JPH09210864A - Method and apparatus for diagnosing vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus whereby a vehicle is automatically started to be diagnosed simply by connecting the apparatus to the vehicle. SOLUTION: A detecting means 231 detects when an operator manipulates and turns ON a power source switch. A connection-detecting means 232 detects whether a communication cable 5 is connected to an ECU 1. A main control means 234 starts a main control when detecting that the power source switch is turned ON or the communication cable 5 is connected to the ECU 1. A menu screen display means 235 displays a menu screen at a display part 27 when the main control means 234 is started when the power source switch is turned ON. A vehicle diagnosis-starting means 237 starts a diagnosing process immediately without displaying the menu screen when the main control means 234 is started by the connection of the communication cable 5 to the ECU 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosing a vehicle, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for diagnosing a vehicle based on a result of communication with a vehicle-mounted electronic control device mounted on the vehicle. . More specifically, the vehicle diagnosis is automatically started only by connecting the vehicle diagnosis device to the vehicle side without performing the power-on operation or the function selection operation on the menu screen by the conventional key switch or the like. The present invention relates to a vehicle diagnostic method and device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in order to improve engine control functions, engine ignition timing control, valve opening / closing timing control in an automobile (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle"), or an electronic fuel injection device (EFI) has been used. 2. Description of the Related Art Fuel injection control and the like are being performed by an on-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) including a microcomputer. The ECU includes various sensors such as a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the engine coolant, a rotation sensor for detecting the engine speed, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the vehicle speed, an O2 sensor for detecting the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas, and a brake pedal. Various switches such as a brake switch for detecting that the brake pedal is depressed are connected, and the ECU performs various controls based on detection signals output from various sensors and the like.

In a production process for manufacturing a vehicle equipped with such an ECU, it is necessary to diagnose whether or not each sensor or the ECU itself is functioning normally in a final inspection process after the vehicle is assembled. Fairness 3-593
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 72, a diagnosis method is proposed in which a vehicle-diagnosis program is executed by a diagnosis device equipped with a microcomputer, and a diagnosis regarding a desired diagnosis item is performed at a scheduled timing.

Further, in a failure diagnosis targeting a plurality of diagnostic items, the plurality of diagnostic items are diagnosed in a predetermined order as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-25091, for example. The result of the pass / fail judgment was sequentially output on the display device.

Generally, in the inspection by an inspection (diagnosis) device equipped with a microcomputer, when the inspection device is connected to an inspection target device and an operator turns on a power switch, a menu screen is displayed on the display section. On the menu screen, a large number of function displays such as “self-diagnosis function”, “memory check function”, and “mode selection function” are displayed together with a display relating to a desired inspection function. here,
When an operator selects an inspection function by operating a key, an inspection program for executing the inspection function starts and the inspection is performed.

[0006]

In the vehicle diagnosis in the final inspection step after the vehicle is assembled as described above, a large number of vehicles to be diagnosed have to be continuously judged, unlike the ordinary single-shot failure judgment. It is necessary to replace diagnostic devices one after another to end the diagnosis quickly. Further, in the vehicle diagnosis during the inspection process, the on-time of the diagnostic device becomes extremely long as compared with the above-described failure determination, so that the battery must be frequently replaced only by the power supply from the built-in battery. Therefore, it is desirable that the vehicle diagnosis device at the time of vehicle diagnosis be supplied with power from the vehicle-side battery via the communication cable.

Further, even if the power supply to the vehicle diagnostic device depends on the battery on the vehicle side, the power-on operation must be performed every time the diagnostic device is replaced. And
In the conventional inspection device, the menu screen is always displayed after the power is turned on, so that if the diagnostic device is replaced, the menu selection operation must be performed again and the operation becomes complicated. On the other hand, if the diagnostic program is started at the same time when the power is turned on, it becomes impossible to select another function this time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and to provide a vehicle diagnosing method and apparatus which improves the operability of the vehicle diagnosing apparatus and enables quick start of diagnosis.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is used by being connected to an on-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) with a communication cable, and based on various data obtained from the ECU. A vehicle diagnosis method and apparatus for making a diagnosis regarding a plurality of diagnosis items is characterized in that the following means are taken. (1) Any one of a built-in battery, a power-on operation detection means for detecting a power-on operation, a connection detection means for detecting a connection with the ECU, and a connection with the power-on operation and the on-vehicle electronic control unit Main control means that is activated when detected, menu screen display means that displays a menu screen when the main control means is activated by the power-on operation, and selection process activation that activates the process selected on the menu screen And means for activating the vehicle diagnosing process without displaying the menu screen when the main control means is activated by the connection with the ECU. (2) When either one of the power-on operation of the vehicle diagnostic device and the connection to the ECU of the vehicle diagnostic device is detected, the operation starts, and when the operation is started by the power-on operation, the menu screen is displayed. When the operation is started by the connection with the ECU, the vehicle diagnosis process is immediately executed without displaying the menu screen.

