Vehicle-mounted device

Abstract

Provided is an in-vehicle device capable of performing dynamic control of dark current interruption in accordance with the use mode of a user of a vehicle. An in-vehicle device for controlling an electronic control unit constituting an in-vehicle network provided with a local network function, the in-vehicle device being provided with: a first storage unit for storing first information indicating whether or not a dark current can be cut off for all electronic control units in a local network cluster to which the electronic control unit to be controlled belongs, and a second storage unit for storing second information indicating whether or not a dark current can be cut off for all electronic control units in a local network cluster to which the electronic control unit to be controlled belongs; a second storage unit that stores second information relating to power saving set by a user of the vehicle; and a control unit that performs a process for cutting off the dark current of the electronic control unit to be controlled on the basis of the state of the vehicle, the first information, and the second information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an in-vehicle device for controlling an electronic control unit that constitutes an in-vehicle network with local network functionality. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a control device that, while wanting to monitor the vehicle's status, service utilization, etc., and suppress the system's power consumption, cuts off the power-consuming current (dark current) by disconnecting (OFF) a relay that connects a specific Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to the power wiring.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-035804 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The control device described in Patent Document 1 above can cut off the dark current corresponding to the state of the vehicle, but there is a problem that it is difficult to perform dynamic control / management of the dark current cutting off in a way that matches the user's usage of the vehicle.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an in-vehicle device capable of dynamically controlling the dark current cutoff in accordance with the user's usage of the vehicle.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention is an in-vehicle device that controls an electronic control unit constituting an in-vehicle network with local area network functionality. The in-vehicle device includes: a first storage unit storing first information indicating whether all electronic control units in the local area network cluster to which the controlled electronic control unit belongs can cut off dark current; a second storage unit storing second information related to power saving set by the vehicle user; and a control unit that processes the cutting off of dark current of the controlled electronic control unit based on the vehicle's status, the first information, and the second information.

[0007] Invention Effects

[0008] According to the vehicle-mounted device of the present invention, in addition to the vehicle's status and the first information, the device also performs dark current cut-off processing on the electronic control unit of the controlled object based on power-saving information set by the user of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to dynamically perform dark current cut-off control that matches the user's usage pattern. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an on-board device and power system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2This is a flowchart of the power-saving relay control process executed by the on-board device. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The vehicle-mounted device of this invention dynamically balances hot start (start-up time priority) and cold start (power saving priority) by combining a local network and an IC relay. This allows for a balance that matches the lifestyle or preferences of the vehicle user (driver) and the battery charging status.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] <Implementation Method>

[0014] [structure] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the power supply system 100 that supplies power to the plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) 121-126 constituting an embodiment of the vehicle-mounted device 150 and vehicle-mounted network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In the power supply system 100, multiple electronic control units 121-126 are connected to the power supply source 110 via multiple relays 131-136 through power wiring 140.

[0015] Figure 1 The power supply source 110, multiple electronic control units 121-126, multiple relays 131-136, power wiring 140, and on-board device 150 shown are, for example, mounted on vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV).

[0016] The power supply source 110 is a structure capable of supplying power to multiple electronic control units 121-126 via multiple relays 131-136. Examples of this power supply source 110 include batteries such as lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries, or DC-DC converters that convert battery power or power from generators (such as alternators) to a specified voltage. The power supply source 110 is connected to the multiple relays 131-136 via power wiring 140 such as a wiring harness.

[0017] Multiple electronic control units 121-126 receive power from power supply source 110 for driving and are configured to execute predetermined controls or actions within the vehicle. In this embodiment, the electronic control units 121-126 constitute an in-vehicle network (CAN, etc.) possessing a local network function (PN function) capable of suppressing power consumption throughout the system. Within this in-vehicle network, the electronic control units 121-126 form a cluster called a Partial Network Cluster (PNC) by collaborating as a group of electronic control units to provide functions or services. Figure 1 In the example, electronic control units 121, 122, 123, and 124 form a local network cluster (first PNC), and electronic control units 124 and 126 form a local network cluster (second PNC). Like electronic control unit 124, there can be electronic control units belonging to multiple local network clusters; on the other hand, there can also be electronic control units like electronic control unit 125 that do not belong to any local network cluster.

[0018] Multiple relays 131-136 are respectively inserted between multiple electronic control units 121-126 and the power wiring 140, and are used to switch the electrical connection state (on / off) between the power supply source 110 and the multiple electronic control units 121-126. Semiconductor relays (IC relays) are used among these multiple relays 131-136. The connection state of the multiple relays 131-136 is controlled by the on-board unit 150.

