Equipment control device

Abstract

To provide an equipment control device that can be made into a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A control amount adjustment unit outputs a test signal in response to a first control signal input from a test device when testing an equipment control device. When using the equipment control device, the control amount adjustment unit outputs a usage signal SG1 different from the test signal in response to a second control signal input from a normal control device. An equipment control unit controls in-vehicle control target equipment based on a control amount signal input from the control amount adjustment unit. The control modes for controlling the control target equipment include a test mode in which test control for testing the equipment control device is performed based on the test signal, and a normal mode in which usage control for using the equipment control device is performed based on the usage signal SG1. When in the test mode (S11: YES), on the condition that the usage signal SG1 is input (S12: YES), the equipment control unit switches the control mode to the normal mode (S15).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an appliance control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a device control device that controls an in-vehicle device to be controlled, such as an electronic device installed in a vehicle. When manufacturing the device control device, the device control device is often inspected before shipping the vehicle. In such a device control device, it is common to define a control mode for controlling the device, which is an inspection mode set during inspection before shipping, and a normal mode set when the device is used after shipping (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the device control device described in Patent Document 1, when switching the control mode, first, an external device is connected to the device control device. After that, a mode switching signal is output from the external device through operation of the external device, and the signal is input to the device control device. Then, the device control device switches the control mode of the device based on this mode switching signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-18429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To switch control modes, the device control device requires a mode switching signal, an interface for inputting the signal, a signal processing circuit for processing the signal, etc. This not only makes the device control device structure complex, but also makes the setup of the device complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Various aspects of the device for solving the above problems will be described. [Aspect 1] An equipment control device comprising: a control amount adjustment unit that outputs a control amount signal for adjusting a control amount of an in-vehicle control-target equipment in response to a control signal input from an external device; and an equipment control unit that controls the control-target equipment based on the control amount signal input from the control amount adjustment unit; wherein, when the equipment control device is being tested, an inspection device is connected as the external device, and the control amount adjustment unit outputs an inspection signal as the control amount signal in response to a first control signal as the control signal input from the inspection device; and when the equipment control device is being used, a normal control device is connected as the external device, and the control amount adjustment unit outputs a utilization signal different from the inspection signal as the control amount signal in response to a second control signal as the control signal input from the normal control device; the control modes for controlling the controlled equipment by the equipment control unit include an inspection mode in which inspection control for testing the equipment control device is performed based on the inspection signal, and a normal mode in which utilization control for utilizing the equipment control device is performed based on the utilization signal; and the equipment control unit switches the control mode from the inspection mode to the normal mode on the condition that the utilization signal is input while in the inspection mode.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the control mode for controlling the on-vehicle controlled device can be switched by using a control amount signal for adjusting the control amount of the controlled device, an interface for inputting the signal, and a signal processing circuit for processing the signal. This eliminates the need for a dedicated configuration for switching the control mode, allowing the device control device to have a simple structure.

[0008] [Aspect 2] The control amount adjustment unit outputs a signal having a duty ratio of "0%" or "100%" as the inspection signal, and outputs a signal having a duty ratio of "less than 100%" as the use signal, and the input of the use signal in the inspection mode means that the duty ratio of the control amount signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode is greater than "0%" and "less than 100%." ​​This is the equipment control device described in [Aspect 1].

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the duty ratio of the control variable signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode becomes a value that is not set as an inspection signal, i.e., a value that is set only as a utilization signal (0% < duty ratio < 100%), it can be accurately determined that a utilization signal has been input in the inspection mode.

[0010] [Aspect 3] The equipment control device described in [Aspect 2], wherein the equipment control unit switches the control mode to the normal mode on the condition that the pulse period of the control variable signal input to the equipment control unit when in the inspection mode is a value within a predetermined reference range.

[0011] Even when a pulsed control amount signal is not output from the control amount adjustment unit, the control amount signal input to the device control unit may become a pulsed signal due to superimposition of noise, etc. In this case, there is a risk that the device control unit will erroneously switch the control mode to the normal mode based on such a pulsed control amount signal.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the control mode can be switched to the normal mode only when the pulse period of the control variable signal input to the device control unit is within the reference range, thereby preventing the control mode from being erroneously switched to the normal mode due to superimposition of noise, etc.

