Reprogramming Tools

Abstract

To enable reprogramming with a reprogramming tool to be normally executed.SOLUTION: A reprogramming tool has a connector which is detachably attached to a diagnosis connector provided in a vehicle for connection therewith. The diagnosis connector has a first vehicle-side terminal which is connected to a battery of the vehicle at all times and a second vehicle-side terminal which is connected to the battery when a power supply state of the vehicle is ignition-on. The connector of the reprogramming tool has a first tool-side terminal which is connected to the first vehicle-side terminal of the diagnosis connector and a second tool-side terminal which is connected to the second vehicle-side terminal of the diagnosis connector. The reprogramming tool includes a short circuit mechanism which can cause a short circuit between the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reprogramming tool. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, techniques have been proposed for updating programs in various electronic devices installed in a vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as reprogramming).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that an update tool (hereinafter referred to as a reprogramming tool) is connected to a fault diagnosis connector provided on a vehicle to perform reprogramming of a control device installed on the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-43734 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Reprogramming using the reprogramming tool described above is generally performed when the vehicle's power supply is in the ignition-on state, i.e., when power is being supplied from the vehicle's battery to the unit to be reprogrammed. However, when reprogramming is performed, there is a risk that the reprogramming will be abnormally interrupted if the vehicle's power supply is unintentionally switched to the ignition-off state due to an operational error or an automatic power-off function, etc., and the reprogramming will not be performed normally.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to enable reprogramming to be performed normally using a reprogramming tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a reprogramming tool according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A reprogramming tool having a connector that can be detachably connected to a diagnostic connector provided in a vehicle, the diagnostic connector has a vehicle-side first terminal that is always connected to a battery of the vehicle, and a vehicle-side second terminal that is connected to the battery when the power supply state of the vehicle is an ignition on state; The connector of the reprogramming tool includes: a tool-side first terminal connected to the vehicle-side first terminal of the diagnostic connector; a tool-side second terminal connected to the vehicle-side second terminal of the diagnostic connector; and The reprogramming tool comprises: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to said processor; a short-circuiting mechanism capable of short-circuiting the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal; and, and The processor: when reprogramming the unit provided in the vehicle, the short-circuiting mechanism shorts the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal; When the diagnosis of the unit is performed, the short-circuiting mechanism does not short-circuit the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal. . In order to solve the above problem, a reprogramming tool according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: A reprogramming tool having a connector that can be detachably connected to a diagnostic connector provided in a vehicle, the diagnostic connector has a vehicle-side first terminal that is always connected to a battery of the vehicle, and a vehicle-side second terminal that is connected to the battery when the power supply state of the vehicle is an ignition on state; The connector of the reprogramming tool includes: a tool-side first terminal connected to the vehicle-side first terminal of the diagnostic connector; a tool-side second terminal connected to the vehicle-side second terminal of the diagnostic connector; and The reprogramming tool comprises: The tool-side terminal includes a short-circuiting mechanism including a short-circuiting line that constantly short-circuits the tool-side first terminal and the tool-side second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, reprogramming can be performed normally using a reprogramming tool. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining a reprogramming tool and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing in a reprogramming tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a reprogramming tool according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a reprogramming tool according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining a reprogramming tool according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display content on the display unit of the tool main body according to the third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in a reprogramming tool according to a third modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0011] <Embodiment> 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a reprogramming tool 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may be, for example, a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor as driving sources.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 is provided with a diagnostic connector 102 for connecting an external device to diagnose whether or not there is a malfunction in the vehicle 100 and to reprogram various control devices installed in the vehicle 100.

[0013] The diagnostic connector 102 is provided with a vehicle-side first terminal 104 which is a +B terminal that is always connected to the battery 110 of the vehicle 100, a vehicle-side second terminal 106 which is an IG terminal (ignition terminal) for identifying whether the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is ignition on or ignition off, and a vehicle-side third terminal 108 which is a terminal for communication.

