Multi-input / output device and on-vehicle device

Abstract

To provide a multi-input / output device and related others that efficiently responds according to a connected on-vehicle load.SOLUTION: The multi-input / output device, to which an on-vehicle load is connected, includes: four switch side terminals connected with either two upstream-side opening / closing switches whose input ends are connected to a power supply device that feeds power to the on-vehicle load, or two downstream-side opening / closing switches whose output terminals are grounded; a plurality of load-side terminals to which the on-vehicle load is connected; a plurality of internal wires that connects the switch-side terminals to the respective load side terminals; and a plurality of semiconductor relays that switch connection states of the plurality of internal wires in accordance with the on-vehicle load connected to the load side terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a multi-input / output device and an in-vehicle device.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with a power supply control device (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that controls power supply from a battery to a load. In the power supply control device described in Patent Document 1, a downstream semiconductor fuse is provided in the current path of the current flowing from the battery to the load, and the power supply from the battery to the load is controlled by switching the downstream semiconductor fuse on or off.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the power supply control device described in Patent Document 1 does not consider efficiently coping with the connected in-vehicle loads.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a multi-input / output device or the like that can efficiently cope with the connected in-vehicle loads.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a multi-input / output device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, and includes two upstream opening / closing switches whose input terminals are connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load, or four switch-side terminals to which two downstream opening / closing switches whose output terminals are grounded to the ground are connected, a plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected, a plurality of internal wirings that connect each of the switch-side terminals and each of the load-side terminals, and a plurality of semiconductor relays that switch the connection state of the plurality of internal wirings according to the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the multi-input / output device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently respond according to the connected in-vehicle load.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Invention] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. Also, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0010] (1) A multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a multi-input / output device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, and includes two upstream-side opening / closing switches whose input terminals are connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load, or four switch-side terminals to which two downstream-side opening / closing switches whose output terminals are grounded to the ground are connected, a plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected, a plurality of internal connections connecting each of the switch-side terminals and each of the load-side terminals, and a plurality of semiconductor relays that switch the connection state of the plurality of internal connections according to the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals.

[0011] In this aspect, two upstream opening / closing switches and two downstream opening / closing switches are connected to the multi-input / output device (multi-I / O). The two upstream opening / closing switches and the two downstream opening / closing switches are connected to each switch-side terminal of the multi-input / output device. Also, an in-vehicle load is connected to the multi-input / output device. The in-vehicle load is connected to the load-side terminal of the multi-input / output device. The multi-input / output device includes a plurality of load-side terminals. Depending on the classification of the in-vehicle loads connected to the multi-input / output device, the load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle loads are connected are different. The multi-input / output device includes internal wiring that connects each switch-side terminal and each load-side terminal, and a plurality of semiconductor relays that switch the connection state of the internal wiring. The semiconductor relay is, for example, an N-channel type FET (Field Effect Transistor), and switches the presence or absence of energization from the drain to the source according to the voltage applied to the gate. Note that the semiconductor relay may be a P-channel type FET, an IPD (Intelligent Power Device) incorporating semiconductor elements such as FETs, or an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). By switching the semiconductor relay on (closed) or off (open), it is possible to switch the connection state of the internal wiring. That is, by switching the semiconductor relay on or off, the load-side terminal that outputs the current input to the switch-side terminal, or the switch-side terminal that outputs the current input to the load-side terminal is changed. By making it possible to change the connection state of the internal wiring according to the classification of the connected in-vehicle loads, in a plurality of classifications assumed in advance, regardless of which classification of in-vehicle load is connected, it becomes possible to perform drive control for the in-vehicle load, and a multi-input / output device with high availability and flexibility can be provided. That is, it is possible to standardize (fix) the multi-input / output device to which a plurality of classifications of in-vehicle loads are connected. Therefore, the multi-input / output device can be generally mounted (applied) to different vehicle types, and by promoting the standardization of parts, it is possible to reduce the product cost.

[0012] (2) The multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of connection wires that connect at least two of the plurality of internal wires, and the semiconductor relay includes connection relays provided on each of the connection wires.

[0013] In this aspect, the multi-input / output device includes a plurality of connection wires that connect two internal wires respectively. Also, a semiconductor relay (connection relay) is provided on each connection wire. When the connection relay is turned on, the two internal wires connected by the connection wire are electrically connected. That is, the connection state of the internal wires is switched by the connection relay. Thereby, it is possible to change the load-side terminal that outputs current to the switch-side terminal to which current is input, or the switch-side terminal that outputs current to the load-side terminal to which current is input. Therefore, according to the upstream opening / closing switch or downstream opening / closing switch that is turned on, the classification of the in-vehicle load to be connected, or the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected, the path through which current flows in the multi-input / output device can be changed.

[0014] (3) The multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the four switch-side terminals include a first switch-side terminal, a second switch-side terminal, a third switch-side terminal, and a fourth switch-side terminal, the plurality of load-side terminals include a first load-side terminal, a second load-side terminal, a third load-side terminal, and a fourth load-side terminal, the internal wires include a first wire that connects the first switch-side terminal and the first load-side terminal, a second wire that connects the second switch-side terminal and the second load-side terminal, a third wire that connects the third switch-side terminal and the third load-side terminal, and a fourth wire that connects the fourth switch-side terminal and the fourth load-side terminal, and the connection wires include a first 12 connection wire that connects the first wire and the second wire, a first 13 connection wire that connects the first wire and the third wire, a first 14 connection wire that connects the first wire and the fourth wire, a second 23 connection wire that connects the second wire and the third wire, and a third 34 connection wire that connects the third wire and the fourth wire.

[0015] In this aspect, the multi-input / output device includes four switch-side terminals and four load-side terminals. Each switch-side terminal (the first switch-side terminal, the second switch-side terminal, the third switch-side terminal, and the fourth switch-side terminal) and each load-side terminal (the first load-side terminal, the second load-side terminal, the third load-side terminal, and the fourth load-side terminal), each switch terminal and each load-side terminal are connected one-to-one by internal wiring. The four internal wirings (the first to second wirings) are connected to each other by a wiring connection line provided with a semiconductor relay (connection relay). When the connection relay provided on the wiring connection line is switched on or off, and current is input to either the first switch-side terminal or the second switch-side terminal connected to the power supply device via the upstream opening / closing switch, current can be output from any of the first to fourth load-side terminals. Also, when current is input to any of the first to fourth load-side terminals, current can be output from either the third switch-side terminal or the fourth switch-side terminal grounded to the ground via the downstream opening / closing switch. Thereby, it is possible to perform drive control for the in-vehicle load regardless of which classification of in-vehicle load is connected.

[0016] (4) In the multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the semiconductor relay includes a switch-side relay provided at the switch-side terminal for switching the presence or absence of energization between the switch-side terminal and the internal wiring, and a load-side relay provided at the load-side terminal for switching the presence or absence of energization between the internal wiring and the load-side terminal.

[0017] In this aspect, the multi-input / output device includes a semiconductor relay (switch-side relay) that switches the connection or disconnection between each switch-side terminal and the internal wiring, and a semiconductor relay (load-side relay) that switches the connection or disconnection between each load-side terminal and the internal wiring. That is, the switch-side relay is provided inside the multi-input / output device more inward than the switch-side terminals, and the load-side relay is provided inside the multi-input / output device more inward than the load-side terminals. Note that the switch-side relay may be built into the switch-side terminals, and the load-side relay may be built into the load-side terminals. Based on the upstream-side switch or downstream-side switch that is turned on, or the load-side terminal to which the load is connected, by switching the switch-side relay or the load-side relay on or off, it is possible to perform drive control on the in-vehicle load while preventing through current (ground fault current) from being input or output to the multi-input / output device.

[0018] (5) In the multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the switch-side relay of the switch-side terminal to which the upstream-side switch or the downstream-side switch that is turned on is connected is turned on, and the switch-side relay of the switch-side terminal to which the upstream-side switch or the downstream-side switch that is turned off is connected is turned off.

[0019] In this aspect, by turning off the switch-side relay provided at the switch-side terminal to which the switch-side relay connected to the upstream-side switch or the downstream-side switch that is turned off is connected, when a short circuit fault (short fault) occurs in the upstream-side switch, the downstream-side switch, or the connection relay, it is possible to prevent through current from being input or output in the switch-side relay.

[0020] (6) In the multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the load-side relay of the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected is turned on, and the load-side relay of the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is not connected is turned off.

[0021] In this aspect, by turning off the load-side relay provided at the load-side terminal to which no load is connected, when a short-circuit fault (short fault) occurs in the connection relay or when an in-vehicle load is erroneously connected to the load-side terminal, it is possible to prevent a through current from being input or output in the load-side relay.

[0022] (7) Among the plurality of the load-side relays, at least one of the load-side relays of the multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is composed of two semiconductors connected such that the forward directions of their respective body diodes are different.

[0023] In this aspect, for example, depending on the classification or connection mode of the in-vehicle load, the load-side relay of the load-side terminal where current may flow bidirectionally is composed of two semiconductors connected such that the forward directions of their respective body diodes are different (in reverse series). When the semiconductor is an N-channel type FET, due to the effect of the body diode (parasitic diode), regardless of the voltage value applied to the gate, it is possible to conduct current from the source to the drain. That is, the N-channel type FET cannot switch the presence or absence of conduction in the direction from the source to the drain. By connecting two semiconductors (N-channel type FETs) with their drains or sources connected to each other and making the forward directions (directions in which current flows) of their respective body diodes different, the load-side relay functions as a relay that controls opening and closing for conduction in either direction and switches the presence or absence of conduction. The same voltage is applied to the gates of the two semiconductors at the same time, and the two semiconductors are controlled synchronously, but they may also be controlled individually.

[0024] (8) The multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first upstream opening / closing switch connected to the first switch-side terminal and a second upstream opening / closing switch connected to the second switch-side terminal as the two upstream opening / closing switches, and includes a first downstream opening / closing switch connected to the third switch-side terminal and a second downstream opening / closing switch connected to the fourth switch-side terminal as the two downstream opening / closing switches. The connection relay includes a 12th connection relay provided on the 12th connection line, a 13th connection relay provided on the 13th connection line, a 14th connection relay provided on the 14th connection line, a 23rd connection relay provided on the 23rd connection line, and a 34th connection relay provided on the 34th connection line. The rated current values of the first load-side terminal and the fourth load-side terminal are higher than the rated current values of the second load-side terminal and the third load-side terminal.

