JPH10124304A - Electronic instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily rewrite a program without decomposing an electronic instrument and detaching the instrument from an opposite side equipment by connecting a program rewriting device to a connector through an aperture hole of a casing and rewriting a control program. SOLUTION: A writing jig 17 connected to a computer 16 storing a normal program to be rewritten is connected to the connecting connector 30 of an electronic instrument 10 and a rewriting start button on the instrument 10 is depressed to execute rewriting starting operation. The program contents rewriting connecting connector 30 built in the instrument 10 is formed so as to be exposed to an aperture hole 36 formed on the outerperipheral part of the instrument 10. When program rewriting software in the computer 16 is started, substitution data are transmitted from a writer 15 through the jig 17 and the connector 30 and the microcomputer 11 rewrites data in a flash ROM 12 by the use of the transmitted data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to rewriting of a microcomputer program incorporated in an electronic device or the like.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a rewriting device used for rewriting and a mounting structure of a connector on the electronic device side.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Problems (bugs) in programs of microcomputers (hereinafter referred to as microcomputers) built in conventional electronic devices and the like (for example, devices that are mounted on a vehicle and are integrally configured with a television, a CD deck, a cassette deck, and the like). In some cases, the microcomputer program is upgraded in order to correct the problem or to improve the functions (multiple functions) of the electronic device. The following two methods are mainly used as these methods. Hereinafter, these methods will be described.

First, the first method will be described. First
In the method of (1), the electronic device is disassembled, a printed wiring board (hereinafter, referred to as a substrate) in which a microcomputer is incorporated is taken out, and a lead portion soldered to a conductor pattern of the substrate is heated and melted and removed from the conductor pattern. Then, the microcomputer in which the correct program content in which the bug has been corrected or upgraded has been written in advance is soldered to the original position from which it was removed. In addition, when a socket insertion type microcomputer is used, the microcomputer is replaced with a microcomputer in which a formal program content is written. Then, quality inspection such as a function check of the substrate is performed, and the electronic device is assembled into the original electronic device in a procedure reverse to the previously disassembled procedure. Finally, comprehensive adjustment and quality inspection are performed.

Next, a second method will be described. Second
According to the method, a connector for rewriting the program content is installed in advance on a board incorporated in the electronic device, and when it becomes necessary to rewrite the program content, the electronic device is connected until the connector incorporated in the board appears. Is disassembled and connected to a rewriting device (for example, a writing jig connected to a personal computer) or the like, and is rewritten into a regular program. Then, the electronic device is assembled into the original electronic device in the reverse procedure of the previously disassembled procedure, and finally, the overall adjustment and quality inspection are performed.

[0005]

However, in the above-described first method, a part of the electronic device is disassembled and restored when the microcomputer is replaced, so that a time loss and a time for checking the quality are reduced. Loss occurs. Further, when replacing the microcomputer soldered to the board, there is a possibility that quality defects such as peeling of the conductor pattern of the board and bridges between the leads of the microcomputer due to the solder may occur. Further, in both the first and second methods, a mating member (an automobile or the like) is attached.
If the microcomputer program is rewritten after it is attached to the server, a time loss for removing the microcomputer program from the other party occurs.

Further, in the above-described second method, a time loss occurs in which a part of the electronic device is disassembled and restored after rewriting the microcomputer program as in the first method. In addition, there may be a problem due to disassembly and reassembly, and the quality may be unstable. Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and to provide an electronic device capable of rewriting a program of a built-in microcomputer without disassembling the electronic device or removing the electronic device from a mating member (such as a car). Aim.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus capable of rewriting a control program, comprising a connector for inputting data for rewriting the program from a program rewriting device. And a housing of the electronic device having an opening formed at a position facing a connection portion of the connection connector, connecting the program rewriting device to the connector via the opening, and It is characterized in that rewriting is enabled.

[0008] The invention is characterized in that the connector is mounted on a printed wiring board so that a connection portion of the connection connector is in a horizontal direction, and the opening is provided in a horizontal outer peripheral portion of the housing. The connector is mounted on a printed wiring board such that a connection portion of the connection connector is vertically upward or downward, and the opening is provided in an outer peripheral portion in an upper or lower direction of the housing. Things.

Further, the connection connector is electrically connected to a printed wiring board by a lead wire, and can be pulled out of the housing through an opening of the housing. Further, the electronic device has a movable front part,
The opening of the housing is provided in the direction of the back of the front part.