According to each of the above-mentioned configurations, when the vehicle diagnostic device is started by connecting to the ECU, the vehicle diagnostic process is immediately executed without using the menu screen, so that the operability of the vehicle diagnostic device is improved. Vehicle diagnosis can be started quickly. Moreover, since the menu screen is displayed when the vehicle diagnostic device is activated by the power-on operation, it is possible to easily select other functions.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows the ECU mounted on the vehicle to be diagnosed
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a vehicle diagnostic device 2 that is used by being connected to the ECU 1 and the ECU 1. FIG.
2 to 5 show R inserted in the vehicle diagnostic device 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the storage contents of the OM card 7, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a diagnosis result displayed on the display unit 27. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle diagnostic device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an outline of the vehicle diagnosis according to the present invention, and FIGS. 9 to 16 are flow charts specifically showing the operation of each diagnosis process constituting the vehicle diagnosis.

In FIG. 1, the ECU 1 includes a CPU 10,
It comprises a ROM 11, a RAM 12, a driver 13, an A / D converter 14, and a communication interface 15. The ECU 1 is connected to peripheral devices via connectors 16 and 17, for example, various actuators 3 are connected to the connector 16, and various sensors 4 and switches 4 are connected to the connector 17. In addition, the communication cable 5 of the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is attached to the connector 18 as the connector 3
4 are connected.

A signal input from each sensor 4 to the ECU 1 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 14 and is converted into a CP signal.
Taken in U10. The signal taken into the CPU 10 is
Processing is performed according to control data stored in the ROM 11 and the RAM 12 and a control program written in the ROM 11. The driver 13 includes the CPU 10
An instruction signal corresponding to the processing result of
Supplies power to the actuator 3 in response to the instruction signal. The ROM 11 stores not only programs but also each E
An identification code unique to CU1, that is, an ECU code is also registered.

On the other hand, the vehicle diagnostic device 2 according to the present invention has a CPU
20, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, a transmission unit 24, a communication interface 25, and a power supply unit 29. The power supply unit 29 serves as a power supply for the vehicle diagnostic device 2.
On-board battery 19 and built-in battery 2 of the vehicle to be diagnosed
Select one of the three. In addition, the vehicle diagnostic device 2 includes a keyboard 26 for inputting an instruction by an operator and a display unit 27 for displaying a processing result by the CPU 20.
In addition, a barcode reader 31 and a barcode interface 32 for reading an identification code displayed as a barcode are provided. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel with a backlight (LC
D) is adopted. The keyboard 26 is provided with general numeric keys, cursor movement keys, function keys, and the like.

The communication cable 5 has a signal line 51 and a power supply line 52, and the communication interface 15 of the ECU 1 and the communication interface 25 of the vehicle diagnostic device 2 are connected via the signal line 51 of the communication cable 5, and CP
It is configured so that bidirectional digital communication can be performed between the U10 and the CPU 20. When the communication cable 5 is connected to the ECU 1, the power supply unit 29 uses the electric power supplied from the in-vehicle battery 19 via the power supply line 52 as the electric power source of the vehicle diagnostic device 2, and the electric power causes the built-in battery 23 to operate. To charge.

As will be described later in detail, the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is started without turning on a key switch for turning on the power provided on the keyboard 26 by an operator or without operating the key switch at all. The operator uses the communication cable 5
The connector 34 is connected to the connector 18 of the ECU 1, and the operation after the start differs depending on which method is used.

The ROM 21 stores a basic program and control data necessary for controlling the vehicle diagnostic device 2, and the non-standard data used in each diagnosis and the vehicle diagnostic program are accompanied by the production of a new model vehicle. Unique information that can be added or changed is stored in the ROM card 7. The data of the ROM card 7 is taken into the CPU 20 via the ROM card interface 28.

The signal fetched from the ECU 1 is stored in the ROM 2
1 and the basic data stored in the RAM 22 and the vehicle diagnostic program and control data stored in the ROM card 7, and the processing result, that is, the diagnostic result is temporarily stored in the RAM 22. The diagnostic results are output to the display unit 27 each time the diagnosis of each vehicle is completed, and the diagnostic results of several vehicles are transmitted from the transmitting unit 24 to the host device such as the host computer 30 in response to the operator's instruction. They are transmitted together and centrally managed and stored by the host computer 30 and the large storage device 33. Further, the vehicle diagnostic device 2 can be connected to a personal computer (not shown), and the personal computer can provide the vehicle diagnostic device 2 with necessary information, for example, an updated (upgraded) failure diagnostic program.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ROM card 7 stores a diagnostic item management table 71 for selecting a diagnostic item based on an ECU code, and a vehicle diagnostic program for a plurality of diagnostic items. A diagnostic program storage area 72, a standard data storage area 73 storing standard data shared by each vehicle regardless of the ECU,
A non-standard data storage area 74 in which non-standard data unique to each ECU is stored is secured.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the diagnostic item management table 71. The vehicle diagnostic device 2 of the present invention is capable of diagnosing a large number of items and includes all algorithms for each diagnostic item. However, not all of the diagnostics are executed for all vehicles, and each vehicle is not individually diagnosed. The diagnostic items to be executed are different. Therefore, “1” (selected) or “0” (non-selected) is registered in the management table 71 for each ECU code for each diagnosis item. For example, “OΔ × □” is registered as the ECU code. The diagnostic items selected and executed for the selected vehicle are 1, 2, 5, 6,..., And the other diagnostic items are not executed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the storage contents of the non-standard data storage area 74. In the present embodiment, EC
As the non-standard data different for each U (that is, ECU code), for example, a unique idling rotation speed NID-ref is registered in association with each ECU code.

