Electronic control apparatus for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic control apparatus for a vehicle. When the power supply state is an off state and an abnormal condition is satisfied, the execution means executes a mask process that suppresses the electronic control apparatus from being shifted to the wake-up state on the basis of the wake-up signal. The abnormal condition is to receive the wake-up signal for a predetermined number of times or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic control device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-22842 (JP2016-22842A) describes an electronic control device installed in a vehicle. This electronic control device includes a terminal capable of receiving a wake-up signal. When the terminal receives the wake-up signal, the actuator of the electronic control device performs a startup process that transitions the electronic control device from a sleep state to a wake-up state.

[0003] If no wake-up signal is received after receiving the wake-up signal, and the time elapsed since receiving the wake-up signal exceeds a predetermined time and no person is detected in the vehicle, the actuator performs a shielding process. During the shielding process, the actuator disables the startup process to avoid a wake-up state based on the wake-up signal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when the vehicle's power is off, the vehicle's electronic control devices operate by consuming power stored in the vehicle's battery. In this situation, the operation of the electronic control devices depletes the battery's power regardless of whether anyone is in the vehicle. Therefore, the technique described in JP2016-22842A, where the electronic control device requests the execution unit to perform shielding processing when the terminal fails to receive a wake-up signal, regardless of whether anyone is in the vehicle, is applicable.

[0005] To address this problem, the present invention provides an electronic control device for a vehicle. The electronic control device is installed in the vehicle and configured to operate by consuming power when the vehicle's power state is off. This power is stored in a battery when the power state is on. The electronic control device includes a terminal configured to receive a wake-up signal from an external source. The wake-up signal indicates a request to transition the electronic control device from a sleep state to a wake-up state. The electronic control device is configured to consume more power in the wake-up state than in the sleep state. The electronic control device further includes an execution unit configured to perform a startup process that transitions the electronic control device to the wake-up state based on the wake-up signal received by the terminal, and a shielding process that suppresses the transition of the electronic control device to the wake-up state based on the wake-up signal when the power state is off and the terminal's reception of the wake-up signal meets a predefined abnormal condition. The abnormal condition is receiving the wake-up signal more than a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number is more than once and is predefined.

[0006] According to this configuration, the execution unit performs a blocking process if the terminal receives a predetermined number of wake-up signals. The predetermined number is more than one and is predefined. That is, the execution unit can perform the blocking process based on the number of times the terminal receives wake-up signals, assuming that the terminal's reception of wake-up signals is abnormal. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes, including a startup process; and

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes, including a masking process. Detailed Implementation

[0011] In the following description, embodiments of electronic control devices for vehicles will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Vehicle Overview

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes a power supply system 20 and an electronic control device 30. The power supply system 20 supplies power to the electronic control device 30.

[0014] The power supply system 20 includes a power switch 21, a drive unit 22, a drive battery 23, and an auxiliary battery 24. The power switch 21 outputs an "on" request DN to switch the power state of the vehicle 10 to the "on" state. The power switch 21 outputs the "on" request DN to the electronic control unit 30. The power switch 21 also outputs the "on" request DN to the drive unit 22. Furthermore, the power switch 21 outputs a "off" request DF to switch the power state of the vehicle 10 to the "off" state. The power switch 21 outputs the "off" request DF to the electronic control unit 30. The power switch 21 also outputs the "off" request DF to the drive unit 22.

[0015] The drive unit 22 is a device for driving the vehicle 10. The drive unit 22 includes an engine and a traction electric motor. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid electric vehicle. When a shutdown request DF is received from the power switch 21, the drive unit 22 stops driving. When an on request DN is received from the power switch 21, the drive unit 22 starts driving. While the drive unit 22 is driven, it charges the drive battery 23.

[0016] The drive battery 23 is a high-voltage traction battery for the vehicle 10. The drive battery 23 supplies power to the electric motor of the drive unit 22. When the vehicle 10 is powered on, the drive battery 23 supplies power to the auxiliary battery 24 via a converter (not shown).

