Circuit structure for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a circuit structure for a vehicle that simplifies the structure while maintaining the functions required as a circuit structure for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A circuit structure 1 for a vehicle which supplies power and transmits communication signals to a plurality of electrical components 50 mounted on a vehicle body 2 comprises: a first control unit 10 which is connected to a power supply 7; a plurality of second control units 20 which are connected to the first control unit 10; a plurality of first wires 30 which connect the first control unit 10 and respective ones of the plurality of second control units 20 in a one-to-one manner without branching; and a plurality of second wires 40 which connect respective ones of the plurality of second control units 20 to the electrical components 50 to be controlled. The first control unit 10 has a first processor 11 that controls the supply of the power and the transmission of the communication signals to each of the plurality of second control units 20. Each of the plurality of first wires 30 includes a power line 33, a ground line 34, and a signal line 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit structure for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, circuit structures for connecting a power source or the like mounted on a vehicle to various electrical components or the like have been known. This type of circuit structure is generally composed of a so-called wire harness or the like, and is configured to be able to appropriately supply power from a power source such as a battery and an alternator (generator) to a large number of electrical components (e.g., an ECU and various auxiliary devices, etc.), appropriately switch between supplying and cutting off power, and transmit various communication signals.

[0003] More specifically, this type of circuit structure generally comprises a wire bundle, which is an assembly of a wide variety of wires that connect a power source and electrical equipment, as well as a junction block that distributes power to multiple systems, a relay box that controls the supply or cutoff of power for each system, and an electrical connection box such as a fuse box that protects the wires and electrical equipment from excessive current, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-078962 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Various attempts have been made to improve productivity in the production of vehicle circuit structures by assembling the above-mentioned electric wire bundles and electrical junction boxes. However, due to the complexity of the circuit structures, it is difficult to fully automate their production using machines. Therefore, manual assembly by workers is generally required for part or most of the production process. Furthermore, in recent years, circuit structures have tended to become even more complex due to the increase in the number of electrical components installed in vehicles and the increasing complexity of their controls. Furthermore, the number of types of circuit structures to be produced tends to increase with the increase in differences in vehicle models and the variety of optional electrical components. For these reasons, it is generally difficult to drastically reduce the production cost and production time of vehicle circuit structures, and it is also difficult to produce vehicle circuit structures in a manner that flexibly and quickly responds to changes in vehicle specifications, etc.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a circuit structure for a vehicle that is simplified in structure while maintaining the functionality required of a circuit structure for a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the circuit structure for a vehicle according to the present invention is characterized as follows.

[0008] A circuit structure for supplying power to a plurality of electrical components mounted on a vehicle and transmitting communication signals, a first control unit to be connected to a power source; a plurality of second control units connected to the first control unit; a plurality of first wires that connect the first control unit and each of the plurality of second control units one-to-one without branching; a plurality of second wires that connect each of the plurality of second control units to the electrical equipment to be controlled; The first control unit a first processing device that controls the supply of power and the transmission of communication signals to each of the plurality of second control units; Each of the plurality of first wires is The device has a power supply line for transmitting power, a ground line indicating a reference potential, and a signal line for transmitting a communication signal. The circuit structure must be for use in vehicles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle of the present invention, a first control unit (e.g., a power signal hub, described later) to be connected to a power source (e.g., a battery, etc.) and each of a plurality of second control units (e.g., area control devices, described later) connected to the first control unit are connected one-to-one by a plurality of first wires without branching. Furthermore, the plurality of first wires have a common structure in that they include a power line for transmitting power, a ground line indicating a reference potential, and a signal line for transmitting a communication signal. Since the first wires have a common structure without branching, the production of the first wires can be easily automated by machine, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and excessively thick or long electric wires that are intended to be branched can be eliminated from the first wires. Furthermore, the second control unit and the electrical equipment to be controlled are connected by second wires. As a result, the circuit structure of the present invention can simplify the overall structure while maintaining the functionality required of a circuit structure for a vehicle. As a result, compared to conventional circuit structures, the circuit structure can be produced in a shorter time and at lower cost, and the circuit structure can be easily changed or reconfigured when adding or changing electrical components in response to changes in vehicle specifications, etc. In addition, the circuit structure of the present invention can contribute to reducing the weight of vehicles and reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the production process of the circuit structure.

