Power supply device

Abstract

A power supply device includes a drive control device and an auxiliary control device (500), a vehicle includes a main power supply, an auxiliary power supply, and a supply path that is a path configured to be opened and closed in accordance with a state of a start switch (12) of the vehicle. The drive control device is a device that controls a state of an apparatus installed in the vehicle, and the auxiliary control device (500) is a device that controls a state of the auxiliary power supply (530). The drive control device is configured to execute a storage process, a permission signal transmission process, and an initial value process, and the auxiliary control device (500) is configured to execute a permission signal reception process and a stop process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a power supply device. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-140883 describes a system in which an auxiliary power source is connected to an EPS-ECU, which is a control device that performs control to apply an assist torque to a turning wheel. In this system, the auxiliary power source is controlled by a power source control ECU. Further, in this system, the power source control ECU and the EPS-ECU can communicate with each other. SUMMARY

[0003] In a case where a result of communication with the EPS-ECU is added to a condition for the power source control ECU to turn off the auxiliary power source, for example, immediately after the EPS-ECU is started, a correct communication result can not be obtained.

[0004] Hereinafter, measures capable of solving this problem, and effects and advantages thereof will be described. 1. A power supply device according to an aspect of the present application includes a drive control device and an assist control device installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes a main power source, an auxiliary power source, and a supply path. The auxiliary power source is a power source that stores electric power supplied from the main power source. The supply path is a path that supplies electric power from the main power source to electronic devices inside the vehicle, and is configured to be opened and closed in accordance with a state of a start switch of the vehicle. The drive control device is a device that controls a state of a device installed in the vehicle while using the main power source or the auxiliary power source as a power source. The assist control device is a device that controls a state of the auxiliary power source. The drive control device is configured to perform a storage process, a permission signal transmission process, and an initial value process. The storage process is a process of storing a state of the start switch determined based on a signal from an outside of the drive control device in a storage device. The permission signal transmission process is a process of transmitting a permission signal in a case where the state of the start switch stored in the storage device is an off state. The initial value process is a process of setting an initial value of the state of the start switch stored in the storage device to a value indicating an on state at a time when the drive control device is started. The assist control device is configured to perform a permission signal reception process and a stop process. The permission signal reception process is a process of receiving a permission signal. The stop process is a process of placing control of electric power supply from the auxiliary power source to the drive control device in an off state in a case where the permission signal is received.

[0005] The value stored in the storage device is normally initialized at the time of startup of the drive control device. In the case where the value indicating the off state is thereby set to the state of the startup switch, a permission signal is transmitted from the drive control device to the auxiliary control device. In this case, the control of the supply of electric power from the auxiliary power supply to the drive control device is placed in the off state. If the main power supply is cut off in these cases, it can not be possible to supply the auxiliary power supply in the case where the electric power of the auxiliary power supply should be supplied to the drive control device.

[0006] Therefore, in the above-described configuration, at the time of startup of the drive control device, the initial value of the state of the startup switch stored in the storage device is set to the value indicating the on state by the initial value processing. This contributes to the prevention of the unintended transmission of the permission signal from the drive control device to the auxiliary control device. This in turn contributes to the prevention of the case where the electric power of the auxiliary power supply cannot be supplied to the drive control device in the case where the electric power of the auxiliary power supply should be supplied.

[0007] 2. The electric power supply device according to the above aspect can be configured to start the storage processing in the case where the communication between the drive control device and the outside becomes possible. In this configuration, the storage processing is started in the case where the communication between the drive control device and the outside becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to update the state of the startup switch stored in the storage device.

[0008] 3. The electric power supply device according to the above aspect, the auxiliary control device can be configured to execute a voltage transmission processing, the drive control device can be configured to execute a voltage reception processing and an off determination processing, the voltage transmission processing can be a processing of transmitting a detected value of the voltage of the main power supply, the voltage reception processing can be a processing of receiving the detected value, the off determination processing can be a processing of determining that the startup switch is in the off state based on the detected value being equal to or less than a threshold value, and the storage processing can be a processing of storing a determination result of the off determination processing. In this configuration, the drive control device can determine whether the startup switch is in the off state based on the detected value of the voltage of the main power supply.

[0009] 4. The electric power supply device according to the above aspect, the drive control device can be configured to execute a voltage detection processing, the voltage detection processing can be a processing in which the drive control device detects a power supply voltage of the drive control device, and the off determination processing can be a processing of determining that the startup switch is in the off state based on the logical sum of the following conditions being true: the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection processing is equal to or lower than a predetermined value; and the detected value is equal to or less than a threshold value. In this configuration, it is possible to determine the state of the startup switch in consideration of the power supply voltage detected by the drive control device.

[0010] 5. The electric power supply device according to the above aspect, the power supply voltage can be the higher of the voltage of the main power supply or the voltage of the auxiliary power supply.

[0011] In this configuration, the drive control device detects the higher voltage among the voltages. Therefore, even in a case where the main power supply is experiencing an abnormality, it can be impossible to detect the abnormality of the main power supply by the detected voltage. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to use the detected value of the voltage of the main power supply transmitted from the auxiliary control device in the off determination processing.