[0017] The auxiliary battery 24 is a secondary battery. The auxiliary battery 24 is a low-voltage battery with a rated voltage lower than that of the drive battery 23. When the vehicle 10 is powered on, the auxiliary battery 24 stores the power supplied from the drive battery 23. The auxiliary battery 24 supplies power to the electronic control device 30. In this embodiment, the auxiliary battery 24 is a battery.

[0018] Electronic control device 30 is installed on vehicle 10. For example, electronic control device 30 controls interior lights, such as those located on the doors of vehicle 10, causing the interior lights to turn on. Therefore, even when the power supply to vehicle 10 is off, electronic control device 30 operates using power supplied from auxiliary battery 24.

[0019] The electronic control device 30 receives the on request DN and the off request DF from the power switch 21. Furthermore, the electronic control device 30 calculates the input voltage IV, which is the voltage input through the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 24.

[0020] The vehicle 10 includes an association switch 51, an association sensor 52, and an association device 53. Each of the association switch 51, association sensor 52, and association device 53 outputs a wake-up signal WS to the electronic control equipment 30.

[0021] The associated switch 51 is a switch associated with the electronic control device 30. For example, the associated switch 51 is a door sill light switch for the vehicle 10. The door sill light switch detects the open and closed state of the vehicle 10's doors. The associated switch 51 outputs a wake-up signal WS to the electronic control device 30. The wake-up signal WS is a signal indicating a request to transition the electronic control device 30 from a sleep state to a wake-up state. The sleep state is a state in which only the predefined minimum functions of the electronic control device 30 are active. These minimum functions include, for example, receiving the wake-up signal WS and performing related processing. The wake-up state is a state in which the electronic control device 30 is able to perform its main functions. The main functions of the electronic control device 30 include turning on the interior lights installed on the doors of the vehicle 10.

[0022] The associated sensor 52 is a sensor associated with the electronic control device 30. For example, the associated sensor 52 is a seating sensor. The seating sensor is located at the driver's seat. Upon detecting that the driver's seat is occupied, the associated sensor 52 outputs a wake-up signal WS to the electronic control device 30.

[0023] The associated device 53 is a device associated with the electronic control device 30. For example, the associated device 53 is a control device for controlling the navigation and audio devices of the vehicle 10. The associated device 53 communicates with the electronic control device 30 according to standards such as CAN. The associated device 53 outputs a wake-up signal WS to the electronic control device 30.

[0024] Electronic control equipment

[0025] The electronic control device 30 includes multiple terminals 40. Each terminal 40 is capable of receiving a wake-up signal WS from outside the electronic control device 30. Each terminal 40 receives the wake-up signal WS to detect the wake-up signal WS. The terminal 40 includes a first terminal 41, a second terminal 42, and a third terminal 43. The first terminal 41 receives the wake-up signal WS from an associated switch 51. The second terminal 42 receives the wake-up signal WS from an associated sensor 52. The third terminal 43 receives the wake-up signal WS from an associated device 53.

[0026] The electronic control device 30 includes an execution device 31 as a CPU, peripheral circuitry 32, RAM 33, storage device 34, and a bus 35. The bus 35 communicatively connects the execution device 31, peripheral circuitry 32, RAM 33, storage device 34, and multiple terminals 40 to each other.

[0027] The execution device 31 executes various programs stored in the storage device 34 to perform information processing. The peripheral circuitry 32 includes circuits for generating clock signals that define the internal operation, power supply circuits, reset circuits, etc. The RAM 33 stores data generated by the operation of the execution device 31.