[0014] 1, the vehicle-side first terminal 104 is electrically connected to a battery 110 mounted on the vehicle 100 via a vehicle-side first line 104a and a vehicle-side fourth line 107a. The vehicle-side first terminal 104 is always connected to the battery 110 via the vehicle-side first line 104a and the vehicle-side fourth line 107a, regardless of the power supply state of the vehicle 100. Note that the vehicle-side first terminal 104 may also be always connected to the battery 110 via the vehicle-side first line 104a, regardless of the power supply state of the vehicle 100.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle-side second terminal 106 can be electrically connected to the battery 110 via a vehicle-side second line 106a and a vehicle-side fourth line 107a. The vehicle-side second line 106a is a line that connects the vehicle-side fourth line 107a and the vehicle-side second terminal 106. The vehicle-side fourth line 107a is a line that connects the battery 110 and a plurality of units 120, 122, and 124 provided in the vehicle 100.

[0016] An IG relay (ignition relay) 112 that switches the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is provided on the vehicle-side fourth line 107a. That is, when the IG relay 112 is controlled to change from OFF to ON, the multiple units 120, 122, and 124 and other electronic devices provided in the vehicle 100 are electrically connected to the battery 110 via the vehicle-side fourth line 107a, and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 transitions to ignition-on. Note that the units to which power is supplied when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is ignition-on may include, for example, at least a control unit related to the running of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is changed to ignition-on during reprogramming, it is sufficient that power is supplied from the battery 110 to at least the units to be reprogrammed.

[0017] In addition, when the IG relay 112 is turned ON and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is ignition ON, the vehicle side second terminal 106 of the diagnostic connector 102 is connected to the battery 110 via the vehicle side second line 106a and the vehicle side fourth line 107a.

[0018] On the other hand, when IG relay 112 is controlled from ON to OFF, vehicle-side fourth line 107a is interrupted, the electrical connection between the plurality of units 120, 122, 124 and other electronic devices and battery 110 is released, and the power supply state of vehicle 100 transitions to ignition-off. Also, the electrical connection between vehicle-side second terminal 106 of diagnostic connector 102 and battery 110 is released. Note that, for example, power cables may be used as vehicle-side first line 104a, vehicle-side second line 106a, and vehicle-side fourth line 107a.

[0019] Furthermore, the vehicle-side third terminal 108 is communicatively connected to a plurality of units 120, 122, and 124 provided in the vehicle 100 via a vehicle-side third line 108a. The plurality of units 120, 122, and 124 are communicatively connected to one another via the vehicle-side third line 108a. Note that the vehicle-side third line 108a may be, for example, a wired or wireless communication line compatible with the CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol.

[0020] In this embodiment, the vehicle-side third terminal 108 is provided on the diagnostic connector 102, but the vehicle-side third terminal 108 does not have to be provided on the diagnostic connector 102. For example, the vehicle-side third terminal 108 may be provided on a connector other than the diagnostic connector 102 provided on the vehicle 100.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle-side third terminal 108 is communicatively connected to the multiple units 120, 122, and 124 provided in the vehicle 100. However, a communication control unit may be provided on the vehicle-side third line 108a between the vehicle-side third terminal 108 and the multiple units 120, 122, and 124 provided in the vehicle 100. In this case, when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is turned on with the ignition on, it is preferable that the communication control unit also receives power supply from the battery 110. Note that in this case, when reprogramming is performed, it is sufficient that the battery 110 supplies power to at least the units to be reprogrammed and the communication control unit required for communication with the units to be reprogrammed when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is turned on with the ignition on.

[0022] Each of the multiple units 120, 122, and 124 includes one or more processors 120a, 122a, and 124a, and one or more memories 120b, 122b, and 124b connected to the processors 120a, 122a, and 124a. The processors 120a, 122a, and 124a include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The memories 120b, 122b, and 124b include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM is a storage element that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters used in processing executed by the CPU.

