In-vehicle system

Abstract

To provide a technique for easily suppressing power consumption of an ECU.SOLUTION: The in-vehicle system 1 includes a ECU30 and a switching unit 40. The ECU30 includes the first inputter 32A, the second inputter 32B, the communicator 34, and the control circuit 31. The control circuit 31 enters a first state in which power is consumed when power is supplied to the first input interface 32A, and enters a second state in which power consumption is greater than in the first state when an activation signal is received through the communication interface 34 in the first state. The communication section 34 stops the transmission function when no power is supplied to the second entry section 32B and activates the transmission function when power is supplied to the second entry section 32B. The switching unit 40 includes a first relay 32A that switches the power supply state to the first inputter 40A and a second relay 32B that switches the power supply state to the second inputter 40B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to in-vehicle systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system. This communication system includes an in-vehicle network and an ECU connected to the in-vehicle network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-182679 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The configuration of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration reducing the power consumption of the ECU, and there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that makes it easy to reduce the power consumption of an ECU. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The in-vehicle system of the present disclosure comprises: ECU and a switching unit that switches a power supply state to the ECU, The ECU a first input section to which power is supplied; a second input section to which power is supplied; a communication unit that communicates with an in-vehicle device via a bus; a control circuit that communicates with the in-vehicle device via the communication unit, the control circuit is in an off state when power is not supplied to both the first input unit and the second input unit, is in a first state in which power is consumed when power is supplied to the first input unit, and is in a second state in which power consumption is greater than that in the first state when an activation signal is received via the communication unit in the first state; the communication unit stops a transmission function of transmitting a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the control circuit side when power is not supplied to the second input unit, and activates the transmission function when power is supplied to the second input unit; The switching unit is a first relay that switches a power supply state to the first input unit; and a second relay that switches the state of power supply to the second input unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is easy to reduce the power consumption of the ECU. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of processing by the in-vehicle device and the ECU according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of processing by the in-vehicle device and the ECU according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the tenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] [1] ECU and a switching unit that switches a power supply state to the ECU, The ECU a first input section to which power is supplied; a second input section to which power is supplied; a communication unit that communicates with an in-vehicle device via a bus; a control circuit that communicates with the in-vehicle device via the communication unit, the control circuit is in an off state when power is not supplied to both the first input unit and the second input unit, is in a first state in which power is consumed when power is supplied to the first input unit, and is in a second state in which power consumption is greater than that in the first state when an activation signal is received via the communication unit in the first state; the communication unit stops a transmission function of transmitting a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the control circuit side when power is not supplied to the second input unit, and activates the transmission function when power is supplied to the second input unit; The switching unit is a first relay that switches a power supply state to the first input unit; a second relay that switches the state of power supply to the second input unit; In-vehicle systems.

[0011] In a situation where it is not necessary to quickly transition the control circuit to the second state, the in-vehicle system can keep the first relay and the second relay in the off state to keep the control circuit in the off state and prevent the control circuit from consuming power. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system can transition the control circuit to the first state by switching the first relay to the on state while keeping the second relay in the off state. This allows the control circuit to enter a state in which it waits for reception of an activation signal while reducing power consumption compared to the second state. Furthermore, when the second relay is in the off state, the transmission function of the communication unit is stopped, thereby reducing power consumption required by the communication unit.

[0012] [2] The in-vehicle device is a control unit that controls the first relay and the second relay; a transmitter that transmits the activation signal to the bus, The control unit causes the transmission unit to transmit the activation signal. The in-vehicle system described in [1].

[0013] The in-vehicle device can transition the control circuit between an off state and a first state by controlling the first relay. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device can activate the transmission function of the communication unit by controlling the second relay to an on state, and can transition the control circuit from the first state to the second state by transmitting an activation signal from the transmitter in this state.

[0014] [3] the control unit switches the second relay to an on state when a first transition condition is satisfied, and causes the transmission unit to transmit the activation signal when a second transition condition is satisfied; The first transition condition is a condition that is met when the possibility of the second transition condition being met becomes high. The in-vehicle system according to [2].

[0015] The control unit stops the transmission function of the communication unit when the first transition condition is unlikely to be satisfied, and switches the second relay to the on state when the first transition condition is likely to be satisfied, thereby activating the transmission function of the communication unit in preparation for transmitting the activation signal. This makes it easier for the in-vehicle system to quickly transition the control circuit to the second state while suppressing power consumption of the communication unit.