[0010] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the invention set forth below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a circuit structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted (wired) on a vehicle body. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power and signal hub shown in FIG. 1 and the main wires connected to the power and signal hub. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the power signal hub shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of the electric wire portion of the main wire shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the structure of the electric wire portion of the main wire. [Figure 5] 5 is a front view of the connector portion of the main wire shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the area control device shown in FIG. 1 and a main wire and a sub-wire connected to the area control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a conceptual circuit diagram of the area control device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example in which door switches arranged in the door area are replaced with a touch panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, a circuit structure 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, a circuit structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on and used on a vehicle body 2 on which various electrical components 50a-50v are mounted. The circuit structure 1 includes a power signal hub 10, a plurality of zone control devices 20a-20i, a plurality of main wires 30a-30i that connect the power signal hub 10 to each of the plurality of zone control devices 20a-20i one-to-one without branching, and a plurality of sub-wires 40a-40t that connect each of the plurality of zone control devices 20a-20i to the electrical components 50a-50v to be controlled. First, the arrangement of the power signal hub 10 and the plurality of zone control devices 20 will be described below. Hereinafter, the electrical components 50a to 50v may be collectively referred to as electrical components 50, the area control devices 20a to 20i may be collectively referred to as area control devices 20, the main wires 30a to 30i may be collectively referred to as main wires 30, the electrical components 50a to 50v may be collectively referred to as electrical components 50, and the sub-wires 40a to 40t may be collectively referred to as sub-wires 40.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply signal hub 10 is disposed in the center of the vehicle body 2. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the power supply signal hub 10 is connected via a power line 8 to a power source 7 (e.g., a 12V battery) disposed in the front region of the vehicle body 2, and is supplied with power from the power source 7. The location of the power supply 7 to which the power supply signal hub 10 is connected is not limited to the front region of the vehicle body 2. For example, the power supply 7 may be disposed in an underfloor region in the center of the vehicle body 2, in the rear region of the vehicle body 2, or the like. In other words, the power supply 7 may be disposed near a high-voltage power supply for driving mounted on a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle (for example, in a so-called power supply compartment).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the multiple area control devices 20 (20a to 20i) is arranged in each of the multiple areas of the vehicle body 2, and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the corresponding main wire 30 (30a to 30i) without branching.

[0016] Specifically, the zone control device 20a is disposed in the front left region of the vehicle body 2 and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the main wire 30a without any branching. The zone control device 20b is disposed in the front right region of the vehicle body 2 and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the main wire 30b without any branching. The zone control device 20c is disposed in the front left door region of the vehicle body 2 and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the main wire 30c without any branching. The zone control device 20d is disposed in the front right door region of the vehicle body 2 and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the main wire 30d without any branching. The zone control device 20e is disposed in the rear left door region of the vehicle body 2 and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the main wire 30e without any branching. The zone control device 20f is disposed in the rear right door region of the vehicle body 2 and is connected one-to-one to the power signal hub 10 via the main wire 30f without any branching. The area control device 20g is disposed in the instrument panel area of the vehicle body 2, and is connected one-to-one to the power supply signal hub 10 via a main wire 30g without any branching. The area control device 20h is disposed in the steering area of the vehicle body 2, and is connected one-to-one to the power supply signal hub 10 via a main wire 30h without any branching. The area control device 20i is disposed in the rear area of the vehicle body 2, and is connected one-to-one to the power supply signal hub 10 via a main wire 30i without any branching.

[0017] Each of the main wires 30a, 30b is inserted into a through-hole provided in a dash panel 4 of the vehicle body 2. Specifically, grommets 3 (exterior materials) through which each of the main wires 30a, 30b is inserted are fixed to the through-holes, thereby separating an engine compartment 5 and a passenger compartment 6, which are sandwiched between the dash panel 4, in a liquid-tight manner.

[0018] Each of the plurality of area control devices 20 (20a to 20i) is connected to the electrical equipment 50 disposed in the area in which the area control device 20 is disposed via a corresponding sub-wire 40 (40a to 40t).

[0019] Specifically, the area control device 20a arranged in the front left area of the vehicle body 2 is connected to a left turn signal lamp 50a and a left headlight 50b arranged in the front left area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40a having a branching point, and is connected one-to-one with a front camera 50c arranged in the front center area of the vehicle body 2 via the sub-wire 40b without any branching. The area control device 20b arranged in the front right area of the vehicle body 2 is connected to a right headlight 50d and a right turn signal lamp 50e arranged in the front right area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40c having a branching point.

[0020] Furthermore, the area control device 20c arranged in the front left door area of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one with a left electric door mirror 50f arranged in the front left door area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40d without any branching, is connected one-to-one with door switches 50g arranged in the front left door area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40e without any branching, and is connected one-to-one with a courtesy switch 50h arranged in the front left door area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40f without any branching. The area control device 20d arranged in the front right door area of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one with a right electric door mirror 50i arranged in the front right door area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40g without any branching, is connected one-to-one with door switches 50j arranged in the front right door area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40h without any branching, and is connected one-to-one with a courtesy switch 50k arranged in the front right door area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40i without any branching.

[0021] Furthermore, the area control device 20e arranged in the rear left door area of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one without branching to door switches 50l ("l" is a lower case L, and may be referred to as 50L hereinafter) arranged in the rear left door area of the vehicle body 2 via sub-wire 40j, and is connected one-to-one without branching to courtesy switch 50m arranged in the rear left door area of the vehicle body 2 via sub-wire 40k. The area control device 20f arranged in the rear right door area of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one without branching to door switches 50n arranged in the rear right door area of the vehicle body 2 via sub-wire 40l ("l" is a lower case L, and may be referred to as 40L hereinafter), and is connected one-to-one without branching to courtesy switch 50o arranged in the rear right door area of the vehicle body 2 via sub-wire 40m.