The specific idling speed NID-ref is, as will be described in detail later, a reference speed during idling specified for each ECU code, and whether the engine speed during idling is normal or not. Diagnosis is performed by comparing the detected engine speed Ne with a unique idling speed NID-ref selected according to the ECU code of the vehicle.

As described above, in this embodiment, different diagnostic contents, that is, a combination of diagnostic items and non-standard data are automatically determined according to the ECU code, so that the operator selects the diagnostic item and the non-standard data. Free yourself from the work of determining data. Therefore, not only the burden on the operator is alleviated, but also an erroneous selection of a diagnostic item and an erroneous recognition of non-standard data are eliminated, so that an accurate diagnosis can be performed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the stored contents of the standard data storage area 73, in which standard data x1 to x5 which are commonly used in each diagnosis are stored regardless of the ECU code in the diagnostic program.

Next, an operation example of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to a flow chart. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of vehicle diagnosis by the vehicle diagnosis apparatus of the present invention. The vehicle diagnostic device of the present invention can be used for vehicle diagnostics in any environment, such as vehicle diagnostics on a production line or vehicle diagnostics at a repair shop, but here, "inspection process" or the like on a factory production line. The operation will be described by taking as an example the case of use in the "vehicle diagnosis" carried out in 1.

In step S100, "initial processing" is executed. This "initial processing" is a characteristic feature of the present invention, and will be described later in detail with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 7 and the flowchart of FIG. In step S200, “vehicle speed sensor diagnosis” registered as diagnosis item 1 is executed. In step S300, the diagnostic item 2
The "EGR diagnosis" registered as is executed. In step S600, the "Ne diagnosis" registered as the diagnosis item 3 is executed. In step S700, the diagnosis of each switch system registered as the diagnosis items 4, 5, ... Is executed. In step S800, "end processing"
Is executed. In step S900, "standby mode processing" is executed. Then, the process is step S20.
Returning to 0, each diagnosis is repeated until all the diagnosis passes.

As described above, the vehicle diagnostic device of the present invention is configured to repeatedly and automatically and repeatedly perform diagnostics on a large number of items. Hereinafter, each diagnostic method and processing method will be described in detail.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the "initial processing" executed as step S100. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle diagnostic device that executes this “initial processing”. Here, first, the configuration of the vehicle diagnostic device will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 7, and then the specific operation thereof will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Note that the step numbers given in the blocks in FIG. 7 correspond to the step numbers in the flowchart,
It means that the block executes the process of each step. As described above, the vehicle diagnostic device 2 of the present embodiment is started up either by the operator operating the key switch for turning on the power provided on the keyboard 26 or by the operator connecting the communication cable 5 to the ECU 1. Any of the above is possible, and in the initial processing, it is first determined by which method the power was turned on.

In FIG. 7, power-on operation detecting means 23
1, the CPU 20 causes the ROM card 7 and the RO card to operate as described later with reference to steps S101 and S104 in FIG.
This is a function to be executed in accordance with a program or control data stored in the M21 or the RAM 22, and detects the turning-on operation of the power switch by the operator. Connection detection means 2
32 is the same as steps S101, S102, and S103.
It is one of the functions of the CPU 20 that executes the process of (1) and detects whether the communication cable 5 is connected to the ECU 1. The main control unit 234 is one function of the CPU 20 that executes the processes of steps S105 to S107, and the power-on operation detection unit 231 detects the power-on operation of the power switch, or the connection detection unit 232 detects the communication cable. When the connection of ECU 5 to ECU 1 is detected, the main control is activated.

The menu screen display means 235 is operated in step S.
108, S115 is executed to execute the main control means 23.
When 4 is activated by a power-on operation, a menu screen is displayed on the display unit 27. The selection process activation unit 236 executes the processes of steps S116 to S118, and activates the process selected by the operator on the menu screen. The vehicle diagnosis starting means 237 uses steps S108 and S110 to S112.
When the main control unit 234 is activated by connecting the communication cable 5 to the ECU 1, the vehicle diagnosis process is activated immediately without displaying the menu screen. Electric power is supplied to each component via the power supply line 29b.