[0013] [Aspect 4] The control mode includes an abnormality mode that executes abnormality control to respond to an abnormality in the equipment control device, and the equipment control unit switches the control mode to the abnormality mode when the pulse period of the control variable signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode is a value outside the reference range.The equipment control device described in [Aspect 3].

[0014] According to the above configuration, if the control variable signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode is an abnormal value, i.e., if there is a possibility that the equipment control device is abnormal, the control mode can be switched to abnormality mode and abnormality control can be performed to respond to the abnormality in the equipment control device.

[0015] [Aspect 5] The equipment control device described in [Aspect 4], wherein the equipment control unit returns the control mode from the abnormal mode to the normal mode on the condition that the utilization signal is input while in the abnormal mode and the pulse period of the input utilization signal is a value within a predetermined return range, and the return range is set to a range narrower than the reference range.

[0016] When an abnormality occurs in the equipment control device, the control amount signal output from the control amount adjustment unit may become unstable. In this case, if switching to the abnormal mode and returning to the normal mode are performed simply based on the result of comparing a predetermined range with the pulse period, there is a risk that switching to the abnormal mode and returning to the normal mode will be repeated alternately in a short period of time.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the condition for returning the control mode to the normal mode (the return range) is set to a stricter condition than the condition for switching the control mode to the abnormal mode (the reference range). This makes it possible to prevent the control mode from returning to the normal mode immediately after being switched to the abnormal mode, or from being switched back to the normal mode immediately after returning to the normal mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon in which switching to the abnormal mode and returning to the normal mode are repeated alternately in a short period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the device control device can have a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle on which an equipment control device according to an embodiment is mounted; [Figure 2] 4 is a time chart showing an example of a signal to be used as a control amount signal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an equipment control device and its surroundings during an inspection. [Figure 4] 10 is a time chart showing an inspection signal as a control amount signal. [Figure 5] 10 is a table showing the relationship between operation of an operation switch and adjustment of a light emission mode when the lighting unit is in use. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing the relationship between operation of an operation switch and inspection contents when inspecting a lighting unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for executing a mode switching control process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a reference range and a return range. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for executing a mode switching control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of a device control device will be described below with reference to FIGS. <Lighting unit 20> 1, a vehicle 10 is provided with a lighting unit 20. The lighting unit 20 has a light-emitting unit 21, operation switches 22 and 23, and an equipment control device 30.

[0021] <Light-emitting unit 21> The light-emitting unit 21 is a full-color light-emitting diode. The light-emitting unit 21 is provided inside the vehicle, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. In this embodiment, by controlling the light-emitting unit 21, it is possible to variably set the light color of the light-emitting unit 21 and adjust the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 21 corresponds to an in-vehicle device to be controlled.

[0022] <Operation switches 22, 23> The first operation switch 22 and the second operation switch 23 are both momentary switches. The first operation switch 22 and the second operation switch 23 are provided inside the vehicle cabin. The first operation switch 22 and the second operation switch 23 are operation parts that are operated by the occupant when operating the lighting unit 20.

[0023] <Device control device 30> The device control device 30 controls the light emission (more specifically, the emitted color and light amount) of the light emitting unit 21. The device control device 30 has a control amount adjustment unit 31 and a device control unit 32.

[0024] <Control amount adjustment unit 31> The control amount adjusting unit 31 is configured by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller. The control amount adjusting unit 31 outputs a control amount signal SG for adjusting the control amount of the light emitting unit 21.

[0025] <When using> More specifically, when the lighting unit 20 is in use, the normal control device 11, which serves as an external device, is connected to the input side of the control amount adjustment unit 31. At this time, the control amount adjustment unit 31 outputs the control amount signal SG (more specifically, the use signal SG1) in response to a first control signal input from the normal control device 11.