[0028] Storage device 34 stores a startup procedure PR1 associated with the startup process of electronic control device 30 and a shielding procedure PR2 associated with the shielding process. Startup procedure PR1 and shielding procedure PR2 are executed by execution device 31. Storage device 34 stores detection status information SI indicating the status of each of the plurality of terminals 40. Detection status information SI indicates whether each of the plurality of terminals 40 is in an abnormal state or a normal state (not abnormal). An abnormal state is the state in which the reception of a terminal 40 meets an abnormal condition AC. Detection status information SI is updated by execution device 31 to indicate that a terminal 40 determined to meet abnormal condition AC is in an abnormal state. Abnormal condition AC is receiving a wake-up signal WS more than a predetermined number of times RC is received within a predefined predetermined time period RT. The predetermined number of times RC is predefined. Details of abnormal condition AC will be described below. Note that in this embodiment, execution device 31 is an execution unit, and storage device 34 is a storage unit.

[0029] Regarding startup processing

[0030] The actuator 31 enables the electronic control device 30 to switch from a sleep state to a wake-up state and from a wake-up state back to a sleep state. In the wake-up state, the electronic control device 30 operates by consuming more power supplied from the auxiliary battery 24 than in the sleep state.

[0031] When the electronic control device 30 is in sleep mode, upon receiving the wake-up signal WS at the terminal 40, the execution device 31 begins executing the startup program PR1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the execution device 31 begins executing the startup procedure PR1, it first executes the process in step S11. In step S11, the execution device 31 performs a startup process. In the startup process, the execution device 31, based on the wake-up signal WS received by the terminal 40, causes the electronic control device 30 to switch to a wake-up state. When the electronic control device 30 is in a sleep state, the startup process thereby causes the electronic control device 30 to switch from a sleep state to a wake-up state. Note that when the electronic control device 30 is in a wake-up state, the startup process keeps the electronic control device 30 in a wake-up state. Thereafter, the execution device 31 advances the process to step S12.

[0032] In step S12, the execution device 31 starts a timer. Specifically, the execution device 31 measures from zero using the timer. That is, the time period indicated by the timer at the start of the process in step S12 is the time period that has elapsed since the start of the process. After this, the execution device 31 advances the process to step S13.

[0033] In step S13, the execution device 31 determines whether the terminal 40 has received a wake-up signal WS. When the terminal 40 receives the wake-up signal WS (S13: Yes), the execution device 31 returns the process to step S11. In this case, the wake-up state continues through the process of step S11, and the timer starts measuring from zero through the process of step S12.

[0034] Conversely, if terminal 40 does not receive a wake-up signal WS (S13: No), execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S14. In step S14, execution device 31 determines whether the time period indicated by the timer exceeds a predefined predetermined time period. If the time period indicated by the timer does not exceed the predetermined time period (S14: No), execution device 31 returns the process to step S13. Conversely, if the time period indicated by the timer exceeds the predetermined time period (S14: Yes), execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S15.

[0035] In step S15, the execution device 31 switches the state of the electronic control device 30 to a sleep state. That is, when no wake-up signal WS is received within a predetermined time period, the execution device 31 switches the state of the electronic control device 30 to a sleep state. After that, the execution device 31 ends the current series of processes. As described above, the execution device 31 switches the state of the electronic control device 30 from a sleep state to a wake-up state and from a wake-up state to a sleep state.

[0036] A series of procedures including shielding.

[0037] The execution device 31 processes the masking procedure PR2 repeatedly in the terminal 40 within a predefined predetermined period. The processing of the masking procedure PR2 for the first terminal 41 will be described below.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, when the masking procedure PR2 is started, the execution device 31 first executes the process of step S21. In step S21, the execution device 31 starts a timer. The measurement of the timer started by the process of step S21 is used to determine whether the specified time period RT described below has been exceeded. Thereafter, the execution device 31 advances the process to step S22.

[0039] In step S22, the execution device 31 determines whether the power supply status of the vehicle 10 is off. Specifically, if the latest request received from the power switch 21 is an on request DN, the execution device 31 determines that the power supply status of the vehicle 10 is on. Conversely, if the latest request received from the power switch 21 is a off request DF, the execution device 31 determines that the power supply status of the vehicle 10 is off. When the power supply status of the vehicle 10 is off (S22: Yes), the execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S23.

