to have a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is not in the on state.

In this way, the equipment attached to the vehicle can be easily supplied with power from the failure diagnosis connector, and can also be supplied with power without blocking the cigar socket, for example. Information from the vehicle's in-vehicle network 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 the devices to be retrofitted 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.
As the failure diagnosis connector, for example, an OBDII connector is particularly preferable. In particular, a connector installed in the vehicle interior may be easily connected by the user.

(B) It has a function of supplying power to the device when the vehicle is on.
It is preferable to have a function of notifying the device whether the vehicle is in the on state or not (off state).
In this way, the device attached to the vehicle can easily receive the power supply and can know whether the vehicle is in the on state or the off state. In particular, the line for supplying power and the signal line for notifying whether the vehicle is on or off may be one cable covered with the same coating. By doing this, you can receive the power supply and the signal of whether the vehicle is on or not by just wiring one cable, and the wiring to the retrofit equipment in the vehicle is extremely easy. Be smart and easy.

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

(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 the ON state.
In this way, the device can easily determine whether or not the vehicle is on based on whether or not there is a signal transmission based on the 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 the ON state.
In this way, when the vehicle is not in the on state, for example, the in-vehicle computer for controlling the vehicle connected to the in-vehicle network may be put into the start state or the on state when the in-vehicle computer is in the sleep state or the off 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) The on state of the vehicle may be a state in which the vehicle charges the battery of the vehicle. The engine on state may be provided as the on state of the vehicle.
(G) When the vehicle is not in the ON state, it is preferable that power is not supplied to the cigar socket of the vehicle.
(H) It is preferable to have a function of transmitting a signal to the effect that the device has been turned off, and to perform processing based on the signal to the effect that the device has been turned off.

(I) The device is a drive recorder, and it is preferable to switch the video recording mode based on the reception of the signal indicating that the device is in the off state.
(J) The video recording mode may be switched from the recording mode in the vehicle on state (for example, continuous recording mode) to the recording mode in the vehicle off state (for example, parking monitoring recording mode).
For example, the parking monitoring recording mode may be an image in which the bit rate of the captured image to be recorded is lower than that in the continuous recording mode. For example, it is advisable to reduce the frame rate of the video, reduce the resolution, increase the compression rate, or perform at least one of these.

(K) When the vehicle is not in the ON state, it has a function of stopping the supply of power to the device.
It is preferable to have a sensor and a function to start supplying power to the device even when the vehicle is not in the ON state based on the signal of the sensor.
If power is continuously supplied to the equipment attached to the vehicle based on the power supply from the failure diagnosis connector while the vehicle is off, there is a concern that the vehicle battery will run out due to the power supply to the equipment. If the power is supplied based on the signal of the sensor as described above, such anxiety can be alleviated. 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 in the vicinity of the vehicle. Then, for example, when there is an approach of a person, when the shaking of the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state, or when the sound near the vehicle corresponds to a predetermined state, at least one of the cases, the power supply to the device is supplied. Supply should be resumed. These predetermined states may be states corresponding to artificial shaking or sound caused by a thief or the like.
Whether or not 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 and the device is not in the on state of the vehicle. It is advisable to control the on / off of power supply to the device.

For example, even when the device is set not to supply power when the vehicle is not on by this function, the vehicle is provided with a sensor as shown in (K) and based on the signal of the sensor. It is preferable to have a function of starting the supply of power to the device even when the device is not in the ON state.
(L) The sensor may be an acceleration sensor. Then, when the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor is in a predetermined state, it is preferable to restart the supply of power to the device even if the vehicle is not in the on state. The predetermined state may be a state corresponding to the addition of acceleration to the vehicle by a person such as a thief. For example, it is preferable that an acceleration of a predetermined value or more occurs.

(M) The sensor may be provided in a housing provided with a connector that fits into the failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the exposure of the wiring and the like from the failure diagnosis connector to the sensor, and it is possible to install the device or device smartly and easily.
(N) It is preferable to have a function of receiving a signal for controlling the power supply from the device of the device and controlling the power supply from the device to the device based on the signal.

The signal for controlling the power supply from the device of the device may include at least one of off or on of the power supply from the device to the device. The power supply may be turned off or turned on immediately after receiving the signal, or may be performed after a predetermined time. For the predetermined time, it is preferable to send a signal instructed from the device to the device so that the device performs the predetermined time 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, the device receives the signal, supplies power to the device during the time, and then supplies power to the device. You may want to stop.

(O) The device has a communication function, the device has a function of performing communication by the communication function when the vehicle is not in the ON state, and after the communication is completed, the device is supplied with a power supply to the device. It is preferable that the device that receives the signal to transmit a signal for stopping the supply of the device is provided with 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 vehicle has a function of transmitting captured video data by the communication function and recording video data that could not be transmitted. In order to provide the function of transmitting the recorded video data that could not be transmitted in the non-on state by the communication function, and to stop the power supply to the device to the device after the communication is completed. The device that transmits the signal and receives the signal may have a function of stopping the supply of power to the device.

(P) It is preferable to have a function of stopping the power supply to the device when the power supply from the failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle reaches a predetermined state. If you do this
(Q) The device is 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 by a general drive recorder. (R) The apparatus may be configured by combining at least any two of (A) to (Q).

In particular, on the premise of the configuration of (A), it is preferable to combine it with at least one of (B) to (R). Further, 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 and configured. Further, at least one of the constituent elements described in (1) to (40) and at least one of the constituent elements described in (a) to (r) may be combined and configured.

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 ... Power supply connector (output side connector)
61 ... Smartphone 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 supply 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 unit

Claims (5)

In a device that supplies power to equipment that is retrofitted to a vehicle from a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle.
The function of connecting to the vehicle's in-vehicle network via the failure diagnosis connector and
The function to detect the on state of the vehicle and
When the vehicle is on, it has a function to transmit a signal based on the data acquired from the in-vehicle network to the device.
It is equipped with a sensor and has a function to supply power based on the signal of the sensor.
The sensor is a device provided in a housing provided with a connector that fits into a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle. The sensor is fitted with a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle, which is provided with an acceleration sensor and has a function of restarting power supply to the device when the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor reaches a predetermined state. The device according to claim 1, comprising a connector. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is provided with a connector that fits into a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle, which has a state corresponding to the addition of acceleration to the vehicle by a person as the predetermined state. It has a function of receiving a signal for controlling the power supply from the device from the device and controlling the power supply from the device to the device based on the signal, and turning off or on the power supply is the relevant. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a connector fitted to a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle, which has a function of performing a predetermined time after receiving a signal. A signal regarding the time for supplying power is sent from the device to the device, and the device receives the signal, supplies power to the device during the time, and then stops supplying power to the device. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a connector that fits into a failure diagnosis connector provided in the vehicle.

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