[0012] 6. In the power supply device according to the above aspect, the off determination processing can be processing of determining that the start switch is off based on another condition of receiving a command signal for placing the start switch in an off state, and the command signal can not be transmitted to the communication line to the auxiliary control device.

[0013] In this configuration, determining that the start switch is in an off state in consideration of the command signal can improve the reliability of the start switch being in an off state compared to a case where the command signal is not considered. Since the auxiliary control device cannot receive the command signal in this configuration, it is particularly advantageous for the drive control device to perform the off determination processing.

[0014] 7. The electric power supply device according to any one of the aspects above, wherein the vehicle can include a reaction force actuator that applies a reaction force to a steering wheel and a turning actuator that turns a turning wheel, the drive control device can include a steering control device and a turning control device, the steering control device can be a device that controls a state of the steering wheel by operating a drive circuit of the reaction force actuator, the turning control device can be a device that controls a state of the turning wheel by operating a drive circuit of the turning actuator, the shutdown determination processing can include steering side determination processing that is processing performed by the steering control device to determine whether or not the detected value is equal to or less than the threshold value, and turning side determination processing that is processing performed by the turning control device to determine whether or not the following conditions are true: the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection processing is equal to or lower than the predetermined value; and the detected value is equal to or less than the threshold value, as determined by the steering side determination processing, the steering control device can be configured to perform, in addition to the permission signal transmission processing, steering side determination result transmission processing and turning side determination result reception processing, the turning control device can be configured to perform, in addition to the storage processing, the initial value processing, and the voltage detection processing, the steering side determination result reception processing and the turning side determination result transmission processing, the steering side determination result transmission processing can be processing that transmits a determination result of the steering side determination processing, the steering side determination result reception processing can be processing that receives the determination result of the steering side determination processing, the storage processing can be processing that stores a determination result of the turning side determination processing, the turning side determination result transmission processing can be processing that transmits a determination result of a state of the start switch stored in the storage device, and the turning side determination result reception processing can be processing that receives the determination result of the state of the start switch stored in the storage device.

[0015] In this configuration, a delay in the execution of the initial value processing can cause the following situation in the case where the voltage transmission processing is performed by the auxiliary control device or the steering side determination result transmission processing is performed by the steering control device. Information that the state of the start switch stored in the storage device is the off state is transmitted to the steering control device by the turning side determination result transmission processing. As a result, the permission signal is transmitted from the steering control device to the auxiliary control device.

[0016] As a countermeasure, the execution of the initial value processing contributes to the prevention of the occurrence of this series of events. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a steering control system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the control device according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the control device according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the control device according to an embodiment; and

[0023] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the control device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Premise configuration

[0026] Figure 1 A configuration of a steering control system of a vehicle according to an embodiment is shown. The embodiment assumes a so-called steer-by-wire system as a steering system in which a power transmission path between a steering wheel and a turning wheel is cut off.

[0027] The battery 10 is a power supply source to electronic devices of the vehicle. The battery 10 can supply power through a main power line Lb and can supply power through a start switch 12 and a start line Lig. The start switch 12 is a switch that enables the vehicle to travel. The start switch 12 is switched from one of an on state and an off state to the other state by an operation of a user of the vehicle. In a case where the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, the start switch 12 can be an ignition switch. In a case where the vehicle includes a motor generator, the start switch 12 can be a switch that is operated in conjunction with on and off of a system main relay connected between an inverter of the motor generator and a high-voltage battery.

[0028] The steering master control device 100 is a device that controls a state of the steering wheel by operating a reaction force actuator. The reaction force actuator is an actuator that applies a reaction force as a force that resists an operation of the steering wheel. The reaction force actuator includes a reaction force motor, and the reaction force is generated by a torque of the reaction force motor.

[0029] The steering main control device 100 includes an inverter 110 and a steering main microcomputer 120. The inverter 110 applies an alternating voltage to a terminal of a motor included in a reaction force actuator. The steering main microcomputer 120 operates the inverter 110 to control a steering wheel as a control target.

[0030] The steering sub control device 200 is a device that controls a state of the steering wheel by operating the reaction force actuator. The reaction force actuator is an actuator that applies a reaction force as a force against steering wheel operation. The steering sub control device 200 includes an inverter 210 and a steering sub microcomputer 220. The inverter 210 applies an alternating voltage to a terminal of a motor included in the reaction force actuator. A configuration in which the inverter 110 and the inverter 210 apply alternating voltages to different stator coils of a reaction force motor that shares a rotor can be employed. The steering sub microcomputer 220 operates the inverter 210 to control the steering wheel as a control target. A voltage in a start line Lig is applied to the steering sub microcomputer 220 through a diode 18. The diode 18 has an anode side on the battery 10 side and a cathode side on the steering sub microcomputer 220 side. In a state in which the start switch 12 is not inserted, a terminal voltage of the battery 10 is applied to the steering sub microcomputer 220 through a diode 16. The diode 16 has an anode side on the battery 10 side and a cathode side on the steering sub microcomputer 220 side.