[0026] 2, the control amount adjustment unit 31 outputs, as the signal for use SG1, a pulsed duty signal defined by a predetermined pulse period T and an arbitrary pulse width TW. In more detail, the control amount adjustment unit 31 normally outputs, as the signal for use SG1, a signal having a duty ratio of "less than 100%" in accordance with a first control signal input from the control device 11. For example, the greater the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21, which is the control target indicated by the first control signal, the greater the duty ratio of the signal for use SG1 that is output.

[0027] <During inspection> The equipment control device 30 of this embodiment is configured to be able to inspect the lighting unit 20 including the equipment control device 30. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, when inspecting the lighting unit 20, an inspection device 40 serving as an external device is connected to the input side of the control amount adjustment unit 31. Then, in response to a second control signal input from the inspection device 40, the control amount adjustment unit 31 outputs an inspection signal SG2, which is different from the use signal SG1, as the control amount signal SG.

[0028] 4, the control amount adjustment unit 31 outputs a signal with a duty ratio of "0%" or "100%" as the inspection signal SG2. More specifically, as the inspection signal SG2, a signal with a duty ratio of "100%" (shown by a solid line in FIG. 4) is output when the light-emitting unit 21 is turned on, and a signal with a duty ratio of "0%" (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4) is output when the light-emitting unit 21 is turned off.

[0029] <Device control unit 32> 1, the device control unit 32 is an electronic control device. That is, the device control unit 32 can be configured as one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). The control amount adjustment unit 31 and the operation switches 22 and 23 are connected to the input side of the device control unit 32. The light-emitting unit 21 is connected to the output side of the device control unit 32.

[0030] The equipment control unit 32 performs various calculations based on the control amount signal SG input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 and the output signals of the operation switches 22 and 23, and performs light emission control to control the light emission of the light emitting unit 21 based on the results of these calculations.

[0031] The light emission control includes mode switching control, inspection control, utilization control, and abnormality control for switching the control mode for controlling the light emitting unit 21. The mode switching control will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the control modes are defined as an inspection mode, a normal mode, and an abnormality mode.

[0032] When the control mode is set to the "inspection mode," the equipment control unit 32 executes inspection control for inspecting the equipment control device 30 based on the control amount signal SG, more specifically, the inspection signal SG2, input from the control amount adjustment unit 31. The inspection mode is a so-called initial mode that is set when the equipment control device 30 is manufactured.

[0033] On the other hand, when the control mode becomes the "use mode," the equipment control unit 32 executes use control for the use of the equipment control device 30 based on the control amount signal SG input from the control amount adjustment unit 31, more specifically, the use signal SG1.

[0034] On the other hand, when the control mode is set to the "abnormal mode," the device control unit 32 executes abnormality control to deal with an abnormality in the device control device 30. In the abnormality control, for example, the light-emitting unit 21 is controlled to be turned off.

[0035] <Normal control device 11> The vehicle 10 is provided with the normal control device 11. The normal control device 11 is an electronic control device. That is, the normal control device 11 can be configured as one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). The normal control device 11 is connected to a control amount adjustment unit 31 of the lighting unit 20. When the lighting unit 20 is used, the control amount adjustment unit 31 is controlled by the normal control device 11.

[0036] <Operating device 12> An operating device 12 that is operated by an occupant is provided inside the vehicle cabin. The operating device 12 is normally connected to the control device 11. The operating device 12 is operated by the occupant when the control mode is the normal mode, i.e., when the lighting unit 20 is in use. In this embodiment, the operating mode of the in-vehicle equipment including the lighting unit 20 can be selectively set through the operation of the operating device 12 by the occupant. The operating modes include an "active mode," a "sleep mode," and a "relaxation mode."

[0037] The "activity mode" is an operation mode that is selected and set when the occupant is active in the vehicle cabin. When the "activity mode" is set, the light-emitting element 21 emits light in a color suitable for the occupant's activity, and the light intensity of the light-emitting element 21 is set to a relatively large value.

[0038] The "sleep mode" is an operating mode that is selected and set when the occupant is going to sleep. When the "sleep mode" is set, the light emitting unit 21 is set to a color suitable for the occupant to sleep, and the light intensity of the light emitting unit 21 is set to a relatively low level.