[0022] Furthermore, the area control device 20g arranged in the instrument panel area of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one without branching to an air conditioning electrical component 50p arranged in the instrument panel area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40n, and is connected one-to-one without branching to a meter panel electrical component 50q arranged in the instrument panel area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40o. The area control device 20h arranged in the steering area of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one without branching to a steering electrical component 50r arranged in the steering area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40p, and is connected one-to-one without branching to a horn switch 50s arranged in the steering area of the vehicle body 2 via a sub-wire 40q.

[0023] Furthermore, the area control device 20i arranged in the rear region of the vehicle body 2 is connected one-to-one without branching to the left turn signal lamp 50t arranged in the rear region of the vehicle body 2 via the sub-wire 40r, connected one-to-one without branching to the rear camera 50u arranged in the rear region of the vehicle body 2 via the sub-wire 40s, and connected one-to-one without branching to the right turn signal lamp 50v arranged in the rear region of the vehicle body 2 via the sub-wire 40t.

[0024] In this way, one area control device 20 (one of 20a to 20i) and another area control device 20 (another one of 20a to 20i) are not connected without the power signal hub 10. In other words, there are no electric wires that span between different areas of the vehicle body 2. In this way, by eliminating the electric wires that span between different areas of the vehicle body 2, the number of product numbers of the sub-wires 40 can be reduced.

[0025] As described above, in the circuit structure 1, the power signal hub 10 is disposed in the center of the vehicle body 2, the main wires 30 are routed from the power signal hub 10 to the area controllers 20 in each area of the vehicle body 2, and the sub-wires 40 are routed from the area controllers 20 to the electrical components 50 in each area. In the circuit structure 1, the structure of the main wire 30 is simplified and there are no electric wires spanning between areas, so the space required for arranging the circuit structure 1 can be reduced, improving the design flexibility of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the number of members (so-called protectors) protecting the main wire 30 and the sub-wire 40 can also be reduced. Furthermore, the area controllers 20 and the electrical components 50 are connected by the sub-wires 40. As a result, when adding or changing the electrical components 50 in response to changes in vehicle specifications, the main wire 30 does not need to be changed, but only the sub-wires 40 can be added or changed, thereby enabling changes to the circuit structure 1 to be made within a certain delivery period and at low cost.

[0026] Furthermore, the area control devices 20c, 20d, 20e, and 20f arranged in each door area of the vehicle body 2 are connected to the courtesy switches 50h, 50k, 50m, and 50o arranged in each door via sub-wires 40f, 40i, 40k, and 40m, respectively (see FIG. 1). This makes it easier to route the sub-wires 40 overall within this area than when the courtesy switches are provided on the vehicle body 2 side, and it is possible to shorten the overall length of the sub-wires 40 within this area.

[0027] The door switches 50g and the like arranged in the door area may be replaced with a touch panel 51 that displays an operation unit 52 for operating the door switches 50g (see FIG. 8). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the touch panel 51 is provided on the door interior panel 9, and the touch panel 51 is connected via a sub-wire 40 (40e) to the area control device 20 (20c) arranged in the area where the door switches 50g are arranged. This makes it possible to respond to, for example, the addition of electrical components 50 or changes in specifications through software. Furthermore, the display on the touch panel 51 can be optimized to suit the user's dominant hand and the vehicle specifications.

[0028] Next, the structure of the main wires 30 will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, each of the multiple main wires 30 (30a to 30i) is made up of an electric wire portion 31 and connector portions 32 attached to both ends of the electric wire portion 31. For each main wire 30, the connector portion 32 on one end of the electric wire portion 31 is connected to a corresponding connector receiving hole 12 (see Figure 2) of the power signal hub 10, and the connector portion 32 on the other end of the electric wire portion 31 is connected to a corresponding connector receiving hole 22 (see Figure 6) of the area control device 20.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4(a), and 4(b), the electric wire portion 31 includes one power line 33 for transmitting power, one ground line 34 for a reference potential (e.g., for body grounding), and one signal line 35 for transmitting a communication signal. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the power line 33 includes a conductor wire 33a with a circular cross section for power transmission and a resin insulator 33b covering the conductor wire 33a. The ground line 34 includes a conductor wire 34a with a circular cross section for grounding and a resin insulator 34b covering the conductor wire 34a. The signal line 35 includes four twisted pair wires 35a for signal transmission, a braided conductor 35b covering the four twisted pair wires 35a, and a resin insulator 35c covering the braided conductor 35b. The braided conductor 35b functions to prevent signals transmitted through the four twisted pair wires 35a from being affected by noise due to external magnetic fields, etc. The insulators 33b of the power line 33 and the insulators 35c of the signal line 35, as well as the insulators 35c of the signal line 35 and the insulators 34b of the ground line 34, are integrally connected over the entire extension direction of the main wire 30 so that the power line 33, the signal line 35, and the ground line 34 are aligned in a line in the width direction (see FIG. 4(a)). Note that, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the power line 33, the ground line 34, and the signal line 35 may be separate and independent from one another. Furthermore, when the influence of noise is small, such as when communication signals are transmitted and received as digital signals via the signal line 35, the braided conductor 35b may not be provided in the signal line 35. The electric wire portions 31 of the multiple main wires 30 (30a to 30i) do not have any branching points.

