Vehicle control device

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that improves the work efficiency of operators in a vehicle production line. In a vehicle control device, a control switching unit switches between conventional control and production line control. A determination unit determines whether to perform opening and closing control on the opening and closing device of the vehicle according to a first opening and closing condition in conventional control, and whether to perform opening and closing control on the opening and closing device according to a second opening and closing condition in production line control. The control unit performs opening and closing control on the opening and closing device based on the determination result of the determination unit. The first opening and closing condition includes conditions related to vehicle control signals where communication is stopped during software writing of the vehicle's electronic control devices. The second opening and closing condition does not include conditions related to vehicle control signals.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hybrid electric vehicle capable of operating by stopping the engine and using only power from the motor. In this vehicle, the lower limit of the battery's charge capacity for electric operation is increased before shipment compared to after shipment.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-147576 Summary of the Invention

[0004] When software is written to the vehicle's electronic control system on the production line in a factory, communication of vehicle control signals required for routine vehicle control, such as vehicle speed signals, is stopped to ensure the priority and safety of the writing process. The decision to open or close electronically controlled doors such as the tailgate or passenger doors is based on these vehicle control signals. Therefore, the tailgate or passenger doors remain inactive during software writing. Consequently, during assembly or inspection processes on the production line, workers may be unable to open or close the tailgate or board / alight the vehicle, potentially reducing work efficiency or creating limitations on their work.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technology that can improve the work efficiency of operators in a vehicle production line.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, a vehicle control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a control switching unit that switches between conventional control and production line control; a determination unit that determines whether, in the conventional control, opening and closing control of an opening and closing device provided by the vehicle is performed according to a first opening and closing condition, and whether, in the production line control, opening and closing control of the opening and closing device is performed according to a second opening and closing condition; and a control unit that performs opening and closing control of the opening and closing device based on the determination result of the determination unit. The first opening and closing condition includes a condition related to a vehicle control signal whose communication is stopped during software writing of the electronic control device provided by the vehicle. The second opening and closing condition does not include a condition related to the vehicle control signal.

[0007] Invention Effects

[0008] According to the present invention, a technology is provided that can improve the work efficiency of operators in a vehicle production line. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram that roughly represents the functional structure of the vehicle system in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The state transition diagram in the state transition section.

[0011] Figure 3 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A diagram of the states of the state transition section. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Figure 1 The functional structure of vehicle system 1 in the embodiment is schematically shown. Vehicle system 1 is mounted on a vehicle not shown. The vehicle is not limited to a vehicle driven solely by an internal combustion engine, but may also be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) driven by both an internal combustion engine and a motor, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) driven solely by a motor, or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The vehicle may be driven by a driver or be an autonomous vehicle.

[0013] The vehicle system 1 includes a vehicle control device 10, an electronic control device 12, an actuator 14, a global bus 16, and a local bus 18.

[0014] The vehicle control device 10 controls the opening and closing of opening and closing devices (not shown) provided by the vehicle based on the user's opening and closing operations. These opening and closing devices, also referred to as opening and closing bodies or covers, include electronically controlled doors or covers such as the tailgate, passenger / flight doors, charging port cover, and fuel filler cap. Hereinafter, the opening and closing devices will be referred to as covers. The vehicle control device 10 can be composed of an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Details of the vehicle control device 10 will be described later.

[0015] Electronic control devices 12 include, for example, ECUs for car navigation, braking control, power control, hybrid power system control, or autonomous driving. Figure 1 The diagram shows one electronic control unit 12, but multiple electronic control units 12 (not shown) are provided. The vehicle control unit 10 and the electronic control units 12 are connected via a global bus 16. Although not shown, a diagnostic communication interface is also connected to the global bus 16, enabling connection to external devices outside the vehicle. These external devices, also known as external tools, are operated by production line workers, etc.

[0016] On the production line of the vehicle manufacturing plant, software is written to the electronic control unit 12 via a global bus 16 through an external device connected to a diagnostic communication interface. This software writing is also known as reprogramming.

[0017] Vehicle control signals acquired from various vehicle sensors are supplied to the vehicle control unit 10 and the electronic control unit 12 via communication via the global bus 16. During software writing to the electronic control unit 12, communication of vehicle control signals via the global bus 16 is suspended.

[0018] An actuator 14 is disposed on the cover and is capable of opening or closing the cover. The actuator 14 is connected to the vehicle control device 10 via a local bus 18. The actuator 14 is actuated according to an actuation request signal sent from the vehicle control device 10 via the local bus 18, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the cover. Figure 1 In the example, actuator 14 includes a tailgate actuator, a passenger / passenger door actuator, and a refueling or charging cover actuator.