The power supply switching means 29a is one of the functions of the power supply unit 29. When the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is started by connecting to the ECU 1, the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is supplied with power to the vehicle to be diagnosed. The power supply path to the power supply line 29b is switched from the built-in battery 23 side to the communication cable 5 side so as to be performed from the battery 19 via the communication cable 5.

According to the above configuration, when the power is turned on by connecting the communication cable 5, the diagnostic process is started immediately without displaying the menu screen, so that the operability of the vehicle diagnostic device is improved. Vehicle diagnosis can be started quickly. Moreover, since the menu screen is displayed when the vehicle diagnostic device is activated by the power-on operation, it is possible to easily select other functions.

On the other hand, in step S101 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the power source of the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is turned on by turning on the switch, and if it is determined that the power source is turned on, then in step S104, a flag indicating a power-on procedure. “0” is set in Fst. At this time, power supply to the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is performed by the built-in battery 23. If it is not detected that the power is turned on by turning on the switch in step S101, it is determined in step S102 whether the communication cable 5 is connected to the vehicle (ECU 1), and it is detected that the communication cable 5 is connected. And step S10
In 3, the flag Fst is set to "1". The power supply at this time is performed by the vehicle-mounted battery 19.

When it is detected that the switch is turned on or the cable is connected to the power source, an initial screen is displayed on the display unit 27 in step S105, and in step S106, an abnormality or failure of itself is checked. Self-diagnosis is performed in order to do so. Step S1
In step 07, if the self-diagnosis result is determined to be good, the process proceeds to step S108. If it is determined to be bad, an error message is displayed on the display unit 27 in step S119.

In step S108, the flag Fst is checked to determine whether the operator should select a process to be executed on the menu screen or automatically start a predetermined specific process. It
When the flag Fst is "1", that is, when the power is turned on by cable connection, "vehicle diagnosis" is immediately started as a predetermined specific process without displaying a menu screen on the display unit 27, The process proceeds to Step S109. In step S109, the ECU code registered in the ECU 1 is read. In step S110, based on the read ECU code,
The diagnosis item management table 71 described with reference to FIG. 3 is searched, and a diagnosis item to be executed is selected. In step S111, the diagnosis selection flag F of the selected diagnosis item
"1" (selected) for selcxx ("xx" is the diagnostic item number)
Is set, and "0" (non-selected) is set in the diagnosis selection flag Fselcxx of the unselected diagnosis item.

In step S112, a list of diagnostic item numbers representing the selected diagnostic items is displayed on the display unit 27.
FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 27 when all the diagnostic items are selected, and all the diagnostic item numbers “01”, “02”, “03”... Are displayed. ing. As will be described in detail later, the display "00" in the figure is a code that is erased when the diagnosis start condition regarding the "Ne diagnosis" of the diagnosis item 3 is satisfied and the diagnosis is sufficiently performed. Displayed in step S113. Note that the code is not limited to “00” and may be an alphabet such as “X” or another symbol as long as the code can be easily distinguished from other diagnostic item numbers.

In step S114, the identification code representing the identification information unique to each vehicle in the form of a barcode is read by the barcode reader 31 and temporarily stored in the RAM 22. This identification code is printed in advance on a diagnostic chart prepared in advance for each vehicle. Instead of printing on the diagnostic chart, a tag or sticker on which a barcode is printed may be attached to an appropriate place on the vehicle body.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S108 that the flag Fst = "0", that is, the power is turned on by the operator's operation of turning on the switch, in step S115 the operator selects the processing content. The menu screen is displayed on the display unit 27. Step S
In step 116, the processing content selected by the operator on the menu screen is determined. For example, when "vehicle diagnosis" is selected, the process proceeds to step S109, and the diagnostic processing is started in the same manner as when flag Fst = "1". You. Step S116
In, when the operator selects a process other than “vehicle diagnosis”, the selected process is executed in step S117. In step S118, step S11
At 6, it is determined whether or not “end” has been selected.
If “end” is selected, the process ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the processing after the power is turned on differs depending on whether the power of the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is turned on by the switch on operation or the cable connection, and the power is turned on by the cable connection. The diagnostic process starts immediately without displaying the menu screen. Therefore, the worker on the inspection line can automatically start the vehicle diagnosis simply by connecting the cable 5 of the vehicle diagnosis device 2 to each vehicle to be diagnosed that is conveyed one after another. Operation becomes easy. Further, when the vehicle diagnostic device 2 is activated by an operator turning on a switch, a menu screen is displayed, so that other processing can be easily selected.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a diagnostic method of "vehicle speed sensor diagnostic" of diagnostic item 1 executed as step S200 of FIG. The “vehicle speed sensor diagnosis” is a diagnosis of whether or not a sensor for detecting the vehicle speed is functioning normally, based on a comparison result between the vehicle speed VS detected by the vehicle speed sensor and a reference value (reference vehicle speed VSref). Diagnosis is made by an appropriate technique.