[0040] In step S23, the execution device 31 determines whether the input voltage IV from the auxiliary battery 24 is higher than or equal to a predetermined voltage RV. The predetermined voltage RV is defined by testing or simulation as the minimum voltage required to perform the normal count wake-up signal WS and the masking process described below. When the input voltage IV is higher than or equal to the predetermined voltage RV (S23: Yes), the execution device 31 advances the process to step S24.

[0041] In step S24, the execution device 31 determines whether the first terminal 41 has received a wake-up signal WS. When the first terminal 41 receives the wake-up signal WS (S24: Yes), the execution device 31 causes the process to proceed to step S25.

[0042] In step S25, the execution device 31 increments the counter. The count indicated by the counter indicates the number of times the wake-up signal WS is received within the specified time period RT. Afterward, the execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S26. Furthermore, if the first terminal 41 does not receive the wake-up signal WS (S24: No), the execution device 31 does not execute the process in step S25 and proceeds the process to step S26.

[0043] In step S26, the execution device 31 determines whether the time period indicated by the timer exceeds a predetermined time period RT. The predetermined time period RT is predefined by testing or simulation as the period during which the reception of the wake-up signal WS is counted. If the time period indicated by the timer does not exceed the predetermined time period RT (S26: No), the execution device 31 returns the process to step S22. Conversely, if the time period indicated by the timer exceeds the predetermined time period RT (S26: Yes), the execution device 31 advances the process to step S27.

[0044] In step S27, it is determined whether the number indicated by the counter is greater than or equal to a predetermined number RC. The predetermined number RC is a predefined number of times, more than once. When the number indicated by the counter is greater than or equal to the predetermined number RC (S27: Yes), the execution device 31 determines that the first terminal 41's reception of the wake-up signal WS is in an abnormal state. That is, the abnormal condition AC is receiving the wake-up signal WS more than or equal to the predetermined number RC within a predetermined time period RT. Thereafter, the execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S28.

[0045] In step S28, the execution device 31 updates the detection status information SI, so that the detection status of the terminal 40 receiving the wake-up signal WS is in an abnormal state. Afterwards, the execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S29.

[0046] In step S29, the execution device 31 performs a masking process on the first terminal 41. During the masking process, the execution device 31 disables the received wake-up signal WS from the first terminal 41. In this state, even if the wake-up signal WS is input, the first terminal 41 will not detect the reception of the wake-up signal WS. As a result, the execution device 31 does not detect the reception from the first terminal 41, and therefore disables the startup process based on the wake-up signal WS received by the masked first terminal 41. That is, the masking process disables the startup process based on the wake-up signal WS to suppress the process that causes the electronic control device 30 to switch to a wake-up state based on the wake-up signal WS. Afterwards, the execution device 31 proceeds the process to step S30. Furthermore, if the number indicated by the counter is not greater than a predetermined number RC (S27: No), the execution device 31 does not perform the processes of steps S28 and S29, and proceeds the process to step S30.

[0047] In step S30, the execution device 31 resets the timer and counter to zero. Then, the execution device 31 terminates the current series of processes. Note that after a predefined time period, the execution device 31 transitions the first terminal 41, which has undergone shielding, to a state where the shielding process is cancelled. While the execution device 31 transitions the first terminal 41 to the state where the shielding process is cancelled, the execution device 31 updates the detection status information SI, causing the detection status information SI to indicate that the first terminal 41 is in a normal state.

[0048] However, when the power is on (S22: No), the execution device 31 advances the process to step S30. After executing the process in step S30, the execution device 31 ends the current series of processes. That is, when the power is on (S22: No), the execution device 31 does not perform the shielding process.

[0049] Furthermore, when the input voltage IV is lower than the specified voltage RV (S23: No), the execution device 31 advances the process to step S30. After performing the process in step S30, the execution device 31 ends the current series of processes. That is, when the input voltage IV is lower than the specified voltage RV (S23: No), the execution device 31 does not perform the shielding process.

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, the execution device 31 executes the masking procedure PR2 for each of the plurality of terminals 40. Therefore, the execution device 31 does not perform masking processing on terminals 40 that do not meet the abnormal condition AC, and performs masking processing on terminals 40 that meet the abnormal condition AC.