[0019] In addition, with Figure 1 The number of electronic control units 121-126 and relays 131-136 connected to the power supply source 110 shown is an example and is not limited to this. Furthermore, relays may be provided for some electronic control units instead of all of them. Also, the number of electronic control units connected to the relay (becoming its subordinate units) is not limited to one; it may be two or more electronic control units connected to one relay (becoming its subordinate units).

[0020] The vehicle-mounted device 150 has a structure that controls the connection status of multiple relays 131-136 to suppress overall system power consumption (relay disconnection determination function). This vehicle-mounted device 150 can monitor the status of the local network cluster (bus connection + PNC with PN function and belonging to the relevant network). Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 150 has identification information for controlling the relays 131-136. The vehicle-mounted device 150 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 151, a storage unit 152, and a control unit 153.

[0021] The vehicle-mounted device 150 is typically configured as an ECU (e.g., a relay control ECU) including a processor such as a microcontroller (MCU), a memory, and input / output interfaces. The vehicle-mounted device 150 implements some or all of the functions of the acquisition unit 151, the storage unit 152, and the control unit 153 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory through the processor.

[0022] The acquisition unit 151 is capable of acquiring the vehicle's status. The vehicle status acquired by the acquisition unit 151 includes information indicating whether the vehicle is parked and information indicating whether the electronic control units 121 to 126 are in a wake-up state that enables all functions or a sleep state that disables some or all functions.

[0023] Storage unit 152 stores first information (PNC information) related to each local network cluster (PNC). This first information includes the PNC's name, information about the electronic control unit (ECU) belonging to the PNC, and information on system power-saving priority settings during power-on (driving) and when the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, the ECU information for each PNC also includes the ECU's unit name, information indicating whether dark current can be cut off, and information about the connected relays.

[0024] Furthermore, the storage unit 152 stores and manages second information (power-saving requirements) related to power saving set by the vehicle user. This second information includes information on the time periods during which the user typically uses the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "user usage time periods") and information on whether system power-saving actions are allowed during time periods outside of the user usage time periods (hereinafter referred to as "user non-usage time periods").

[0025] The control unit 153 performs a process of cutting off the dark current of the electronic control unit (ECU) that is the target of control, based on the vehicle status acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the first and second information stored in the storage unit 152. This cutting off of the dark current is performed by controlling a relay connected to the ECU to be in the off state.

[0026] [control]

[0027] Next, further reference Figure 2 The control of the vehicle-mounted device 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing sequence of the power-saving relay control executed by the control unit 153 of the vehicle-mounted device 150. Figure 2 The power-saving relay control illustrated in the example is executed by an electronic control unit that is in an awake state.

[0028] The following explanation uses the case where the electronic control unit (ECU) that is the object of control is the electronic control unit 121 as an example to illustrate the power-saving relay control.

[0029] (Step S201)

[0030] Based on the vehicle status acquired by the acquisition unit 151, the control unit 153 determines whether all other electronic control units 122, 123, and 124 of the local network cluster to which the electronic control unit 121, which is the object of control, belongs are in a dormant state.

[0031] If the control unit 153 determines that all other electronic control units 122, 123, and 124 of the first PNC are in a sleep state (step S201, Yes), the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the control unit 153 determines that not all other electronic control units 122, 123, and 124 of the first PNC are in a sleep state (step S201, No), the status monitoring of the other electronic control units 122, 123, and 124 continues.

[0032] (Step S202)

[0033] The control unit 153 causes the electronic control unit 121 of the controlled object to switch from the wake-up state to the sleep state. If the electronic control unit 121 of the controlled object is in the sleep state, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0034] (Step S203)

[0035] Based on the first information stored in the storage unit 152, the control unit 153 determines whether the dark current can be cut off for all electronic control units 121, 122, 123, and 124 of the first PNC to which the electronic control unit 121 to which the controlled object belongs. The dark current is the current consumed when the electronic control unit is in sleep mode and still operates.

[0036] If the control unit 153 determines that the dark current can be cut off in all of the electronic control units 121, 122, 123 and 124 of the first PNC (step S203, Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the control unit 153 determines that the dark current cannot be cut off in all of the electronic control units 121, 122, 123 and 124 of the first PNC (step S203, No), the process proceeds to step S201.

[0037] (Step S204)

[0038] Based on the first information stored in the storage unit 152, the control unit 153 determines whether power saving priority is set for all electronic control units 121, 122, 123 and 124 of the first PNC to which the electronic control unit 121 to which the control object belongs.

