JP4085071B2 - Electrical junction box - Google Patents

Description

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

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

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

  However, according to such a conventional electrical junction box, the electrical junction box itself has to be redesigned drastically for each vehicle or whenever the specification is changed. In addition, it is necessary to change an appropriate fuse setting and power supply output unit depending on a connected load circuit. That is, according to the conventional electrical junction box, there was a lot of waste in terms of design and manufacturing.

  Further, according to the conventional electric junction box, the power supply is not controlled in accordance with the type of load circuit to be connected or the operation state of the load circuit, so that the power supply is often wasted.

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

  Therefore, in view of the present situation described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box that can easily cope with specification changes and the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box that can efficiently supply power to a connected load circuit. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box that can protect the set contents even when the power supply is stopped for the inserted ECU.

The electrical junction box according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, each communicates with a semiconductor relay with a current detection function and a power supply line connected to a power source via the semiconductor relay with a current detection function. A plurality of output systems including a connector formed by arranging a signal line and a common ground line, and sequentially turning on the plurality of output systems, and a module connected to the connector of the turned-on output system transmits a request signal through the common signal line as well as the power supplied through the power line Te, based on the response signal from the module to said request signal, in response to a predetermined load circuits connected to the module, those control mode of the current detection function with a semiconductor relay about the power supply to the modules take place via the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of said output lines Comprising a setting means for setting, said connector of said plurality of output lines, Ri sequence and shape identical der of the common ground line and the common signal line and the power line, to the control mode, the current Current limit that limits the maximum current that flows through the semiconductor relay with detection function, power supply mode that determines whether the power supplied through the semiconductor relay with current detection function is always supplied or at the time of event, and continuous energization through the semiconductor relay with current detection function A supply restriction that limits time is included .
In addition, as set forth in claim 2, the setting means includes data of a maximum current value related to the current limit which is the control mode of the semiconductor relay with a current detection function included in the response signal from the module, and the supply mode. 4. The control mode is set based on data at the time of an event, data on continuous energization time related to the supply restriction, or connected to the module connected to the connector of the output system according to claim 3 A load circuit that may be generated, data of the maximum current value related to the current limit that is the control mode of the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of the output system according to the load circuit, and an event that is always related to the supply mode a time data, and the data of the continuous energization time for the supply limit in advance, the response from the module As possible out to set the control mode based on the data identifying the load circuit No. contains.

According to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, each of the plurality of output systems includes a semiconductor relay with a current detection function, and a power line connected to a power source via the semiconductor relay with a current detection function. A connector formed by arranging a common signal line and a common ground line, and the connectors of the plurality of output systems have the same arrangement and shape of the power supply line, the common signal line, and the common ground line. The module related to the load circuit can be connected to the connector of an arbitrary output system. Moreover, the setting means sequentially turns on the plurality of output systems, supplies power to the modules connected to the connectors of the turned-on output systems through the power line, and transmits a request signal through the common signal line. Then, based on a response signal from the module to the request signal, the power supply to the module is performed via the current detection function-equipped semiconductor relay of the output system according to a predetermined load circuit connected to the module. since setting the control mode, in accordance with a predetermined load circuit connected to the module, to the power supply for the module to perform through the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of this output system, the semiconductor relay with a current detection function Control mode settings including current limit, power supply mode, and supply limit are set automatically.

Electrical connection box made claims 4 Symbol placement in order to solve the above problems, each of which current detection and function with a semiconductor relay, said current detection function with through the semiconductor relay is connected to a power source the power supply line and co A plurality of output systems including a connector formed by arranging communication signal lines and common ground lines, and a current flowing through a module connected to the connector of the output system that is turned on Current control means for detecting current detected by the current detection function and controlling the current supplied to the module based on the detected actual value of the current flowing in the module, wherein the current control means An abnormality processing means for detecting a current abnormality based on a predetermined predicted value and the actual value, and performing a predetermined abnormality process at the time of abnormality, Stage outputs a warning when the current without fluctuation or current zero, with at the time of overcurrent and outputs a warning, characterized by stopping the power supply to the corresponding module.

According to the invention of claim 4 Symbol mounting, detected by the on the current detection function of the current detection function with semiconductor relays the current flowing through the modules connected to the connector of the output system, the actual current flowing on the detected out module Since the current supplied to the module is controlled based on the value, it is possible to efficiently supply power to the connected module.

Further, a current abnormality is detected based on a predetermined predicted value and actual value relating to a current flowing through the module, and a predetermined abnormality process is performed when the abnormality is detected.

Furthermore, current warning is output when no or zero current variation, the warning when the overcurrent is output, the power supply to the corresponding module is stopped.

According to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, it is possible to connect a module related to a predetermined load circuit to an arbitrary connecting portion, and to a predetermined load circuit connected to the module. As a result, the control mode including the current limit, power supply mode, and supply limit of the semiconductor relay with current detection function is automatically set for power supply to the module through the semiconductor relay with current detection function of the output system. This makes it easy to respond to changes in vehicle specifications.

According to the invention of claim 4 Symbol mounting, detected by the on the current detection function of the current detection function with semiconductor relays the current flowing through the modules connected to the connector of the output system, the actual value of the current of the detection out module Since the current supplied to the module is controlled based on the above, power can be efficiently supplied to the connected module.

Further, a current abnormality is detected based on a predetermined predicted value and an actual value relating to a current flowing through the module, and a predetermined abnormality process is performed in the event of an abnormality. Therefore, fuse setting and the like are facilitated.