[0025] In this aspect, when all the connection relays are off, the current input to the first switch-side terminal via the first upstream opening / closing switch energizes the first connection and is output from the first load-side terminal. The current input to the second switch-side terminal via the second upstream opening / closing switch energizes the second connection and is output from the second load-side terminal. The current input to the third load-side opening / closing switch energizes the third connection and is output from the third switch-side terminal, and flows to the ground via the first downstream opening / closing switch. The current input to the fourth load-side opening / closing switch energizes the fourth connection and is output from the fourth switch-side terminal, and flows to the ground via the second downstream opening / closing switch. By turning on each connection relay and electrically connecting the internal connections to each other, it is possible to change the load-side terminal or switch-side terminal that outputs the current with respect to the switch-side terminal or load-side terminal to which the current is input. Also, the power lines connecting the first load-side terminal or the fourth load-side terminal to the load are, for example, relatively thick power lines, and the rated current values of the first load-side terminal and the fourth load-side terminal are relatively high. Also, the power lines connecting the second load-side terminal or the third load-side terminal to the load are, for example, relatively thin power lines, and the rated current values of the second load-side terminal and the third load-side terminal are relatively low. By lowering the rated current values of some of the load-side terminals, it is possible to reduce the product cost while accommodating in-vehicle loads of multiple classifications. Note that the multi-input / output device may include a 24th connection line that connects the second connection and the fourth connection, and a 24th connection relay provided on the 24th connection line.

[0026] (9) The multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are each composed of two semiconductors connected such that the forward directions of their body diodes are different.

[0027] In this aspect, for example, a connection relay through which current may flow bidirectionally is constituted by two semiconductors connected such that the forward directions of their respective body diodes are different (antiserially), according to the classification or connection mode of in-vehicle loads. When the semiconductor is an N-channel type FET, due to the effect of the body diode (parasitic diode), regardless of the voltage value applied to the gate, it is possible to conduct current from the source to the drain. That is, an N-channel type FET cannot switch the presence or absence of conduction in the direction from the source to the drain. By connecting the drains or sources of two semiconductors (N-channel type FETs) so that the forward directions (directions in which current flows) of their respective body diodes are different, the load-side relay functions as a relay that switches the presence or absence of conduction by controlling opening and closing regardless of the direction in which current flows. A similar voltage is applied to the gates of the two semiconductors at the same time, and the two semiconductors are controlled synchronously, but they may also be controlled individually. In this example, the 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are constituted by two semiconductors. As a result, the 12th connection relay functions as a relay for both the conduction from the 1st connection to the 2nd connection and the conduction (current) in the opposite direction from the 2nd connection to the 1st connection. Also, the 34th connection relay functions as a relay for both the conduction from the 3rd connection to the 4th connection and the conduction (current) in the opposite direction from the 4th connection to the 3rd connection. Note that the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, or the 23rd connection relay may also be similarly constituted by two semiconductors.

[0028] (10) The in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal in one aspect of the present disclosure is a forward-reverse load including a forward-reverse motor. One end of the forward-reverse load is connected to the first load-side terminal, and the other end of the forward-reverse load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal. When the first upstream-side opening / closing switch and the second downstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12 connection relay, the 13 connection relay, the 14 connection relay, the 23 connection relay, and the 34 connection relay are turned off. When the second upstream-side opening / closing switch and the first downstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 13 connection relay, the 23 connection relay, and the 34 connection relay are turned on.

[0029] In this aspect, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminals of the multi-input / output device is a forward and reverse load including a forward and reverse motor, and drives forward or reversely according to the direction (polarity) of the input current (flowing through the forward and reverse load). One end of the forward and reverse load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the other end is connected to the fourth load side terminal. When the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, all connection relays are turned off. As a result, the current input to the first switch side terminal is output from the first load side terminal, and the power input to the fourth load side terminal is output from the fourth switch side terminal. That is, the current output from the first load side terminal is input to the fourth load side terminal via the forward and reverse load, and the forward and reverse load is driven (forward drive). At this time, the first half-bridge circuit is formed by the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch. When the second upstream opening / closing switch and the first downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 13th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch side terminal is output from the fourth load side terminal, and the power input to the first load side terminal is output from the third switch side terminal. That is, the current output from the fourth load side terminal is input to the first load side terminal via the forward and reverse load, and the forward and reverse load is driven (reverse drive). At this time, the second half-bridge circuit is formed by the second upstream opening / closing switch and the first downstream opening / closing switch. That is, by making it possible to change the connection state of the internal wiring in the multi-input / output device, the first half-bridge circuit is formed by the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch, the second half-bridge circuit is formed by the second upstream opening / closing switch and the first downstream opening / closing switch, and the full-bridge circuit is formed by these first half-bridge circuit and the second half-bridge circuit. In this way, by switching the on or off of the connection relays in the multi-input / output device, a full-bridge circuit through which currents with different polarities flow can be formed for the forward and reverse load including the forward and reverse motor, and the forward and reverse drive control for the forward and reverse load can be performed. When the multi-input / output device includes the 24th connection and the 24th connection relay, the 24th connection relay may be turned on instead of the 23rd connection relay and the 34th connection relay.Also, regardless of whether the upstream-side opening / closing switch or the downstream-side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 13th connection relay and the 24th connection relay may be fixed in the turned-on state.

[0030] (11) The multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the in-vehicle load is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction, the forward rotation load includes a plurality of power supply-side loads in which the input end of the forward rotation load is connected to the power supply device, and a plurality of ground-side loads in which the output end of the forward rotation load is grounded to the ground, the plurality of power supply-side loads include a first power supply-side load in which the output end of the power supply-side load is connected to the 3rd load-side terminal, and a second power supply-side load in which the output end of the power supply-side load is connected to the 4th load-side terminal, the plurality of ground-side loads include a first ground-side load in which the input end of the ground-side load is connected to the 1st load-side terminal, and a second ground-side load in which the input end of the ground-side load is connected to the 2nd load-side terminal, and the 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off.

[0031] In this aspect, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminals of the multi-input / output device is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction, and a plurality of in-vehicle loads (forward rotation loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device. The forward rotation load includes two power supply side loads (a first power supply side load and a second power supply side load) connected to the power supply device and two ground side loads (a first ground side load and a second ground side load) grounded to the ground. The output terminal of the first power supply side load is connected to the third load side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the output terminal of the second power supply side load is connected to the fourth load side terminal. Also, the input terminal of the first ground side load is connected to the first load side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the input terminal of the second ground side load is connected to the second load side terminal. The power supply side load and the ground side load according to this aspect are small current loads such as LEDs that are driven by low current value power (low power consumption). When two power supply side loads and two ground side loads, which are small current flow loads, are connected to the multi-input / output device in this way, the first and second connection relays, the first and third connection relays, the first and fourth connection relays, the second and third connection relays, and the third and fourth connection relays are turned off. At this time, for the first power supply side load connected to the power supply device, the first downstream opening / closing switch connected in series via the third connection, and for the second power supply side load connected to the power supply device, the second downstream opening / closing switch connected in series via the fourth connection correspond to low side switches. Also, for the first ground side load grounded (connected) to the ground, the first upstream opening / closing switch connected in series via the first connection, and for the second ground side load grounded (connected) to the ground, the second upstream opening / closing switch connected in series via the second connection correspond to high side switches. In this way, the forward rotation load can include an in-vehicle load connected to the low side switch and an in-vehicle load connected to the high side switch by switching all the connection relays to off according to the load characteristics or product specifications.

[0032] (12) The in - vehicle load connected to the load - side terminal in one aspect of the present disclosure is a forward - rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The forward - rotation load includes a power - supply - side load in which the input end of the forward - rotation load is connected to the power supply device and the output end of the forward - rotation load is connected to the third load - side terminal, and a ground - side load in which the output end of the forward - rotation load is grounded to the ground and the output end of the forward - rotation load is connected to the second load - side terminal. When the first upstream opening - closing switch is turned on, the twelfth connection relay is turned on. When the second downstream opening - closing switch is turned on, the thirty - fourth connection relay is turned on.

[0033] In this aspect, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction, and a plurality of in-vehicle loads (forward rotation loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device. The forward rotation load includes a power supply side load connected to the power supply device and a ground side load grounded to the ground. The output terminal of the power supply side load is connected to the third load side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the input terminal of the ground side load is connected to the second load side terminal of the multi-input / output device. The power supply side load and the ground side load according to this aspect are small current loads such as LEDs that are driven by low current value power. The current flowing through the power supply side load and the ground side load according to this aspect is controlled by fail-safe control by complementarily opening and closing two opening and closing switches on the same side in two downstream opening and closing switches or two upstream opening and closing switches. When the first downstream opening and closing switch is turned on and the second downstream opening and closing switch is turned off, all connection relays are turned off, and the current input from the power supply side load to the third load side terminal flows to the ground through the third switch side terminal and the first downstream opening and closing switch. When the first downstream opening and closing switch is turned off and the second downstream opening and closing switch is turned on, the 34 connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the power supply side load to the third load side terminal flows to the ground through the fourth switch side terminal and the second downstream opening and closing switch. Also, when the first upstream opening and closing switch is turned on and the second upstream opening and closing switch is turned off, the 12 connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the power supply device to the first switch side terminal through the first upstream opening and closing switch is output from the second load side terminal to the ground side load. When the first upstream opening and closing switch is turned off and the second upstream opening and closing switch is turned on, all connection relays are turned off, and the current input from the power supply device to the second switch side terminal through the second upstream opening and closing switch is output from the second load side terminal to the ground side load. In this way, it is possible to control the current flowing through the in-vehicle load by fail-safe control by complementarily opening and closing the upstream opening and closing switch or the downstream opening and closing switch and switching the connection relay on or off according to the upstream opening and closing switch or the downstream opening and closing switch that is turned on.Note that the 1-2 connection relay or the 3-4 connection relay may be fixed in the on state regardless of whether the upstream opening / closing switch or the downstream opening / closing switch is turned on.

[0034] (13) In the multi-input / output device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction, the input end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the output end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the fourth load side terminal. When the second upstream opening / closing switch is turned on, the 1-2 connection relay is turned on, and when the first downstream opening / closing switch is turned on, the 3-4 connection relay is turned on.