In step S201, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed sensor diagnosis is selected based on the diagnosis selection flag Fselc1 for "vehicle speed sensor diagnosis", and Fse
If lc1 = "0", it is determined that it is not selected and the process proceeds to the next diagnosis. If Fselc1 = "1", it is determined that it is selected and the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, it is determined whether or not the diagnosis has already passed based on the pass flag Fpass1 relating to "vehicle speed sensor diagnosis". This flag “F
“passxx” indicates whether or not the diagnostic item xx has passed. If Fpass1 = “1”, it is determined that the pass has already passed, and the process proceeds to the next diagnosis. If Fpass1 = “0”, , And the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the standard data storage area 73 of the ROM card 7 is used as one of the standard data.
The reference vehicle speed VSref stored in FIG. 5 is read, and the current vehicle speed VS is detected via the ECU 1 in step S204. In step S205, a vehicle speed sensor diagnosis is performed based on the reference vehicle speed VSref and the vehicle speed VS. In step S206, step S20
In step S207, it is determined whether or not the diagnosis executed is 5, and if the result is “pass”, the diagnosis pass flag Fpass1 is set to “1” (pass). If it fails, proceed to the next diagnosis. In step S208, the diagnostic item number "01" displayed on the display unit 27 is erased. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 27 when only the “vehicle speed sensor diagnosis” has passed, and only the diagnosis item number “01” is deleted.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a diagnosis method of "EGR diagnosis" of the diagnosis item 2 executed as step S300 in FIG. "EGR diagnosis"
This is a diagnosis of whether or not the device (EGR) for reducing NOx by recirculating exhaust gas to the combustion chamber of the engine is functioning normally.

In steps S301 and S302, "EG
Based on the diagnosis selection flag Fselc2 and the diagnosis pass flag Fpass2 regarding "R diagnosis", it is determined whether or not the diagnosis item is selected and whether or not the diagnosis is successful, as described above. "EG
If "R diagnosis" is selected (Fselc2 = "1") and has not yet passed (Fpass2 = "0"), step S303
Then, the diagnosis of EGR is executed by an appropriate method. If it is determined in step S304 that the diagnosis has passed, “1” is set in the diagnosis pass flag Fpass2 in step S305, and the display unit 2 is set in step S306.
The diagnostic item number “02” displayed in 7 is deleted. If the diagnosis does not pass, the process goes to step S3.
The procedure proceeds from 04 to the next diagnosis.

12 and 13 show step S6 of FIG.
10 is a flowchart showing a diagnosis method of “Ne diagnosis” of diagnosis item 3 executed as 00. The “Ne diagnosis” is a diagnosis of whether the engine speed during idling is normal or not, and the engine speed Ne during idling.
The diagnosis is made based on the result of comparison between the threshold value and the reference value (allowable rotational speed tolerance NID-TRC).

In step S601, based on the selection flag Fselc3 and the pass flag Fpass3 relating to the diagnostic item 3, whether or not the diagnostic item is selected and whether or not the diagnostic is successful are determined and selected (Fselc3 = “1”), as described above. If it has not passed (Fpass3 = “0”), step S
Proceed to 602, and if not, proceed to the next diagnosis.

In step S602, it is determined whether or not there is a load that occurs when the switch of the electric device is in the on state or the power steering is steering. "Ne Diagnosis" is the detected idling rotation speed N
If the difference between e and the target value is small, it is judged to be good.However, if a load that affects the engine speed such as an engine load or electrical load is applied, the idling speed should be set higher than usual to compensate for this. Accurate diagnosis of the idling rotational speed is difficult because the engine control is set to a higher setting. Therefore, in the present embodiment, prior to the “Ne diagnosis”, the presence or absence of a load is detected in advance in step S602, and if a load is detected, the diagnosis is not performed.
Proceeding to 620, the timer MID described later, the integration count Cmesu,
After resetting variables such as the integrated value ΣNe, the process proceeds to the next diagnosis. If no load is detected, the process proceeds to step S603.
In step S603, it is determined whether idling is stable or not.
The process advances to step S604 if it is stable.

When the idling is stable and the diagnosis start condition is satisfied as described above, the timer M is activated in step S604.
The operation state of the ID is determined, and if it has not started, it is started. In step S605, the total number of times Cme
su is incremented. In step S606, the EC
Step S6: Receive engine speed Ne from U1
At 07, the engine speed Ne detected at the current “Ne diagnosis” timing is added to the integrated value ΣNe up to the previous time. This added value is registered as a new integrated value ΣNe.

Next, in step S608 of FIG. 13, the timer MID is compared with the reference idling measurement time MID-ref which is one of the standard data. If the count value of the timer MID has reached the MID-ref, it is determined that the measurement period required for “Ne diagnosis” has already elapsed, and the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, the number of times of idling diagnosis CID is incremented each time. In step S610, the number of times of diagnosis CID is compared with the reference number of times of idling diagnosis CID-ref, which is one of the standard data.