[0016] [4] When a transition condition is satisfied, the control unit switches the second relay to an ON state and causes the transmission unit to transmit the activation signal. The in-vehicle system according to [2].

[0017] The control unit can reduce power consumption by suspending the transmission function of the communication unit until immediately before transitioning the control circuit to the second state.

[0018] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First Embodiment <1-1. Configuration of In-Vehicle System 1> 1 is a system mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle system 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 30, a switching unit 40, and an on-vehicle device 50.

[0019] The power supply unit 10 includes, for example, a battery. The power supply unit 10 may include, for example, a low-voltage battery, or may include a high-voltage battery and a DC-DC converter that steps down the output voltage of the high-voltage battery.

[0020] The power path 20 is an electrical path that supplies power from the power supply unit 10 to the ECU 30. The power path 20 has a common path 21 electrically connected to the power supply unit 10, a first branch path 22A branching from the common path 21, and a second branch path 22B branching from the common path 21. The first branch path 22A and the second branch path 22B are each electrically connected to the ECU 30.

[0021] The ECU 30 is an electronic control unit and includes a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, and a communication unit .

[0022] The control circuit 31 includes, for example, a microcomputer. The control circuit 31 is configured as, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or an SoC (System on Chip). The control circuit 31 communicates with the in-vehicle device 50 via a communication unit .

[0023] The control circuit 31 includes terminals 31A, 31B, and 31X. The terminals 31A, 31B, and 31X are configured as input terminals. Power is supplied to the terminals 31A and 31B. The terminal 31X is used for communication.

[0024] The control circuit 31 transitions between an off state, a first state, and a second state. The off state is a state in which no power is consumed. The first state is a state in which power is consumed, and the power consumption is lower than in the second state. The first state is a so-called sleep state. The control circuit 31 transitions to the first state when power is supplied to the terminal unit 31A. The second state is a state in which power is consumed, and the power consumption is higher than in the first state. The second state is a so-called activated state. The control circuit 31 transitions to the second state when it receives an activation signal via the communication unit 34 in the first state.

[0025] The first input unit 32A is configured as an input terminal through which the ECU 30 receives power supply. The first input unit 32A is electrically connected to the first branch path 22A. Power is supplied to the first input unit 32A via the first branch path 22A. The second input unit 32B is configured as an input terminal through which the ECU 30 receives power supply. The second input unit 32B is electrically connected to the second branch path 22B. Power is supplied to the second input unit 32B via the second branch path 22B.

[0026] The first power supply circuit 33A includes a voltage regulator that generates a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 V). One end of the first power supply circuit 33A is electrically connected to the first input unit 32A. The first power supply circuit 33A generates the predetermined voltage based on the voltage input from the first input unit 32A. The other end of the first power supply circuit 33A is electrically connected to the terminal unit 31A of the control circuit 31. The first power supply circuit 33A outputs the generated voltage to the terminal unit 31A. When power is supplied to the first input unit 32A, power is supplied from the first input unit 32A to the first power supply circuit 33A, and the power of the voltage generated by the first power supply circuit 33A is supplied to the terminal unit 31A.

[0027] The second power supply circuit 33B includes a voltage regulator that generates a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 V). One end of the second power supply circuit 33B is electrically connected to the second input unit 32B. The second power supply circuit 33B generates the predetermined voltage based on the voltage input from the second input unit 32B. The other end of the second power supply circuit 33B is electrically connected to the terminal unit 31B and the communication unit 34 of the control circuit 31. The second power supply circuit 33B outputs the generated voltage to the terminal unit 31B and the communication unit 34. When power is supplied to the second input unit 32B, power is supplied from the second input unit 32B to the second power supply circuit 33B, and the power of the voltage generated by the second power supply circuit 33B is supplied to the terminal unit 31B and the communication unit 34.

[0028] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that allows the control circuit 31 to communicate with the in-vehicle device 50 via the bus 60. The communication unit 34 is, for example, a transceiver, more specifically, a CAN transceiver. The communication unit 34 switches between a state in which a transmission function for transmitting a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device 50 to the control circuit 31 is disabled and a state in which the transmission function is enabled. The communication unit 34 has a power supply terminal unit 34A. The power supply terminal unit 34A is electrically connected to the second power supply circuit 33B. The communication unit 34 disables the transmission function when power is not supplied from the second power supply circuit 33B via the power supply terminal unit 34A, and enables the transmission function when power is supplied from the second power supply circuit 33B. In other words, the communication unit 34 disables the transmission function when power is not supplied to the second input unit 32B, and enables the transmission function when power is supplied to the second input unit 32B.