[0035] In this aspect, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The input end of the forward rotation load is connected to the first load side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the output end is connected to the fourth load side terminal. The in-vehicle load according to this aspect is a small current load such as an LED that is driven by electric power with a low current value. The current flowing through the in-vehicle load (forward rotation load) according to this aspect is controlled by fail-safe control by complementarily opening and closing two opening and closing switches on the same side in two downstream side opening and closing switches or two upstream side opening and closing switches. When the first upstream side opening and closing switch is turned on and the second upstream side opening and closing switch is turned off, all connection relays are turned off, and the current input from the power supply device to the first switch side terminal via the first upstream side opening and closing switch is output from the first load side terminal to the in-vehicle load. When the second upstream side opening and closing switch is turned off and the first upstream side opening and closing switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the power supply device to the second switch side terminal via the second upstream side opening and closing switch is output from the first load side terminal to the in-vehicle load. Also, when the first downstream side opening and closing switch is turned on and the second downstream side opening and closing switch is turned off, the 34th connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the power side load to the fourth load side terminal flows to the ground via the third switch side terminal and the first downstream side opening and closing switch. When the first downstream side opening and closing switch is turned off and the second downstream side opening and closing switch is turned on, all connection relays are turned off, and the current input from the power side load to the fourth load side terminal flows to the ground via the fourth switch side terminal and the second downstream side opening and closing switch. In this way, it is possible to control the current flowing through the in-vehicle load by fail-safe control by complementarily opening and closing the upstream side opening and closing switch or the downstream side opening and closing switch and switching the connection relay on or off according to the upstream side opening and closing switch or the downstream side opening and closing switch that is turned on. Note that the 12th connection relay or the 34th connection relay may be fixed in the on state regardless of the upstream side opening and closing switch or the downstream side opening and closing switch that is turned on.

[0036] (14) The in - vehicle load connected to the load - side terminal in one aspect of the present disclosure is a forward - rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The forward - rotation load includes a power - supply - side load in which the input end of the forward - rotation load is connected to the power - supply device and the output end of the forward - rotation load is connected to the fourth load - side terminal, and a ground - side load in which the output end of the forward - rotation load is grounded to the ground and the input end of the forward - rotation load is connected to the first load - side terminal. When the first upstream on - off switch, the second upstream on - off switch, the first downstream on - off switch, and the second downstream on - off switch are turned on, the first - twelfth connection relay and the third - fourth connection relay are turned on.

[0037] In this aspect, it is a forward load in which current flows only in one direction, and a plurality of in-vehicle loads (forward loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device. The forward load includes a power supply side load connected to the power supply device and a ground side load grounded to the ground. The output terminal of the power supply side load is connected to the fourth load side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the input terminal of the ground side load is connected to the first load side terminal of the multi-input / output device. The power supply side load and the ground side load according to this aspect are high-current loads such as motors that are driven by electric power with a high current value. The current flowing through the power supply side load and the ground side load according to this aspect is a large current (current with a high current value) that flows by simultaneously turning on two opening / closing switches on the same side in two downstream opening / closing switches or two upstream opening / closing switches. When the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12 connection relay is turned on, and the current input to the first switch side terminal via the first upstream opening / closing switch and the current input to the second switch side terminal via the second upstream opening / closing switch are both output from the first load side terminal to the ground side load. Also, when the first downstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 34 connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the power supply side load to the fourth load side terminal is separately output from the third switch side terminal and the fourth switch side terminal and flows to the ground via the first downstream opening / closing switch or the second downstream opening / closing switch. In this way, by simultaneously turning on two opening / closing switches on the same side and connecting the first connection and the second connection, or the third connection and the fourth connection, the multi-input / output device can input the large current input via the two upstream opening / closing switches to the in-vehicle load or flow the large current input from the in-vehicle load to the ground.

[0038] (15) In one aspect of the present disclosure, for the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal, current flows only in one direction, the input terminal of the in-vehicle load is connected to the first load-side terminal, and the output terminal of the in-vehicle load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal, and it is a forward rotation load. When the first upstream opening / closing switch, the second upstream opening / closing switch, the first downstream opening / closing switch, and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12 connection relay and the 34 connection relay are turned on.

[0039] In this aspect, the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The input terminal of the forward rotation load is connected to the first load-side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the output terminal is connected to the fourth load-side terminal. The in-vehicle load according to this aspect is a high-current load such as a motor that is driven by electric power with a high current value. The current flowing through the in-vehicle load according to this aspect is a large current (current with a high current value) that flows by simultaneously turning on two opening / closing switches on the same side in the two downstream opening / closing switches or the two upstream opening / closing switches. When the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12 connection relay is turned on, and the current input to the first switch-side terminal via the first upstream opening / closing switch and the current input to the second switch-side terminal via the second upstream opening / closing switch are both output from the first load-side terminal to the in-vehicle load. Also, when the first downstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 34 connection relay is turned on, and the current input to the fourth load-side terminal from the in-vehicle load is separately output from the third switch-side terminal and the fourth switch-side terminal and flows to the ground via the first downstream opening / closing switch or the second downstream opening / closing switch. In this way, by simultaneously turning on two opening / closing switches on the same side and connecting the first connection and the second connection, or the third connection and the fourth connection, the multi-input / output device can input the large current input via the two upstream opening / closing switches to the in-vehicle load or flow the large current input from the in-vehicle load to the ground.

[0040] (16) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the multi-input / output device, the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load.

[0041] In this aspect, it is an electromechanical integrated load, and may be composed of, for example, a module in which an inverter, a speed reducer (gear), and a motor are set (integrated) together, and may include a control module such as a microcomputer for controlling these inverters and the like. That is, the electromechanical integrated load may be connected to the in-vehicle network and function as an in-vehicle ECU. For example, when an in-vehicle device that executes control of an upstream-side opening / closing switch, a downstream-side opening / closing switch, and a semiconductor relay and an electromechanical integrated load are connected via the in-vehicle network, the control unit (microcomputer) of the in-vehicle device may communicate with the electromechanical integrated load and acquire the load specifications of the electromechanical integrated load. The control unit (microcomputer) of the in-vehicle device may determine the connection mode (connection mode of the internal wiring) to the electromechanical integrated load by switching on or off each semiconductor relay (connection relay) based on the load specifications acquired from the electromechanical integrated load and the terminal number of the load-side terminal to which the electromechanical integrated load is connected, and may perform drive control of the electromechanical integrated load. Even in the case where the electromechanical integrated load is connected to the in-vehicle device in this way, it is possible to flexibly respond by connecting the multi-input / output device and the electromechanical integrated load according to the load specifications of the electromechanical integrated load and switching on or off the connection relay.

[0042] (17) In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the multi-input / output device, the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load including a forward / reverse motor. The electromechanical integrated load includes a first electromechanical integrated load with one end of the electromechanical integrated load connected to the first load-side terminal and a second electromechanical integrated load with one end of the electromechanical integrated load connected to the fourth load-side terminal. When the first upstream-side opening / closing switch and the second upstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 23 connection relay and the 34 connection relay are turned on. When the first downstream-side opening / closing switch and the second downstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 14 connection relay and the 34 connection relay are turned on.

[0043] In this aspect, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminals of the multi-input / output device includes two mechatronic loads (a first mechatronic load and a second mechatronic load) including a reversible motor. One end of the first mechatronic load is connected to the first load side terminal of the multi-input / output device, and one end of the second mechatronic load is connected to the fourth load side terminal of the multi-input / output device. The mechatronic load according to this aspect needs to input current from the power supply device via the multi-input / output device when rotating forward. Also, the mechatronic load needs to output current to the ground via the multi-input / output device when rotating in reverse. The mechatronic load communicates with, for example, an in-vehicle device that controls an upstream opening / closing switch, a downstream opening / closing switch, and a semiconductor relay via an in-vehicle network, and notifies the in-vehicle device whether the mechatronic load rotates forward or in reverse (rotation direction). The in-vehicle device switches the connection relay on or off based on the notified rotation direction of the mechatronic load. Note that the first mechatronic load and the second mechatronic load according to this aspect rotate in the same direction simultaneously, but may also rotate in opposite directions simultaneously. When the two mechatronic loads rotate forward, the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, and the 23 connection relay and the 34 connection relay are turned on. Thereby, the current input to the first switch side terminal via the first upstream opening / closing switch is output from the first load side terminal to the first mechatronic load, and the current input to the second switch side terminal via the second upstream opening / closing switch is output from the fourth load side terminal to the second mechatronic load. When the two mechatronic loads rotate in reverse, the first downstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, and the 14 connection relay and the 34 connection relay are turned on. Thereby, the current input to the first load side terminal via the first mechatronic load is output from the fourth switch side terminal to the ground via the second downstream opening / closing switch, and the current input to the fourth load side terminal via the second mechatronic load is output from the third switch side terminal to the ground via the first downstream opening / closing switch.In this way, by switching the connection relay in the multi-input / output device between on and off, a full-bridge circuit through which currents with different polarities flow can be configured for an electromechanical integrated load including a forward and reverse rotation motor, and forward and reverse drive control of the electromechanical integrated load can be performed.

[0044] (18) An in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, and includes two upstream opening / closing switches whose input ends are connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load, two downstream opening / closing switches whose output ends are grounded to the ground, four switch-side terminals to which the upstream opening / closing switches or the downstream opening / closing switches are connected, and a multi-input / output device including a plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected, and a control unit that controls opening and closing of the upstream opening / closing switches and the downstream opening / closing switches. The multi-input / output device includes a plurality of internal wirings that connect each of the switch-side terminals to the load-side terminals, and a plurality of semiconductor relays that switch a connection state of the plurality of internal wirings according to the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals. The control unit executes control to switch the plurality of semiconductor relays between on and off based on the upstream opening / closing switch or the downstream opening / closing switch that is turned on, the classification of the in-vehicle load, and the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected.

[0045] In this aspect, the in-vehicle device includes two upstream opening / closing switches, two downstream opening / closing switches, a multi-input / output device (multi-I / O) to which these opening / closing switches are connected, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the two upstream opening / closing switches and the two downstream opening / closing switches. The in-vehicle device is connected to at least one of these opening / closing switches among the two upstream opening / closing switches and the two downstream opening / closing switches via the multi-input / output device (multi-I / O). In this way, each of the two upstream opening / closing switches and the two downstream opening / closing switches is connected to the multi-input / output device, and by switching the on or off state of the semiconductor relay according to the in-vehicle load and being configured to be able to change the connection state between the internal wirings, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unused switches to which the in-vehicle load is not connected. The control unit switches the connection relay of the multi-input / output device on or off according to the upstream opening / closing switch or downstream opening / closing switch that is turned on, the classification of the connected in-vehicle load, and the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected, so that in a plurality of pre-assumed classifications, it is possible to perform drive control for the in-vehicle load regardless of which classification of in-vehicle load is connected, and an in-vehicle device with high availability and flexibility can be provided. That is, the number and connection mode of the opening / closing switches connected to the switch-side terminals of the multi-input / output device can be made common (fixed). According to the classification of the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal of the multi-input / output device, by switching the semiconductor relay on or off and changing the connection state (wiring state) between the internal wirings of the multi-input / output device, it is possible to flexibly respond to the in-vehicle load. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can be generally mounted (applied) to different vehicle types, and by promoting the common use of parts, the product cost can be reduced. Note that the multi-input / output device includes an input / output device control unit that communicates with the control unit of the in-vehicle device, and the input / output device control unit may switch the semiconductor relay on or off based on the information of the upstream opening / closing switch or downstream opening / closing switch that is turned on and obtained from the control unit.