[0039] If the control unit 153 determines that power saving priority is set in all of the electronic control units 121, 122, 123, and 124 of the first PNC (step S204, Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the control unit 153 determines that power saving priority is not set in all of the electronic control units 121, 122, 123, and 124 of the first PNC (step S204, No), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0040] (Step S205)

[0041] Based on the vehicle status acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the second information (user's power-saving needs) stored in the storage unit 152, the control unit 153 determines whether the current system status meets the prescribed power-off conditions. The prescribed power-off conditions are that the vehicle is parked, the current time is a user-unused period, and the user's permission for system power-saving actions is true (TRUE) during the user-unused period.

[0042] If the control unit 153 determines that the current system condition meets the power-off condition (step S205, Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the control unit 153 determines that the current system condition does not meet the power-off condition (step S205, No), the process proceeds to step S201.

[0043] (Step S206)

[0044] The control unit 153 controls the relay 131 connected to the electronic control unit 121 of the controlled object to be in the OFF state. This stops the power supply from the power source 110 to the electronic control unit 121, achieving power saving. If the control unit 153 controls the relay 131 connected to the electronic control unit 121 to be OFF, the power-saving relay control ends.

[0045] [Specific example]

[0046] The following explanation will be based on the structure of an in-vehicle network with the electronic control units (ECUs) of the local network cluster (PNC) of the autonomous driving system being the autonomous driving ECU and the camera ECU, and the electronic control units (ECUs) of the local network cluster (PNC) of the ○○ system being the camera ECU and the ○○ ECU.

[0047] Furthermore, the first and second information stored in the storage unit 152 are as follows.

[0048] • First message (PNC message):

[0049] Dark current cutoff → All electronic control units are able to

[0050] Autonomous driving system → Prioritizes energy saving even while driving

[0051] ○○ System → Prioritizes activation even when the vehicle is parked.

[0052] • Second piece of information (user settings):

[0053] User's usage time period → Daytime (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM)

[0054] Setting user-unused time periods → Prioritizing power saving

[0055] In this state, at approximately 10:00 AM, with the vehicle in motion and the automatic driving system and ○○ system not in use, the states of the camera ECU and the automatic driving ECU are as follows.

[0056] • Camera ECU: Sleep mode

[0057] All ECUs belonging to the PNC are in sleep mode → TRUE

[0058] The camera ECU can cut off dark current → TRUE

[0059] All ECUs belonging to the PNC are set to power saving priority → FALSE

[0060] Power disconnection condition met → FALSE

[0061] • Automatic driving ECU: Power off due to relay disconnection

[0062] All ECUs belonging to the PNC are in sleep mode → TRUE

[0063] The autonomous driving ECU can cut off the dark current → TRUE

[0064] All ECUs belonging to the PNC are set to power saving priority → TRUE

[0065] On the other hand, when the time is around 2 a.m., the vehicle is parked, and the automatic driving system and ○○ system are not in use, the camera ECU's status is as follows.

[0066] • Camera ECU: Power off due to relay disconnection

[0067] All ECUs belonging to the PNC are in sleep mode → TRUE

[0068] The camera ECU can cut off dark current → TRUE

[0069] All ECUs belonging to the PNC are set to power saving priority → FALSE

[0070] Power disconnection condition met → TRUE

[0071] <Function / Effect>

[0072] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle-mounted device 150 performs dark current cutting processing on electronic control units 121-126 constituting a vehicle-mounted network with local area network functionality, in addition to the vehicle's status and first information indicating whether each electronic control unit 121-126 can cut off dark current, based on second information (user demand) set by the user for power saving. Therefore, dynamic control / management of dark current cutting off can be performed to match the user's usage patterns of the vehicle.

[0073] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention can be understood not only as an in-vehicle device equipped with a processor and a memory, but also as a method executed by an in-vehicle device, a program for executing the method, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing the program, and a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle device.

[0074] The vehicle-mounted device of the present invention can be used when dynamic dark current control based on local area networks and IC relays is desired.

[0075] Symbol Explanation

[0076] 100 - Power supply system, 110 - Power supply source, 121-126 - Electronic control unit (ECU), 131-136 - Relay, 140 - Power wiring, 150 - Vehicle device (relay control ECU), 151 - Acquisition unit, 152 - Storage unit, 153 - Control unit.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted device that controls an electronic control unit constituting a vehicle-mounted network with local area network functionality, characterized in that, have: The first storage unit stores first information indicating whether all electronic control units in the local network cluster to which the electronic control unit of the controlled object belongs can cut off the dark current; The second storage unit stores second information related to power saving, set by the vehicle user. and The control unit, based on the vehicle's state, the first information, and the second information, performs the process of cutting off the dark current of the electronic control unit of the controlled object.

2. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of cutting off the dark current is the process of disconnecting the relay that supplies power to the electronic control unit of the controlled object.

3. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second piece of information includes information indicating whether power can be saved during the time when the user does not use the vehicle.

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