[0029] The switching unit 40 switches the state of power supply to the ECU 30. The switching unit 40 has a first relay 40A and a second relay 40B.

[0030] The first relay 40A is provided in the first branch path 22A and switches the state of power supply to the first input section 32A. The first relay 40A is provided between the power supply section 10 and the first input section 32A. When the first relay 40A is in the ON state, it allows power to be supplied from the power supply section 10 to the first input section 32A. When the first relay 40A is in the OFF state, it cuts off the power supply from the power supply section 10 to the first input section 32A.

[0031] The second relay 40B is provided in the second branch path 22B and switches the state of power supply to the second input section 32B. The second relay 40B is provided between the power supply section 10 and the second input section 32B. When the second relay 40B is in the ON state, it allows power to be supplied from the power supply section 10 to the second input section 32B. When the second relay 40B is in the OFF state, it cuts off the power supply from the power supply section 10 to the second input section 32B.

[0032] The in-vehicle device 50 has a transceiver unit 51 and a control unit 52. The transceiver unit 51 corresponds to an example of a transmitter. The transceiver unit 51 is a communication interface that enables the in-vehicle device 50 to communicate with the ECU 30 via the bus 60. The control unit 52 includes, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 52 controls the first relay 40A and the second relay 40B. The control unit 52 causes the transceiver unit 51 to transmit an activation signal.

[0033] <1-2. Example of operation of the control unit 52 and the ECU 30> The control unit 52 and the ECU 30 perform, for example, the process shown in Fig. 2. At the start of the process shown in Fig. 2, the first relay 40A and the second relay 40B are in the OFF state, and the control circuit 31 of the ECU 30 is in the OFF state.

[0034] The control unit 52 first determines whether an ON condition is satisfied (step S11). The ON condition may be, for example, that a start switch (e.g., an ignition switch, a power switch, etc.) of the vehicle is switched to an ON state, that a microcomputer constituting the control unit 52 is started, or another condition. The control unit 52 repeats the process of step S11 until it determines that the ON condition is satisfied.

[0035] When the control unit 52 determines that the ON condition is met, it controls the first relay 40A to the ON state while maintaining the second relay 40B in the OFF state (step S12). As a result, power is supplied to the first input unit 32A, and the power of the voltage generated by the first power supply circuit 33A is supplied to the terminal unit 31A. When power is supplied to the terminal unit 31A, the control circuit 31 transitions from the OFF state to the first state (step S21).

[0036] After switching the first relay 40A to the ON state, the control unit 52 determines whether the first transition condition is satisfied (step S13). The first transition condition is preferably a condition that is satisfied when a situation arises in which the second transition condition is likely to be satisfied. For example, if the ECU 30 controls an actuator that unlocks the vehicle doors and the second transition condition is that the vehicle doors are permitted to be unlocked, the first transition condition may be that the in-vehicle device 50 receives an ID code transmitted from the electronic key.

[0037] When the control unit 52 determines that the first transition condition is met, it switches the second relay 40B to the ON state while maintaining the first relay 40A in the ON state (step S14). As a result, power is supplied to the second input unit 32B, and the power of the voltage generated by the second power supply circuit 33B is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 34A. When power is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 34A, the communication unit 34 activates the transmission function (step S22).

[0038] The power of the voltage generated by the second power supply circuit 33B is also supplied to the terminal unit 31B of the control circuit 31. When power is supplied to the terminal unit 31B (i.e., when power is supplied to the second input unit 32B), the control circuit 31 performs a predetermined operation as necessary. The predetermined operation may be, for example, transitioning from the first state to a state with higher power consumption.

[0039] After switching the second relay 40B to the on state, the control unit 52 determines whether or not the second transition condition is met (step S15). If the control unit 52 determines that the second transition condition is met, the control unit 52 causes the transceiver unit 51 to transmit an activation signal. The activation signal is received by the control circuit 31 via the communication unit 34. When the control circuit 31 receives the activation signal, the control circuit 31 transitions to the second state (step S23).