When the number of times of diagnosis CID reaches the reference number of times of diagnosis CID-ref, it is determined that the number of times sufficient for diagnosis has been completed, and "0" is displayed on the display unit 27 in step S611.
In step S612, the integrated value ΣNe of the engine speed Ne is replaced with the integrated number Cmesu.
And the average value of the number of revolutions Ne is calculated.

In step S613, the absolute value of the difference between the average value of the rotational speed Ne and the non-standard data NID-ref is compared with the idling tolerance NID-TRC which is one of the standard data, and the absolute difference between the two is calculated. If the value is equal to or less than the tolerance NID-TRC, it is diagnosed that the idling is normal, and the process proceeds to step S614. If the absolute value of the difference between the two exceeds the tolerance NID-TRC, idling is diagnosed as abnormal and the step S
Proceeding to 620, a timer MID described later, an integration count Cmesu,
After resetting variables such as the integrated value ΣNe, the process proceeds to the next diagnosis. In step S614, the diagnostic pass flag Fpass3 related to the "Ne diagnostic" is set to "1", and in step S615, the diagnostic item number "03"("00" if displayed on the display unit 27 remains " 00 "and" 03 ") are erased.

As described above, in this embodiment, "Ne diagnosis" is performed.
Are repeatedly executed, the detected engine speed Ne is integrated, and an average value of the engine speed is calculated based on the integrated value ΣNe. Since the diagnosis is made based on whether or not this average value is within the reference range, even if a diagnosis method in which a plurality of diagnoses are cyclically repeated in a very short cycle is adopted, the “Ne diagnosis” can be performed efficiently. You can do better.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a diagnostic method for diagnosing each switch system such as diagnostic items 4, 5, ... Executed as step S700 in FIG. 8, here, each diagnostic target. If both the on state and the off state of the switch are detected, it is diagnosed as good.

In step S701, the diagnosis selection flag Fse for the "brake switch diagnosis" of the above-mentioned diagnosis item 4 is selected.
Based on lc4 and the diagnostic pass flag Fpass4, the presence or absence of selection of the diagnostic item and the success or failure of the diagnostic are determined in the same manner as above. "Brake switch diagnosis" is selected (Fse
lc4 = "1") and has not yet passed (Fpass4 =
If it is "0"), the process proceeds to step S702. If not, the process proceeds to step S710 to execute the next switch diagnosis (diagnosis item 5). In step S702, a diagnosis is performed for when the switch is on and when the switch is off. In step S703, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned diagnosis is successful, and if both the on-time and the off-time have passed, then in step S704, the diagnosis pass flag Fpass4 relating to the diagnosis is passed.
Is set to 1, and in step S705, the diagnostic item number “04” displayed on the display unit 27 is erased. Similarly, the same diagnosis is executed for the other switches, and the numbers of the passed diagnostic items are sequentially erased from the display unit 27.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the "end processing" executed as step S800 in FIG. In step S501, as the diagnosis result at the present time, for example, the number of the diagnosis item that has not yet passed the diagnosis is stored in the RAM 22 in association with the identification code of the vehicle read in step S114 in FIG. . Each time the step S501 is executed, the diagnosis result is rewritten as needed according to the diagnosis result at that time.

The RAM 22 shown in FIG. 1 can store the diagnostic results for a plurality of vehicles in association with the respective identification codes, and the diagnostic results for a plurality of vehicles (for example, 50 to 60 vehicles) can be stored. When collected, the operator automatically or manually selects the "transfer function" on the menu screen, and the diagnostic results are collectively transferred by wireless communication to the host device such as the host computer 30 via the transmission unit 24. To be done. In the host computer 30, the diagnostic results transferred for a plurality of units are collectively stored in the storage device 33, and when data for the planned number (for example, several hundreds) is accumulated,
This is stored in a portable storage medium such as an IC card or a floppy disk.

As described above, if the diagnostic results of each vehicle are managed collectively, not only the working efficiency of the operator is improved, but also the statistical processing of the diagnostic results is facilitated and the diagnostic results are analyzed. It also enables quick feedback to the production process.