[0046] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] The present disclosure will be specifically described based on the drawings showing its embodiments. The in-vehicle device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0047] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system S including the in-vehicle device 1 and the like according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle system S includes an in-vehicle device 1 mounted on a vehicle C and an in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 via a power line 51. The in-vehicle device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of in-vehicle ECUs 2 via an in-vehicle network 3, and drives (starts power supply) or stops (cuts off power supply) the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 according to a message transmitted from these in-vehicle ECUs 2 or an output signal from various sensors or the like.

[0048] The vehicle C is equipped with a power supply device 5 composed of a lead battery, an alternator, a secondary battery, or the like. The power supply device 5 and the in-vehicle device 1 are connected by a power line 51. The power supply device 5 and the in-vehicle device 1 are not limited to being directly connected by the power line 51, and an electrical box (junction box) such as a relay box or a fuse box may be interposed between the power supply device 5 and the in-vehicle device 1 and they may be indirectly connected.

[0049] The in-vehicle load 4 is an actuator such as a car air conditioner, a lamp, or a drive motor, for example. The connection mode of the in-vehicle load 4 varies according to the load type, and the connection mode includes, for example, a high-side switch connection mode (load type: small current forward load 42 or large current forward load 43 / ground-side load), a low-side switch connection mode (load type: small current forward load 42 or large current forward load 43 / power supply-side load), or a full-bridge 92 connection mode (load type: forward and reverse load 41). The small current forward load 42 and the large current forward load 43 are in-vehicle loads 4 in which current flows in only one direction. The forward and reverse load 41 includes a forward and reverse motor and is an in-vehicle load 4 that drives forward or reversely according to the direction (polarity) of the input current (flowing through the forward and reverse load 41). Although details will be described later, the in-vehicle device 1 includes one or more (one in the drawing) multi-input / output devices 6 (multi-I / O), and four opening and closing switches (first upstream opening and closing switch 71, second upstream opening and closing switch 72, first downstream opening and closing switch 81, and second downstream opening and closing switch 82) are connected to each of the multi-input / output devices 6.

[0050] According to the classification (product specification or model, etc.) of the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), by changing the connection mode (connection state) of the internal wiring 62 (first wiring 621, second wiring 622, third wiring 623, and fourth wiring 624) of the multi-input / output device 6, it is possible to connect (correspond) generally regardless of the load type of the in-vehicle load 4, and the in-vehicle device 1 can function as a load type selection multi-IO device. The in-vehicle device 1 may acquire the load information of the connected in-vehicle load 4 and determine and change the connection mode of the in-vehicle load 4 based on the acquired load information. The in-vehicle device 1 determines the connection mode by controlling the opening and closing of semiconductor relays 6a (connection relays 63a) provided in each of the connection wiring lines 63 (first and second connection line 631, first and third connection line 632, first and fourth connection line 633, second and third connection line 634, and third and fourth connection line 635) that connect the internal wirings 62 to each other based on the load information, and controls the driving of the in-vehicle load 4 according to the determined connection mode, thereby functioning as a power control device that controls the start or stop of the in-vehicle load 4 and the like.

[0051] The in-vehicle device 1 functions as a power control device that controls the driving or stopping of the in-vehicle load 4, and may be a device having a relay function such as a CAN gateway or the like. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be an integrated ECU (vehicle computer) that integrally controls the entire vehicle C and has a relay function. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be an individual ECU that is connected under the integrated ECU and arranged in each area of the vehicle C. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be configured as a body ECU or the like that controls the body system actuator of the vehicle C. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may also function as a PLB (Power Lan Box) that, in addition to relaying communication, distributes and relays the power output from a power supply device 5 such as a secondary battery and supplies power to in-vehicle devices such as actuators.

[0052] The in-vehicle device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and an input / output I / F 14, and these may be configured by being packaged by a microcomputer 10 or the like, for example. Further, the in-vehicle device 1 includes one or more (one in the figure) multi-input / output devices 6 (multi I / O). Two upstream opening / closing switches (first upstream opening / closing switch 71, second upstream opening / closing switch 72) and two downstream opening / closing switches (first downstream opening / closing switch 81, second downstream opening / closing switch 82) are connected to the switch-side terminals 60 (first switch-side terminal 601, second switch-side terminal 602, third switch-side terminal 603, fourth switch-side terminal 604) of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O), respectively. These first upstream opening / closing switch 71, second upstream opening / closing switch 72, first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and second downstream opening / closing switch 82 are connected to the input / output I / F 14 (microcomputer 10) via a signal line 140.

[0053] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like, and performs various control processes and arithmetic processes by reading and executing a control program P (program product) and data stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 outputs a control signal such as a duty via the input / output I / F 14 and the signal line 140, thereby performing opening / closing control of opening / closing switches including a first upstream opening / closing switch 71, a second upstream opening / closing switch 72, a first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and a second downstream opening / closing switch 82 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O). Further, the control unit 11 performs opening / closing control of a semiconductor relay 6a including a plurality of connection relays 63a (a 12th connection relay 631a, a 13th connection relay 632a, a 14th connection relay 633a, a 23rd connection relay 634a, and a 34th connection relay 635a), a switch-side relay 60a (a first switch-side relay 601a, a second switch-side relay 602a, a third switch-side relay 603a, and a fourth switch-side relay 604a), and a load-side relay 61a (a first load-side relay 611a, a second load-side relay 612a, a third load-side relay 613a, and a fourth load-side relay 614a) via the input / output I / F 14 and the signal line 140. Note that the state in which the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a are turned on is a closed state, and the state in which they are turned off is an open state.

[0054] The storage unit 12 is a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a non-volatile memory element such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash memory, or a combination of these storage devices, and stores in advance a control program P (program product) and data to be referred to during processing. The control program P (program product) stored in the storage unit 12 may be one that stores the control program P (program product) read from a recording medium M readable by the in-vehicle device 1. Alternatively, the control program P (program product) may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0055] The communication unit 13 is an input / output interface using a communication protocol such as CAN, CAN-FD, or Ethernet (registered trademark), and the control unit 11 communicates with the in-vehicle ECU 2 connected to the in-vehicle network 3 via the communication unit 13. In the in-vehicle device 1, a plurality of communication units 13 may be provided.

[0056] The input / output I / F 14 is, for example, a communication interface for serial communication. The input / output I / F 14 includes a plurality of terminals (signal terminals), and each of the terminals is connected to a signal line 140 extending to each of the gate terminals of the first upstream on-off switch 71, the second upstream on-off switch 72, the first downstream on-off switch 81, and the second downstream on-off switch 82, respectively. The signal line 140 is composed of, for example, a serial cable, a wire harness, or a conductive cable (single wire) that transmits only one signal. Further, the input / output I / F 14 is connected to each of the signal lines 141 (see FIG. 3) extending to the gates of the semiconductor relays 6a provided in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O). The signal line 141 is composed of, for example, a serial cable, a wire harness, or a conductive cable (single wire) that transmits only one signal. When the semiconductor relay 6a is an N-channel type FET, the control unit 11 of the microcomputer 10 turns on (closes) the semiconductor relay 6a by applying a high-level voltage to the gate of the semiconductor relay 6a from the input / output I / F 14 via the signal line 141, and turns off (opens) the semiconductor relay 6a by applying a low-level voltage.

[0057] Each of the multi-input / output devices 6 (multi I / O) is connected to two upstream on-off switches (the first upstream on-off switch 71 and the second upstream on-off switch 72) and two downstream on-off switches (the first downstream on-off switch 81 and the second downstream on-off switch 82). These first upstream on-off switch 71, second upstream on-off switch 72, first downstream on-off switch 81, and second downstream on-off switch 82 are composed of, for example, semiconductor switches such as NchFETs (Field effect transistors). Alternatively, these on-off switches may be composed of IPDs (Intelligent Power Devices) including NchFETs. Alternatively, these on-off switches may be composed of PchFETs.

[0058] The input terminals of two upstream opening and closing switches (the first upstream opening and closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening and closing switch 72) are connected to the power supply device 5 via the power line 51. These two upstream opening and closing switches (the first upstream opening and closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening and closing switch 72) function as high-side switches. The output terminals of the two upstream opening and closing switches (the first upstream opening and closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening and closing switch 72) are connected to the switch-side terminals of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (the first upstream opening and closing switch 71 is the first switch-side terminal 601, and the second upstream opening and closing switch 72 is the second switch-side terminal 602) by a conductor such as an internal bus or a land. The control terminals of the two upstream opening and closing switches (the first upstream opening and closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening and closing switch 72) are connected to the input / output I / F 14 (microcomputer 10) via the signal line 140.

[0059] The input terminals of two downstream opening and closing switches (the first downstream opening and closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening and closing switch 82) are connected to the switch-side terminals of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (the first downstream opening and closing switch 81 is the third switch-side terminal 603, and the second downstream opening and closing switch 82 is the fourth switch-side terminal 604) by a conductor such as an internal bus or a land. These two downstream opening and closing switches (the first downstream opening and closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening and closing switch 82) function as low-side switches. The output terminals of the two downstream opening and closing switches (the first downstream opening and closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening and closing switch 82) are connected (grounded) to a common ground (GND) formed by, for example, the body of the vehicle C via the power line 51. The control terminals of the two downstream opening and closing switches (the first downstream opening and closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening and closing switch 82) are connected to the input / output I / F 14 (microcomputer 10) via the signal line 140.

[0060] The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) includes four switch-side terminals (first switch-side terminal 601, second switch-side terminal 602, third switch-side terminal 603, and fourth switch-side terminal 604), and four load-side terminals (first load-side terminal 611, second load-side terminal 612, third load-side terminal 613, and fourth load-side terminal 614). The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) further includes four internal connections 62 (first connection 621, second connection 622, third connection 623, and fourth connection 624) that connect each of these four switch-side terminals to each of the four load-side terminals.

[0061] The first switch-side terminal 601 and the first load-side terminal 611 are connected by the first connection 621. The second switch-side terminal 602 and the second load-side terminal 612 are connected by the second connection 622. The third switch-side terminal 603 and the third load-side terminal 613 are connected by the third connection 623. The fourth switch-side terminal 604 and the fourth load-side terminal 614 are connected by the fourth connection 624.

[0062] Any one of the opening / closing switches is connected to each of the switch-side terminals 60. An in-vehicle load 4 is connected to any one of the load-side terminals. Therefore, the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is disposed intervening between the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, the first downstream opening / closing switch 81, the second downstream opening / closing switch 82, and the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1.