[0030] 5, the connector unit 32 is provided with one terminal unit 32a electrically connected to the conductor wire 33a of the power line 33, one terminal unit 32b electrically connected to the conductor wire 34a of the ground line 34, and eight terminal units 32c electrically connected to four twisted pair wires 35a (i.e., eight conductor wires) of the signal line 35. When the connector unit 32 is disposed in a location on the vehicle body 2 that may be exposed to water, a waterproof connector is used as the connector unit 32, and when the connector unit 32 is disposed in a location on the vehicle body 2 that is not likely to be exposed to water, a non-waterproof connector is used as the connector unit 32.

[0031] In this way, the electric wire portions 31 of the multiple main wires 30 have a common structure in that they include a power line 33, a ground line 34, and a signal line 35, and have a structure without branches. This makes it easy to automatically manufacture the main wires 30 by machine, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and eliminating excessively thick or long electric wires that are intended to branch. Furthermore, since the electric wire portions 31 of the multiple main wires 30 have a common structure, the connector portions 32 of the multiple main wires 30 can also be standardized. This makes it easy to automate the work of attaching the connector portions 32 to the electric wire portions 31 by machine, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and allows the main wires 30 to be manufactured in a short delivery time and at low cost.

[0032] Next, the structure of the sub-wires 40 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, each of the multiple sub-wires 40 (40a to 40t) is made up of an electric wire portion 41 and connector portions 42 attached to both ends of the electric wire portion 41. For each sub-wire 40, the connector portion 42 on one end of the electric wire portion 41 is connected to the corresponding connector receiving hole 23 (see Fig. 6) of the corresponding area control device 20, and the connector portion 42 on the other end of the electric wire portion 41 is connected to the connector receiving hole (not shown) of the corresponding electrical component 50.

[0033] The structure of the electric wire portion 41 and the connector portion 42 of the sub-wire 40 may be the same as the structure of the electric wire portion 31 and the connector portion 32 of the main wire 30, or the number of signal wires 35, the presence or absence of signal wires 35, etc. may be changed depending on the electrical equipment 50 to which the sub-wire 40 is connected. The electric wire portion 41 of some of the sub-wires 40 has a power line 43, a ground line 44, and a signal line 45, similar to the main wire 30 (see FIG. 7). Some sub-wires 40 may have no signal line 45. Of the multiple sub-wires 40 (40a to 40t), most of the sub-wires 40, except for sub-wires 40a and 40c, connect the corresponding zone control devices 20 and electrical equipment 50 one-to-one without branching, while each of the sub-wires 40a and 40c has a branching portion. Furthermore, among the multiple sub-wires 40 (40a to 40t), for the sub-wires 40 to which electrical components 50 that do not require communication signals are connected, the signal line 45 may be omitted from the electric wire portion 41, and the terminal portion electrically connected to the signal line 45 may be omitted from the connector portion 42 (see Figure 7).

[0034] In this way, most of the multiple sub-wires 40 connect the corresponding zone control devices 20 and electrical components 50 one-to-one without branching. Since the sub-wires 40 do not have branches, they can be easily manufactured automatically, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and eliminating excessively thick or long wires that require branches. Furthermore, by increasing the number of sub-wires 40 without branches as much as possible, the sub-wires 40 can be standardized, just like the main wire 30. Furthermore, when adding or changing electrical components 50 in response to changes in vehicle specifications, the circuit structure can be changed in a short time and at low cost.

[0035] Next, the structure of the power signal hub 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the power signal hub 10 is provided with a microcomputer 11. The microcomputer 11 controls the supply of power and the transmission of communication signals to each of the multiple area control devices 20. The microcomputer 11 is detachably mounted on the power signal hub 10 via one side of the housing of the power signal hub 10 (see FIG. 2). This allows the microcomputer 11 to be replaced or the control software to be upgraded due to changes in vehicle specifications, etc. The microcomputer 11 also transmits and receives communication signals as digital signals via a signal line 35 (see FIG. 3) between the power signal hub 10 and the area control device 20. This allows multiplexed communication via the signal line 35 to simplify the structure of the circuit structure 1. Since communication is less susceptible to external noise than analog communication, it is not necessary to provide a shielding member or the like on the main wire 30 to protect against external noise. Furthermore, a shielding member may be provided, if necessary, on the sub-wire 40 connecting the area control device 20 and the electrical equipment 50. Since there is no need to distinguish between main wires 30 based on whether or not they have a shielding member, it becomes even easier to standardize the main wires 30.