[0040] <1-3. Examples of the Actions and Effects of the In-Vehicle System 1> The control circuit 31 is in an off state when power is not supplied to either the first input unit 32A or the second input unit 32B (i.e., when power is not supplied to either the terminal unit 31A or the terminal unit 31B). The control circuit 31 is in a first state in which it consumes power when power is supplied to the first input unit 32A (i.e., when power is supplied to the terminal unit 31A). When the control circuit 31 receives an activation signal via the communication unit 34 in the first state, it is in a second state in which it consumes more power than in the first state. The communication unit 34 stops a transmission function for transmitting a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device 50 to the control circuit 31 when power is not supplied to the second input unit 32B (i.e., when power is not supplied to the power supply terminal unit 34A), and activates the transmission function when power is supplied to the second input unit 32B (i.e., when power is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 34A). The switching unit 40 has a first relay 40A that switches the state of power supply to the first input unit 32A, and a second relay 40B that switches the state of power supply to the second input unit 32B.

[0041] In a situation where it is not necessary to quickly transition the control circuit 31 to the second state, the in-vehicle system 1 can keep the first relay 40A and the second relay 40B in the off state to turn the control circuit 31 off and prevent the control circuit 31 from consuming power. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 1 can transition the control circuit 31 to the first state by switching the first relay 40A to the on state while keeping the second relay 40B in the off state. This allows the control circuit 31 to enter a state in which it waits for reception of an activation signal while reducing power consumption compared to the second state. Furthermore, when the second relay 40B is in the off state, the transmission function of the communication unit 34 is stopped, thereby reducing power consumption required by the communication unit 34.

[0042] The in-vehicle device 50 can transition the control circuit 31 between the off state and the first state by controlling the first relay 40A. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 50 can activate the transmission function of the communication unit 34 by controlling the second relay 40B to the on state, and can transition the control circuit 31 from the first state to the second state by transmitting an activation signal from the transceiver unit 51 in this state.

[0043] The control unit 52 stops the transmission function of the communication unit 34 when the possibility of the first transition condition being satisfied is low, and switches the second relay 40B to the on state when the possibility of the first transition condition being satisfied becomes high, thereby enabling the transmission function of the communication unit 34 to be activated in preparation for transmitting the activation signal. This makes it easier for the in-vehicle system 1 to quickly transition the control circuit 31 to the second state while suppressing power consumption of the communication unit 34.

[0044] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the control unit 52 switches the second relay 40B to the on state when a transition condition is met, and causes the transceiver unit 51 to transmit an activation signal. The in-vehicle system of the second embodiment is the same as the in-vehicle system 1 shown in Fig. 1 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0045] The control unit 52 and the ECU 30 perform, for example, the process shown in Fig. 3. At the start of the process shown in Fig. 3, the first relay 40A and the second relay 40B are in the OFF state, and the control circuit 31 of the ECU 30 is in the OFF state.

[0046] The control unit 52 first determines whether the ON condition described in the first embodiment is met (step S31). The control unit 52 repeats the process of step S31 until it determines that the ON condition is met.

[0047] When the control unit 52 determines that the ON condition is met, it controls the first relay 40A to the ON state while maintaining the second relay 40B in the OFF state (step S32). As a result, power is supplied to the first input unit 32A, and the power of the voltage generated by the first power supply circuit 33A is supplied to the terminal unit 31A. When power is supplied to the terminal unit 31A, the control circuit 31 transitions from the OFF state to the first state (step S41).

[0048] After switching the first relay 40A to the ON state, the control unit 52 determines whether or not a transition condition is met (step S33). The transition condition is not particularly limited.

[0049] When the control unit 52 determines that the transition condition is met, it switches the second relay 40B to the ON state while maintaining the first relay 40A in the ON state (step S34) and causes the transceiver unit 51 to transmit an activation signal (step S35). As a result, power is supplied to the second input unit 32B, and the power of the voltage generated by the second power supply circuit 33B is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 34A. When power is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 34A, the communication unit 34 activates the transmission function (step S42). When the transmission function of the communication unit 34 is activated, the activation signal is received by the control circuit 31 via the communication unit 34. When the control circuit 31 receives the activation signal, it enters the second state (step S43).