[0063] The multi-input / output device 6 includes semiconductor relays 6a (connection relays 63a) provided respectively on a plurality of connection wires 63 (the 12th connection wire 631, the 13th connection wire 632, the 14th connection wire 633, the 23rd connection wire 634, and the 34th connection wire 635) that connect two of the four internal wires 62 (the first wire 621, the second wire 622, the third wire 623, and the fourth wire 624). The 12th connection wire 631 connects the first wire 621 and the second wire 622. The 13th connection wire 632 connects the first wire 621 and the third wire 623. The 14th connection wire 633 connects the first wire 621 and the fourth wire 624. The 23rd connection wire 634 connects the second wire 622 and the third wire 623. The 34th connection wire 635 connects the third wire 623 and the fourth wire 624.

[0064] Each connection wire 63 is provided with a semiconductor relay 6a (connection relay 63a) that switches the presence or absence of energization in the connection wire 63. The connection relay 63a includes the 12th connection relay 631a, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, the 23rd connection relay 634a, and the 34th connection relay 635a. The 12th connection relay 631a is provided on the 12th connection wire 631, the 13th connection relay 632a is provided on the 13th connection wire 632, the 13th connection relay 632a is provided on the 13th connection wire 632, the 14th connection relay 633a is provided on the 14th connection wire 633, the 23rd connection relay 634a is provided on the 23rd connection wire, and the 34th connection relay 635a is provided on the 34th connection wire 635.

[0065] Each switch-side terminal 60 is provided with a switch-side relay 60a (a first switch-side relay 601a, a second switch-side relay 602a, a third switch-side relay 603a, and a fourth switch-side relay 604a). In the present embodiment, an aspect in which the switch-side relay 60a is incorporated in the switch-side terminal 60 is shown, but it is not limited thereto. The switch-side relay 60a may connect the switch-side terminal 60 and the internal wiring 62, or may be provided on the switch-side terminal 60 side rather than the connection point between all the connection wires 63 and the internal wiring in the internal wiring 62. The first switch-side terminal 601 is provided with the first switch-side relay 601a. The second switch-side terminal 602 is provided with the second switch-side relay 602a. The third switch-side terminal 603 is provided with the third switch-side relay 603a. The fourth switch-side terminal 604 is provided with the fourth switch-side relay 604a.

[0066] Each load-side terminal 61 is provided with a load-side relay 61a (a first load-side relay 611a, a second load-side relay 612a, a third load-side relay 613a, and a fourth load-side relay 614a). In the present embodiment, an aspect in which the load-side relay 61a is incorporated in the load-side terminal 61 is shown, but it is not limited thereto. The load-side relay 61a may connect the load-side terminal 61 and the internal wiring 62, or may be provided on the load-side terminal 61 side rather than the connection point between all the connection wires 63 and the internal wiring in the internal wiring 62. The first load-side terminal 611 is provided with the first load-side relay 611a. The second load-side terminal 612 is provided with the second load-side relay 612a. The third load-side terminal 613 is provided with the third load-side relay 613a. The fourth load-side terminal 614 is provided with the fourth load-side relay 614a.

[0067] As an example in this embodiment, two small-current forward and reverse loads 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). In the illustration, one end of the upper small-current forward and reverse load 42 (power supply side load) is connected to the power supply device 5, and the other end is connected to the third load side terminal 613. Through the third load side terminal 613, it is connected to two downstream opening and closing switches (the first downstream opening and closing switch 81, the second downstream opening and closing switch 82) that function as low-side switches. In this case, the third connection 623 and the fourth connection 624 to which the first downstream opening and closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening and closing switch 82 are connected are connected when the 34 connection relay 635a is turned on (closed state). Also, when the third switch side relay 603a, the fourth switch side relay 604a, and the third load side relay 613a are turned on, current flows from the third load side terminal 613 toward the third switch side relay 603a and the fourth switch side relay 604a.

[0068] In the illustration, one end of the lower small-current forward and reverse load 42 (ground side load) is connected to the second load side terminal 612, and the other end is grounded (connected) to the ground. The lower small-current forward and reverse load 42 (ground side load) is connected to two upstream opening and closing switches (the first upstream opening and closing switch 71, the second upstream opening and closing switch 72) that function as high-side switches through the second load side terminal 612. The first connection 621 and the second connection 622 to which the first upstream opening and closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening and closing switch 72 are connected are connected when the 12 connection relay 631a is turned on (closed state). Also, when the first switch side relay 601a, the second switch side relay 602a, and the second load side relay 612a are turned on, current flows from the first switch side relay 601a and the second switch side relay 602a toward the second load side relay 612a.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the details of the multi-input / output device 6. Each semiconductor relay 6a of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is constituted by, for example, an N-channel type FET. The first 12 connection relay 631a, the 34 connection relay 635a, the first load side relay 611a, and the fourth load side relay 614a are constituted by two FETs (semiconductors). The gate of each semiconductor relay 6a is connected to the input / output I / F 14 of the microcomputer 10 via the signal line 141. The microcomputer 10 controls the opening and closing of each semiconductor relay 6a by switching the voltage applied from the input / output I / F 14 to the gate of each semiconductor relay 6a to a low-level voltage or a high-level voltage. When the semiconductor relay 6a is an N-channel type FET, the semiconductor relay 6a to which a low-level voltage is applied to the gate is turned off (open state), and no current flows from the drain to the source. The semiconductor relay 6a to which a high-level voltage is applied to the gate is turned on (closed state), and current can flow from the drain to the source. Note that the semiconductor relay may be a P-channel type FET, an IPD (Intelligent Power Device) including semiconductor elements such as FETs, or an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).

[0070] The first switch-side relay 601a is provided such that its drain is connected to the first upstream on-off switch 71 and its source is connected to the first connection line 621, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the first upstream on-off switch 71 toward the first connection line 621. The second switch-side relay 602a is provided such that its drain is connected to the second upstream on-off switch 72 and its source is connected to the second connection line 622, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the second upstream on-off switch 72 toward the second connection line 622. The third switch-side relay 603a is provided such that its source is connected to the first downstream on-off switch 81 and its drain is connected to the third connection line 623, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the third connection line 623 toward the first downstream on-off switch 81. The fourth switch-side relay 604a is provided such that its source is connected to the second downstream on-off switch 82 and its drain is connected to the fourth connection line 624, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the fourth connection line 624 toward the second downstream on-off switch 82.

[0071] The first load-side relay 611a is composed of two semiconductors, namely, the first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2. The first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2 are provided such that their drains are connected to each other. That is, the first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2 are connected so that the forward directions of the body diodes of the first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2 are different (in reverse series). Further, the source of the first semiconductor 611a1 is connected to the first connection line 621, and the source of the second semiconductor 611a2 is connected to the power line 51 that connects the in-vehicle load 4 and the first load-side terminal 611. Thereby, the first load-side relay 611a functions as a relay for the current flowing from the first connection line 621 toward the in-vehicle load 4 and the current flowing from the in-vehicle load 4 toward the first connection line 621. Note that the first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2 may be provided such that their sources are connected to each other. Signal lines branched from one signal line 141 are connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 611a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 611a2. That is, the same voltage (low-level voltage or high-level voltage) is simultaneously applied to the gate of the first semiconductor 611a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 611a2. Thereby, the first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2 are simultaneously turned on or off. Note that separate signal lines 141 may be connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 611a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 611a2, and the first semiconductor 611a1 and the second semiconductor 611a2 may be individually controlled (voltage applied).

[0072] The second load-side relay 612a is provided such that its drain is connected to the second connection line 622 and its source is connected to the power line 51 that connects the in-vehicle load 4 and the second load-side terminal 612, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the second connection line 622 toward the in-vehicle load 4. The third load-side relay 613a is provided such that its source is connected to the third connection line 623 and its drain is connected to the power line 51 that connects the in-vehicle load 4 and the third load-side terminal 613, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the in-vehicle load 4 toward the third load-side terminal 613.

[0073] The fourth load-side relay 614a is composed of two semiconductors, a first semiconductor 614a1 and a second semiconductor 614a2. The first semiconductor 614a1 and the second semiconductor 614a2 are provided such that their sources are connected to each other. That is, the first semiconductor 614a1 and the second semiconductor 614a2 are connected so that the forward directions of the body diodes of the first semiconductor 614a1 and the second semiconductor 614a2 are different (in reverse series). Further, the drain of the first semiconductor 614a1 is connected to the fourth connection 624, and the drain of the second semiconductor 614a2 is connected to a power line 51 that connects the in-vehicle load 4 and the fourth load-side terminal 614. Thereby, the fourth load-side relay 614a functions as a relay for the current flowing from the fourth connection 624 toward the in-vehicle load 4 and the current flowing from the in-vehicle load 4 toward the fourth connection 624. Note that the first semiconductor 614a1 and the second semiconductor 614a2 may be provided such that their drains are connected to each other. A signal line branched (split) from one signal line 141 is connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 614a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 614a2. That is, the same voltage (low-level voltage or high-level voltage) is simultaneously applied to the gate of the first semiconductor 614a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 614a2. Thereby, the first semiconductor 614a1 and the second semiconductor 614a2 are simultaneously turned on or off. Note that separate signal lines 141 may be connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 614a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 614a2, and the first semiconductor 614a1 and the second semiconductor 614a2 may be individually controlled (voltage applied).

[0074] The 12th connection relay 631a is composed of two semiconductors, a first semiconductor 631a1 and a second semiconductor 631a2. The first semiconductor 631a1 and the second semiconductor 631a2 are provided such that their drains are connected to each other. That is, the first semiconductor 631a1 and the second semiconductor 631a2 are connected so that the forward directions of the body diodes of the first semiconductor 631a1 and the second semiconductor 631a2 are different (in an inverse series). Also, the source of the first semiconductor 631a1 is connected to the first connection 621, and the source of the second semiconductor 631a2 is connected to the second connection 622. Thereby, the 12th connection relay 631a functions as a relay for the current flowing from the first connection 621 toward the second connection 622 and the current flowing from the second connection 622 toward the first connection 621. Note that the first semiconductor 631a1 and the second semiconductor 631a2 may be provided such that their sources are connected to each other. A signal line branched (divided) from one signal line 141 is connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 631a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 631a2. That is, the same voltage (low-level voltage or high-level voltage) is simultaneously applied to the gate of the first semiconductor 631a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 631a2. Thereby, the first semiconductor 631a1 and the second semiconductor 631a2 are simultaneously turned on or off. Note that separate signal lines 141 may be connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 631a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 631a2, and the first semiconductor 631a1 and the second semiconductor 631a2 may be individually controlled (voltage applied).