[0036] On another side of the housing of the power signal hub 10, a plurality of connector receiving holes 12 (12a to 12i) are provided side by side in correspondence with the plurality of main wires 30 (30a to 30i) (see FIG. 2). A connector portion 32 (see FIG. 2) at one end of a corresponding main wire 30 is connected to each of the plurality of connector receiving holes 12. On the top surface of the housing of the power signal hub 10, a plurality of circuit breakers (e.g., fuses or fusible links) 13 (13a to 13i) are provided side by side in correspondence with the plurality of main wires 30 (30a to 30i) (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, each of the plurality of circuit breakers 13 is provided for each main wire 30 so as to cut off power to the power line 33 when the power supplied to the power line 33 of each of the plurality of main wires 30 exceeds a rated power. As a result, even if power is cut off to a specific area of the vehicle, power is maintained to other areas, and the functionality of electrical components 50 in those areas is maintained. Furthermore, since there are no wires spanning between areas, the overall length of the power line 33 from the circuit breaker 13 to the electrical equipment 50 is shortened, and the circuit resistance of the power line 33 is reduced, allowing the circuit breaker 13 to operate quickly (for example, by blowing a fuse) in the event of a short circuit. Furthermore, the number of circuit breakers 13 can be reduced compared to when a circuit breaker 13 is provided for each system in the vehicle.

[0037] Next, the structure of the area control device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the area control device 20 has a microcomputer (a chip dedicated to the electrical component 50) 21 for driving each connected electrical component 50 (i.e., for each connected sub-wire 50). As a result, the microcomputer 21 does not need to have excessively high performance, as it only needs to have the performance to drive a specific electrical component 50. This reduces the production cost of the microcomputer 21. Furthermore, for example, by switching between a mode in which the microcomputer 21 operates under commands from the microcomputer 11 (see FIG. 3) and a mode in which the microcomputer 21 operates independently of the microcomputer 11 depending on the driving state of the vehicle, the amount of communication signals transmitted over the main wire 30 can be reduced.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, one connector accommodating hole 22 is provided on one side of the housing of the region control device 20. A connector portion 32 (see FIG. 6) on the other end side of a corresponding main wire 30 is connected to the connector accommodating hole 22. A plurality of connector accommodating holes 23 are provided in a horizontal row on another side of the housing of the region control device 20. A connector portion 42 on one end side of a corresponding sub-wire 40 is connected to each of the plurality of connector accommodating holes 23. The number of connector accommodating holes 23 may be greater than the number of sub-wires 40 connected to the region control device 20. This facilitates the addition or modification of electrical components 50 in response to changes in vehicle specifications, etc.

[0039] <Actions and Effects> As described above, according to the circuit structure 1 of this embodiment, the power signal hub 10, which is to be connected to the power source (e.g., a battery) 7, and each of the multiple zone control devices 20 connected to the power signal hub 10 are connected one-to-one via multiple main wires 30 without branching. Furthermore, the multiple main wires 30 share a common structure, including a power line 33 for transmitting power, a ground line 34 for a reference potential, and a signal line 35 for transmitting a communication signal. Since the main wires 30 have a common structure without branching, the main wires 30 can be easily manufactured automatically, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers and eliminating excessively thick or long wires that require branching. Furthermore, the zone control device 20 and the electrical components 50 to be controlled are connected via sub-wires 40. This allows the circuit structure 1 to be modified quickly and at low cost when adding or changing electrical components 50 in response to changes in vehicle specifications, etc. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the circuit structure 1 can be simplified. Furthermore, the present invention contributes to reducing the weight and cost of the circuit structure 1 and reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process.

[0040] Furthermore, the area controllers 20 are not directly connected without the power signal hub 10. Instead, each of the area controllers 20 is disposed in a plurality of areas of the vehicle (e.g., the front right area, the front left area, each door area, and the rear area) and connected to the electrical components 50 disposed in each area. This eliminates the need for wires spanning between areas, thereby reducing the number of sub-wires 40. Furthermore, for example, if the power signal hub 10 is disposed in the center of the vehicle, the main wire 30 extends from the power signal hub 10 to spread out toward the area controllers 20 in each area of the vehicle, and the sub-wires 40 extend from the area controllers 20 to each electrical component 50 in each area, the circuit structure 1 can be arranged so that the structure of the main wire 30 is simplified and there are no wires spanning between areas, thereby reducing the space required for arranging the circuit structure 1 and improving the design flexibility of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the number of members (so-called protectors) protecting the main wire 30 and the sub-wires 40 can also be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple sub-wires 40 connects the zone control device 20 and the electrical component 50 one-to-one without branching. Since the sub-wires 40 do not have branches, they can be easily manufactured automatically, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and eliminating excessively thick or long electrical wires that require branches. Furthermore, by increasing the number of sub-wires 40 without branches as much as possible, the sub-wires 40 can be standardized, just like the main wire 30. Furthermore, when adding or changing electrical components 50 in response to changes in vehicle specifications, the circuit structure 1 can be changed in a short time and at low cost.