[0023] The multiple units 120, 122, 124 may be control units for various electronic devices mounted on the vehicle 100. Specifically, the multiple units 120, 122, 124 are, for example, an engine control unit that controls the engine, a motor control unit that controls the motor, a battery control unit that controls the battery 110, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a data center outside the vehicle 100, a car navigation system control unit that controls the car navigation system, an automatic driving control unit that controls automatic driving of the vehicle 100, an IG relay control unit that controls ON / OFF of the IG relay 112 of the vehicle 100, etc.

[0024] In this embodiment, one of the multiple units 120, 122, and 124 is selected as the target of reprogramming, and reprogramming is performed on it. However, multiple of the multiple units 120, 122, and 124 may also be selected and reprogramming performed on them.

[0025] The reprogramming tool 200 also includes a connector 202 for connecting to the diagnostic connector 102 of the vehicle 100 , a tool body 220 , and a cable 230 for connecting the connector 202 and the tool body 220 .

[0026] The tool main body 220 includes a tool control unit 222. The tool control unit 222 has one or more processors 222a and one or more memories 222b connected to the processors 222a. The processor 222a includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 222b includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0027] In addition, the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 is provided with a tool side first terminal 204 which is a +B terminal connected to the vehicle side first terminal 104, a tool side second terminal 206 which is an IG terminal connected to the vehicle side second terminal 106, and a tool side third terminal 208 which is a communication terminal connected to the vehicle side third terminal 108.

[0028] The tool-side first terminal 204 of the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 is constantly electrically connected to the tool control unit 222 of the tool body 220 via a tool-side first line 204a.

[0029] Furthermore, the tool-side second terminal 206 of the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 is constantly electrically connected to the tool control unit 222 of the tool body 220 via a tool-side second line 206a. Note that, for example, a power cable may be used as the tool-side first line 204a and the tool-side second line 206a.

[0030] The tool-side third terminal 208 is communicatively connected to the tool control unit 222 of the tool main body 220 via a tool-side third line 208a. Note that the tool-side third line 208a may be, for example, a wired or wireless communication line compatible with the CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol.

[0031] In this embodiment, the tool-side third terminal 208 is provided on the connector 202, but the tool-side third terminal 208 does not have to be provided on the connector 202. For example, the tool-side third terminal 208 may be provided on a connector 202 other than the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200.

[0032] The cable 230 also houses a tool side first line 204a, a tool side second line 206a, and a tool side third line 208a.

[0033] When the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are connected, the vehicle side first terminal 104 and the tool side first terminal 204 come into contact, electrically connecting the vehicle side first line 104a and the tool side first line 204a.

[0034] As described above, the vehicle-side first line 104a is always electrically connected to the battery 110 of the vehicle 100 regardless of the power supply state of the vehicle 100. Therefore, when the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are connected, power is supplied from the battery 110 to the tool control unit 222 via the vehicle-side fourth line 107a, the vehicle-side first line 104a, the vehicle-side first terminal 104, the tool-side first terminal 204, and the tool-side first line 204a. In this way, the power supplied from the battery 110 to the tool control unit 222 can be used as the power required for the operation of the tool control unit 222.

[0035] It is not necessary to use the power supplied from the battery 110 to the tool control unit 222 as the power required for the operation of the tool control unit 222. For example, a battery for operating the reprogramming tool 200 may be provided inside the reprogramming tool 200 itself. Alternatively, an external commercial power source may be used as the power source for operating the reprogramming tool 200.

[0036] Furthermore, when the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are connected, the vehicle side second terminal 106 and the tool side second terminal 206 come into contact, thereby electrically connecting the vehicle side second line 106a and the tool side second line 206a.

[0037] As described above, when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is the ignition on, the vehicle-side second terminal 106 is electrically connected to the battery 110, and when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is the ignition off, the vehicle-side second terminal 106 is electrically disconnected from the battery 110. Therefore, when the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are connected, the tool control unit 222 can identify whether the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is the ignition on or the ignition off.