[0075] The 13th connection relay 632a is provided such that the drain is connected to the first connection 621 and the source is connected to the third connection 623, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the first connection 621 toward the third connection 623. The 14th connection relay 633a is provided such that the drain is connected to the first connection 621 and the source is connected to the fourth connection 624, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the first connection 621 toward the fourth connection 624. The 23rd connection relay 634a is provided such that the drain is connected to the second connection 622 and the source is connected to the third connection 623, and thus functions as a relay for the current flowing from the second connection 622 toward the third connection 623.

[0076] The 34th connection relay 635a is composed of two semiconductors, a first semiconductor 635a1 and a second semiconductor 635a2. The first semiconductor 635a1 and the second semiconductor 635a2 are provided such that their drains are connected to each other. That is, the first semiconductor 635a1 and the second semiconductor 635a2 are connected so that the forward directions of the body diodes of the first semiconductor 635a1 and the second semiconductor 635a2 are different (in reverse series). Also, the source of the first semiconductor 635a1 is connected to the third connection 623, and the source of the second semiconductor 635a2 is connected to the fourth connection 624. Thereby, the 34th connection relay 635a functions as a relay for the current flowing from the third connection 623 toward the fourth connection 624 and the current flowing from the fourth connection 624 toward the third connection 623. Note that the first semiconductor 635a1 and the second semiconductor 635a2 may be provided such that their sources are connected to each other. Signal lines branched (diverged) from one signal line 141 are connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 635a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 635a2. That is, the same voltage (low-level voltage or high-level voltage) is simultaneously applied to the gate of the first semiconductor 635a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 635a2. Thereby, the first semiconductor 635a1 and the second semiconductor 635a2 are simultaneously turned on or off. Note that separate signal lines 141 may be connected to the gate of the first semiconductor 635a1 and the gate of the second semiconductor 635a2, and the first semiconductor 635a1 and the second semiconductor 635a2 may be individually controlled (voltage applied).

[0077] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (forward and reverse load 41) during forward rotation. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device and the in-vehicle load (forward and reverse load) during reverse rotation. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the in-vehicle load (forward and reverse load). In the relay switching table, an open / close switch that is turned on according to the in-vehicle load 4 and a semiconductor relay 6a that is turned on for the open / close switch that is turned on are shown. In the relay switching table, the open / close switch or the semiconductor relay 6a that is turned on is indicated by a circle, and the open / close switch or the semiconductor relay 6a that is turned off is indicated by a cross. The same applies to FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 19. Note that the switch-side relay 60a of the switch-side terminal 60 to which the open / close switch that is turned on is connected is turned on, and the switch-side relay 60a of the switch-side terminal to which the open / close switch that is turned off is connected is turned off. Also, the load-side relay 61a of the load-side terminal 61 to which the driven in-vehicle load 4 is connected is turned on, and the load-side relay 61a of the load-side terminal 61 to which the in-vehicle load 4 is not connected is turned off.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one end of the forward and reverse load 41 is connected to the first load-side terminal 611, and the other end of the forward and reverse load 41 is connected to the fourth load-side terminal 614. In FIGS. 4 and 5, it is shown whether each open / close switch is turned on or off. Also, the semiconductor relay 6a (connection relay 63a, switch-side relay 60a, or load-side relay 61a) that is turned on is shown surrounded by a broken line. Also, the current in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) is shown by a dotted line. The same applies to FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, when driving the forward-reverse load 41 in the forward direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the first switch-side relay 601a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the fourth load-side relay 614a, and turns off the other semiconductor relays 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) closes (turns on) the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, opens (turns off) the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, opens (turns off) the first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and closes (turns on) the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 (see FIG. 6). Thus, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. Also, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the fourth switch-side terminal 604. Thereby, a forward rotation current flows through the forward-reverse load 41, and it is driven in the forward direction.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, when driving the forward-reverse load 41 in the reverse direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the second switch-side relay 602a, the third switch-side relay 603a, the first load-side relay 611a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, the 13 connection relay 632a, the 23 connection relay 634a, and the 34 connection relay 635a, and turns off the other semiconductor relays 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) opens (turns off) the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, closes (turns on) the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, closes (turns on) the first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and opens (turns off) the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 (see FIG. 6). Thus, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the fourth load-side terminal 614. Also, the current input to the first load-side terminal 611 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603. Thereby, a reverse rotation current flows through the forward-reverse load 41, and it is driven in the reverse direction.

[0081] As described above, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) can drive and control the forward and reverse load 41 by synchronously controlling the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a based on the table. That is, the connection mode of the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) is changed so that a full-bridge 92 circuit is formed by the first upstream-side opening / closing switch 71, the second upstream-side opening / closing switch 72, the first downstream-side opening / closing switch 81, and the second downstream-side opening / closing switch 82.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (small-current forward rotation load 42). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the in-vehicle load 4 (small-current forward rotation load 42). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a small-current forward rotation load 42 that is driven by power with a low current value (the load current flowing through the in-vehicle load 4 is less than a predetermined value). Four small-current forward rotation loads 42 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, that is, the same number of small-current forward rotation loads 42 as the number of load-side terminals can be connected. The four small-current forward rotation loads 42 include two power-side loads and two ground-side loads.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7, one end of the power-side load is connected to the power supply device 5. The other end of the left power-side load is connected to the third load-side terminal 613. The other end of the right power-side load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal 614. In FIG. 7, the case where the first upstream-side opening / closing switch 71, the second upstream-side opening / closing switch 72, the first downstream-side opening / closing switch 81, and the second downstream-side opening / closing switch 82 are turned on is shown.

[0084] One end of the left ground-side load is connected to the second load-side terminal 612. One end of the right ground-side load is connected to the first load-side terminal 611. The other end of the ground-side load is grounded to the ground.

[0085] When four small current forward and reverse loads 42 (two power supply side loads and two ground side loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) in this way, the 12th connection relay 631a, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, the 23rd connection relay 634a, and the 34th connection relay 635a are turned off (see FIG. 8).

[0086] When the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the four small current forward and reverse loads 42 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O), it controls the opening and closing of the on-off switch to which the small current forward and reverse load 42 is connected. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the ground side load (small current forward and reverse load 42) on the right by controlling the opening and closing of the first upstream on-off switch 71. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the ground side load (small current forward and reverse load 42) on the left by controlling the opening and closing of the second upstream on-off switch 72. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the power supply side load (small current forward and reverse load 42) on the left by controlling the opening and closing of the first downstream on-off switch 81. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the power supply side load (small current forward and reverse load 42) on the right by controlling the opening and closing of the second downstream on-off switch 82.

[0087] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 is turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a and the first load-side relay 611a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. In FIG. 8, the opening / closing switch or semiconductor relay 6a that is turned on or off regardless of whether the corresponding opening / closing switch is turned on is indicated by a null value (-). The same applies to FIGS. 10, 12, and 14. When the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 is turned on, the second switch-side relay 602a and the second load-side relay 612a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the second load-side terminal 612. When the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 is turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a and the third load-side relay 613a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the third load-side terminal 613 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603. When the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 is turned on, the fourth switch-side relay 604a and the fourth load-side relay 614a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0088] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening / closing switches and the semiconductor relay 6a in synchronization based on the table as described above, and by not connecting the internal wirings 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O), it is possible to drive and control four small-current forward / backward loads 42 (two power-side loads and two ground-side loads).

[0089] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device and the in-vehicle load (such as fail-safe). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table of the in-vehicle load (such as fail-safe). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a small-current forward / backward load 42. Two small-current forward / backward loads 42 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, and the two small-current forward / backward loads 42 include one power-side load and one ground-side load.

[0090] One end of the power supply side load is connected to the power supply device 5. The other end of the power supply side load is connected to the third load side terminal 613. One end of the ground side load is connected to the second load side terminal 612. The other end of the ground side load is grounded.

[0091] When two small current forward rotation loads 42 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, and the 23rd connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 10). The 12th connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, and the 34th connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second downstream opening / closing switch 82. Note that FIG. 9 shows the case where the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 are turned on.

[0092] When the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the two small current forward rotation loads 42 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), it controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing switch to which the small current forward rotation load 42 is connected. When the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the small current forward rotation load 42, it turns on (closes) only one of the two opening / closing switches connected to the small current forward rotation load 42 and turns off (opens) the other, thereby complementarily controlling the two parallel-connected opening / closing switches. Further, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may perform a fail-safe control using the other opening / closing switch constituting the parallel circuit when a failure of one of the opening / closing switches is determined based on, for example, the voltage value across the opening / closing switch.

[0093] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 is turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a, the second load-side relay 612a, and the twelfth connection relay 631a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the second load-side terminal 612. When the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 is turned on, the second switch-side relay 602a and the second load-side relay 612a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the second load-side terminal 612. When the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 is turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a and the third load-side relay 613a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the third load-side terminal 613 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603. When the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 is turned on, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the third load-side relay 613a, and the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the third load-side terminal 613 is output from the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0094] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a based on the table as described above, and connects the internal wirings 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) according to the opening / closing switch that is turned on, thereby driving and controlling two small-current forward / backward loads 42 (one power-side load and one ground-side load) in a fail-safe configuration. Note that the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may turn on both upstream opening / closing switches. At this time, the twelfth connection relay 631a is turned on. Also, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may turn on both downstream opening / closing switches. At this time, the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a is turned on.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (small current two-terminal connection). FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table of the in-vehicle load 4 (small current two-terminal connection). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a small current forward and reverse load 42, and is a two-terminal connection load in which both one end and the other end are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O). One end of the two-terminal connection load is connected to the first load-side terminal 611. The other end of the two-terminal connection load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal 614.

[0096] When both ends of one small current forward and reverse load 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) in this way, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, and the 23rd connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 12). The 12th connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second upstream-side opening and closing switch 72, and the 34th connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first downstream-side opening and closing switch 81. Note that FIG. 11 shows a case where the second upstream-side opening and closing switch 72 and the first downstream-side opening and closing switch 81 are turned on.

[0097] When the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the small current forward and reverse load 42 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O), it controls the opening and closing of the opening and closing switch to which the small current forward and reverse load 42 is connected. When driving and controlling the small current forward and reverse load 42, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on (closes) only one of the two upstream-side opening and closing switches connected to the small current forward and reverse load 42 and turns off the other, or turns on (closes) only one of the two downstream-side opening and closing switches connected to the small current forward and reverse load 42 and turns off the other, thereby complementarily controlling the two upstream-side opening and closing switches or downstream-side opening and closing switches connected in parallel. Further, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may perform a failure determination of the opening and closing switch based on, for example, the voltage value at both ends of the opening and closing switch, and perform fail-safe control using the other opening and closing switch constituting the parallel circuit when a failure occurs in any one of the opening and closing switches.