[0042] Furthermore, the power signal hub 10 includes a plurality of circuit breakers (e.g., fuses or fusible links) 13, each of which is provided for each of the plurality of main wires 30, for cutting off the power supply line 33 of each of the plurality of main wires 30. As a result, even if power supply to a specific area of the vehicle is cut off, power supply to other areas is maintained, and the functionality of the electrical components 50 in those areas is maintained. Furthermore, since there are no electric wires spanning between areas, the overall length of the power supply lines 33 from the circuit breakers 13 to the electrical components 50 is shortened, and the circuit resistance of the power supply lines 33 is reduced, allowing the circuit breakers 13 to operate quickly (e.g., by blowing a fuse) in the event of a short circuit. Furthermore, the number of circuit breakers 13 can be reduced compared to when a circuit breaker 13 is provided for each system of the vehicle.

[0043] Furthermore, the microcomputer 11 of the power signal hub 10 digitally transmits and receives communication signals via a signal line 35 between the power signal hub 10 and the area control device 20. This simplifies the structure of the circuit structure 1 by performing multiplexed communication via the signal line 35, and because it is less susceptible to external noise than analog communication, there is no need to provide a shielding material or the like on the main wire 30 to protect against external noise. Furthermore, a shielding material can be provided on the sub-wire 40 connecting the area control device 20 and the electrical equipment 50 as needed. Since there is no need to distinguish between main wires 30 based on whether or not they have a shielding material, it becomes even easier to standardize the main wire 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the power supply signal hub 10 is configured so that the microcomputer 11 can be attached and detached. This allows the microcomputer 11 to be replaced or the control software to be upgraded in response to changes in the vehicle specifications, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the area control device 20 has a microcomputer 21 for each electrical component 50, for driving that component 50. As a result, the microcomputer 21 only needs to have the performance to drive the specific electrical component 50, and does not need to have excessively high performance. This reduces the production cost of the area control device 20. Furthermore, for example, by switching between a mode in which the microcomputer 21 operates under commands from the microcomputer 11 and a mode in which the microcomputer 21 operates independently of the microcomputer 11 depending on the driving state of the vehicle, the amount of communication signals transmitted through the main wire 30 can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, the main wire 30 has an electric wire portion 31 and a connector portion 32 having a common structure attached to the electric wire portion 31. Since the electric wire portion 31 has the common structure described above, the connector portion 32 can be standardized. This makes it easy to automate the work of attaching the connector portion 32 to the electric wire portion 31 by machine, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and enabling the main wire 30 to be manufactured in a short delivery time and at low cost.

[0047] Furthermore, the area control device 20 arranged in an area including the vehicle doors is configured to be connected to the courtesy switches 50h, 50k, 50m, and 50o arranged in the doors via the sub-wires 40. This makes it easier to route the sub-wires 40 overall within this area than when the courtesy switches 50 are provided on the vehicle body, and the overall length of the sub-wires 40 within this area can be shortened.

[0048] Furthermore, the area control device 20 is connected via a sub-wire 40 to an input / output device (e.g., a touch panel) 51 that displays an operation unit 52 for operating multiple electrical components 50 arranged in the area where the area control device 20 is arranged. This allows, for example, software support for adding electrical components 50 or changing their specifications. Furthermore, the display of the input / output device 51 can be optimized to suit the user's dominant hand and the vehicle specifications.

[0049] <Other aspects> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. are possible as appropriate. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited thereto.

[0050] Here, the features of the above-described circuit structure for a vehicle according to the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to

[10] .

[0051] [1] A circuit structure (1) for supplying power to and transmitting communication signals to a plurality of electrical components (50) mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a first control unit (10) to be connected to a power source (7); a plurality of second control units (20) connected to the first control unit (10); a plurality of first wires (30) that connect the first control unit (10) and each of the plurality of second control units (20) one-to-one without branching; a plurality of second wires (40) that connect each of the plurality of second control units (20) to the electrical equipment (50) to be controlled, The first control unit (10) a first processing device (11) that controls the supply of power and the transmission of communication signals to each of the plurality of second control units (20); Each of the plurality of first wires (30) is The device has a power supply line (33) for transmitting power, a ground line (34) for indicating a reference potential, and a signal line (35) for transmitting a communication signal. Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0052] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle having the configuration [1] above, a first control unit (e.g., a power signal hub described later) to be connected to a power source (e.g., a battery, etc.) and each of a plurality of second control units (e.g., area control devices described later) connected to the first control unit are connected one-to-one by a plurality of first wires without branching. Furthermore, the plurality of first wires have a common structure in that they include a power line for transmitting power, a ground line indicating a reference potential, and a signal line for transmitting a communication signal. Since the first wires have a common structure without branching, it is easy to automate the production of the first wires by machine, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and eliminating excessively thick or long electric wires that are assumed to branch from the first wires. Furthermore, the second control unit and the electrical equipment to be controlled are connected by second wires. As a result, the circuit structure of this configuration can simplify the overall structure while maintaining the functionality required of a circuit structure for a vehicle. As a result, compared to conventional circuit structures, the circuit structure can be produced in a shorter time and at lower cost, and the circuit structure can be easily changed or reconfigured when adding or changing electrical components in response to changes in vehicle specifications, etc. In addition, the circuit structure of this configuration can contribute to reducing the weight of the vehicle and reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the circuit structure production process.