[0050] According to the configuration of the second embodiment, the control unit 52 can reduce power consumption by suspending the transmission function of the communication unit 34 until immediately before causing the control circuit 31 to transition to the second state.

[0051] <Third embodiment> The configuration in the first embodiment where power is supplied from the second power supply circuit 33B to the control circuit 31 may be omitted. This example will be described in the third embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the in-vehicle system 301 of the third embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 330, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0053] The ECU 330 has a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, and a communication unit 34. The ECU 330 differs from the ECU 30 of the first embodiment in that it does not have a configuration for supplying power from the second power supply circuit 33B to the control circuit 31, but is similar in other respects.

[0054] The in-vehicle system 301 of the third embodiment can also perform the process of Fig. 2 described in the first embodiment and the process of Fig. 3 described in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 301 of the third embodiment does not require an input terminal for connecting the second power supply circuit 33B to the control circuit 31.

[0055] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when the control circuit 31 determines that power is supplied to the second input unit 32B, it transmits an enable signal to the second power supply circuit 33B, causing the second power supply circuit 33B to supply power to the communication unit 34. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the in-vehicle system 401 of the fourth embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 430, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0057] The ECU 430 includes a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, and a communication unit .

[0058] The control circuit 31 includes terminals 31A, 31B, 31C, 31X, and 31Y. The terminals 31A, 31B, 31C, 31X, and 31Y are configured as input terminals. Power is supplied to the terminals 31A, 31B, and 31C. A second input unit 32B is electrically connected to the terminal 31B. The terminal portions 31X and 31Y are used for communication.

[0059] One end of the second power supply circuit 33B is electrically connected to the second input section 32B. The second power supply circuit 33B generates a predetermined voltage based on the voltage input from the second input section 32B. The other end of the second power supply circuit 33B is electrically connected to the terminal section 31C of the control circuit 31 and the power supply terminal section 34A of the communication section 34. The second power supply circuit 33B is also electrically connected to the terminal section 31Y of the control circuit 31. The second power supply circuit 33B does not supply power to the power supply terminal section 34A of the communication section 34 when an enable signal is not transmitted from the terminal section 31Y. The second power supply circuit 33B receives power from the first input section 32A and an enable signal transmitted from the terminal section 31Y, and supplies power to the power supply terminal section 34A of the communication section 34.

[0060] As in the first embodiment, when power is supplied to the first input section 32A (i.e., when power is supplied to the terminal section 31A), the control circuit 31 transitions from the off state to the first state. Thereafter, when power is supplied to the second input section 32B, power is supplied to the terminal section 31B via the second input section 32B. When power is supplied to the terminal section 31B, the control circuit 31 transmits an enable signal to the second power supply circuit 33B via the terminal section 31Y. The second power supply circuit 33B, having received the enable signal, supplies power to the power supply terminal section 34A of the communication section 34. This activates the transmission function of the communication section 34. In other words, when power is supplied to the second input section 32B, the second power supply circuit 33B receives the enable signal from the control circuit 31 and supplies power to the communication section 34.

[0061] According to this configuration, the control circuit 31 can control the communication unit 34 to switch between a state in which the transmission function is activated and a state in which the transmission function is deactivated.

[0062] Fifth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the second power supply circuit 33B is configured to receive power from the second input section 32B. In the fifth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the second power supply circuit 33B receives power from the first input section 32A. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the in-vehicle system 501 of the fifth embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 530, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0064] The ECU 530 has a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, and a communication unit 34. As shown in FIG. 6, one end of the second power supply circuit 33B is electrically connected to the first input unit 32A. The second power supply circuit 33B generates a predetermined voltage based on the voltage input from the first input unit 32A. This configuration also provides the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0065] Sixth Embodiment In the sixth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which an ECU 630 includes a second control circuit 36 ​​in addition to a control circuit 31. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the in-vehicle system 601 of the sixth embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 630, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0067] The ECU 630 includes a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, a communication unit , and a second control circuit .

[0068] The second control circuit 36 ​​includes, for example, a microcomputer. The second control circuit 36 ​​is configured as, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or an SoC (System on Chip). The second control circuit 36 ​​communicates with the in-vehicle device 50 via the communication unit 34.

