Hot-swap system, method and vehicle for on-board devices

Abstract

This invention provides a hot-swappable system, method, and vehicle for an in-vehicle device. The hot-swappable system includes: a hot-swappable structure and a control module that communicates with an in-vehicle display module. The hot-swappable structure includes: a support for carrying the in-vehicle device, a first magnetic element disposed on the support, a first communication port disposed on the support, and a power supply port disposed on the support. One end of the first communication port is used to connect to a second communication port of the in-vehicle device, and the other end of the first communication port is used to communicate with the control module through an in-vehicle bus network. The control module is configured to: when receiving information that the vehicle is in the ON position, perform heating start control of the in-vehicle device based on the connection information between the in-vehicle device and the hot-swappable structure, and perform feedback control of the in-vehicle device based on the operating information of the in-vehicle device. This invention effectively stabilizes the in-vehicle device and improves its safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle intelligent control technology, and in particular to a hot-swappable system, method and vehicle for on-board devices. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] To meet the diverse needs of users, most new-generation smart vehicles are equipped with in-vehicle devices, such as in-vehicle water cups. Relatively mature designs for in-vehicle smart water cups exist, connecting the water cup to the network to heat the liquid inside. For example, patent number CN114931308A discloses an intelligent in-vehicle water cup and its intelligent communication method, which achieves connection to the vehicle's network through the design of the water cup itself, thereby enabling the vehicle to control the water cup. Patent number CN112140973A discloses an in-vehicle water cup control system and an in-vehicle water cup, which achieves data interaction between the in-vehicle water cup and the vehicle's network through mutual authentication between the in-vehicle connector and the in-vehicle water cup.

[0004] The inventors discovered that currently, the variety of in-vehicle devices is limited, with most being car water cups, which cannot meet the diverse needs of users, and the stability of in-vehicle devices is poor. In-vehicle devices on the market are aftermarket premium parts, and when multiple in-vehicle devices exist at the same time, there are problems such as too many installation locations, high costs, and poor compatibility between each in-vehicle device and the in-vehicle network. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a hot-swappable system, method, and vehicle for vehicle-mounted devices. It uses a single hot-swappable structure to connect multiple vehicle-mounted devices, and combined with a magnetic attraction function, it effectively stabilizes the vehicle-mounted devices and improves safety during use.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention provides a hot-swappable system for vehicle-mounted devices.

[0008] A hot-swappable system for an in-vehicle device includes: a hot-swappable structure and a control module that communicates with an in-vehicle display module;

[0009] The hot-swappable structure includes: a carrier for carrying a vehicle-mounted device, a first magnetic element disposed on the carrier, a first communication port disposed on the carrier, and a power supply port disposed on the carrier; one end of the first communication port is used to connect to a second communication port of the vehicle-mounted device, and the other end of the first communication port is used to communicate with a control module through a vehicle bus network.

[0010] The control module is configured to: when receiving information that the vehicle is in the ON position, perform heating start control of the vehicle device based on the connection information between the vehicle device and the hot-swappable structure, and perform feedback control of the vehicle device based on the operating information of the vehicle device.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the information received by the control module is displayed on the vehicle display module, and the instructions input through the vehicle display module are executed by the control module.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the control module is equipped with control applications for at least each vehicle-mounted device, and the vehicle display module is able to display the application interface of each vehicle-mounted device.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the in-vehicle device includes at least an in-vehicle water bottle, an in-vehicle fragrance diffuser, and an in-vehicle humidifier.

[0014] As an optional implementation, the first magnetic element is attached to the second magnetic element at the bottom of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0015] As an optional implementation, the electric heating element is connected to the vehicle power supply through the first power supply switch module. The first power supply switch module is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module is used to send a power-on command to the first power supply switch module when it receives the connection information between the vehicle device and the hot-swappable structure.

[0016] As an optional implementation, the in-vehicle device communicates with the in-vehicle large screen; or, the in-vehicle device communicates with the body control module.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating a hot-swappable system for an on-board device.