[0031] The turning main control device 300 is a device that controls a state of a turning wheel by operating a turning actuator. The turning actuator is an actuator that turns the turning wheel. The turning actuator includes a turning motor, and turns the turning wheel by a torque of the turning motor.

[0032] The turning main control device 300 includes an inverter 310 and a turning main microcomputer 320. The inverter 310 applies an alternating voltage to a terminal of a motor included in the turning actuator. The turning main microcomputer 320 operates the inverter 310 to control the turning wheel as a control target.

[0033] The turn sub control device 400 is a device that controls the state of the turn wheel by operating the turn actuator. The turn sub control device 400 includes an inverter 410 and a turn sub microcomputer 420. The inverter 410 applies an alternating voltage to a terminal of a motor included in the turn actuator. A configuration in which the inverter 310 and the inverter 410 apply alternating voltages to different stator coils of the turn motor that share a rotor can be employed. The turn sub microcomputer 420 operates the inverter 410 to control the turn wheel that is a control target. A voltage in the activation line Lig is applied to the turn sub microcomputer 420 through a diode 22. The diode 22 has an anode side on the battery 10 side and a cathode side on the turn sub microcomputer 420 side. In a state in which the activation switch 12 is not inserted, a terminal voltage of the battery 10 is applied to the turn sub microcomputer 420 through a diode 20. The diode 20 has an anode side on the battery 10 side and a cathode side on the turn sub microcomputer 420 side.

[0034] The auxiliary control device 500 is a device that controls the state of an auxiliary power supply 530 that is a control target. The auxiliary power supply 530 is a power storage device that stores electric charge from the battery 10. For example, the auxiliary power supply 530 can be a capacitor. The auxiliary control device 500 can use the main power supply as a power source.

[0035] The auxiliary control device 500 includes a switching element 510 that opens and closes a path between the main power supply line Lb and the inverter 110, the inverter 310. The auxiliary control device 500 includes a switching element 512 that opens and closes a path between the main power supply line Lb through the switching element 510 and the auxiliary power supply 530. The auxiliary control device 500 includes a diode 516 that connects the auxiliary power supply 530 on one side and the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 on the other side to each other. The diode 516 is a rectifying element that has an anode on the positive terminal side of the auxiliary power supply 530 and a cathode on the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 side. The auxiliary control device 500 includes a diode 518 that connects the ignition line Lig on one side and the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 on the other side to each other. The diode 518 is a rectifying element that has an anode on the battery 10 side and a cathode on the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 side. Specifically, the steering main microcomputer 120 is connected to the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 through a diode 517. The diode 517 is a rectifying element that has an anode side on the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 and a cathode side on the steering main microcomputer 120 side. The turning main microcomputer 320 is connected to the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 through a diode 519. The diode 519 is a rectifying element that has an anode side on the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 and a cathode side on the turning main microcomputer 320 side. The auxiliary control device 500 includes a switching element 514 that opens and closes a path between the anode side of the diode 516 and the auxiliary power supply 530.

[0036] The auxiliary control device 500 includes an auxiliary microcomputer 520. The auxiliary microcomputer 520 detects a voltage and a current of the auxiliary power supply 530 and monitors a state of the auxiliary power supply 530. The auxiliary microcomputer 520 controls a power supply from the battery 10 to the inverter 110, the inverter 310 by opening and closing the switching element 510. The auxiliary microcomputer 520 controls an exchange of power between the auxiliary power supply 530 and the battery 10 and an exchange of power between the inverter 110, the inverter 310 and the auxiliary power supply 530 by opening and closing the switching element 512. The auxiliary microcomputer 520 controls a power supply from the auxiliary power supply 530 to the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 by opening and closing the switching element 514. The auxiliary microcomputer 520 keeps the switching element 514 in a closed state during a period in which the auxiliary microcomputer 520 operates.

[0037] The steering main microcomputer 120 and the steering sub-microcomputer 220 can communicate with each other through the local line 30. The turning main microcomputer 320 and the turning sub-microcomputer 420 can communicate with each other through the local line 32. The steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 can communicate with each other through the inter-main communication line 40. The steering main microcomputer 120 and the steering sub-microcomputer 220 are connected to the gateway 70 through the bus 50. The turning main microcomputer 320 and the turning sub-microcomputer 420 are connected to the gateway 70 through the bus 60. The auxiliary microcomputer 520 and the steering main microcomputer 120 can communicate with each other through the local line 80.

[0038] Figure 2 The configuration of the steering main microcomputer 120, the steering sub-microcomputer 220, the turning main microcomputer 320, the turning sub-microcomputer 420, and the auxiliary microcomputer 520 is shown. In the following description, the steering main microcomputer 120, the steering sub-microcomputer 220, the turning main microcomputer 320, the turning sub-microcomputer 420, and the auxiliary microcomputer 520 are collectively referred to as "microcomputers 120, 220, 320, 420, 520". Figure 2 In the following description, the variable i is "1 to 5" (i = 1 to 5). That is, in the case where the variable i is "1", "i20" indicates "120".