[0053] [2] In the circuit structure (1) described in [1] above, The plurality of second wires (40) are A direct connection circuit in which one second control unit (20) and another second control unit (20) are connected without passing through the first control unit (10) is not configured, Each of the plurality of second control units (20) The electric equipment (50) is arranged in each of a plurality of areas of the vehicle and is connected to the electric equipment (50) arranged in each of the areas. Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0054] According to the vehicle circuit structure of the configuration [2] above, there are no electric wires connecting the second control units to each other without the first control unit (in other words, electric wires that span between areas). Instead, each of the multiple second control units is disposed in multiple areas of the vehicle (e.g., the front right area, the front left area, each door area, and the rear area) and connected to the electrical equipment disposed in each area. This reduces the number of second wires required because there are no electric wires that span between areas. Furthermore, for example, by disposing the first control unit in the center of the vehicle and extending the first wires from the first control unit to the second control units in each area of the vehicle, and then extending the second wires from the second control unit to the electrical equipment in each area, the circuit structure can be arranged (routed) in such a way that the structure of the first wires is simplified and there are no electric wires that span between areas, thereby reducing the space required for arranging the circuit structure (routing), thereby improving the design flexibility of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the number of members (so-called protectors) that protect the first wire and the second wire can be reduced.

[0055] [3] In the circuit structure (1) described in [1] above, At least one of the plurality of second wires (40) One of the second control units (20) and one of the electrical components (50) are connected one-to-one without branching. Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0056] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle having the configuration [3] above, at least one of the multiple second wires connects the second control unit and the electrical equipment one-to-one without branching. Since the second wires do not have branches, the production of the second wires can be easily automated, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and eliminating excessively thick or long electric wires that require branches. Furthermore, if most (preferably all) of the multiple second wires are not branched, the second wires can be standardized, just like the first wires. Furthermore, when adding or changing electrical equipment in response to changes in vehicle specifications, the circuit structure can be changed in a short time and at low cost.

[0057] [4] In the circuit structure (1) described in [2] above, The first control unit (10) a plurality of circuit breakers (13) for interrupting the flow of electricity to the power supply line (33); Each of the plurality of circuit breakers (13) a power supply line (33) for each of the first wires (30) so as to cut off current flow to the power supply line (33) of each of the first wires (30); Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0058] According to the vehicle circuit structure of the configuration [4] above, a plurality of circuit breakers (e.g., fuses or fusible links) provided in the first control unit are provided for each of the plurality of first wires so as to cut off the power supply to each of the plurality of first wires. As a result, even if power supply to a specific area of the vehicle is cut off, power supply to other areas is maintained, and the functionality of electrical equipment in those areas is maintained. Furthermore, since there are no wires spanning between areas, the overall length of the power supply lines from the circuit breakers to the electrical equipment is shortened, and the circuit resistance of the power supply lines is reduced, allowing the circuit breaker to operate quickly (e.g., by blowing a fuse) in the event of a short circuit. Additionally, compared to providing a circuit breaker for each vehicle system, the number of circuit breakers may be reduced.

[0059] [5] In the circuit structure (1) described in [1] above, The first processing device (11) A communication signal is transmitted and received as a digital signal through the signal line (35) between the first control unit (10) and each of the plurality of second control units (20). Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0060] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle having the configuration [5] above, the first processing device transmits and receives communication signals as digital signals through signal lines between the first control unit and the second control unit. This allows for multiplexed communication through the signal lines, reducing the number of signal lines and simplifying the circuit structure. Furthermore, since digital communication is less susceptible to external noise than analog communication, there is no need to provide the first wire with a shielding material or other measures to protect against external noise. Since there is no need to distinguish the first wire based on whether or not it has a shielding material, standardization of the first wire becomes even easier. If necessary, a shielding material may be provided on the second wire connecting the second control unit and the electrical equipment.

[0061] [6] In the circuit structure (1) described in [1] above, The first control unit (10) The first processing device (11) is configured to be detachable. Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0062] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle configured as described above in [6], the first control unit is configured so that the first processing device is detachable. This makes it possible to replace the first processing device with a higher performance one or to upgrade the control software in response to changes in vehicle specifications, and also makes it easy to apply the circuit structure to so-called Soft Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

[0063] [7] In the circuit structure (1) described in [1] above, The second control unit (20) a second processing device (21) for driving each of the plurality of electrical components (50); Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0064] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle having the configuration [7] above, the second control unit has a second processing device for each electrical component, for driving each electrical component. As a result, the second processing device only needs to have the performance required to drive a specific electrical component, and does not need to be overly high-performance. This allows for the use of an inexpensive second processing device, thereby reducing the production cost of the second control unit. Furthermore, for example, by switching between a mode in which the second processing device operates under commands from the first processing device and a mode in which the second processing device operates independently of the first processing device depending on the vehicle's operating state, the amount of communication signals transmitted over the first wire can be reduced.