Further, the front portion is moved to a position where an opening of the housing appears by a predetermined operation of a switch of the electronic device.

[0011]

FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a microcomputer program rewriting method according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting position of a connector of an electronic device of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the microcomputer 17 for rewriting the program.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a vehicle-mounted electronic device such as a television, a CD,
A player, a cassette player, and the like are integrally formed. Reference numeral 20 denotes a front portion of the electronic device 10, which includes a display portion of a television, operation buttons, a front substrate, and the like.
In the front part 20, the front substrate and the substrate 25 are electrically connected. When using a CD player and a cassette player configured in the main body of the electronic device 10 (when inserting or ejecting a CD or a tape), the front part 20 is rotated downward to insert the CD player and the cassette player. A mouth (both not shown) is made to appear so that a CD or a tape can be inserted and ejected.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a board on which electronic components such as the microcomputer 11 (both not shown) are mounted, and a left end portion of the board 25 for inputting program rewriting data electrically connected to the microcomputer 11. A connection connector 30 is mounted. The connection connector 30 is a rewriting device 15 used when correcting a program bug of the microcomputer 11 or upgrading the version of the microcomputer program in order to improve the function of the electronic device (for example, increase the number of functions).
And the connection part.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a housing of the main body of the electronic device, in which a connecting portion of the connector 30 faces, that is, an opening 3 for connection.
6 is formed on the left side of the housing 35. The opening 3
Reference numeral 6 is covered with a seal or the like except when the connection connector 30 is used. The casing 35 is formed of a plated steel plate or the like, and is formed by press working or the like. Rewriting device 15
Is composed of, for example, a writing jig (connection part with the connector 30 of the electronic device 10) 17 connected to the computer 16.

Next, the rewriting operation and operation will be described. First, a writing jig 17 connected to a computer 16 in which a regular program to be rewritten is stored is connected to a connector 30 of the electronic device 10, and a rewriting start button is operated by operating a rewriting start button of the electronic device 10. Do. Further, the software for rewriting the program in the computer 16 is started. Then, the rewriting device 15 sends the writing jig 1
The replacement data is transmitted through the connector 7 and the connection connector 30, and the microcomputer 17 rewrites the data in the flash ROM 12 with the transmitted data to correct the program.

Next, the processing performed by the microcomputer 17 for rewriting the program will be described. This process is executed at predetermined intervals during the operation of the electronic device 10 (when the power supply is connected).
In step S10, it is determined from the state of the operation switch whether or not a rewrite operation has been performed. If it is determined that a rewrite operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S11. If no rewrite operation has been performed, the process ends. This rewriting operation is a predetermined specific operation,
For example, a long-time operation of a predetermined switch, a continuous operation of a plurality of switches in a predetermined order, or the like may be used. In step S11, the regular program transmitted from the computer 16 is written in the flash ROM 12 (overwriting of the old program).
Finish the process.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the connector 30 for rewriting the program content of the microcomputer incorporated in the electronic device 10 faces the opening 36 provided in the outer peripheral portion of the electronic device 10. The provision of the electronic device 10 makes it easy to rewrite the program contents of the microcomputer without disassembling the electronic device 10.
There is no time loss for disassembling and restoring 0, thereby reducing costs and shortening the program content rewriting period. In addition, there is no occurrence of problems such as peeling of the conductor pattern occurring when the microcomputer is replaced and a bridge between the leads of the microcomputer due to soldering, thereby improving the quality stability. In this embodiment, the opening 36 of the connection connector 30 is provided on the left side in the figure, but may be provided on the right side or the rear surface.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an attachment position of a connection connector of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, a part of the first embodiment is changed, and the others are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a vertical board on which electronic components such as a microcomputer (both not shown) are mounted, and a connector 30 electrically connected to the microcomputer is mounted on the upper portion of the vertical board 27. . The vertical substrate 27 is erected on the left side of the horizontally provided substrate 25. Reference numeral 38 denotes a housing of the electronic device main body, and an opening 39 through which a connection portion of the connector 30 faces is formed in an upper portion of the housing 38.
The opening hole 39 is covered with a seal or the like except when the connection connector 30 is used. The casing 38 is made of a plated steel plate or the like, and is formed by press working or the like.