In step S502 of FIG. 15, all diagnostic pass flags Fpassxx are referenced to determine whether all diagnostic items have passed. If "1" is set in all the diagnostic pass flags Fpassxx, in step S503, the character "pass" is displayed in a large size on the display unit 27 as shown in FIG. Signals the end of diagnosis. In step S504, it is determined whether or not the communication cable 5 is removed from the ECU 1, and if it is removed, it is turned off in step S505. If the communication cable 5 is not removed, in step S508, it is determined whether or not the key operation for turning off the power supply is performed by the operator. When the key operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S505. If the key operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S503.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the diagnostic item 2 does not pass, the process proceeds to step S506. At this time, since the display "02" remains on the display unit 27 as shown in FIG. 6C, the operator can easily recognize that only the diagnostic item 2 has not yet passed. it can.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 (d) and 6 (e),
When the diagnosis item number “03” of “Ne diagnosis” remains, the validity of the diagnosis result of the diagnosis item 3 is determined depending on whether the display “00” remains. That is, as described with respect to steps S610 and S611 in FIG. 13, the display "00" indicates that the prerequisite of diagnostic item 3 (for example, the engine is sufficiently warm and there is no load) is satisfied. The number of times the diagnosis was made (ie CI
It is erased when D) exceeds a predetermined number (CID> CID-ref). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7D, when the display "00" also remains, it means that the precondition of the diagnosis item 3 is not satisfied and the diagnosis itself has not been started yet. Therefore, the operator does not immediately judge that the diagnosis item 3 is defective, but thereafter, if the Ne diagnosis is performed again and the displays "00" and "03" are erased, it is judged as good.

If the display "00" disappears, the precondition of the diagnostic item 3 is satisfied and the number of times is sufficient (that is, C
Since it has not passed even though the diagnosis of (ID) is performed, the worker immediately determines that the diagnosis item 3 is defective.

As described above, in the present embodiment, with respect to the diagnostic items that need to satisfy the preconditions before the diagnosis, the failure code "00" indicating whether or not the preconditions are satisfied is displayed. Therefore, even if the diagnosis of the relevant diagnostic item has not passed, it can be easily recognized that this is due to the failure of the precondition, and a diagnostic item that is not necessarily defective is erroneously determined as defective. There is no end.

In step S506, it is determined whether or not the switch operation for turning off the power supply is performed by the operator. When the switch operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S505 and the switch is turned off, and the switch operation is performed. If not performed, it is determined in step S507 whether the communication cable 5 has been removed from the ECU 1. When the communication cable 5 is removed, the step S
Proceeding to 505, it is turned off, and if not removed, it proceeds to the next diagnosis to continue the diagnosis.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the operation of the "standby mode process" executed as step S900 of FIG. In step S901, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in the standby mode. Since the diagnosis mode is initially set, the process proceeds to step S902. In step S902, the engine speed Ne-pre detected last time is compared with the engine speed Ne detected this time. Here, when the diagnosis operation is being performed, that is, when the engine is rotating, the engine speed is slightly changed even in the idling state, so that it is determined that they do not match, and the process proceeds to step S903. In step S903, the standby mode timer Tss is reset, and in step S904, the engine speed Ne detected this time is newly registered as the previous engine speed Ne-pre, and the process proceeds to the next diagnosis.

After that, when the diagnosis work is interrupted and the engine is stopped, for example, during a break, the above-mentioned step S902.
In, it is determined that the previous engine speed Ne-pre and the current engine speed Ne match, so the process proceeds to step S905. In step S905, it is determined whether or not the timer Tss has been started. Since it is initially determined that the timer Tss has not been started, the process proceeds to step S906, in which the timer Tss is started.

When the standby mode timer Tss is started as described above, the determination in step S905 is affirmative thereafter, and therefore the process proceeds from step S905 to step S907. In step S907, the count value of the timer Tss is compared with the standby mode start condition Tss-ref which is one of the standard data. If the count value of the timer Tss exceeds the starting condition Tss-ref, the process proceeds to step S90.
At 8, the operation mode of the process is shifted from the diagnostic mode to the standby mode, and the backlight of the display unit 27 and the liquid crystal drive thereof are both turned off. Further, the progress of the diagnosis so far is temporarily stored in the RAM 22.

When the standby mode is started, the next processing advances from step S901 to step S909, and the previous engine speed Ne-pre and the current engine speed Ne are compared. During the break time, the two always match and the determination in step S909 is affirmative, so that the standby mode is maintained. However, when the break time ends and the engine is restarted,
If the determination in step S909 is negative, step S91 is reached.
Go to 0. In step S910, the operation mode of the process shifts from the standby mode to the diagnostic mode, and both the backlight of the display unit 27 and the liquid crystal drive are turned on. At the same time, the progress of the diagnosis up to the start of the standby mode is read from the RAM 22, and the display content immediately before the start of the standby mode is reproduced on the display unit 27. In step S911, the currently detected engine speed Ne is newly registered as the previous engine speed Ne-pre. Thereafter, the process returns to the "vehicle speed sensor diagnosis" described with reference to FIG. Are cyclically repeated as shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the shift from the diagnostic mode to the standby mode is automatically performed when the change in the engine speed is no longer detected, and the shift from the standby mode to the diagnostic mode is the change in the engine speed. Is detected automatically. Therefore, the operator only needs to stop the engine when the break time starts to interrupt the diagnosis and restart the engine when the break time ends and restart the diagnosis, and no special operation is required. . For this reason, no extra burden is imposed on the operator when shifting from the diagnostic mode to the standby mode and when shifting from the standby mode to the diagnostic mode.