[0019] The vehicle control device 10 includes a communication unit 20, a diagnostic unit 30, a first application execution unit 40a, a second application execution unit 40b, and a third application execution unit 40c. The diagnostic unit 30 includes a state transition unit 32. The first application execution unit 40a includes a control switching unit 42a, a determination unit 44a, and a control unit 46a. The second application execution unit 40b includes a control switching unit 42b, a determination unit 44b, and a control unit 46b. The third application execution unit 40c includes a control switching unit 42c, a determination unit 44c, and a control unit 46c.

[0020] Hereinafter, without special distinction, the first application execution unit 40a to the third application execution unit 40c will be collectively referred to as "application execution unit 40". Without special distinction, the control switching units 42a to 42c will be collectively referred to as "control switching unit 42", the determination units 44a to 44c will be collectively referred to as "determination unit 44", and the control units 46a to 46c will be collectively referred to as "control unit 46".

[0021] The functional structure of the vehicle control device 10 can be realized through the cooperation of hardware and software resources. The vehicle control device 10, as a hardware resource, includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Read Only Memory (ROM), and Random Access Memory (RAM). The ROM, as a software resource, stores various control programs and mappings referenced when executing these programs. The CPU performs calculations based on the various control programs or mappings stored in the ROM. The RAM is a temporary memory that stores the results of CPU calculations or data input from various sensors.

[0022] Furthermore, the software that implements the functions of the vehicle control device 10 may have an application layer and a software platform layer. The application layer includes multiple application programs for implementing the functions of multiple application execution units 40. The platform layer includes communication software for implementing the functions of the communication unit 20 and diagnostic software for implementing the functions of the diagnostic unit 30.

[0023] The communication unit 20 receives vehicle control signals via the global bus 16 and sends the received vehicle control signals to the determination unit 44 of each application execution unit 40. The vehicle control signals are signals that include information required for the routine control based on the application execution unit 40, including vehicle speed signals, etc.

[0024] The communication unit 20 receives an actuation request signal from the application execution unit 40 and sends the received actuation request signal to the actuator 14 via the local bus 18.

[0025] The diagnostic department 30 implements self-diagnostic control.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The state transition diagram in the state transition section 32. Figure 3 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A diagram of the states of the state transition unit 32. The state transition unit 32 is arranged according to... Figure 2 The state transition diagram shows the transition states.

[0027] Upon initial power-on of the vehicle control unit 10 on the production line, the state transition unit 32 is set to the pre-shipment state. The state transition unit 32 receives state transition requests from external devices via a communication diagnostic interface and the global bus 16. These requests are input by operators using external devices.

[0028] The state transition unit 32, based on the received state transition request, transitions between the pre-shipment state and the cover operation permission state, and then transitions from the pre-shipment state to the post-shipment state. It is assumed that the pre-shipment state and the cover operation permission state are only used on the factory production line.

[0029] If the state transition unit 32 receives a state transition request to the cover operation permission state in the pre-shipment state, then condition 1 is satisfied, and the state transitions to the cover operation permission state. If the state transition unit 32 receives a state transition request to the pre-shipment state in the cover operation permission state, then condition 2 is satisfied, and the state transitions to the pre-shipment state. If the state transition unit 32 receives a state transition request to the post-shipment state in the pre-shipment state, then condition 3 is satisfied, and the state transitions to the post-shipment state.

[0030] If the state transition unit 32 transitions to the post-shipment state, it cannot transition to the pre-shipment state or the cover operation permission state. Suppose that when the production of the vehicle is completed in the factory and the vehicle is shipped, the operator inputs a state transition request to the post-shipment state, and the state transitions to the post-shipment state.

[0031] In the pre-shipment state, the state transition unit 32 stops sending the cover actuation permission signal to each application execution unit 40. In the cover actuation permission state, the state transition unit 32 sends the cover actuation permission signal to each application execution unit 40. In the post-shipment state, the state transition unit 32 does not send the cover actuation permission signal.

[0032] Return to Figure 1 The first application execution unit 40a executes, for example, a tailgate application for controlling the opening and closing of the tailgate. The second application execution unit 40b executes, for example, a passenger / flight door application for controlling the opening and closing of the passenger / flight door. The third application execution unit 40c executes, for example, a fuel filler or charging cover application for controlling the opening and closing of the fuel filler or charging cover.

[0033] The functions of each application execution unit 40 are described below. The control switching unit 42 switches between normal control and production line control. Production line control is limited to the production line. When the control switching unit 42 does not receive a cover operation permission signal, i.e., when the state transition unit 32 is in the pre-shipment state or post-shipment state, normal control is maintained. If the control switching unit 42 receives a cover operation permission signal, i.e., if the state transition unit 32 transitions from the pre-shipment state to the cover operation permission state, production line control is switched. If the control switching unit 42 stops receiving cover operation permission signals, i.e., if the state transition unit 32 transitions from the cover operation permission state to the pre-shipment state, normal control is switched.