[0018] A method for operating a vehicle-mounted device hot-swappable system, utilizing the vehicle-mounted device hot-swappable system described in the first aspect of the present invention, includes the following process:

[0019] After the vehicle-mounted device is placed on the hot-swappable structure, the first magnetic element on the carrier and the second magnetic element of the vehicle-mounted device are attracted to each other, and the first communication port of the carrier is connected to the second communication port of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0020] When the vehicle is in the ON position, the first communication port and the second communication interface establish communication. When the communication connection is successful, the vehicle display module displays a connection success message. Users can view information and control the use of the vehicle device by using the function keys on the vehicle display module.

[0021] As an optional implementation, when the vehicle is not in the ON position, the hot-swappable structure enters a standby state and does not supply power to the on-board devices.

[0022] When the on-board unit is not connected to the hot-swappable structure, no power is supplied to the outside; when the on-board unit is connected to the hot-swappable structure and power supply setting information exists, power is supplied.

[0023] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, characterized in that it includes the vehicle-mounted device hot-swap system described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] 1. The vehicle-mounted device hot-swappable system, method, and vehicle described in this invention use a standard communication protocol and a single hot-swappable interface to connect with multiple vehicle-mounted devices. Combined with a magnetic attraction function, this effectively stabilizes the vehicle-mounted device and improves safety during use.

[0026] 2. The vehicle-mounted device hot-swappable system, method, and vehicle described in this invention only control the heating of the vehicle-mounted device based on the connection information between the vehicle-mounted device and the hot-swappable structure when the vehicle is in the ON position. When the vehicle is not in the ON position, the hot-swappable structure enters a standby state and does not supply power to the vehicle-mounted device, effectively ensuring safe use.

[0027] 3. The vehicle-mounted device hot-swap system, method, and vehicle described in this invention do not supply power to the outside when the vehicle-mounted device is not connected to the hot-swap structure; when the vehicle-mounted device is connected to the hot-swap structure and power supply setting information exists, power is supplied, further ensuring safety in use.

[0028] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vehicle-mounted device hot-swap system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the hot-swappable structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a front view of the hot-swappable structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a side view of the hot-swappable structure of the vehicle-mounted device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Among them, 1. In-vehicle large screen; 2. Hot-swappable structure; 3. In-vehicle device; 4. Control module; 5. Communication interface; 6. Power supply interface; 7. Power supply interface; 8. First magnetic attraction element. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0037] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] In this invention, terms such as "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, indicating a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances, and they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0039] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a hot-swappable system for vehicle-mounted devices. In order to reduce the swaying of the product when using it in a vehicle, a magnetic attraction function is added to the hot-swappable structure. When the product is in use, it can be directly placed in the position for heating and data transmission.

[0042] Among them, the CAN protocol is a standard protocol that can be customized for the whole vehicle, while the serial port protocol is a proprietary protocol that is customized internally for magnetic connectors and peripherals. The magnetic connector can only use one peripheral at a time, but it is compatible with multiple peripherals. The peripheral products are identified through the serial port, and different functions can be switched. When using this system, external devices can be controlled by voice in the car or on the go, which can effectively enhance the car's sense of luxury and conform to the trend of automotive intelligence.

[0043] Specifically, the aforementioned vehicle-mounted device hot-swap system includes:

[0044] Hot-swappable structure 2 and control module 4 that communicates with vehicle display module (i.e. vehicle screen 1);

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the hot-swappable structure 2 includes: a carrier for carrying the vehicle-mounted device, a first magnetic element disposed on the carrier, a first communication port disposed on the carrier, and a power supply port disposed on the carrier;

[0046] One end of the first communication port is used to connect to the second communication port of the vehicle-mounted device 3, and the other end of the first communication port is used to communicate with the control module through the vehicle-mounted bus network.