[0039] The "Relaxation Mode" is an operation mode that is selected and set when the occupant wants to relax in the vehicle cabin. When the "Relaxation Mode" is set, the light-emitting element 21 is set to a color that helps the occupant relax, and the light intensity of the light-emitting element 21 is adjusted to a medium level.

[0040] Normally, the control device 11 outputs the first control signal in accordance with the operation mode set by the occupant through operation of the operation device 12. In this embodiment, the equipment control device 30 controls the light-emitting unit 21 based on this first control signal.

[0041] <Operations when using> In this embodiment, when using the lighting unit 20, it is possible to adjust the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit 21 by operating the operation switches 22 and 23. In more detail, as shown in Fig. 5, the operation of the operation switches 22 and 23 includes "Operation 1," "Operation 2," and "Operation 3."

[0042] In "operation 1," the light color of the light-emitting unit 21 is changed by operating the first operation switch 22 while the utilization signal SG1 is being input to the control amount adjustment unit 31. More specifically, each time the first operation switch 22 is operated, the light color of the light-emitting unit 21 is switched in sequence.

[0043] In "operation 2," the light color of the light-emitting unit 21 is changed by operating the second operation switch 23 while the utilization signal SG1 is being input to the control amount adjustment unit 31. More specifically, each time the second operation switch 23 is operated, the light color of the light-emitting unit 21 is switched in the reverse order to that when the first operation switch 22 is operated.

[0044] In "operation 3," the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 21 is changed by simultaneously operating the first operating switch 22 and the second operating switch 23 while the utilization signal SG1 is input to the control amount adjustment unit 31.

[0045] In this embodiment, when using the lighting unit 20, by continuously operating both of the operation switches 22 and 23 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), it is possible to switch the control mode that controls the light-emitting unit 21 from the normal mode to the inspection mode.

[0046] In this embodiment, a computer program is constructed and pre-stored in the device control unit 32 so that the above-described operation and manipulation of the lighting unit 20 is realized when the normal mode is set as the control mode.

[0047] <Operations during inspection> In this embodiment, before shipping the vehicle 10, an inspection of the lighting unit 20 including the equipment control device 30 is performed. This inspection can be performed with the lighting unit 20 attached to the vehicle 10, or can be performed without the lighting unit 20 being attached to the vehicle 10. The inspection of the lighting unit 20 is performed as follows.

[0048] 3, when inspecting the lighting unit 20, an inspection device 40 is connected to the control amount adjustment section 31 of the lighting unit 20. The inspection of the lighting unit 20 is carried out through the operation of the inspection device 40 and the operation switches 22 and 23.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the test items include "item 1," "item 2," "item 3," and "item 4." In "item 1," the inspection device 40 is operated. At this time, the control amount adjustment unit 31 outputs a control amount signal SG with a duty ratio of 100%, more specifically, an inspection signal SG2. This causes the light emitting unit 21 to emit light in a first emission color (for example, red). In "item 1," it is inspected whether the light emitting unit 21 emits light in the first emission color.

[0050] In "item 2", the inspection device 40 is operated and the first operation switch 22 is operated. At this time, an inspection signal SG2 with a duty ratio of 100% is input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32, and an operation signal of the first operation switch 22 is input. This causes the light emitting unit 21 to emit light in the second emission color (e.g., green). In "item 2", it is inspected that the light emitting unit 21 is emitting light in the second emission color.

[0051] In "item 3," the inspection device 40 is operated, and the second operation switch 23 is operated. At this time, an inspection signal SG2 with a duty ratio of 100% is input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32, and an operation signal of the second operation switch 23 is input. This causes the light emitting unit 21 to emit light in a third emission color (e.g., blue). In "item 3," it is inspected that the light emitting unit 21 is emitting light in the third emission color.

[0052] In "item 4," the inspection device 40 is not operated. At this time, an inspection signal SG2 with a duty ratio of 0% is input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32. This causes the light-emitting unit 21 to be turned off. In "item 4," it is inspected that the light-emitting unit 21 is turned off.