[0038] Furthermore, when the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are connected, the vehicle-side third terminal 108 and the tool-side third terminal 208 come into contact with each other, connecting the vehicle-side third line 108a and the tool-side third line 208a, thereby enabling communication between the vehicle 100 and the reprogramming tool 200.

[0039] The reprogramming tool 200 communicates with any one of the multiple units 120, 122, 124 that is to be reprogrammed via the vehicle-side third line 108a and the tool-side third line 208a, and performs the reprogramming.

[0040] In this embodiment, the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 is provided with a short-circuiting mechanism 212, which is a short-circuiting line for constantly short-circuiting the tool-side first line 204a and the tool-side second line 206a. This constantly short-circuits the tool-side first terminal 204 and the tool-side second terminal 206. Note that the short-circuiting mechanism 212 may be, for example, a power cable.

[0041] As a result, when the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are connected, the vehicle side first terminal 104, the vehicle side first line 104a, the vehicle side second line 106a, the vehicle side second terminal 106, the tool side first terminal 204, the tool side first line 204a, the tool side second terminal 206, and the tool side second line 206a are electrically connected via the short-circuit mechanism 212.

[0042] That is, by connecting the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202, it is possible to forcibly set the power supply state of the vehicle 100 to the ignition on state, regardless of the on / off state of the IG relay 112 of the vehicle 100. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the IG relay 112 will unintentionally switch from on to off and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will unintentionally switch to the ignition off state when reprogramming is performed using the reprogramming tool 200. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will unintentionally switch to the ignition off state, causing the reprogramming to be abnormally interrupted and preventing the reprogramming from being performed normally.

[0043] 2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow in the reprogramming tool 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 before the reprogramming tool 200 is connected is ignition off, the connector 202 is connected to the diagnostic connector 102, and then the reprogramming tool 200 is connected to the vehicle 100 (step S1), the short-circuit mechanism 212 of the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 causes the power supply state of the vehicle 100 to transition to ignition on.

[0044] Next, when reprogramming is performed, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200 controls the IG relay 112 to turn ON (step S2).

[0045] Next, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200 communicates with any one of the multiple units 120, 122, 124 that is to be reprogrammed via the vehicle side third line 108a and the tool side third line 208a, and performs a reprogramming execution process to execute the reprogramming (step S3).

[0046] When the reprogramming execution process in step S3 above is completed, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200 controls the IG relay 112 to turn OFF (step S4).

[0047] Thereafter, when the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are disconnected and the reprogramming tool 200 is removed from the vehicle 100 (step S5), the power supply state of the vehicle 100 transitions to ignition off. That is, when the IG relay 112 is controlled to be turned off in step S4, the short-circuit mechanism 212 of the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 forcibly maintains the power supply state of the vehicle 100 at ignition on.

[0048] By the above processing, for example, if reprogramming of the IG relay control unit that controls the ON / OFF of the IG relay 112 of the vehicle 100 is performed in step S3 above, it is possible to reduce the risk of the IG relay 112 being unintentionally switched from ON to OFF, and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 being unintentionally switched to ignition off.

[0049] In this embodiment, the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is forcibly maintained in the ignition-on state by the short-circuit mechanism 212 of the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200, so it is not necessary to control the ON / OFF of the IG relay 112 in the above steps S2 and S4.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, by making the cable 230 and the connector 202 detachable, simply by attaching the connector 202 of this embodiment to the cable 230, when the reprogramming tool 200 is connected to the vehicle 100, the short-circuiting mechanism 212 of the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 can forcibly maintain the power supply state of the vehicle 100 in the ignition on state.