[0051] The role of the embodiments

[0052] According to an embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is powered off, the drive battery 23 does not supply power to the auxiliary battery 24. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 is powered off, the electronic control unit 30 consumes power stored in the auxiliary battery 24, thereby reducing the amount of power stored in the auxiliary battery 24. Conversely, when the electronic control unit 30 is in a sleep state, it consumes less power than when it is in a wake-up state. This prevents excessive depletion of power stored in the auxiliary battery 24.

[0053] When the electronic control device 30, which is in sleep mode, receives a wake-up signal WS, it transitions to sleep mode, thus consuming more power than when in sleep mode. Therefore, the power stored in the auxiliary battery 24 is depleted more easily. Furthermore, when the electronic control device 30, in sleep mode, continuously receives the wake-up signal WS, it cannot transition to sleep mode, thus consuming more power than when in sleep mode. Therefore, the power stored in the auxiliary battery 24 is depleted more easily.

[0054] Effects of the Implementation Examples

[0055] (1) In this embodiment, the actuator 31 performs a shielding process when the terminal 40's reception meets the abnormal condition AC. Since the electronic control device 30 remains in an awake state, the shielding process allows the electronic control device 30 to prevent excessive power consumption. Then, the abnormal condition AC is receiving the wake-up signal WS more than a predetermined number of times RC. This allows the actuator 31 to perform a shielding process when the terminal 40's reception of the wake-up signal WS is abnormal, based on the number of times the terminal 40 receives the wake-up signal WS. Therefore, the actuator 31 can perform the shielding process regardless of whether the user is in the vehicle 10.

[0056] (2) According to this embodiment, the abnormal condition AC is receiving a specified number of wake-up signals WS more than a specified number of times within a specified time period RT. This allows the execution device 31 to perform a shielding process when the terminal 40 frequently receives wake-up signals WS.

[0057] (3) According to this embodiment, when the power supply of the vehicle 10 is off, the input voltage IV is higher than or equal to the specified voltage RV, and the terminal 40's reception of the wake-up signal WS meets the abnormal condition AC, the execution device 31 performs the shielding process. Conversely, when the input voltage IV is lower than the specified voltage RV, the execution device 31 does not perform the shielding process. The electronic control device 30 may fail to properly determine the abnormal condition AC and perform the shielding process. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electronic control device 30 from unintentionally determining the abnormal condition AC and performing the shielding process when the input voltage IV drops below the specified voltage RV.

[0058] (4) According to this embodiment, the execution device 31 executes the masking procedure PR2 for each of the plurality of terminals 40. Therefore, the execution device 31 does not perform masking processing on terminals 40 that do not meet the abnormal condition AC, and performs masking processing on terminals 40 that meet the abnormal condition AC. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the masking processing for some terminals 40 from overly restricting other terminals 40.

[0059] (5) According to this embodiment, when performing the shielding process, the execution device 31 updates the detection status information SI of the terminal 40 to which the shielding process is performed, so that the detection status information SI indicates an abnormal state. This allows the execution device 31 to know whether the state of the terminal 40 is in an abnormal state by referring to the detection status information SI in the storage device 34.

[0060] Other embodiments

[0061] This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. As long as technical inconsistencies are avoided, this embodiment and the following variations can be performed in combination.

[0062] Terminal 40 may receive a wake-up signal WS from outside the electronic control device 30, and the source from which the wake-up signal WS is sent is not limited to the examples in the embodiments.

[0063] - The associated switch 51, associated sensor 52, and associated device 53 can each output a wake-up signal WS to the electronic control device 30. The relationship between the associated switch 51 and the electronic control device 30 can be that they are the source and destination of the wake-up signal WS. In this respect, the same applies to the associated sensor 52 and the associated device 53.

[0064] - The execution device 31 may not need to perform a masking process on each of the terminals 40. For example, when one of the terminals 40 meets the abnormal condition AC, a masking process may be performed on all terminals 40.