[0053] In this embodiment, a computer program is constructed and pre-stored in the device control unit 32 so that the above-described operation and manipulation of the lighting unit 20 is realized when the inspection mode is set as the control mode.

[0054] <Mode switching control> In this embodiment, the control mode for controlling the equipment control device 30 is automatically switched in accordance with the control amount signal SG input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32.

[0055] Mode switching control for switching the control mode will be described below with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 show the execution procedure for processing related to mode switching control (mode switching control processing). The series of processing shown in the flowcharts of Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 conceptually shows the execution procedure for the mode switching control processing, and the actual processing is executed by the device control unit 32 as processing at predetermined intervals.

[0056] <When inspecting the lighting unit 20> In this embodiment, when the lighting unit 20 is manufactured, first, an inspection is performed on the lighting unit 20. More specifically, an inspection device 40 is connected to the control amount adjustment unit 31 of the equipment control device 30, and the inspection of the lighting unit 20 is performed through the operation of the inspection device 40 and the operation switches 22 and 23.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control mode is set to the initial mode, "inspection mode," when manufacturing the equipment control device 30. Therefore, when an inspection of the lighting unit 20 is performed, the control mode is the "inspection mode."

[0058] 7, in the mode switching control process, when the control mode is the "inspection mode" (S11: YES), it is determined whether or not the use signal SG1 has been input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32 (S12). In the process of S12, it is determined that the use signal SG1 has been input when the control amount adjustment unit 31 has input the control amount signal SG, which is a pulse signal having a duty ratio greater than "0%" and less than "100%", to the equipment control unit 32.

[0059] When inspecting the lighting unit 20, a control amount signal SG (more specifically, inspection signal SG2) with a duty ratio of "0%" or "100%" is input to the device control unit 32. Therefore, in the process of S12 when inspecting the lighting unit 20, it is determined that the use signal SG1 has not been input to the device control unit 32 (S12: NO). In this case, this process ends without switching the control mode.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, when the lighting unit 20 is inspected, the control mode is not switched and the "inspection mode" is maintained. <When using lighting unit 20> After that, when the inspection of the lighting unit 20 is completed, the inspection device 40 (see FIG. 3) is removed from the lighting unit 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the normal control device 11 is connected to the control amount adjustment section 31 of the lighting unit 20. This makes the lighting unit 20 available for use.

[0061] Before the lighting unit 20 is used, the control mode is set to the "inspection mode." When the lighting unit 20 starts to be used, the control amount adjuster 31 inputs a use signal SG1 to the device controller 32.

[0062] 7, immediately after the lighting unit 20 starts to be used, the control mode is in the "inspection mode" (S11: YES) and the use signal SG1 is input from the control amount adjuster 31 to the device controller 32 (S12: YES). In this case, the control mode is switched to the "normal mode" (step S15) on the condition that both the following condition A (step S13) and condition B (step S14) are satisfied.

[0063] [Condition A] The actual pulse period TR of the pulse signal (control amount signal SG) input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32 is a value within a predetermined reference range RS. As shown in Fig. 8, the reference range RS is a range defined by a lower limit value J1 and an upper limit value J2. When the pulse period of the use signal SG1 is "T" and the first predetermined value is "α", the lower limit value J1 is determined by the following relational expression (1), and the upper limit value J2 is determined by the following relational expression (2).

[0064] J1=T-(T×α)…(1) J2=T+(T×α)…(2) [Condition B] In the mode switching control process, the normal determination that the above condition A is satisfied (S12: YES) is repeated N times (for example, 3 times).

[0065] Thus, in this embodiment, when in the "inspection mode", the control mode is switched to the "normal mode" on the condition that the utilization signal SG1 (specifically, a pulse signal with [0% < duty ratio < 100%]) is input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the device control unit 32. Moreover, in this embodiment, when in the "inspection mode", the control mode is switched to the "normal mode" on the condition that the actual pulse period TR of the pulse signal input to the device control unit 32 is within the predetermined reference range RS (J1 ≤ TR ≤ J2).