[0051] <First Modification> In the above embodiment, the case where the short-circuit mechanism 212 is provided in the connector 202 of the reprogramming tool 200 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a reprogramming tool 200a according to a first modified example of the present invention. The reprogramming tool 200a according to the first modified example differs from the reprogramming tool 200 according to the above embodiment in that the connector 202a is not provided with a short-circuit mechanism, but rather a short-circuit mechanism 212a is provided in the cable 230a.

[0052] The short-circuit mechanism 212a according to the first modification is configured with a short-circuit line for constantly short-circuiting the tool side first line 204a and the tool side second line 206a. By providing the short-circuit mechanism 212a in the cable 230a as in the first modification, it is possible to constantly short-circuit the tool side first terminal 204 and the tool side second terminal 206, as in the above embodiment. For example, a power cable may be used as the short-circuit line of the short-circuit mechanism 212a.

[0053] As a result, similar to the above embodiment, when reprogramming is performed using the reprogramming tool 200a, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the IG relay 112 will unintentionally switch from ON to OFF and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will unintentionally switch to ignition off. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will unintentionally switch to ignition off, causing the reprogramming to be abnormally interrupted and preventing the reprogramming from being performed normally.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, by making the cable 230a and the connector 202a detachable, simply by attaching the connector 202a of the first modified example to the cable 230a, when the reprogramming tool 200a is connected to the vehicle 100, the short-circuit mechanism 212a in the cable 230a of the reprogramming tool 200a can forcibly maintain the power state of the vehicle 100 in the ignition on state.

[0055] <Second Modification> 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a reprogramming tool 200b according to a second modified example of the present invention. The reprogramming tool 200b according to the second modified example differs from the reprogramming tool 200 according to the above embodiment or the reprogramming tool 200a according to the above first modified example in that a short-circuit mechanism is not provided in the connector 202a and the cable 230, but a short-circuit mechanism 212b is provided in the tool main body 220b.

[0056] The short-circuit mechanism 212b according to the second modification is configured with a short-circuit line for constantly short-circuiting the tool side first line 204a and the tool side second line 206a. By providing the short-circuit mechanism 212b inside the tool body 220b as in the second modification, it is possible to constantly short-circuit the tool side first terminal 204 and the tool side second terminal 206, as in the above embodiment. For example, a power cable may be used as the short-circuit line of the short-circuit mechanism 212b.

[0057] As a result, similar to the above embodiment, when reprogramming is performed using the reprogramming tool 200b, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the IG relay 112 will unintentionally switch from ON to OFF and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will unintentionally switch to ignition off. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will unintentionally switch to ignition off, causing the reprogramming to be abnormally interrupted and preventing the reprogramming from being performed normally.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, by making the cable 230 and the tool body 220b detachable, simply by attaching the tool body 220b of the third modified example to the cable 230 and the connector 202a, when the reprogramming tool 200a is connected to the vehicle 100, the short-circuit mechanism 212b in the tool body 220b of the reprogramming tool 200b can forcibly maintain the power state of the vehicle 100 in the ignition on state.

[0059] <Third Modification> 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a reprogramming tool 200c according to a third modified example of the present invention. The reprogramming tool 200c according to the third modified example differs from the reprogramming tool 200 according to the above embodiment, the reprogramming tool 200a according to the first modified example, or the reprogramming tool 200b according to the second modified example in that a short-circuit mechanism is not provided in the connector 202a and the cable 230, and a short-circuit mechanism 212c that can switch between the presence and absence of a short circuit is provided in the tool body 220b.

[0060] The short-circuit mechanism 212c according to the third modification includes a short-circuit line that short-circuits the first tool-side line 204a and the second tool-side line 206a, and a relay that is provided on the short-circuit line and can short-circuit the first tool-side line 204a and the second tool-side line 206a. The relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c is controlled by a processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the tool main body 220c.

[0061] In the third modified example, the tool side first line 204a and the tool side second line 206a are short-circuited and electrically connected when the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c is controlled from OFF to ON by the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222. That is, when the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c is controlled from OFF to ON by the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222, the tool side first terminal 204 and the tool side second terminal 206 are electrically connected.