[0039] As shown in the drawing, the above-described five microcomputers respectively include PUs 122, 222, 322, 422, 522. The above-described five microcomputers respectively include ROMs 124, 224, 324, 424, 524. The above-described five microcomputers respectively include RAMs 126, 226, 326, 426, 526. The PUs 122, 222, 322, 422, 522 are software processing devices including at least one processing unit such as a CPU, a GPU, or a TPU. The ROMs 124, 224, 324, 424, 524 store programs executed by the PUs 122, 222, 322, 422, 522.

[0040] Control of subsystems

[0041] Figure 3 The processes of the processing performed by the PU 222 of the steering sub-microcomputer 220 and the PU 422 of the turning sub-microcomputer 420 are shown. Figure 3 The processing shown in the above description is processing that is implemented as the PU 222 repeatedly executes a program stored in the ROM 224, for example, at a predetermined cycle. Further, Figure 3 The processing shown in the above description is processing that is implemented as the PU 422 repeatedly executes a program stored in the ROM 424, for example, at a predetermined cycle. In the following description, the step number of each processing will be represented by a number given at the beginning with "S". For the convenience of description, the processing performed by the PU 222 will be described as an example in the following description. In the following description, the processing performed by the PU 422 is processing that reads the voltage Vss as the voltage Vst.

[0042] In Figure 3 the series of processes shown in

[0043] Condition (SS1): A condition in which a command signal for turning off the activation switch has been received. In Figure 3 , this is indicated as "IGOFF command has been received". The command signal is input into the steering sub-microcomputer 220 through the bus 50. The command signal can be, for example, a signal generated by another control device not shown in Figure 1

[0044] Condition (SS2): A condition in which the voltage Vss is equal to or lower than a threshold value Vth. Here, the threshold value Vth can be set to be smaller than the maximum value of the voltage that the activation line Lig can take when the activation switch 12 is in the off state.

[0045] In a case where the PU 222 determines that the above-mentioned logical product is true (S12: Yes), the PU 222 performs IG-off determination, that is, determination that the activation switch is turned off (S14). Then, the PU 222 transmits the result of the sub-side off determination, that is, determination that the activation switch is turned off, to the steering main microcomputer 120 through the local line 30 (S16). Then, the PU 222 determines whether the activation switch is confirmed to be in the off state (IG-off) (S18). Here, the PU 222 determines that the IG-off is confirmed, for example, on a condition that the steering main microcomputer 120 has transmitted information that the steering main microcomputer 120 has determined that the activation switch is turned off through the local line 30. In a case where the PU 222 determines that the IG-off is confirmed (S18: Yes), the PU 222 executes a process of stopping the steering sub-microcomputer 220 (S20).

[0046] In a case where the PU 222 executes the process of S20, and in a case where the PU 222 determines that the processes in S12 and S18 are negative, the PU 222 temporarily ends Figure 3 the series of processes shown in

[0047] Control of the steering main microcomputer

[0048] Figure 4 ​A procedure of the process executed by the PU 122 of the steering main microcomputer 120 is shown. Figure 4 The process shown in (B) is a process implemented as the PU 122 repeatedly executes a program stored in the ROM 124, for example, at a predetermined cycle.

[0049] In the series of processes shown in (B), the PU 122 first detects the voltage Vms at the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 (S30). The voltage Vms is the voltage at the anode side of the diode 517. Next, the PU 122 determines whether the logical product of the following condition (MS1) and the condition (MS2) is true (S32). Figure 4 Condition (MS1): A condition in which a command signal for turning off the starting switch has been received. In (B), this is indicated as "IGOFF command has been received". The command signal is input into the steering main microcomputer 120 through the bus 50. The command signal can be, for example, a signal generated by another control device not shown in (A).

[0050] Figure 4 Condition (MS2): A condition in which the voltage Vms is equal to or lower than a threshold value Vth. In a case where the PU 122 determines that the above logical product is true (S32: Yes), the PU 122 performs an IG-off determination, that is, a determination that the starting switch is turned off (S34). Then, the PU 122 determines whether the determination that the starting switch is in the off state is confirmed (IG-off determination) (S36). The PU 122 confirms the determination that the starting switch is in the off state in a case where, for example, it is determined that the sub-side off determination has been transmitted. Then, the PU 122 executes a process of stopping the steering main microcomputer 120 (S38). Figure 1

[0051] In a case where the PU 222 executes the stopping process of S38, and in a case where the PU 222 determines No in the processes of S32 and S36, the PU 222 temporarily ends the series of processes shown in (B).

[0052] In a case where the PU 222 executes the stopping process of S38, and in a case where the PU 222 determines No in the processes of S32 and S36, the PU 222 temporarily ends the series of processes shown in (B). Figure 4

[0053] The processes in the auxiliary microcomputer 520, the steering main microcomputer 120, and the turning main microcomputer 320

[0054] Figure 5 A procedure of the processes executed by the auxiliary microcomputer 520, the steering main microcomputer 120, and the turning main microcomputer 320 is shown. Figure 5 One of the three series of processes shown in (C) is a process implemented as the PU 522 repeatedly executes a program stored in the ROM 524, for example, at a predetermined cycle. Figure 5 ​​​Another one of the three series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is implemented as the PU 122 repeatedly executing a program stored in the ROM 124, for example, at a predetermined cycle. Figure 5 The remaining one of the three series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is implemented as the PU 322 repeatedly executing a program stored in the ROM 324, for example, at a predetermined cycle. Hereinafter, the processes will be described in the chronological order in which they can actually occur. Figure 5 The series of processes shown in FIG. 6.