As described above, also in this embodiment,
As in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily rewrite the program contents of the microcomputer without disassembling the electronic device 10, thereby eliminating the time loss required for disassembling and restoring, reducing costs and rewriting the program contents. Can be shortened. In addition, the occurrence of troubles due to the disassembly and restoration of the electronic device 10 can be prevented, and the quality can be improved stably. Further, the connection connector 30 is mounted on the vertical substrate 27, and the electronic device 10
By providing the connection portion of the connection connector 30 on the upper surface of the substrate, the width of the board design can be widened. In this embodiment, the vertical substrate 27
Is set upright, and the connector 3 is
Although the connection portion of 0 is provided, the connection portion of the connection connector 30 may be provided on the bottom of the housing 38 with the vertical substrate 27 facing downward.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an attachment position of a connection connector of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is a partial modification of the first embodiment, and the other portions are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a fly lead wire for electrically connecting the microcomputer mounted on the substrate 25 to the connector 30. The wire 32 is formed at a desired position by adjusting the length of the wire. A connection portion of the connection connector 30 can be provided at the position of the hole 41 of the housing 40. As described above, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily rewrite the program contents of the microcomputer without disassembling the electronic device 10, so that the time required for disassembly and restoration is reduced. Loss is eliminated, and costs can be saved and the time required for rewriting the program contents can be shortened. In addition, electronic equipment 1
No problems are caused by the decomposition and restoration of 0, and the quality can be improved stably. Furthermore, since the connection between the connector 30 and the microcomputer is connected by a lead wire, the connecting portion of the connector 30 can be provided at any desired position, so that the electronic device 10 can be designed in a wider range.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mounting position of a connection connector of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, a part of the first embodiment is changed, and the others are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the back of the front part 20 (the housing 6
A front opening of the connector 30 is provided in the upper left portion of the connector 30 so that the connecting portion of the connector 30 can face the connecting portion of the connector 30 when the front portion 20 is rotated to a state of inserting or ejecting a CD or a cassette tape. Is provided so as to be connectable to the rewriting device 15, and the opening 61 is normally covered with a design part or the like. When the program contents of the microcomputer are rewritten, the blinds of the opening 61 can be removed.

As described above, in this embodiment,
By providing the connection portion of the connection connector 30 on the front surface portion 20, the program of the microcomputer can be performed without disassembling the electronic device 10 and removing the electronic device 10 from the equipment (for example, the automobile or the like) as in the first embodiment. Since the contents can be easily rewritten, there is no time loss required for removing, disassembling, and restoring, thereby reducing costs and shortening the period for rewriting the program contents. In addition, the occurrence of troubles due to the disassembly and restoration of the electronic device 10 can be prevented, and the quality can be improved stably. Then, even after the product (electronic device 10) has been delivered to the end user, quick response is possible, and the product value is improved. Although the connection portion of the connection connector 30 is provided at the upper left portion of the rear surface of the front portion 20, the appearance is invisible because the opening 61 is not exposed by closing the opening 61 with a design component or the like. I have. In the present embodiment, the connection connector 30 is provided at the upper left portion of the rear surface of the front portion 20, but may be provided at another position.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mounting position of a connection connector of an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8B is a front-side rotation position when a CD or a cassette tape is inserted and ejected, FIG. 8B is a front-side rotation position when a microcomputer is rewritten, and FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the first embodiment.

The front part 50 includes a display part of a television,
It consists of operation buttons and a front substrate, etc.
In the figure, the front substrate and the substrate 25 are electrically connected. The front portion 50 is connected to a drive actuator and is configured to rotate in two stages depending on a difference in pressing time of a drive button (not shown). C configured in the main body of the electronic device 10
When using the D player and the cassette player, the drive button is pressed to rotate the front part 50 downward at a shallow angle (the state shown in FIG. 6A), and the insertion holes of the CD player and the cassette player (in either case). (Also not shown) is opened in a usable state. Further, if the drive button is kept pressed, the front part 50 rotates further downward at a deeper angle (the front part 50 is fully opened in FIG. 6B), and the connection part of the connection connector 30 appears and the rewriting device 15 is turned off. The connection with the writing jig 17 becomes possible. The connection connector 30 is provided with an opening 62 at a lower left portion of the rear surface of the front portion 50 (the front portion of the housing 60) at which the connection portion of the connection connector 30 faces.