[0066] Note that when [Condition B] is not satisfied (S14: NO), the control mode cannot be switched to the "normal mode". In this case, although the input determination of the utilization signal SG1 to the device control unit 32 has been made (S13: YES), since the number of such determinations is small and the accuracy of the determination is low, the control mode is maintained in the "inspection mode".

[0067] <During execution of abnormal control> On the other hand, when [Condition A] is not satisfied (S13: NO), the control mode is switched to the "abnormal mode" (S16). In this case, since the actual pulse period TR of the signal input to the device control unit 32 is outside the reference range RS (TR < J1 or J2 < TR), it is assumed that some abnormality has occurred in the device control device 30, and abnormal control for dealing with the abnormality is executed.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, in the mode switching control process, when the control mode is the "abnormal mode" (S11: NO in FIG. 7 and S17: YES in FIG. 9), it is determined whether both of the following Condition C (S18) and Condition D (S19) are satisfied.

[0069] [Condition C] A utilization signal SG1 is input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32, and the actual pulse period TR of the input utilization signal SG1 is a value within a predetermined return range RR (J3≦TR≦J4). As shown in FIG. 8, the return range RR is defined as a range defined by a lower limit value J3 and an upper limit value J4. When the pulse period of the control amount signal SG is "T" and the second predetermined value is "β", the lower limit value J3 is defined by the following relational expression (3), and the upper limit value J4 is defined by the following relational expression (4).

[0070] J3=T-(T×β)…(3) J4=T+(T×β)…(4) In this embodiment, the second predetermined value β according to condition C is smaller (β<α) than the first predetermined value α according to condition A. As a result, the return range RR used in the process of S18 in Fig. 9 is narrower than the reference range RS used in the process of S12 in Fig. 7.

[0071] [Condition D] In the mode switching control process, the normal determination that the above condition C is satisfied (S18: YES) is repeated N times (for example, three times). If condition C is not met (S18: NO), or if condition D is not met (S18: YES and S19: NO), the control mode is not switched. In this case, the control mode is maintained in the "abnormal mode."

[0072] On the other hand, if both the condition C and the condition D are satisfied (S18: YES and S19: YES), the control mode is switched from the "abnormal mode" to the "normal mode" (S20). In this embodiment, the control mode is switched to the normal mode on the condition that the usage signal SG1 is input to the equipment control unit 32 when in the abnormal mode and the actual pulse period TR of the usage signal SG1 is within the recovery range RR.

[0073] <When in normal mode> As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, when the control mode is the "normal mode" (S11 in FIG. 7: NO and S17 in FIG. 9: NO), the mode switching control process is executed as follows.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, when the control mode is the "normal mode" (S17: NO), it is determined whether the above-mentioned "Condition A" is satisfied (S21). If condition A is met (S21: YES), that is, if the actual pulse period TR of the pulse signal (control amount signal SG) input from the control amount adjustment unit 31 to the equipment control unit 32 is within the reference range RS, the control mode is not switched. In this case, the control mode is maintained in the "normal mode."

[0075] On the other hand, if condition A is no longer satisfied (S21: NO), the control mode is switched from "normal mode" to "abnormal mode" (S22). In this case, since the actual pulse period TR of the signal input to the device control unit 32 is outside the reference range RS, it is possible that some abnormality has occurred in the device control device 30, and abnormality control is executed to deal with the abnormality in the device control device 30.

[0076] <Actions and Effects of This Embodiment> The operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The equipment control device 30 includes a control amount adjuster 31 and an equipment control unit 32. When the equipment control device 30 is being tested, the control amount adjuster 31 is connected to the test device 40 and outputs a test signal SG2 in response to a first control signal input from the test device 40. When the equipment control device 30 is being used, the control amount adjuster 31 is connected to the normal control device 11 and outputs a usage signal SG1, which is different from the test signal SG2, in response to a second control signal input from the normal control device 11. The equipment control unit 32 controls the light-emitting unit 21 based on the control amount signal SG input from the control amount adjuster 31. The control modes in which the equipment control unit 32 controls the light-emitting unit 21 include a test mode in which test control for testing the equipment control device 30 is performed based on the test signal SG2, and a normal mode in which usage control for using the equipment control device 30 is performed based on the usage signal SG1. The equipment control unit 32 switches the control mode from the test mode to the normal mode on the condition that the usage signal SG1 is input while in the test mode.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the control mode for controlling the light-emitting unit 21 can be switched by using the control amount signal SG for adjusting the control amount of the light-emitting unit 21, an interface for inputting the signal SG, and a signal processing circuit for processing the signal SG. This eliminates the need for a dedicated configuration for switching the control mode, allowing the device control device 30 to have a simple structure.