[0069] The second control circuit 36 ​​includes terminals 36A, 36B, and 36X. The terminals 36A, 36B, and 36X are configured as input terminals. Power is supplied to the terminals 36A and 36B. The terminal 36X is used for communication. The terminal 36A is electrically connected to the first power supply circuit 33A and is supplied with power from the first power supply circuit 33A. The terminal 36B is electrically connected to the second power supply circuit 33B and is supplied with power from the second power supply circuit 33B. The terminal 36X is electrically connected to the communication unit 34.

[0070] The second control circuit 36 ​​transitions between an OFF state, a first state, and a second state, similar to the control circuit 31. According to this configuration, a configuration in which the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36 ​​transition between an OFF state, a first state, and a second state, respectively, can be realized by sharing the communication unit 34 between the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36.

[0071] Seventh Embodiment In the seventh embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the second control circuit 36 ​​described in the sixth embodiment receives a signal from the control circuit 31 and determines that power has been supplied to the second input unit 32B. In the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, an in-vehicle system 701 of the seventh embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 730, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0073] The ECU 730 includes a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, a communication unit , and a second control circuit .

[0074] The second control circuit 36 ​​is capable of communicating with the control circuit 31. When power is supplied to the terminal unit 31B (that is, when power is supplied to the second input unit 32B), the control circuit 31 transmits a power supply notification to the second control circuit 36. When the second control circuit 36 ​​receives the power supply notification, it can determine that power has been supplied to the second input unit 32B.

[0075] According to this configuration, even if the second control circuit 36 ​​is unable to receive power supply via the second input section 32B, it can determine that power is being supplied to the second input section 32B and perform a predetermined operation.

[0076] Eighth Embodiment In the eighth embodiment, the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36 ​​of the sixth embodiment may be configured so as not to be able to determine that power is supplied to the second input unit 32B. This example will be described in the eighth embodiment. Note that in the eighth embodiment, the same components as those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9, an in-vehicle system 801 of the eighth embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 830, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0078] The ECU 830 includes a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, a communication unit , and a second control circuit .

[0079] 9, the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36 ​​are not connected to the second power supply circuit 33B. In this configuration, the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36 ​​cannot determine whether power is supplied to the second input section 32B. However, with this configuration, an input terminal for connecting the second power supply circuit 33B to the control circuit 31 is not required, and an input terminal for connecting the second power supply circuit 33B to the second control circuit 36 ​​is also not required.

[0080] Ninth Embodiment In the ninth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a second communication unit 35 is provided to allow the second control circuit described in the sixth embodiment to communicate with the transceiver unit 51. In the ninth embodiment, the same components as those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 10, an in-vehicle system 901 of the ninth embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 20, an ECU 930, a switching unit 40, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0082] The ECU 930 has a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, a communication unit 34, a second communication unit 35, and a second control circuit 36.

[0083] The second communication unit 35 is a communication interface that allows the second control circuit 36 ​​to communicate with the in-vehicle device 50 via the bus 61. The second communication unit 35 is, for example, a transceiver, more specifically, a CAN transceiver. Like the communication unit 34, the second communication unit 35 switches between a state in which the transmission function is disabled and a state in which the transmission function is enabled. The second communication unit 35 has a power supply terminal unit 35A. The power supply terminal unit 35A is electrically connected to the second power supply circuit 33B. The second communication unit 35 disables the transmission function when power is not supplied from the second power supply circuit 33B via the power supply terminal unit 35A, and enables the transmission function when power is supplied from the second power supply circuit 33B. In other words, the second communication unit 35 disables the transmission function when power is not supplied to the second input unit 32B, and enables the transmission function when power is supplied to the second input unit 32B.

[0084] According to this configuration, the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36 ​​can communicate with the transmitting / receiving unit 51 using different communication means.

[0085] Tenth Embodiment In the tenth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the power source of the second communication unit 35 described in the ninth embodiment is different from that of the communication unit 34. In the tenth embodiment, the same components as those in the ninth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 11, an in-vehicle system 1001 according to the tenth embodiment includes a power supply unit 10, a power path 1020, an ECU 1030, a switching unit 1040, and an in-vehicle device 50.

[0087] The power path 1020 is an electrical path that supplies power from the power supply unit 10 to the ECU 1030. The power path 1020 has a common path 21, a first branch path 22A, a second branch path 22B, and a third branch path 22C that branches off from the common path 21. The first branch path 22A, the second branch path 22B, and the third branch path 22C are electrically connected to the ECU 1030.