[0055] In the series of processes shown in FIG. 6, the PU 522 first detects the voltage Vpgs in the activation line Lig connected to the auxiliary control device 500 (S50). The voltage Vpgs is the voltage on the anode side of the diode 518. Next, the PU 522 transmits the voltage Vpgs to the steering main microcomputer 120 through the local line 80 (S52). Figure 5 Meanwhile, the PU 122 of the steering main microcomputer 120 receives the voltage Vpgs (S60). Then, the PU 122 determines whether the voltage Vpgs is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth (S62). This process is a process of determining whether the activation switch 12 is in the off state. In a case where the PU 122 determines that the voltage Vpgs is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth (S62: YES), the PU 122 substitutes "1" into the determination flag Fpgs (S64). On the other hand, in a case where the PU 122 determines that the voltage Vpgs is higher than the threshold value Vth (S62: NO), the PU 122 substitutes "0" into the determination flag Fpgs (S66). In a case where the PU 122 completes the process of S64 or S66, the PU 122 transmits the value of the determination flag Fpgs to the steering main microcomputer 320 through the main intercommunication line 40 (S68).

[0056] Meanwhile, the PU 322 of the steering main microcomputer 320 determines whether the value of the determination flag Fpgs has been received (S80). In a case where the PU 322 determines that the value has been received (S80: YES), the PU 322 detects the voltage Vmt on the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 (S82). The voltage Vmt is the voltage on the anode side of the diode 519. Next, the PU 422 determines whether the logical product of the condition (MT1) and the logical sum of the condition (MT2) and the condition (MT3) is true (S84).

[0057] The condition (MT1): a condition in which the command signal for turning off the activation switch has been received. In

[0058] Figure 5 ​In this case, it indicates that the "IGOFF command has been received." The command signal is input to the turn main microcomputer 320 through the bus 60. For example, the command signal can be a signal generated by Figure 1 a control device not shown in the figure.

[0059] Condition (MT2): A condition in which the voltage Vmt is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth. Condition (MT3): A condition in which the determination flag Fpgs is "1." In a case where the PU 322 determines that the logical product is true (S84: Yes), the PU 322 determines that the start switch is turned off (IG-off determination), and stores this information in the RAM 326 (S86). On the other hand, in a case where the PU 322 determines that it is negative in the process of S84, the PU 322 determines that the start switch is in the on state, and stores this information in the RAM 326 (S88).

[0060] In a case where the PU 322 completes the process of S86 or S88, and in a case where the PU 322 determines that it is negative in the process of S80, the PU 322 determines whether the determination result that the start switch is turned off is stored in the RAM 326 (S90). In a case where the PU 322 determines that the off determination result is stored (S90: Yes), the PU 322 transmits information that the IG-off determination has been made on the turn main microcomputer 320 side (turn-side off determination) through the inter-main communication line 40 (S92).

[0061] Meanwhile, the PU 122 of the steering main microcomputer 120 determines whether the determination result that the start switch is turned off has been received from the turn main microcomputer 320 (S70). In a case where the PU 122 determines that the determination result has been received (S70: Yes), the PU 122 transmits a permission signal that permits turning off the auxiliary microcomputer 520 through the local line 80 (S72). In a case where the PU 122 completes the process of S72, and in a case where the PU 122 determines that it is negative in the process of S70, the PU 122 temporarily ends Figure 5 the series of processes shown in the figure.

[0062] Meanwhile, the PU 522 of the auxiliary microcomputer 520 determines whether the logical product of the following condition (AS1) and the condition (AS2) is true (S54). Condition (AS1): A condition in which the permission signal has been received.

[0063] Condition (AS2): The voltage Vpgs is equal to or lower than the threshold Vth. If PU 522 determines that the above logical product is true (S54: Yes), PU 522 executes the process of stopping the auxiliary microcomputer 520 (S56). The process of stopping the auxiliary microcomputer 520 includes the process of the auxiliary microcomputer 520 disconnecting the switching element 514. If PU 522 completes the process of S56, and if PU 522 determines that the process of S54 is negative, PU 522 temporarily terminates. Figure 5 The series of processes shown are illustrated.

[0064] On the other hand, if the PU 322 of the main microcomputer 320 completes the processing of S92, the PU 322 determines whether the off state of the start switch has been confirmed (S94). Here, if conditions are met, for example, by... Figure 3 If the process in step S16 has received a confirmation from the turn sub-microcomputer 420 that the start switch is in the off state, PU 322 confirms that the start switch is off. Upon confirming that the start switch is off (S94: Yes), PU 322 puts the turn main microcomputer 320 into the off state (S96).

[0065] If PU 322 completes the processing of S96, or if PU 322 determines that the processing of S90 or S94 is negative, PU 322 temporarily terminates. Figure 5 The series of processes shown are illustrated.