[0078] (2) The control amount adjustment unit 31 outputs a signal with a duty ratio of "0%" or "100%" as the inspection signal SG2, and outputs a signal with a duty ratio of "less than 100%" as the use signal SG1. When the use signal SG1 is input in the inspection mode, this means that the duty ratio of the control amount signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 in the inspection mode is greater than "0%" and "less than 100%."

[0079] In this embodiment, a pulse signal with a duty ratio greater than 0% and less than 100% is set as the use signal SG1 but not as the inspection signal SG2. Therefore, if the signal input to the device control unit 32 is a pulse signal with a duty ratio greater than 0% and less than 100%, it is determined that this signal is the use signal SG1.

[0080] According to the above configuration, when the duty ratio of the control amount signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 is a value that is not set as the inspection signal SG2, i.e., a value that is set only as the utilization signal SG1, it can be determined that the utilization signal SG1 has been input to the equipment control unit 32. Then, based on this determination, the control mode can be appropriately switched from the inspection mode to the normal mode.

[0081] (3) The equipment control unit 32 switches the control mode to the normal mode on the condition that the actual pulse period TR of the control variable signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 when in the inspection mode is within a predetermined reference range RS.

[0082] Even when a pulsed control amount signal SG is not output from the control amount adjustment unit 31, the control amount signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 may become a pulsed signal due to superimposition of noise, etc. In this case, there is a risk that the control mode will be erroneously switched to the normal mode by the equipment control unit 32 based on such a pulsed control amount signal SG.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the control mode can be switched to the normal mode only when the actual pulse period TR of the control amount signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 is within the reference range RS. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the control mode from being erroneously switched to the normal mode due to superimposition of noise or the like.

[0084] (4) The control mode includes an abnormality mode in which abnormality control is performed to respond to an abnormality in the equipment control device 30. When the actual pulse period TR of the control amount signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 in the inspection mode is outside the reference range RS, the equipment control unit 32 switches the control mode to the abnormality mode.

[0085] If the control amount signal SG input to the equipment control unit 32 in the inspection mode has an abnormal value, there is a possibility that some abnormality has occurred in the equipment control device 30. According to the above configuration, in such a case, the control mode can be switched to the abnormality mode, and abnormality control can be performed to deal with the abnormality in the equipment control device 30.

[0086] (5) The device control unit 32 returns the control mode from the abnormal mode to the normal mode on the condition that the use signal SG1 is input while in the abnormal mode and the actual pulse period TR of the input use signal SG1 is within a predetermined return range RR. The return range RR is set to a range narrower than the reference range RS.

[0087] When an abnormality occurs in the equipment control device 30, the control amount signal SG output from the control amount adjuster 31 may become unstable. In this case, if switching to the abnormal mode and returning to the normal mode are performed simply based on the result of comparing the pulse period TR with a predetermined range, there is a risk that switching to the abnormal mode and returning to the normal mode may be repeated alternately in a short period of time.

[0088] According to the above configuration, the condition for returning the control mode to the normal mode (return range RR) can be set to a stricter condition that is more difficult to satisfy than the condition for switching the control mode to the abnormal mode (reference range RS). This makes it possible to prevent the control mode from returning to the normal mode immediately after being switched to the abnormal mode, or from being switched back to the normal mode immediately after returning to the normal mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon in which switching to the abnormal mode and returning to the normal mode are repeated alternately in a short period of time.

[0089] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0090] The execution mode of the inspection control can be changed as desired. For example, it is possible to omit one of the multiple inspection items (item 1 to item 4) or set a new inspection item. The manner in which usage control is performed can be changed as desired. For example, usage control can be performed by controlling the light-emitting unit 21 through the operation of the operation switches 22 and 23 in a device in which no operating mode is set.