[0098] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 is turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a and the first load-side relay 611a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 is turned on, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the 1-2 connection relay 631a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 is turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, and the 3-4 connection relay 635a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603. When the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 is turned on, the fourth switch-side relay 604a and the fourth load-side relay 614a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0099] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a in synchronization based on the table as described above, and by connecting the internal wirings 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) according to the opening / closing switch that is turned on, the small current forward rotation load 42 (one power-side load, one ground-side load) can be driven and controlled in a fail-safe configuration. Note that the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may turn on both upstream opening / closing switches. At this time, the 1-2 connection relay 631a is turned on. Also, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may turn on both downstream opening / closing switches. At this time, the 3-4 connection relay 635a is turned on.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an in-vehicle device and an in-vehicle load (high-current forward rotation load). FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an in-vehicle load (high-current forward rotation load). In the illustration in the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a high-current forward rotation load 43 that is driven by electric power with a high current value (the load current flowing through the in-vehicle load 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Two high-current forward rotation loads 43 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, and the two high-current forward rotation loads 43 include one power supply side load and one ground side load.

[0101] One end of the power supply side load is connected to the power supply device 5. The other end of the power supply side load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614. One end of the ground side load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the ground side load is grounded to the ground. The power line 51 connecting the first load side terminal 611 or the fourth load side terminal to the in-vehicle load 4 is, for example, thicker in diameter and higher in rated current value than the power line 51 connecting the first load side terminal 611 or the fourth load side terminal to the in-vehicle load 4. Therefore, the high-current forward rotation load is connected to the first load side terminal or the fourth load side terminal. The rated current values of the first load side terminal 611 and the fourth load side terminal 614 are higher than the rated current values of the second load side terminal 612 and the third load side terminal 613.

[0102] When two high-current forward rotation loads 43 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, and the 23rd connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 14). The 12th connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second upstream side opening / closing switch 72, and the 34th connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first downstream side opening / closing switch 81.

[0103] When the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the high-current load, it opens (turns off) or closes (turns on) both of the two opening / closing switches connected to the high-current load simultaneously. Thereby, even when the in-vehicle load 4 is a high-current forward load 43 and the load current is relatively large (equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the current flowing through each of the two opening / closing switches constituting the parallel circuit can be shunted to make the current value half of the load current value. When the power supply side load is a high-current forward load 43, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously opens and closes the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 constituting the parallel circuit, thereby shunting the load current flowing through the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82. When the ground side load is a high-current load, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously opens and closes the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 constituting the parallel circuit, thereby shunting the load current flowing through the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72.

[0104] Also, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the first and second connection relay 631a are turned on. Thereby, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 and the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 are turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, and the third and fourth connection relay 635a are turned on. Thereby, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603 and the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0105] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a in synchronization based on the table as described above, and by connecting the internal wirings 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), when the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is a high-current forward load 43, the load current can be shunted and input to the high-current forward load 43, or output from the high-current forward load 43 to the ground.

[0106] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an in-vehicle device and an in-vehicle load (high-current two-terminal connection). FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the in-vehicle load (high-current two-terminal connection). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a high-current forward load 43, and is a two-terminal connection load with both one end and the other end connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the two-terminal connection load is connected to the first load-side terminal 611. The other end of the two-terminal connection load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal 614.

[0107] When both ends of one high-current forward load 43 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, and the 23rd connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 16). The 12th connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening / closing of the second upstream-side opening / closing switch 72, and the 34th connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening / closing of the first downstream-side opening / closing switch 81.

[0108] When the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) drives and controls the high-current load, it opens (turns off) or closes (turns on) both of the two opening / closing switches connected to the high-current load simultaneously. Thereby, even when the in-vehicle load 4 is a high-current forward load 43 and the load current is relatively large (equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the current flowing through each of the two opening / closing switches constituting the parallel circuit can be shunted to be a current value that is half of the load current value. When the in-vehicle load 4 is a high-current forward load 43, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 constituting the parallel circuit, thereby shunting the load current flowing through the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82. Further, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 constituting the parallel circuit, thereby shunting the load current flowing through the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72.

[0109] Also, as shown in FIG. 16, when the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the 12 connection relay 631a are turned on. Thereby, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 and the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 are turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, and the 34 connection relay 635a are turned on. Thereby, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603 and the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0110] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a in synchronization based on the table as described above, and by connecting the internal wirings 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), when the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is a high-current forward load 43, the load current can be shunted and input to the high-current forward load 43, or output from the high-current forward load 43 to the ground.

[0111] As described above, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening and closing of each opening / closing switch and each semiconductor relay 6a of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to the classification and connection mode of the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1. Thereby, it becomes possible to generally mount (apply) the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) to different vehicle types, and by promoting the commonality of parts, it is possible to reduce the product cost. Further, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns off the switch-side relay 60a and the load-side relay 61a of the internal wiring 62 through which no current flows, and the connection relay 63a of the connection wiring 63, thereby preventing a through current (ground fault current) from being input and output to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). Also, it is possible to prevent current from flowing when the in-vehicle load 4 is erroneously connected to a load-side terminal not corresponding to the classification of the in-vehicle load 4. Note that the misconnection of the in-vehicle load 4 may be prevented by making the shapes of the respective load-side terminals 61 different.

[0112] (Embodiment 2) An electromechanical in-vehicle load 4 may be connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). The electromechanical in-vehicle load 4 is, for example, connected to an in-vehicle network and functions as an in-vehicle ECU. Hereinafter, a plurality of modes in which the electromechanical in-vehicle load 4 is connected will be described.

[0113] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device according to Embodiment 2 and the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44) during forward rotation. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44) during reverse rotation. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table of the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is the electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44. The electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 includes a forward and reverse motor in the same manner as the forward and reverse load 41, and is composed of a module in which an inverter, a speed reducer (gear), and a motor are set (integrated). The electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 may further include a control module such as a microcomputer 10 that controls an inverter or the like, is connected to the in-vehicle network 3, and functions as the in-vehicle ECU 2.

[0114] In the illustration of the present embodiment, one end of the upper electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 is connected to the first load side terminal 611. Also, one end of the lower electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0115] When one electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 is driven forward, the other electromechanical integrated load is also driven forward, and when one electromechanical integrated load is driven in reverse, the other electromechanical integrated load is also driven in reverse. That is, the two electromechanical integrated forward and reverse loads 44 are driven in the same direction simultaneously.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 17, when driving the electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 in the forward direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the first switch side relay 601a, the second switch side relay 602a, the first load side relay 611a, the fourth load side relay 614a, the 23 connection relay 634a, and the 34 connection relay 635a, and turns off the other semiconductor relay 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) closes (turns on) the first upstream opening and closing switch 71, closes (turns on) the second upstream opening and closing switch 72, opens (turns off) the first downstream opening and closing switch 81, and opens (turns off) the second downstream opening and closing switch 82 (see Fig. 19). Thus, the current input to the first switch side terminal 601 is output from the first load side terminal 611. Also, the current input to the second switch side terminal 602 is output from the fourth load side terminal 614. Thereby, the forward current flows through both electromechanical integrated forward and reverse loads 44, and they are driven in the forward direction.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 18, when driving the electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 in the reverse direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the third switch side relay 603a, the fourth switch side relay 604a, the first load side relay 611a, the fourth load side relay 614a, the 14 connection relay 633a, and the 34 connection relay 635a, and turns off the other semiconductor relay 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) opens (turns off) the first upstream opening and closing switch 71, opens (turns off) the second upstream opening and closing switch 72, opens (turns off) the first downstream opening and closing switch 81, and opens (turns off) the second downstream opening and closing switch 82 (see Fig. 19). Thus, the current input to the first load side terminal 611 is output from the fourth switch side terminal 604. Also, the current input to the fourth load side terminal 614 is output from the third switch side terminal 603. Thereby, the reverse current flows through both electromechanical integrated forward and reverse loads 44, and they are driven in the reverse direction.

[0118] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) can drive and control the electromechanical integrated forward and reverse load 44 by synchronously controlling the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a based on the table as described above. That is, the connection mode of the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) is changed so that a full-bridge 92 circuit is formed by the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, the first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82.

[0119] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated small-current forward load 45). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is an electromechanical integrated small-current forward load 45 that is driven by low-current electric power (the load current flowing through the in-vehicle load 4 is less than a predetermined value). Four electromechanical integrated small-current forward loads 45 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, that is, the same number of electromechanical integrated small-current forward loads 45 as the number of load-side terminals can be connected. The four electromechanical integrated small-current forward loads 45 include two power-side loads and two ground-side loads.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 20, one end of the left power-side load is connected to the third load-side terminal 613. One end of the right power-side load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal 614. One end of the left ground-side load is connected to the second load-side terminal 612. One end of the right ground-side load is connected to the first load-side terminal 611. In FIG. 20, the case where the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, the first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 are turned on is shown.

[0121] When four electromechanical integrated small-current forward loads 45 (two power-side loads and two ground-side loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) in this way, the control method of the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as the case where four small-current forward loads 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi I / O) (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0122] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (such as an electromechanical integrated fail-safe). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is an electromechanical integrated small-current forward rotation load 45 driven by low-current power. Two electromechanical integrated small-current forward rotation loads 45 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, and the two electromechanical integrated small-current forward rotation loads 45 include one power-side load and one ground-side load. One end of the power-side load is connected to the third load-side terminal 613. One end of the ground-side load is connected to the second load-side terminal 612.

[0123] When two electromechanical integrated small-current forward rotation loads 45 (one power-side load and one ground-side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the control method of the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as the case where two small-current forward rotation loads 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0124] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated small-current both-end connection). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is an electromechanical integrated small-current forward rotation load 45, and it is a both-end connection load with both one end and the other end connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the both-end connection load is connected to the first load-side terminal 611. The other end of the both-end connection load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal 614.

[0125] When both ends of one electromechanical integrated small-current forward rotation load 45 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the control method of the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as the case where both ends of one small-current forward rotation load 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0126] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation load 46). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is an electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation load 46 that is driven by electric power with a high current value (the load current flowing through the in-vehicle load 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Two electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation loads 46 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, and the two electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation loads 46 include one power supply side load and one ground side load. One end of the power supply side load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614. One end of the ground side load is connected to the first load side terminal 611.