[0065] - When the power supply of vehicle 10 is off and the abnormal condition AC is met, the actuator 31 can perform the shielding process regardless of the input voltage IV. For example, the actuator 31 can omit the processing in step S23.

[0066] - An abnormal condition AC can be receiving a wake-up signal WS more than a predetermined number of RC cycles, regardless of the predetermined time period RT. For example, when the power state is on (S22: No) and the input voltage IV is lower than the predetermined voltage RV (S23: No), the execution device 31 can omit the processing of steps S21 and S26, and only clear the counter in step S30. Furthermore, when the counter is less than the predetermined number of RC cycles in step S27, the execution device 31 can return the processing to step S22. In this case, if the terminal 40 receives a wake-up signal WS more than a predetermined number of RC cycles while the power state remains off and the input voltage IV remains higher than or equal to the predetermined voltage RV, the execution device 31 can perform a masking process under the assumption that the abnormal condition AC is met.

[0067] - The shielding process is not limited to disabling the reception of the wake-up signal WS, as long as the shielding process suppresses the start-up of the electronic control device 30 based on the wake-up signal WS. For example, the shielding process may disable the start-up process based on the received wake-up signal WS, or disable the terminal 40 from outputting the wake-up signal WS to the bus 35 after receiving the wake-up signal.

[0068] - The conditions for canceling the applied shielding process are not limited to the examples in the embodiments. For example, the actuator 31 can cancel the applied shielding process by receiving a signal requesting cancellation from an external device such as an inspection tool via the electronic control device 30.

[0069] - The storage device 34 does not need to store the detection status information SI. Furthermore, the execution device 31 does not need to update the detection status information SI.

[0070] - The electronic control device 30 may include only one terminal 40.

[0071] - The battery that supplies power to the electronic control device 30 is not limited to the auxiliary battery 24. When the power supply state of the vehicle 10 is off, the battery can supply the electronic control device 30 with the power stored when the power supply state of the vehicle 10 is on.

[0072] - The drive unit 22 may include only an engine or only an electric motor. That is, the vehicle 10 may be a vehicle 10 driven only by an engine or a vehicle 10 driven only by an electric motor.

Claims

1. An electronic control device for a vehicle, the electronic control device being mounted on the vehicle and configured to operate by consuming electric power when a power state of the vehicle is an off state, the electric power being stored in a battery when the power state is an on state, the electronic control device comprising a terminal configured to receive a wake-up signal from outside, the wake-up signal indicating a request to cause the electronic control device to transition from a sleep state to a wake-up state, the electronic control device being configured to consume more of the electric power in the wake-up state than in the sleep state, wherein the electronic control device further comprises an execution section configured to execute a start process of causing the electronic control device to transition to the wake-up state based on the wake-up signal received by the terminal, and a mask process of inhibiting causing the electronic control device to transition to the wake-up state based on the wake-up signal when the power state is the off state and reception of the wake-up signal by the terminal satisfies a predefined abnormal condition, and the abnormal condition is reception of the wake-up signal a prescribed number of times or more, the prescribed number of times being more than once and being predefined. the abnormal condition is reception of the wake-up signal a prescribed number of times or more within a predefined prescribed period.

2. The electronic control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the execution section is configured to execute the mask process when the power state is the off state, an input voltage of the electronic control device is higher than or equal to a predefined prescribed voltage, and the abnormal condition is satisfied.

3. The electronic control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein 4. The electronic control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the terminals, wherein the execution section is configured to inhibit execution of the mask process for the terminals that do not satisfy the abnormal condition, and to execute the mask process for the terminals that satisfy the abnormal condition.

5. The electronic control device for a vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a storage section configured to store detection state information indicating whether each of the terminals is in an abnormal state, the abnormal state being a state in which the reception of the wake-up signal by the terminal satisfies the abnormal condition, wherein the execution section is configured to, when executing the mask process, further execute update of the detection state information for the terminal that executes the mask process, such that the detection state information indicates the abnormal state. ​

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