[0047] The control module 4 (i.e., the body controller) is configured to at least: when receiving information that the vehicle is in the ON position, perform heating start control of the vehicle device based on the connection information between the vehicle device and the hot-swappable structure, and perform feedback control of the vehicle device based on the operating information of the vehicle device.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the hot-swappable structure includes 10 interfaces: three power supply interfaces (9-16V, 10A), three ground source interfaces, two CAN interfaces, one NC interface, and one working trigger signal.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the hot-swappable structure includes a communication interface 5, a power supply interface 6, a power supply interface 7, and a first magnetic element 8 (including three first magnetic elements that are symmetrical about the center point of the hot-swappable structure).

[0050] In this embodiment, the information received by the control module is displayed on the in-vehicle display module (i.e., the in-vehicle screen), and the instructions input by the in-vehicle display module are executed by the control module. For example, the connection information and operating information of the in-vehicle device are both displayed on the in-vehicle display module. The in-vehicle display module can be a display module with touch screen functionality or a display module controlled by buttons. The instructions input to the in-vehicle display module can be instructions controlled by touch buttons or...

[0051] In this embodiment, the control module is equipped with control applications for at least each vehicle-mounted device, and the vehicle display module is able to display the application interface of each vehicle-mounted device.

[0052] In this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device includes at least a vehicle-mounted water cup, a vehicle-mounted fragrance diffuser, and a vehicle-mounted humidifier, etc. Those skilled in the art can select the vehicle-mounted device that requires heating to be used according to the specific working conditions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element at the bottom of the vehicle device are used together to attract each other. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are used together. The first magnetic element is a whole that surrounds the entire device, or it can be multiple segments or units that are spaced apart. The second magnetic element is a whole that surrounds the entire device, or it can be multiple segments or units that are spaced apart. Those skilled in the art can choose according to the specific working conditions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0054] In this embodiment, the power supply port is connected to the vehicle power supply through the first power supply switch module. The first power supply switch module is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module is used to send a power-on command to the first power supply switch module when it receives the connection information between the vehicle device and the hot-swappable structure.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device is communicatively connected to the vehicle-mounted large screen 1 (or the vehicle-mounted entertainment system); it is understood that in some other embodiments, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device is communicatively connected to the hot-swappable structure; in another implementation, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device is communicatively connected to the mobile terminal; or, the control unit of the vehicle-mounted device is communicatively connected to the vehicle-mounted large screen, the hot-swappable structure and the mobile terminal respectively.

[0056] Specifically, the hot-swappable system described in this embodiment identifies the vehicle-mounted device through the hot-swappable structure during use, connects to the vehicle's large screen via T-BOX or Bluetooth, and controls the use of the hot-swappable structure through voice and / or touch.

[0057] In this embodiment, a standardized interface is adopted, and the hot-swappable method is convenient and practical, allowing for the expansion of multiple products through the same interface. The hot-swappable structure can accommodate water cups, fragrances, and humidifiers, satisfying the user's requirements in different scenarios and providing convenience and practicality.

[0058] In this embodiment, the hot-swappable structure not only has a power-on function, but also connects to the CAN network to collect usage data of external vehicle devices.

[0059] Example 2:

[0060] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a working method for a hot-swappable vehicle device system. Taking a water cup as an example, when the vehicle is in the ON position, the hot water cup is connected to the hot-swappable structure. The user can control the heating and heat preservation of the cup through an APP on the vehicle's large screen to meet the needs of driving. Specifically, the process includes the following:

[0061] S1: Place the water cup on the top of the hot-swappable structure, put the vehicle in the ON position, and the hot-swappable structure and water cup will be successfully recognized and connected. The large screen will display: "**Car portable cup is connected". The user can click on the water cup APP on the central control screen to view information and control the use of the water cup.

[0062] S2: The in-vehicle screen and the hot-swappable structure communicate via a single CAN bus. The in-vehicle screen integrates a water bottle app. When the user clicks on the app, it displays the heating mode (e.g., milk powder, honey, fruit tea, coffee, gentle boiling), the current water temperature, and the heating / keeping-warm status. Users can also set custom temperatures, turn the heating function on / off, and select heating modes. The in-vehicle screen sends information to the hot-swappable structure via CAN messages.