[0088] The ECU 1030 has a control circuit 31, a first input unit 32A, a second input unit 32B, a third input unit 32C, a first power supply circuit 33A, a second power supply circuit 33B, a third power supply circuit 33C, a communication unit 34, a second communication unit 35, and a second control circuit 36.

[0089] The third input unit 32C is configured as an input terminal for supplying power to the ECU 1030. The third input unit 32C is electrically connected to the third branch path 22C. Power is supplied to the third input unit 32C via the third branch path 22C.

[0090] The third power supply circuit 33C includes a voltage regulator that generates a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 V). One end of the third power supply circuit 33C is electrically connected to the third input unit 32C. The third power supply circuit 33C generates the predetermined voltage based on the voltage input from the third input unit 32C. The other end of the third power supply circuit 33C is electrically connected to the terminal unit 36B of the second control circuit 36 ​​and the second communication unit 35. The third power supply circuit 33C outputs the generated voltage to the terminal unit 36B and the second communication unit 35. When power is supplied to the third input unit 32C, power is supplied from the third input unit 32C to the third power supply circuit 33C, and the power of the voltage generated by the third power supply circuit 33C is supplied to the terminal unit 36B and the second communication unit 35.

[0091] The switching unit 1040 switches the state of power supply to the ECU 1030. The switching unit 1040 has a first relay 40A, a second relay 40B, and a third relay 40C.

[0092] The third relay 40C is provided in the third branch path 22C and switches the state of power supply to the third input section 32C. The third relay 40C is provided between the power supply section 10 and the third input section 32C. When the third relay 40C is in the ON state, it allows power to be supplied from the power supply section 10 to the third input section 32C. When the third relay 40C is in the OFF state, it cuts off the power supply from the power supply section 10 to the third input section 32C.

[0093] The transceiver 51 of the in-vehicle device 50 is a communication interface that enables the in-vehicle device 50 to communicate with the ECU 1030 via the buses 60 and 61. The control unit 52 controls the first relay 40A, the second relay 40B, and the third relay 40C.

[0094] Here, an example of the operation of the control unit 52 when transitioning the state of the second control circuit 36 ​​will be described. When the control unit 52 determines that the ON condition is met, it controls the first relay 40A to the ON state while maintaining the third relay 40C in the OFF state. As a result, power is supplied to the first input unit 32A, and the power of the voltage generated by the first power supply circuit 33A is supplied to the terminal unit 36A. When power is supplied to the terminal unit 36A, the second control circuit 36 ​​transitions from the OFF state to the first state.

[0095] After switching the first relay 40A to the ON state, the control unit 52 determines whether or not a first transition condition is satisfied. The first transition condition may or may not be the same as the first transition condition set in the control circuit 31. When the control unit 52 determines that the first transition condition is satisfied, it switches the third relay 40C to the ON state while maintaining the first relay 40A in the ON state. As a result, power is supplied to the third input unit 32C, and the power of the voltage generated by the third power supply circuit 33C is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 35A. When power is supplied to the power supply terminal unit 35A, the second communication unit 35 activates its transmission function.

[0096] The power of the voltage generated by the third power supply circuit 33C is also supplied to the terminal 36B of the second control circuit 36. The second control circuit 36 ​​may perform a predetermined operation when power is supplied to the terminal 36B (i.e., when power is supplied to the third input section 32C). The predetermined operation may be, for example, transitioning from the first state to a state with higher power consumption.

[0097] After switching the third relay 40C to the on state, the control unit 52 determines whether or not a second transition condition is satisfied. The second transition condition may or may not be the same as the second transition condition set in the control circuit 31. When the control unit 52 determines that the second transition condition is satisfied, it causes the transceiver unit 51 to transmit an activation signal via the bus 61. The activation signal is received by the second control circuit 36 ​​via the second communication unit 35. When the second control circuit 36 ​​receives the activation signal, it enters the second state.