[0127] When two electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation loads 46 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the control method of the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as the case where two high-current forward rotation loads are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0128] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (electromechanical integrated high-current both-end connection). In the illustration of the present embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is an electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation load 46, and is a both-end connection load in which both one end and the other end are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the both-end connection load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the both-end connection load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0129] When both ends of one electromechanical integrated high-current forward rotation load 46 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this way, the control method of the opening / closing switch and the semiconductor relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as the case where both ends of one high-current forward rotation load 43 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0130] (Embodiment 3) The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to Embodiment 3 includes a control circuit. The control circuit communicates with the microcomputer 10 to obtain information regarding the classification of loads connected to the in-vehicle device 1 and information regarding the open / close switches that are turned on. Based on the information acquired from the microcomputer 10, the control circuit controls the opening and closing of each semiconductor relay 6a included in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O).

[0131] FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the in-vehicle device according to Embodiment 3. The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to Embodiment 3 includes a control circuit 64. The control circuit 64 is constituted by a hardware processing unit such as, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and controls each semiconductor relay 6a (switch-side relay 60a, load-side relay 61a, and connection relay 63a) included in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) by changing the voltage applied to the gate based on an input from the microcomputer 10. Note that the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) may include a software processing unit such as a CPU or an MPU instead of the control circuit 64.

[0132] The input / output I / F 14 of the microcomputer 10 according to Embodiment 3 is connected to the control circuit 64 of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) via a signal line 142. The control unit 11 of the microcomputer 10 outputs load information of the in-vehicle load 4 and information of the open / close switch turned on by the microcomputer 10 to the control circuit 64 via the input / output I / F 14, for example, by SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication via the signal line 142.

[0133] The control circuit 64 is connected to the gates of each semiconductor relay 6a (switch-side relay 60a, load-side relay 61a, and connection relay 63a) by respective signal lines. For the sake of simplicity, in FIG. 25, the description of the signal lines connecting the control circuit 64 and each semiconductor relay 6a is omitted. The control circuit 64 acquires load information of the in-vehicle load 4 and information on the open / close switch turned on by the microcomputer 10 from the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10), and controls the opening and closing of each semiconductor relay 6a based on the acquired information. Note that, for the classification and connection mode of the loads connected to the in-vehicle device 1 and the open / close switch turned on by the microcomputer 10, the semiconductor relay 6a to be turned on is the same as the semiconductor relay 6a shown in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0134] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical features described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the claims. Also, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in all possible combinations regardless of the citation form. Further, although the claims use a form (multi-claim form) of describing a claim that cites two or more other claims, it is not limited thereto. It may be described using a form of describing a multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) that cites at least one multi-claim.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0135] 1 In-vehicle device 10 Microcomputer 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Communication unit 14 Input / output I / F 140 Signal line 141 Signal line 3 In-vehicle network 4 In-vehicle load 5 Power supply device 51 Power line 6 Multi - input / output device (Multi - I / O) 6a Semiconductor relay 60 Switch - side terminal 60a Switch - side relay 61 Load - side terminal 61a Load - side relay 62 Internal connection 63 Connection wire 63a Connection relay 64 Control circuit 601 First switch - side terminal 601a First switch - side relay 602 Second switch - side terminal 602a Second switch - side relay 603 Third switch - side terminal 603a Third switch - side relay 604 Fourth switch - side terminal 604a Fourth switch - side relay 611 First load - side terminal 611a First load - side relay 612 Second load - side terminal 612a Second load - side relay 613 Third load - side terminal 613a Third load - side relay 614 Fourth load - side terminal 614a Fourth load - side relay 621 First connection 622 Second connection 623 Third connection 624 Fourth connection 631 First - to - second connection wire 631a First - to - second connection relay 632 First - to - third connection wire 632a First - to - third connection relay 633 First - to - fourth connection wire 633a First - to - fourth connection relay 634 Second - to - third connection wire 634a Second - to - third connection relay 635 Third - to - fourth connection wire 635a Third - to - fourth connection relay 71 First upstream on - off switch 72 Second upstream opening / closing switch 81 First downstream opening / closing switch 82 Second downstream opening / closing switch C Vehicle M Recording medium P Control program S In-vehicle system

Claims

1. A multi-input / output device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, Four switch-side terminals to which two upstream opening / closing switches whose input terminals are connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load, or two downstream opening / closing switches whose output terminals are grounded to ground are connected, A plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected, A plurality of internal connections connecting each of the switch-side terminals and each of the load-side terminals, A plurality of semiconductor relays that switch the connection state of the plurality of internal connections according to the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals A multi-input / output device comprising.

2. Among the plurality of internal connections, a plurality of connection wires connecting at least two of the internal connections are provided, The semiconductor relay includes connection relays provided on each of the connection wires The multi-input / output device according to claim 1.

3. The four switch-side terminals include a first switch-side terminal, a second switch-side terminal, a third switch-side terminal, and a fourth switch-side terminal, The plurality of load-side terminals include a first load-side terminal, a second load-side terminal, a third load-side terminal, and a fourth load-side terminal, The internal connections include a first connection connecting the first switch-side terminal and the first load-side terminal, a second connection connecting the second switch-side terminal and the second load-side terminal, a third connection connecting the third switch-side terminal and the third load-side terminal, and a fourth connection connecting the fourth switch-side terminal and the fourth load-side terminal, The connection wires include a first-two connection wire connecting the first connection and the second connection, a first-three connection wire connecting the first connection and the third connection, a first-four connection wire connecting the first connection and the fourth connection, a second-three connection wire connecting the second connection and the third connection, and a third-four connection wire connecting the third connection and the fourth connection The multi-input / output device according to claim 2.

4. The semiconductor relay is A switch-side relay provided on the switch-side terminal for switching the presence or absence of energization between the switch-side terminal and the internal connection, A load-side relay provided on the load-side terminal for switching the presence or absence of energization between the internal connection and the load-side terminal Including The multi-input / output device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The switch-side relay of the switch-side terminal to which the upstream opening / closing switch or the downstream opening / closing switch that is turned on is connected is turned on, The switch-side relay of the switch-side terminal to which the upstream-side opening / closing switch or the downstream-side opening / closing switch to be turned off is connected is turned off. The multi-input / output device according to claim 4.

6. The load-side relay of the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected is turned on, The load-side relay of the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is not connected is turned off. The multi-input / output device according to claim 4.

7. Among the plurality of load-side relays, at least one of the load-side relays is composed of two semiconductors connected such that the forward directions of their respective body diodes are different. The multi-input / output device according to claim 4.

8. The two upstream-side opening / closing switches include a first upstream-side opening / closing switch connected to the first switch-side terminal and a second upstream-side opening / closing switch connected to the second switch-side terminal. The two downstream-side opening / closing switches include a first downstream-side opening / closing switch connected to the third switch-side terminal and a second downstream-side opening / closing switch connected to the fourth switch-side terminal. The connection relays include a 12th connection relay provided on the 12th connection line, a 13th connection relay provided on the 13th connection line, a 14th connection relay provided on the 14th connection line, a 23rd connection relay provided on the 23rd connection line, and a 34th connection relay provided on the 34th connection line. The rated current values of the first load-side terminal and the fourth load-side terminal are higher than the rated current values of the second load-side terminal and the third load-side terminal. The multi-input / output device according to claim 3.

9. The 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are composed of two semiconductors connected such that the forward directions of their respective body diodes are different. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

10. The in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is a forward / reverse load including a forward / reverse motor, One end of the forward / reverse load is connected to the first load-side terminal, The other end of the forward / reverse load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal, When the first upstream-side opening / closing switch and the second downstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off. When the second upstream-side opening / closing switch and the first downstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 13th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

11. The in-vehicle load is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The forward rotation load includes a plurality of power supply-side loads in which the input end of the forward rotation load is connected to the power supply device, and a plurality of ground-side loads in which the output end of the forward rotation load is grounded to the ground. The plurality of power supply-side loads include a first power supply-side load in which the output end of the power supply-side load is connected to the third load-side terminal, and a second power supply-side load in which the output end of the power supply-side load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal. The plurality of ground-side loads include a first ground-side load in which the input end of the ground-side load is connected to the first load-side terminal, and a second ground-side load in which the input end of the ground-side load is connected to the second load-side terminal. The 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

12. The in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The forward rotation load includes a power supply-side load in which the input end of the forward rotation load is connected to the power supply device and the output end of the forward rotation load is connected to the third load-side terminal, and a ground-side load in which the output end of the forward rotation load is grounded to the ground and the output end of the forward rotation load is connected to the second load-side terminal. When the first upstream-side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on. When the second downstream-side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

13. The in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction, the input end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the first load-side terminal, and the output end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal. When the second upstream-side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on. When the first downstream-side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

14. The in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is a forward rotation load in which current flows only in one direction. The forward load includes a power supply side load in which the input end of the forward load is connected to the power supply device and the output end of the forward load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, and a ground side load in which the output end of the forward load is grounded to the ground and the input end of the forward load is connected to the first load side terminal. When the first upstream side opening / closing switch, the second upstream side opening / closing switch, the first downstream side opening / closing switch, and the second downstream side opening / closing switch are turned on, the first and second connection relays and the third and fourth connection relays are turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

15. The in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a forward load in which current flows only in one direction, the input end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the output end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the fourth load side terminal. When the first upstream side opening / closing switch, the second upstream side opening / closing switch, the first downstream side opening / closing switch, and the second downstream side opening / closing switch are turned on, the first and second connection relays and the third and fourth connection relays are turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

16. The in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load. The multi-input / output device according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

17. The in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load including a forward and reverse motor. The electromechanical integrated load includes a first electromechanical integrated load in which one end of the electromechanical integrated load is connected to the first load side terminal, and a second electromechanical integrated load in which one end of the electromechanical integrated load is connected to the fourth load side terminal. When the first upstream side opening / closing switch and the second upstream side opening / closing switch are turned on, the second and third connection relays and the third and fourth connection relays are turned on. When the first downstream side opening / closing switch and the second downstream side opening / closing switch are turned on, the first and fourth connection relays and the third and fourth connection relays are turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 8.

18. An in-vehicle device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, Two upstream side opening / closing switches whose input ends are connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load, Two downstream side opening / closing switches whose output ends are grounded to the ground, A multi-input / output device including four switch side terminals to which the upstream side opening / closing switch or the downstream side opening / closing switch is connected, and a plurality of load side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected. A control unit that controls the opening and closing of the upstream-side switch and the downstream-side switch is provided, the multi-input / output device includes a plurality of internal wirings that connect each of the switch-side terminals to the load-side terminal, and a plurality of semiconductor relays that switch the connection state of the plurality of internal wirings according to the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is provided, the control unit executes control to switch the plurality of semiconductor relays on or off based on the upstream-side switch or the downstream-side switch that is turned on, the classification of the in-vehicle load, and the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected in-vehicle device.

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