[0066] Setting initial values

[0067] Figure 6 The process of setting the initial value in the part of the memory area of ​​RAM 326 that stores the determination result of the state of the start switch is shown. Figure 6 The process shown is implemented as PU 322 repeatedly executing a program stored in ROM 324, for example, at a predetermined cycle.

[0068] exist Figure 6 In the series of processes shown, PU 322 first determines whether the main microcomputer 320 is starting up (S100). If PU 322 determines that the main microcomputer 320 is starting up (S100: Yes), PU 322 sets the value in the part of the storage area of ​​RAM 326 that stores the determination result of the state of the start switch to the determination result that the start switch is turned on (S102). If PU 322 completes the process of S102, or if PU 322 determines that the process of S100 is negative, PU 322 temporarily terminates. Figure 6a series of processes shown in FIG. 6.

[0069] Here, the effects and advantages of the embodiment will be described. When the PU 522 of the auxiliary microcomputer 520 detects the voltage Vpgs, the PU 522 transmits the voltage Vpgs to the steering main microcomputer 120 through the local line 80. The PU 122 of the steering main microcomputer 120 substitutes the comparison result of the voltage Vpgs and the threshold value Vth into the value of the determination flag Fpgs. Then, the PU 122 transmits the value of the determination flag Fpgs to the turning main microcomputer 320 through the inter-main communication line 40. In a case where the logical sum of the condition that the value of the determination flag Fpgs is "1" and the condition that the voltage Vmt is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth is true and moreover the IG-off command has been received, the PU 322 of the turning main microcomputer 320 determines that the start switch is in the off state. Then, the PU 322 stores the determination result in the RAM 326. In a case where the determination result stored in the RAM 326 is the determination result that the start switch is in the off state, the PU 322 transmits this information to the steering main microcomputer 120 through the inter-main communication line 40. In a case where the steering main microcomputer 120 receives the determination result that the start switch is in the off state from the turning main microcomputer 320, the steering main microcomputer 120 transmits the permission signal to the auxiliary microcomputer 520. Under the condition of receiving the permission signal, the PU 522 of the auxiliary microcomputer 520 places the auxiliary microcomputer 520 in the off state.

[0070] In this way, by using the voltage Vpgs detected in the auxiliary control device 500, the PU 122 of the steering main microcomputer 120 can determine the state of the start switch based on the voltage Vpgs in the start line Lig. That is, the voltage on the cathode side of the diode 516, the diode 518 is applied to the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320. Therefore, in a case where the start switch is in the off state, when the voltage in the start line Lig decreases, the terminal voltage of the auxiliary power supply 530 is applied to the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320. Therefore, the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320 cannot directly detect the voltage in the start line Lig.

[0071] At the time of startup when the startup switch 12 is switched from the off state to the on state, the steering main microcomputer 120, the turn main microcomputer 320, and the auxiliary microcomputer 520 can differ from each other in startup timing. Therefore, sometimes a certain time is required until communication between the steering main microcomputer 120 and the auxiliary microcomputer 520 is established and communication between the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turn main microcomputer 320 is established. On the other hand, the microcomputers generally initialize stored data at the time of startup. When the value indicating the state of the startup switch stored in the RAM 326 is set to a value indicating the off state as a result of initialization, the determination result of the off state is transmitted from the PU 322 to the steering main microcomputer 120 due to a delay in establishing communication or the like. As a result, the permission signal is transmitted from the PU 122 to the auxiliary microcomputer 520, causing the PU 522 to stop the auxiliary microcomputer 520. That is, at the time of normal startup when the startup switch 12 is switched from the off state to the on state, there is a concern that the auxiliary microcomputer 520 can be stopped unexpectedly. In this case, when the supply of electric power from the battery 10 is interrupted due to disconnection of the startup line Lig or the like thereafter, the electric power of the auxiliary power supply 530 that should have been used becomes unavailable. This state can continue until the startup switch 12 is closed again after it is temporarily disconnected.

[0072] As a countermeasure, in the present embodiment, at the time of startup of the turn main microcomputer 320, the PU 322 switches the determination result of the state of the startup switch to a determination result that the startup switch is in the on state in the process of initializing the RAM 326. This contributes to preventing the permission signal from being transmitted to the auxiliary microcomputer 520 unexpectedly due to the communication delay or the like described above.

[0073] The embodiment described above can also produce the following effects and advantages. (1) The communication line in which the gateway 70 is inserted is not provided between the auxiliary control device 500 and the outside. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the steering control system, and it is possible to reduce the cost. However, in this case, the auxiliary microcomputer 520 cannot receive the off command of the startup switch from the outside. In the case where the PU 522 of the auxiliary microcomputer 520 determines the state of the startup switch only from the voltage Vpgs, the reliability of the determination result is lower compared to the case where the reception of the off command is taken into consideration. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to generate the permission signal by determining the state of the startup switch outside the auxiliary control device 500.