In the present embodiment, the operator operates the brake pedal from the time when the operator starts one operation for each diagnosis to the time when the operation is completed, for example, in the case of the "brake switch diagnosis". The "brake switch diagnosis" must be executed during (depressing). Therefore,
Diagnosis of each diagnosis item is performed repeatedly and cyclically at such a rate that at least one diagnosis of all diagnosis items is performed between the time when the operator starts one operation and the time when the operation ends. Is desirable.

As described above, according to such a diagnosis method, when the operator performs a predetermined operation for each item to be diagnosed, the operator is not restricted in the order and timing. Therefore, the degree of freedom regarding the order and timing of operations is increased, and efficient vehicle diagnosis can be performed in a short time.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, all the diagnostic item numbers are first displayed in a list, the numbers of the passed diagnostic items are sequentially erased, and the diagnostic items with the remaining numbers are judged to be defective. However, conversely, it is also possible to sequentially display the numbers of the diagnostic items that have passed and judge the diagnostic items with the numbers that are not displayed until the end as defective. Similarly, the display "00" is also described as being erased when the diagnosis of the diagnosis item 3 is sufficiently performed, but conversely, the display "00" is not deleted when the diagnosis of the diagnosis item 3 is sufficiently performed. It may be displayed.

Further, although the case where the vehicle diagnosis method and apparatus of the present invention are used in the "inspection process" in a factory production line has been described here as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and a repair factory or The same can be applied to the vehicle diagnosis method and device used in other environments.

[0074]

As described above, according to the present invention, the processing after the power is turned on differs depending on whether the power of the vehicle diagnostic device is turned on by the key operation or the cable connection.
When the power is turned on by the cable connection, the diagnostic process is started immediately without displaying the menu screen. Therefore, the operator on the inspection line can automatically start the vehicle diagnosis simply by connecting the communication cable of the vehicle diagnosis device to each vehicle to be diagnosed that is transported one after another. Will be easier. Moreover, since the menu screen can be displayed when the power is turned on by turning the switch on, it is possible to easily select functions other than vehicle diagnosis.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ECU 1 mounted on a vehicle to be diagnosed and a vehicle diagnostic device 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing storage contents of a ROM card 7;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing storage contents of a diagnosis item management table 71.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing storage contents of a non-standard data storage area 74;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing storage contents of a standard data storage area 73;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example on a display unit 27.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the vehicle diagnostic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of vehicle diagnosis according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an initial process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of vehicle speed sensor diagnosis.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of EGR diagnosis.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of Ne diagnosis.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation (continuation) of Ne diagnosis.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of each switch diagnosis.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of end processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of a standby mode process.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... ECU, 2 ... Vehicle diagnosis device, 3 ... Actuator,
4 ... Sensor, 5 ... Communication cable, 7 ... ROM card, 1
6, 17, 18 connector, 20 CPU, 24 transmitting unit, 27 display unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle diagnostic device, which is used by connecting to an on-vehicle electronic control device with a communication cable, and which performs a diagnosis on a plurality of types of diagnostic items based on various data obtained from the on-vehicle electronic control device, comprising a built-in battery. A power-on operation detecting means for detecting a power-on operation, a connection detecting means for detecting a connection with an in-vehicle electronic control device, or a connection detection means for detecting a power-on operation or a connection with the in-vehicle electronic control device. When the main control means is activated by the power-on operation,
When the main control means is activated by connecting the menu screen display means for displaying the menu screen, the selection processing activation means for activating the processing selected on the menu screen, and the on-vehicle electronic control device, the menu screen is displayed. A vehicle diagnostic device comprising a vehicle diagnostic starting means for immediately starting a vehicle diagnostic process without performing the above. 2. The power is supplied from the built-in battery when activated by a power-on operation, and is supplied from the battery mounted in the vehicle to be diagnosed through a communication cable when activated by connection with an on-vehicle electronic control unit. The vehicle diagnostic device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply switching unit that switches the power supply. 3. The vehicle diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle diagnostic device is turned off when the connection with the on-vehicle electronic control device is cut off. 4. A vehicle diagnostic method using a vehicle diagnostic device, which is used by being externally connected to an in-vehicle electronic control device, and which performs a diagnosis regarding a plurality of diagnostic items based on various data obtained from the in-vehicle electronic control device. , The operation is started when one of the power-on operation of the vehicle diagnostic device and the connection of the vehicle diagnostic device to the on-vehicle electronic control device is detected, and the menu screen is displayed when the operation is started by the power-on operation. The vehicle diagnostic method is characterized in that the vehicle diagnostic process is performed and the vehicle diagnostic process is immediately executed without displaying the menu screen when the operation is started by the connection with the on-vehicle electronic control device.