[0062] Furthermore, when the relay of the short-circuiting mechanism 212c is controlled from ON to OFF by the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222, the short circuit between the tool side first line 204a and the tool side second line 206a is released, and the electrical connection is released. That is, when the relay of the short-circuiting mechanism 212c is controlled from ON to OFF by the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222, the electrical connection between the tool side first terminal 204 and the tool side second terminal 206 is released.

[0063] For example, if the tool side first line 204a and the tool side second line 206a are constantly short-circuited by the short-circuiting mechanisms 212, 212a, 212b as in the above embodiment, the first variant, or the second variant, the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is forcibly maintained in the ignition on state, and therefore when diagnosing a malfunction or the like of the units 120, 122, 124 of the vehicle 100 using the reprogramming tool 200c, it may not be possible to perform a normal diagnosis of the malfunction or the like.

[0064] Specifically, for example, if the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is forcibly maintained in the ignition on state, and the unit to be diagnosed for failures, etc. by the reprogramming tool 200c is the IG relay control unit, even if the IG relay 112 is switched ON / OFF during the diagnosis, the power supply state of the vehicle 100 will not switch, and it may not be possible to perform a normal diagnosis.

[0065] Therefore, in the third variant, when the reprogramming tool 200c is used to reprogram the units 120, 122, and 124 of the vehicle 100, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 controls the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c to be ON, forcibly maintaining the power supply state of the vehicle 100 in the ignition-on state.

[0066] On the other hand, in the third variant, when the reprogramming tool 200c is used to diagnose faults or the like in the units 120, 122, and 124 of the vehicle 100, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 controls the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c to be OFF, and the power supply state of the vehicle 100 transitions according to the ON / OFF control of the IG relay 112.

[0067] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display content on the display unit 240 of the tool body 220c according to the third modified example of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the tool body 220c is provided with the display unit 240 capable of displaying various images. The images displayed on the display unit 240 are controlled by the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222.

[0068] 6, the tool main body 220c is provided with a plurality of operation units 242R, 242L, 242U, 242D, 242E, and 242R that can receive operation inputs from the operator. Specifically, operation unit 242R receives operation inputs to the right, operation unit 242L receives operation inputs to the left, operation unit 242U receives operation inputs to the up, operation unit 242D receives operation inputs to the down, operation unit 242E receives operation inputs to select, and operation unit 242R receives operation inputs to cancel. When the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 detects operation inputs to the various operation units 242R, 242L, 242U, 242D, 242E, and 242R, the processor 222a executes an operation corresponding to the operation input.

[0069] When the reprogramming tool 200c is connected to the vehicle 100, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 displays a menu screen on the display unit 240 of the tool main body 220c. An icon labeled "Diagnostic Mode" and an icon labeled "Repro Mode" are displayed on the menu screen.

[0070] Then, when a confirmation operation is input using the operation unit 242E and an icon labeled "diagnosis mode" is selected on the menu screen, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 starts executing a diagnosis of a malfunction, etc. Also, when a confirmation operation is input using the operation unit 242E and an icon labeled "reproduction mode" is selected on the menu screen, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 starts executing reprogramming.

[0071] 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing in a reprogramming tool 200c according to a third modified example of the present invention. When the power supply state of the vehicle 100 before the reprogramming tool 200c is connected is ignition off, the connector 202a of the reprogramming tool 200c is connected to the diagnostic connector 102 of the vehicle 100, and the reprogramming tool 200c is connected to the vehicle 100 (step S10), the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200c controls the IG relay 112 to ON (step S11). However, in step S11, the IG relay 112 may also be controlled to ON by an operator operating the vehicle. When the reprogramming tool 200c is initially connected to the vehicle 100, the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c is controlled to OFF.

[0072] Next, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200c displays the menu screen shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 240 of the tool main body 220c (step S12).