[0074] Correspondence relationship

[0075] The correspondence between items in the above-described embodiments and items described in the "SUMMARY" section is as follows. In the following, the correspondence is shown according to the number of the solution described in the "SUMMARY" section. [1] The drive control device corresponds to the steering main control device 100 and the turning main control device 300. The auxiliary control device corresponds to the auxiliary control device 500. The main power source corresponds to the battery 10. The auxiliary power source corresponds to the auxiliary power source 530. The supply path corresponds to the starting line Lig. The storage process corresponds to the processes of S86 and S88. The permission signal transmission process corresponds to the process of S72. The initial value process corresponds to the process of S102. The storage means corresponds to the RAM 326. The permission signal reception process corresponds to the process of S54. The stop process corresponds to the process of S56. [2] This solution corresponds to the process of S86 or S88 being able to be executed after the value of the determination flag Fpgs is received in the process of S80. [3] The voltage transmission process corresponds to the process of S52. The voltage reception process corresponds to the process of S60. The shutdown determination process corresponds to the processes of S62 to S66 and S84. [4] The voltage detection process corresponds to the process of S82. [5] This solution corresponds to the output voltage of the diode 516, the diode 518 being applied to the steering main microcomputer 120 and the turning main microcomputer 320. [6] This solution corresponds to the processes of S62 to S66 and S84 being able to be executed after the value of the determination flag Fpgs is received in the process of S80. Figure 1 The auxiliary control device 500 is connected to only the steering main control device 100 through the local line 80 in the above-described embodiment. [7] The drive circuit of the reaction force actuator corresponds to the inverter 110. The drive circuit of the turning actuator corresponds to the inverter 310. The steering side determination process corresponds to the processes of S62 to S66. The turning side determination process corresponds to the process of S84. The steering side determination result transmission process corresponds to the process of S68. The steering side determination result reception process corresponds to the process of S80. The turning side determination result transmission process corresponds to the process of S92. The turning side determination result reception process corresponds to the process of S70.

[0076] Other Embodiments

[0077] Embodiments can be realized by making the following changes thereto. Embodiments and the following modified examples can be realized in combination to the extent that inconsistencies in the technology do not arise.

[0078] Turning side determination process

[0079] The turning side determination process is not limited to the process of S84. For example, the condition (MT1) can be omitted. In other words, the process can be a process of determining whether the logical sum of the condition (MT2) and the condition (MT3) is true. Further, for example, the process can be a process of determining whether the logical product of the condition (MT1) and the condition (MT3) is true.

[0080] Steering side determination process

[0081] The turning side determination processing is not limited to the processing of S62 to S66. For example, the processing can be processing that moves to S64 in a case where the logical sum of the condition that the voltage Vpgs is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth and the condition that the voltage Vms is equal to or lower than the threshold value Vth is true.

[0082] Processing of stopping the assist control device

[0083] The condition of executing the stop processing is not limited to a condition where the logical product of the condition (AS1) and the condition (AS2) is true. For example, only the condition (AS1) can be used.

[0084] Communication path

[0085] For example, the main inter-communication line 40 between the turning main control device 100 and the turning main control device 300 can be a path in which the gateway 70 is inserted.

[0086] The configuration in which the target of the direct communication of the assist control device 500 is only the turning main control device 100 is not necessary.

[0087] Control device that operates the reaction force actuator

[0088] The control device that operates the reaction force actuator is not limited to the turning main control device 100 and the turning sub control device 200. For example, only the turning main control device 100 can control the reaction force actuator. Further, for example, the case where a plurality of control devices that operate the reaction force actuator are provided to generate redundancy is not limited to the case where two control devices are provided. For example, three or more control devices that operate the reaction force actuator can be provided.

[0089] Control device that operates the turning actuator

[0090] The control device that operates the turning actuator is not limited to the turning main control device 300 and the turning sub control device 400. For example, only the turning main control device 300 can control the turning actuator. Further, for example, the case where a plurality of control devices that operate the turning actuator are provided to generate redundancy is not limited to the case where two control devices are provided. For example, three or more control devices that operate the turning actuator can be provided.

[0091] Drive control device

[0092] - It is not necessary that the drive control device includes the steering main control device 100 and the turning main control device 300. For example, these control devices can be provided as one control device. In this case, the PU, the ROM, and the storage device can be shared. Further, for example, as described later in the section of "Device mounted in vehicle", in the case of a configuration in which the steering wheel is mechanically coupled to the turning wheel, the drive control device can be a device that operates an electric motor that assists turning of the turning wheel.

[0093] - The drive control device is not limited to a drive control device that includes the PU and the ROM and performs software processing. For example, the drive control device can include a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, an ASIC) that performs hardware processing of at least some of the processing by the software processing in the above-described embodiments. Specifically, the drive control device can be one of the following configurations (a) to (c). (a) A configuration that includes a processing device that performs all of the above-described processing according to a program and a program storage device (for example, a ROM) that stores the program. (b) A configuration that includes a processing device that performs some of the above-described processing according to a program, a program storage device, and a dedicated hardware circuit that performs other processing. (c) A configuration that includes a dedicated hardware circuit that performs all of the above-described processing. Here, a plurality of software processing circuits including the processing device and the program storage device or a plurality of dedicated hardware circuits can be provided. Thus, the above-described processing can be performed by a processing circuit including at least one or more software processing circuits or one or more dedicated hardware circuits.