[0091] The operation section operated by the occupant when operating the lighting unit 20 may be provided with the first operation switch 22 and the second operation switch 23, or any other operation member such as a touch panel type operation panel.

[0092] The "N times" set in the process of S14 in FIG. 7 and the process of S19 in FIG. 9 is not limited to three times, but can be changed arbitrarily to one time, two times, four times or more.

[0093] The reference range RS and the return range RR may be the same range, for example, by setting both the reference range RS and the return range RR to ranges defined by a lower limit value J1 and an upper limit value J2. The "abnormal mode" and "abnormal control" can be omitted. In this case, the processes of S16 to S22 in the mode switching control process (see FIGS. 7 and 9) can be omitted.

[0094] The manner in which the abnormality control is performed can be changed as desired. For example, the light emitting unit 21 may be controlled to flash, information indicating that an abnormality has occurred may be displayed on the display unit of the operation device 12, or the operation switches 22 and 23 may be made inoperable.

[0095] The control amount signal SG output from the control amount adjuster 31 is not limited to being configured as a duty signal, but may be configured as a serial signal or a parallel signal.

[0096] The input of the utilization signal SG1 to the device control unit 32 can be determined by the satisfaction of any condition, such as by the input of a pulse signal with a predetermined duty ratio (for example, 80%). In short, the input of the utilization signal SG1 to the device control unit 32 can be determined by the input of a signal that is not set as the inspection signal SG2, i.e., a signal that is set only as the utilization signal SG1, to the device control unit 32.

[0097] The device control device according to the above embodiment is not limited to being applied to the device control device 30 that controls the light emitting unit 21, but can be applied to any device control device that controls an in-vehicle device to be controlled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10...Vehicle 11...Normal control device 12...Operating device 20...Lighting unit 21...Light emitting part 22...First operating switch 23...Second operation switch 30...Equipment control device 31...Control amount adjustment unit 32...Device control unit 40...Inspection equipment RS: Reference range RR...Return range

Claims

1. a control amount adjusting unit that outputs a control amount signal for adjusting a control amount of an in-vehicle control target device in response to a control signal input from an external device; an equipment control unit that controls the control target equipment based on the control amount signal input from the control amount adjustment unit, The control amount adjustment unit When testing the equipment control device, a testing device is connected as the external device, and a testing signal as the control amount signal is output in response to a first control signal as the control signal input from the testing device; and When the equipment control device is used, a normal control device is connected as the external device, and a use signal different from the inspection signal is output as the control amount signal in response to a second control signal as the control signal input from the normal control device, a control mode for controlling the control target device by the device control unit includes an inspection mode for executing inspection control for inspecting the device control device based on the inspection signal, and a normal mode for executing usage control for using the device control device based on the usage signal; the device control unit switches the control mode from the inspection mode to the normal mode on condition that the use signal is input while the device control unit is in the inspection mode. Equipment control device.

2. the control amount adjusting unit outputs a signal having a duty ratio of "0%" or "100%" as the inspection signal, and outputs a signal having a duty ratio of "less than 100%" as the use signal; The input of the utilization signal in the inspection mode means that the duty ratio of the control amount signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode is greater than "0%" and less than "100%." The equipment control device according to claim 1 .

3. the equipment control unit switches the control mode to the normal mode on the condition that a pulse period of the control amount signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode is a value within a predetermined reference range. The equipment control device according to claim 2 .

4. the control mode includes an abnormality mode in which abnormality control is performed to respond to an abnormality in the equipment control device, the equipment control unit switches the control mode to the abnormality mode when a pulse period of the control amount signal input to the equipment control unit in the inspection mode is outside the reference range. The equipment control device according to claim 3 .

5. the equipment control unit returns the control mode from the abnormal mode to the normal mode on the condition that the use signal is input when the equipment is in the abnormal mode and the pulse period of the input use signal is a value within a predetermined return range, The recovery range is set to be narrower than the reference range. The equipment control device according to claim 4 .

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