[0065] [8] In the circuit structure (1) described in [1] above, Each of the plurality of first wires (30) is The connector (32) has an electric wire portion (31) having the power supply line (33), the ground line (34), and the signal line (35), and has a common structure and is attached to the electric wire portion (31). Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0066] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle having the configuration [8] above, the first wire has an electric wire portion and a connector portion of a common structure attached to the electric wire portion. Since the electric wire portion has the common structure described above (i.e., a structure having a power line, a ground line, and a signal line), the connector portion can be made common. This makes it easy to automate the work of attaching the connector portion to the electric wire portion by machine, reducing or eliminating manual assembly work by workers, and enabling the first wire to be manufactured in a short delivery time and at low cost.

[0067] [9] In the circuit structure (1) described in [2] above, The second control unit (20) to be disposed in the area including the door of the vehicle, The electrical equipment (50) is configured to be connected to a courtesy switch (40) disposed in the door for detecting whether the door is open or closed, via the second wire (40). Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0068] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle of the configuration [9] above, the second control unit to be arranged in an area including the door of the vehicle is configured to be connected to the courtesy switch arranged in the door via the second wire. This makes it easier to route the second wire in this area compared to when the courtesy switch is provided on the vehicle body, and the overall length of the second wire in this area can be shortened.

[0069]

[10] In the circuit structure (1) described in [2] above, The second control unit (20) and is configured to be connected via the second wire (40) to an input / output device (51) that displays a plurality of operation units (52) that operate a plurality of the electrical components (50) arranged in the area where the second control unit (20) is arranged. Circuit structure for vehicle (1).

[0070] According to the circuit structure for a vehicle having the configuration

[10] above, the second control unit is connected via a second wire to an input / output device (e.g., a touch panel) that displays an operation unit for operating multiple electrical components arranged in the area where the second control unit is arranged. This makes it possible to respond to, for example, the addition of electrical components or changes in specifications by changing the screen display of the operation unit. In other words, the addition of electrical components or changes in specifications can be handled through software. Furthermore, the display of the input / output device can be optimized to suit the user's dominant hand and the vehicle specifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Circuit structure 2. Body 7 Power supply 10 Power Signal Hub (1st Control Unit) 11 Microcomputer (first processing unit) 13 Circuit Breaker 20 Area control device (second control unit) 21 Microcomputer (second processing unit) 30 Main wire (first wire) 31 Electrical Wire Section 32 Connector part 33 Power line 34 Ground Line 35 Signal line 40 Sub-wire (second wire) 50 Electrical equipment 51 Touch panel (input / output device) 52 Operation section

Claims

1. A circuit structure for supplying power to a plurality of electrical components mounted on a vehicle and transmitting communication signals, a first control unit to be connected to a power source; a plurality of second control units connected to the first control unit; a plurality of first wires that connect the first control unit and each of the plurality of second control units one-to-one without branching; a plurality of second wires connecting each of the plurality of second control units to the electrical equipment to be controlled, The first control unit a first processing device that controls the supply of power to each of the plurality of second control units and the transmission of communication signals; Each of the plurality of first wires is The device has a power supply line for transmitting power, a ground line indicating a reference potential, and a signal line for transmitting a communication signal. Circuit structure for vehicle.

2. 10. The circuit structure of claim 1, The plurality of second wires are A direct connection circuit in which one of the second control units and another of the second control units are connected without passing through the first control unit is not configured, Each of the plurality of second control units The electric power generating unit is disposed in each of a plurality of areas of the vehicle and is connected to the electrical equipment disposed in each of the areas. Circuit structure for vehicle.

3. 10. The circuit structure of claim 1, At least one of the plurality of second wires is One of the second control units and one of the electrical components are connected one-to-one without branching. Circuit structure for vehicle.

4. 3. The circuit structure of claim 2, The first control unit a plurality of circuit breakers that interrupt the flow of electricity to the power supply line; Each of the plurality of circuit breakers a power supply cut-off switch provided for each of the first wires to cut off current flow to the power supply line of each of the first wires; Circuit structure for vehicle.

5. 10. The circuit structure of claim 1, The first processing device is A communication signal is transmitted and received as a digital signal through the signal line between the first control unit and each of the plurality of second control units. Circuit structure for vehicle.

6. 10. The circuit structure of claim 1, The first control unit The first processing device is configured to be detachable. Circuit structure for vehicle.

7. 10. The circuit structure of claim 1, The second control unit a second processing device for driving each of the plurality of electrical components; Circuit structure for vehicle.

8. 10. The circuit structure of claim 1, Each of the plurality of first wires is an electric wire portion having the power supply line, the ground line, and the signal line; and a connector portion having a common structure attached to the electric wire portion, Circuit structure for vehicle.

9. 3. The circuit structure of claim 2, The second control unit to be disposed in the area including the door of the vehicle, The electrical equipment is configured to be connected to a courtesy switch, which is disposed in the door and detects whether the door is open or closed, via the second wire. Circuit structure for vehicle.

10. 3. The circuit structure of claim 2, The second control unit and an input / output device that displays a plurality of operation units that operate the plurality of electrical components that are arranged in the area where the second control unit is arranged, via the second wire. Circuit structure for vehicle.

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