[0073] Then, when the icon labeled "Reprogramming Mode" is selected on the menu screen (YES in step S13), the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200c controls the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c to be ON (step S14), and communicates with any one of the multiple units 120, 122, 124 to be reprogrammed via the vehicle-side third line 108a and the tool-side third line 208a, and performs a reprogramming execution process to execute the reprogramming (step S15).

[0074] When the reprogramming execution process in step S15 above is completed, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200c controls the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c to be OFF (step S16). As a result, when the reprogramming tool 200c is to reprogram the units 120, 122, and 124 of the vehicle 100, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 controls the relay of the short-circuit mechanism 212c to be ON, forcibly maintaining the power supply state of the vehicle 100 in the ignition-on state.

[0075] On the other hand, when an icon labeled "diagnosis mode" is selected on the menu screen (YES in step S17), the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200c communicates with any one of the multiple units 120, 122, 124 that is to be diagnosed for a fault or the like via the vehicle-side third line 108a and the tool-side third line 208a, and performs a diagnosis execution process to execute the diagnosis (step S18). As a result, when the reprogramming tool 200c executes a diagnosis for a fault or the like on the units 120, 122, 124 of the vehicle 100, the power supply state of the vehicle 100 transitions in accordance with the ON / OFF control of the IG relay 112.

[0076] In the diagnosis execution process of step S18, for example, if the unit to be diagnosed for failures or the like by the reprogramming tool 200c is an IG relay control unit, the diagnosis for failures or the like may be performed by controlling the ON / OFF switching of the IG relay 112 during the diagnosis as necessary. That is, in the third modified example, even if the unit to be diagnosed is one in which the ON / OFF control of the IG relay 112 is included in the diagnosis, the diagnosis can be preferably performed.

[0077] It should be noted that if neither the icon labeled "Reproduction Mode" nor the icon labeled "Diagnostic Mode" is selected on the menu screen (NO in step S13 and NO in step S17), the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 waits.

[0078] When the process of step S16 or step S20 is completed, the processor 222a of the tool control unit 222 of the reprogramming tool 200c controls the IG relay 112 to turn OFF (step S19).

[0079] Thereafter, the diagnostic connector 102 and the connector 202 are disconnected, and the reprogramming tool 200 is removed from the vehicle 100 (step S20), and the process ends.

[0080] As described above, the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c of the above-described embodiment, first modified example, second modified example, and third modified example are reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c each having a connector 202, 202a that is detachably connected to a diagnostic connector 102 provided in a vehicle 100, and the diagnostic connector 102 has a vehicle-side first terminal 104 that is always connected to a battery 110 of the vehicle 100, and a vehicle-side first terminal 104 that is connected to the battery 110 when the power supply state of the vehicle 100 is ignition on. The connectors 202, 202a of the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, 200c have a tool-side first terminal 204 connected to the vehicle-side first terminal 104 of the diagnostic connector 102 and a tool-side second terminal 206 connected to the vehicle-side second terminal 106 of the diagnostic connector 102, and the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, 200c are equipped with short-circuit mechanisms 212, 212a, 212b, 212c that can short-circuit the tool-side first terminal 204 and the tool-side second terminal 206.

[0081] With the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c of the above-described embodiment, first modified example, second modified example, and third modified example, when reprogramming is performed using the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c, it is possible to reduce the risk of the power state of the vehicle 100 being unintentionally switched to ignition off, causing the reprogramming to be abnormally interrupted and preventing the reprogramming from being performed normally. This makes it possible to perform reprogramming normally using the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c.

[0082] Furthermore, the short-circuit mechanisms 212, 212a, 212b of the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b of the above embodiment, first modified example, and second modified example include a short-circuit line that constantly shorts the tool-side first terminal 204 and the tool-side second terminal 206.

[0083] In the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b of the above-described embodiment, first modified example, and second modified example, it is possible to reduce the risk that, for example, when reprogramming of the IG relay control unit is performed, the IG relay 112 will unintentionally switch from ON to OFF, causing the power supply state of the vehicle 100 to unintentionally switch to ignition off.