[0063] S3: The hot-swappable structure communicates with the water cup via serial port. After receiving the message from the vehicle's large screen, the hot-swappable structure converts it into a serial protocol and sends it to the water cup. The water cup executes the command and returns the status to the hot-swappable structure. The hot-swappable structure then sends the message to the large screen via CAN message, and the vehicle displays the corresponding information on the large screen.

[0064] S4: The hot-swappable structure is powered by the vehicle's 12V power supply, and the water cup is powered by the hot-swappable structure.

[0065] S5: The hot-swappable structure supports voltage detection, fault diagnosis, network management, power management, and device identification functions;

[0066] S6: The water cup and the cup holder are attracted to each other through the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element;

[0067] S7: When the vehicle is not in the ON position, the hot-swappable structure enters standby mode and does not supply power to the cup; when in the ON position, it can supply power.

[0068] S8: The hot-swappable structure has output protection function. When the water cup is not connected, it does not output high power. It only outputs high power when the device is detected and the user operates the corresponding settings. It supports overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and short circuit protection during operation.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of hardware embodiments, software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0070] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0071] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0072] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0073] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1.A vehicle-mounted device hot plug system, comprising: a hot plug structure and a control module in communication with a vehicle display module; the hot plug structure comprising: a bearing seat for bearing a vehicle-mounted device, a first magnetic attraction element disposed on the bearing seat, a first communication port disposed on the bearing seat, and a power supply port disposed on the bearing seat, one end of the first communication port being configured to connect with a second communication port of the vehicle-mounted device, and the other end of the first communication port being configured to communicate with the control module through a vehicle bus network; the control module being configured to: when receiving information that the vehicle is in an ON mode, perform heating start control of the vehicle-mounted device according to connection information of the vehicle-mounted device and the hot plug structure, and perform feedback control of the vehicle-mounted device according to operation information of the vehicle-mounted device; the vehicle-mounted device comprising at least a vehicle-mounted cup, a vehicle-mounted fragrance diffuser, and a vehicle-mounted humidifier; when the vehicle is not in the ON mode, the hot plug structure enters a standby state and does not supply power to the vehicle-mounted device; when the vehicle-mounted device is not connected with the hot plug structure, no external power supply is provided; and when the vehicle-mounted device is connected with the hot plug structure and there is power supply setting information, power supply is performed. 2.The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of claim 1, wherein: the information received by the control module is displayed on the vehicle display module, and instructions input through the vehicle display module are executed by the control module. 3.The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of claim 1, wherein: the control module is loaded with at least a control application program of each vehicle-mounted device, and the vehicle display module is capable of displaying an application program interface of each vehicle-mounted device. 4.The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of claim 1, wherein: the first magnetic attraction element cooperates with a second magnetic attraction element at the bottom of the vehicle-mounted device to achieve magnetic attraction. 5.The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of claim 1, wherein: an electric heating element is connected with a vehicle power supply through a first power supply switch module, the first power supply switch module is in communication connection with the control module, and the control module is configured to send a power supply start instruction to the first power supply switch module when receiving connection information of the vehicle-mounted device and the hot plug structure. 6.The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of claim 1, wherein: the vehicle-mounted device is in communication connection with a vehicle large screen, or the vehicle-mounted device is in communication connection with a vehicle body control module. The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of any one of claims 1-6 comprises the following processes: after the vehicle-mounted device is placed on the hot plug structure, the first magnetic attraction element on the bearing seat cooperates with the second magnetic attraction element of the vehicle-mounted device to achieve magnetic attraction, and the first communication port of the bearing seat is connected with the second communication port of the vehicle-mounted device; when the vehicle is in the ON mode, the first communication port and the second communication interface establish communication, and when the communication connection is successful, the vehicle display module displays connection success information, and information viewing and use control of the vehicle-mounted device are performed through function keys on the vehicle display module. The vehicle-mounted device hot plug system of any one of claims 1-6. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. A method for operating a hot-swappable system for an on-board device, characterized in that: ​ ​ ​ 8. A vehicle characterized by: ​

Images