Furthermore, current warning is output when no or zero current variation, the warning when the overcurrent is output, since the power supply to the corresponding module is stopped, it is possible to prevent accidents.

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

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

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

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

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

  The electrical junction box 1 further has a setting function related to power supply corresponding to the first embodiment described later, an ECU data backup function corresponding to the second embodiment, and a current control function corresponding to the third embodiment. These functions are features of the present invention and will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

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

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described by adding FIG. 2 to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the CPU according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a plurality of modules 3a to 3e are initially connected to the electrical junction box 1 as indicated by 3 in FIG.

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

In step S104, the output system (N) is turned on and a power supply mode request is transmitted. For example, when the output system (1) is turned on, a power supply mode request is transmitted to the module 3a. Next, in step S105, and a response signal from the module that sent the power supply mode request is waiting (N in step S105), (Y in step S105) and the response signal there Ru proceeds to step S106 The control mode of the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of the output system (N) is set. The response signal includes data on each function of the current limit (maximum current, filter value), power supply mode (always / event), supply limit (continuous energization time) , and part number.

With such data, for example, a module connected to the output system (N) can be specified. Further, it is possible to set a current limit, a power supply mode, and a supply limit for the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of the output system (N). That is, the control mode for the output system (N) can be set.

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

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

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

  The first embodiment corresponds to claim 1, and steps S103 to S109 of the first embodiment correspond to setting means of the claims.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the power supply line, the common signal line, and the common ground line have the same shape of the plurality of connector portions 15a to 15e formed in the same arrangement. The modules 3a to 3e can be connected to arbitrary positions. In addition, settings relating to power supply are automatically performed for the connected modules. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily cope with a change in the vehicle specifications.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described by adding FIG. 3 to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the CPU according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The second embodiment corresponds to claims 2 to 5, and steps S201 to S207 of the second embodiment correspond to backup means of the claims.

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

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

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

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

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are added to FIG. 1 to describe the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the CPU according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of current control according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

Next, in step S306, the current flowing through the output system (N) is detected by the current detection function of the semiconductor relay with a current detection function, and in step S307, a current fluctuation amount that is a fluctuation amount in a predetermined time of the detected current is calculated. To do.

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

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

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

  The third embodiment corresponds to claims 6 to 8, the steps S301 to S312 of the second embodiment correspond to the current control means of claims, and the steps S312, S313, and S314 are claims. Corresponds to the abnormal processing means.

  Thus, according to 3rd Embodiment, since the electric current supplied to each module was controlled based on the actual value of the electric current of the modules 3a-3e connected to the some connector parts 15a-15e, it was connected. Power can be efficiently supplied to the module.

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

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

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical junction box that can easily cope with specification changes and the like. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical junction box that can efficiently supply power to a connected load circuit. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrical junction box that can protect the set contents even when the power supply is stopped for the inserted ECU.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions common to each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which CPU which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which CPU which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which CPU which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a time chart which shows the example of current control concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electrical junction box 2a ~ 2d ECU
3a-3e module 14a-14e connector part 15a-15e connector part (connection part)

Claims (4)

Each includes a semiconductor relay with a current detection function, and a connector formed by arranging a power line, a common signal line, and a common ground line connected to a power source via the semiconductor relay with a current detection function An output system;
The plurality of output systems are sequentially turned on, power is supplied to the modules connected to the connectors of the turned-on output system through the power line, and a request signal is transmitted through the common signal line. based on the response signal from the module for, in response to a predetermined load circuits connected to the module, the current sense about the power supply to the modules take place via the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of this output line Setting means for setting the control mode of the semiconductor relay with function ,
Said connector of said plurality of output lines, Ri sequence and shape identical der of the said power supply line common signal line and the common ground line,
The control mode includes a current limit that limits a maximum current that flows through the semiconductor relay with a current detection function, a power supply mode that determines whether a power supply to be supplied through the semiconductor relay with a current detection function is always supplied or an event is supplied, An electrical junction box including a supply restriction that limits a continuous energization time through a semiconductor relay with a function . The setting means includes data of a maximum current value related to the current limit, which is the control mode of the semiconductor relay with a current detection function, included in the response signal from the module , data about the supply mode, data at the time of the event, and the supply The electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein the control mode is set based on data of continuous energization time related to restriction . The setting means includes a load circuit that may be connected to the module connected to the connector of the output system, and the control mode of the semiconductor relay with a current detection function of the output system according to the load circuit. data of the maximum current value for the current limit is always related to the supply mode, the event at the time of data, and a data of continuous energization time for the supply limit in advance, the load which the response signal from the module comprises The electrical connection box according to claim 1, wherein the control mode is set based on data for specifying a circuit. Each includes a semiconductor relay with a current detection function, and a connector formed by arranging a power line, a common signal line, and a common ground line connected to a power source via the semiconductor relay with a current detection function An output system;
The current flowing through the module connected to the connector of the output system that is turned on is detected by the current detection function of the semiconductor relay with current detection function, and based on the detected actual value of the current flowing through the module, the module Current control means for controlling the current supplied to the
The current control means includes an abnormality processing means for detecting a current abnormality based on a predetermined predicted value relating to a current flowing through the module and the actual value, and performing a predetermined abnormality process at the time of abnormality,
The electrical connection box, wherein the abnormality processing means outputs a warning when there is no current fluctuation or when the current is zero, outputs a warning when the current is overcurrent, and stops supplying power to the module.

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