[0098] As described above, the second control circuit 36 ​​is in the OFF state when power is not supplied to either the first input unit 32A or the third input unit 32C (i.e., when power is not supplied to either the terminal unit 36A or the terminal unit 36B). The second control circuit 36 ​​is in the first state, in which power is consumed, when power is supplied to the first input unit 32A (i.e., when power is supplied to the terminal unit 36A). The second control circuit 36 ​​is in the second state, in which power consumption is higher than in the first state, when an activation signal is received via the second communication unit 35 in the first state. The second communication unit 35 stops the transmission function when power is not supplied to the third input unit 32C and activates the transmission function when power is supplied to the third input unit 32C. The switching unit 1040 includes a first relay 40A that switches the state of power supply to the first input unit 32A and a third relay 40C that switches the state of power supply to the third input unit 32C.

[0099] In a situation where it is not necessary to quickly transition the second control circuit 36 ​​to the second state, the in-vehicle system 1001 can keep the first relay 40A and the third relay 40C in the off state to turn the second control circuit 36 ​​off and prevent the second control circuit 36 ​​from consuming power. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 1001 can transition the second control circuit 36 ​​to the first state by switching the first relay 40A to the on state while keeping the third relay 40C in the off state. This allows the second control circuit 36 ​​to enter a state in which it waits for reception of an activation signal while reducing power consumption compared to the second state. Furthermore, when the third relay 40C is in the off state, the transmission function of the second communication unit 35 is stopped, thereby reducing power consumption required by the second communication unit 35.

[0100] The in-vehicle system 1001 can cause the control circuit 31 and the second control circuit 36 ​​to transition to the OFF state, the first state, and the second state separately.

[0101] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of features of the above-described or following embodiments is possible within a range that does not contradict. Furthermore, any feature of the above-described or following embodiments may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0102] In each of the above embodiments, the switching unit is provided outside the in-vehicle device, but the switching unit may be provided inside the in-vehicle device.

[0103] The configuration of the second embodiment may be combined with the configuration of the first embodiment. For example, when a transition condition is met in the configuration of the first embodiment, the control unit may switch the second relay to the on state and cause the transmission unit to transmit an activation signal.

[0104] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. In-vehicle systems 10...Power supply section 20…Power line 21...Common Route 22A...First branch road 22B...Second fork 22C...Third fork 30…ECU 31...Control circuit 31A…Terminal section 31B…Terminal section 31C…Terminal section 31X…Terminal section 31Y…Terminal section 32...Second control circuit 32A...First input section 32B...Second input section 32C...Third input section 33A…1st power supply circuit 33B…Second power supply circuit 33C…Third power supply circuit 34…Communications Department 34A…Power terminal section 35...Second Communications Department 35A…Power terminal section 36...Second control circuit 36A…Terminal section 36B…Terminal section 36X…Terminal section 40...Switching section 40A...1st relay 40B...Second relay 40C...3rd relay 50…In-vehicle device 51...Transmitter / receiver unit (transmitter unit) 52...Control unit 60...Bus 61...Bus 301...In-vehicle systems 330…ECU 430…ECU 501...In-vehicle system 530…ECU 601...In-vehicle system 630…ECU 701...In-vehicle system 730…ECU 801...In-vehicle system 830…ECU 901...In-car system 930…ECU 1001...In-vehicle system 1020…Power line 1030…ECU 1040...Switching section

Claims

1. ECU and a switching unit that switches a power supply state to the ECU, The ECU a first input section to which power is supplied; a second input section to which power is supplied; a communication unit that communicates with an in-vehicle device via a bus; a control circuit that communicates with the in-vehicle device via the communication unit, the control circuit is in an off state when power is not supplied to both the first input unit and the second input unit, is in a first state in which power is consumed when power is supplied to the first input unit, and is in a second state in which power consumption is greater than that in the first state when a wake-up signal is received via the communication unit in the first state, the communication unit stops a transmission function of transmitting a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the control circuit side when power is not supplied to the second input unit, and activates the transmission function when power is supplied to the second input unit; The switching unit is a first relay that switches a power supply state to the first input unit; a second relay that switches the state of power supply to the second input unit; In-vehicle systems.

2. The in-vehicle device a control unit that controls the first relay and the second relay; a transmitter that transmits the activation signal to the bus, The control unit causes the transmission unit to transmit the activation signal. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit switches the second relay to an on state when a first transition condition is satisfied, and causes the transmission unit to transmit the activation signal when a second transition condition is satisfied; The first transition condition is a condition that is met when the possibility of the second transition condition being met becomes high. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit switches the second relay to an ON state when a transition condition is met, and causes the transmission unit to transmit the activation signal. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 .

Images