[0034] The determination unit 44 determines whether the cover is opened or closed according to the first opening / closing condition during normal control. The determination unit 44 also determines whether the cover is opened or closed according to the second opening / closing condition during production line control.

[0035] The first opening / closing condition includes conditions related to vehicle control signals where communication is stopped during software writing to the electronic control device 12. Known opening / closing conditions can be used as the first opening / closing condition. The first opening / closing condition includes an opening condition and a closing condition. For example, an opening condition may include an operation to open the input object cover, a vehicle speed below a specified speed, and the gear shift lever being in the parking position. Similarly, a closing condition may include an operation to close the input object cover, a vehicle speed below a specified speed, and the gear shift lever being in the parking position.

[0036] The second opening / closing condition does not include conditions related to vehicle control signals whose communication is stopped during software writing to the electronic control device 12. That is, the determination unit 44 determines whether opening / closing control should not be performed using vehicle control signals whose communication is stopped during software writing in production line control. The second opening / closing condition includes both opening and closing conditions. For example, the second opening / closing condition can be a condition obtained by removing conditions related to vehicle control signals from the first opening / closing condition. The first and second opening / closing conditions are preset for each application execution unit 40.

[0037] The control unit 46 controls the opening and closing of the cover based on the determination result of the determination unit 44. If the opening condition in the first or second opening / closing condition is met, the control unit 46 opens the cover; if the closing condition in the first or second opening / closing condition is met, the control unit 46 closes the cover. The control unit 46 controls the opening or closing of the target cover by sending an actuation request signal to the actuator 14 via the communication unit 20 and the local bus 18.

[0038] According to the implementation method, when software is written on the production line, the control is switched to production line control, and the opening and closing control or determination is performed based on a second opening and closing condition that does not include the condition related to the vehicle control signal where communication is stopped during software writing. Therefore, the cover can be opened or closed even during software writing.

[0039] Thus, in production line control, even without receiving the vehicle control signals required for conventional control, operators can open or close the cover. During software writing within the production line, operators can open or close the cover or get on and off the vehicle. This ability allows other tasks to be performed concurrently with software writing, thereby improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, this ability does not restrict other tasks performed concurrently with software writing. Therefore, it enhances operator efficiency on the production line.

[0040] Furthermore, by migrating the control system to the post-shipment state after vehicle production is completed, and preventing its migration to the cover-operation-permitted state, it is possible to prevent vehicles with production line-limited controls from circulating in the market. By preventing controls used only on the production line from leaving the market, it is possible to avoid impacting user safety or regulations.

[0041] The present invention has been described above according to embodiments. The embodiments are merely illustrative, and various modifications and variations in the combination of the constituent elements or processing flows are also within the scope of the present invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] For example, the state transition unit 32 can only transition from the pre-shipment state to the cover operation permission state when software writing is performed. Thus, in cases where the vehicle is driven within the factory without software writing being performed, it is possible to prevent operators from accidentally transitioning to the cover operation permission state.

[0043] Symbol Explanation

[0044] 1-Vehicle system, 10-Vehicle control device, 12-Electronic control device, 20-Communication unit, 32-State transition unit, 40-Application execution unit, 40a-First application execution unit, 40b-Second application execution unit, 40c-Third application execution unit, 42, 42a, 42b, 42c-Control switching unit, 44, 44a, 44b, 44c-Decision unit, 46, 46a, 46b, 46c-Control unit.

Claims

1. A control device for a vehicle, characterized in that, have: The control switching unit switches between conventional control and production line control. The determination unit determines whether, in the conventional control, the opening and closing device of the vehicle is opened and closed according to the first opening and closing condition, and whether, in the production line control, the opening and closing device is opened and closed according to the second opening and closing condition; and The control unit controls the opening and closing of the opening and closing device based on the determination result of the determination unit. The first opening / closing condition includes a condition related to a vehicle control signal where communication is stopped during software writing of the electronic control devices of the vehicle. The second opening / closing condition does not include conditions related to the vehicle control signal.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The state transition unit, based on a state transition request received from an external device via a bus provided by the vehicle, transitions between a pre-shipment state and an operation-allowed state, and from the pre-shipment state to the post-shipment state. The control switching unit switches to the conventional control when the state transition unit transitions to the pre-shipment state, and switches to the production line control when the state transition unit transitions to the operation-allowed state. Once the state transition unit transitions to the post-shipment state, it cannot transition to the pre-shipment state or the operation-permitted state.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also has: The communication unit receives the vehicle control signal via the bus and transmits the received vehicle control signal to the determination unit. The software is written to the electronic control device via the bus. During the software writing process for the electronic control unit, communication of the vehicle control signals via the bus is suspended. The vehicle control signal includes the vehicle speed signal.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Upon initial power input to the vehicle control device, the state transition unit is set to the pre-shipment state from the factory.

5. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The opening and closing device includes the vehicle's tailgate and passenger / passenger doors.

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