Next, the processing performed by the microcomputer 17 for rewriting the program will be described. This process is performed at predetermined time intervals during the operation of the electronic device 10 (when the power is connected). In step S20, it is determined whether or not a rewrite operation has been performed based on the state of the operation switch. If a rewrite operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S21; otherwise, the process ends. This rewriting operation is a predetermined specific operation, for example, a long-time operation of a predetermined switch, a continuous operation of a plurality of switches in a predetermined order, or the like. In step S21, a drive signal is output to the actuator, and the front face 50 is turned to a deep angle (the front face 50 is fully opened in FIG. 6B), and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the writing jig 17 and the electronic device 10
Is determined to be in a communicable state by being connected to the connection connector 30 of FIG.
The process moves to 3, and if communication is not possible, the process of step S22 is repeated until communication becomes possible. In step S23, the data (program) transmitted from the rewriting device 15 is written into the flash ROM (overwriting the old program), and the process is completed.

As described above, in this embodiment,
The connection connector 30 is provided below the rear surface of the front portion 50, and the connection portion of the connection connector 30 appears when the front portion 50 is turned at a deeper angle than during normal use (turned at a shallow angle). Since the connector 30 and the rewriting device 15 can be connected to each other, the microcomputer 10 can be connected without disassembling the electronic device 10 and removing it from the partner equipment (for example, an automobile or the like) as in the fourth embodiment. Since the contents of the program can be easily rewritten,
The time loss required for removal, disassembly, and restoration is eliminated, and costs can be reduced and the time required for rewriting the program contents can be shortened. In addition, the occurrence of troubles due to the disassembly and restoration of the electronic device 10 can be prevented, and the quality can be improved stably. Then, even after the product (electronic device 10) has been delivered to the end user, quick response is possible, and the product value is improved. By providing the connector 30 at a position behind the front portion 50 that is not visible during normal use, there is no need to cover the opening 62. In this embodiment, the connection connector 30 is provided at the lower left portion on the back of the front portion 50. However, the connector 30 may be provided at another position hidden by the front portion 50 during normal operation.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily rewrite a program without disassembling the electronic device and without removing it from the other party's equipment (for example, a car or the like). The time loss for disassembling and restoring the electronic device is eliminated, thereby reducing costs and shortening the work period for rewriting the program contents. Further, since there is no occurrence of problems such as peeling of the conductor pattern which occurs when the microcomputer is replaced and bridging between leads of the microcomputer due to soldering, the stability of quality can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating connection of a program rewriting device of a microcomputer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an attachment position of a connection connector of the electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a microcomputer 17 for rewriting a program.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting position of a connection connector of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a mounting position of a connection connector of an electronic apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a mounting position of a connection connector of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views showing attachment positions of a connector of an electronic apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A is a front rotation position when a CD or a cassette tape is inserted and ejected, and FIG. This is the rotation position of the front part at the time of rewriting the program.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a microcomputer 17 for rewriting a program.

[Explanation of symbols]

 ... Electronic equipment 11... Microcomputer 12... Flash ROM 15... Rewriting device 16... Computer 17... Writing jig 20. , 50... Front panel 25... Board 27... Vertical board 30... Connector 32... , 39,41,61,62 ··· Opening holes

Claims (6)

[Claims] An electronic device capable of rewriting a control program, comprising: a connection connector for inputting data for rewriting the program from a program rewriting device; and an opening at a position facing a connection portion of the connection connector. An electronic device, comprising: a housing of the electronic device formed; and the program rewriting device connected to the connector through the opening, thereby enabling the control program to be rewritten. 2. The mounting method according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion of the connector is mounted on a printed wiring board such that the connecting portion is in a horizontal direction, and the opening is provided in a horizontal outer peripheral portion of the housing. Electronic equipment. 3. The printed circuit board is mounted on a printed circuit board such that a connection portion of the connection connector is vertically upward or downward.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided in an outer peripheral portion in an upper or lower direction of the housing. 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection connector is electrically connected to a printed wiring board by a lead wire, and can be pulled out of the housing through an opening of the housing. . 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a front portion of the electronic device is movable, and an opening of the housing is provided in a direction of a rear surface of the front portion. 6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the front portion is moved to a position where an opening of the housing appears by a predetermined operation of a switch of the electronic device.