[0094] Assist control device

[0095] - The assist control device 500 is not limited to an assist control device that includes the PU 522 and the ROM 524 and performs software processing. For example, the assist control device can include a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, an ASIC) that performs hardware processing of at least some of the processing by the software processing in the above-described embodiments. Specifically, the assist control device can have one of the following configurations (a) to (c). (a) A configuration that includes a processing device that performs all of the above-described processing according to a program and a program storage device (for example, a ROM) that stores the program. (b) A configuration that includes a processing device that performs some of the above-described processing according to a program, a program storage device, and a dedicated hardware circuit that performs other processing. (c) A configuration that includes a dedicated hardware circuit that performs all of the above-described processing. Here, a plurality of software processing circuits including the processing device and the program storage device or a plurality of dedicated hardware circuits can be provided. Thus, the above-described processing can be performed by a processing circuit including at least one or more software processing circuits or one or more dedicated hardware circuits.

[0096] Device mounted in vehicle

[0097] - The device whose state is controlled by the drive control device is not limited to the steering wheel and the turning wheel. For example, in the case of a configuration in which the steering wheel is mechanically coupled to the turning wheel, the device can be only the turning wheel.

[0098] - It is not necessary that the device whose state is controlled by the drive control device be a device in the steering system of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An electric power supply device characterized by comprising including a drive control device and an auxiliary control device (500) mounted in a vehicle, the vehicle includes a main power supply, an auxiliary power supply, and a supply path, the auxiliary power supply is a power supply that stores electric power supplied from the main power supply, the supply path is a path that supplies electric power from the main power supply to electronic devices inside the vehicle, and is configured to be opened and closed in accordance with a state of a start switch (12) of the vehicle, wherein: the drive control device is a device that controls a state of a device mounted in the vehicle while using the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply (530) as a power supply; the auxiliary control device (500) is a device that controls a state of the auxiliary power supply (530); the drive control device is configured to execute a storage process, a permission signal transmission process, and an initial value process, the storage process is a process of storing a state of the start switch (12) determined based on a signal from outside of the drive control device in a storage device, the permission signal transmission process is a process of transmitting a permission signal in a case where the state of the start switch (12) stored in the storage device is an off state, the initial value process is a process of setting an initial value of the state of the start switch stored in the storage device to a value indicating an on state at the time of activation of the drive control device; and the auxiliary control device (500) is configured to execute a permission signal reception process and a stop process, the permission signal reception process is a process of receiving the permission signal, the stop process is a process of placing control of electric power supply from the auxiliary power supply (530) to the drive control device in an off state in a case where the permission signal is received.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, characterized by the power supply device is configured to start the storage process in a case where communication between the drive control device and the outside becomes possible.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: the auxiliary control device (500) is configured to execute a voltage transmission process; the drive control device is configured to execute a voltage reception process and an off determination process; the voltage transmission process is a process of transmitting a detected value of a voltage of the main power supply; the voltage reception process is a process of receiving the detected value; the off determination process is a process of determining that the start switch is in an off state based on the detected value being equal to or less than a threshold value; and the storage process is a process of storing a determination result of the off determination process.

4. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein: the drive control device is configured to execute a voltage detection process; the voltage detection process is a process in which the drive control device detects a power supply voltage of the drive control device; and the off determination process is a process of determining that the start switch is in an off state based on a logical sum of the following conditions being true: the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection process being equal to or lower than a predetermined value; and the detected value being equal to or less than the threshold value.

5. The power supply device according to claim 4, characterized by The power supply voltage is the higher of the voltage of the main power supply or the voltage of the auxiliary power supply.

6. The power supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by, The off determination process is a process of determining that the start switch (12) is off based on a further condition of receiving a command signal for placing the start switch (12) in an off state, and the command signal is not transmitted to a communication line leading to the auxiliary control device (500).

7. The power supply device according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that: The vehicle includes a reaction force actuator that applies a reaction force to a steering wheel and a turning actuator that turns a turning wheel; The drive control device includes a steering control device and a turning control device; The steering control device is a device that controls a state of the steering wheel by operating a drive circuit of the reaction force actuator; The turning control device is a device that controls a state of the turning wheel by operating a drive circuit of the turning actuator; The off determination process includes a steering side determination process that is a process of determining whether the detection value is equal to or less than the threshold value, which is executed by the steering control device, and a turning side determination process that is a process of determining whether a logical product of a condition that the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection process is equal to or lower than the predetermined value and whether the turning side determination process is true, which is executed by the turning control device; and the detection value is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold value by the steering side determination process; The steering control device is configured to execute, in addition to the permission signal transmission process, a steering side determination result transmission process and a turning side determination result reception process; The turning control device is configured to execute, in addition to the storage process, the initial value process, and the voltage detection process, a steering side determination result reception process and a turning side determination result transmission process; The steering side determination result transmission process is a process of transmitting a determination result of the steering side determination process; The steering side determination result reception process is a process of receiving a determination result of the steering side determination process; The storage process is a process of storing a determination result of the turning side determination process; The turning side determination result transmission process is a process of transmitting a determination result of a state of the start switch stored in the storage device; and The turning side determination result reception process is a process of receiving a determination result of a state of the start switch stored in the storage device.

Images