[0084] In addition, the reprogramming tool 200c of the above-mentioned third modified example has one or more processors 222a and one or more memories 222b connected to the processor 222a, and when performing reprogramming of the units 120, 122, and 124 provided in the vehicle 100, the processor 222a short-circuits the tool side first terminal 204 and the tool side second terminal 206 using the short-circuit mechanism 212c, and when performing diagnosis of the units 120, 122, and 124, the processor 222a does not short-circuit the tool side first terminal 204 and the tool side second terminal 206 using the short-circuit mechanism 212c.

[0085] When reprogramming the units 120, 122, and 124 of the vehicle 100, the reprogramming tool 200c of the third modified example described above reduces the risk of the reprogramming being abnormally interrupted and unable to be performed normally due to the power state of the vehicle 100 being unintentionally switched to ignition off. This allows reprogramming to be performed normally using the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c. Furthermore, when diagnosing a malfunction or the like of the units 120, 122, and 124 of the vehicle 100 using the reprogramming tool 200c, it is possible to reduce the risk of the short-circuit mechanism 212c adversely affecting the diagnosis of the malfunction or the like.

[0086] In the above embodiment, first modified example, second modified example, and third modified example, the vehicle-side first terminal 104 and the tool-side first terminal 204 may be +B terminals, and the vehicle-side second terminal 106 and the tool-side second terminal 206 may be IG terminals. Since the +B terminal and the IG terminal are generally provided on a diagnostic connector of a vehicle, reprogramming can be performed normally by simply using the reprogramming tools 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c of the above embodiment, first modified example, second modified example, and third modified example without making any changes to the vehicle 100.

[0087] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is described as a hybrid vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various vehicle types, such as gasoline vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), and non-plug-in hybrid vehicles (hybrid vehicles). [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 vehicles 102 Diagnostic Connector 104 Vehicle side first terminal 106 Vehicle side second terminal 110 Battery 200 Reprogramming Tools 200a Reprogramming Tool 200b Reprogramming Tool 200c Reprogramming Tool 202 Connector 202a Connector 204 Tool side first terminal 206 Tool side second terminal 212 Short-circuit mechanism 212a Short-circuit mechanism 212b Short-circuit mechanism 212c Short-circuit mechanism 222a processor 222b memory

Claims

1. A reprogramming tool having a connector that can be detachably connected to a diagnostic connector provided in a vehicle, the diagnostic connector has a vehicle-side first terminal that is always connected to a battery of the vehicle, and a vehicle-side second terminal that is connected to the battery when the power supply state of the vehicle is an ignition on state; The connector of the reprogramming tool includes: a tool-side first terminal connected to the vehicle-side first terminal of the diagnostic connector; a tool-side second terminal connected to the vehicle-side second terminal of the diagnostic connector; and The reprogramming tool comprises: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to the processor; a short-circuiting mechanism capable of short-circuiting the tool side first terminal and the tool side second terminal; and The processor: when reprogramming the unit provided in the vehicle, the short-circuiting mechanism shorts the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal; When a diagnosis of the unit is performed, the short-circuiting mechanism does not short-circuit the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal.

2. A reprogramming tool having a connector that can be detachably connected to a diagnostic connector provided in a vehicle, the diagnostic connector has a vehicle-side first terminal that is always connected to a battery of the vehicle, and a vehicle-side second terminal that is connected to the battery when the power supply state of the vehicle is an ignition on state; The connector of the reprogramming tool includes: a tool-side first terminal connected to the vehicle-side first terminal of the diagnostic connector; a tool-side second terminal connected to the vehicle-side second terminal of the diagnostic connector; and The reprogramming tool comprises: a reprogramming tool comprising a short-circuiting mechanism including a short-circuiting line that constantly short-circuits the first tool-side terminal and the second tool-side terminal;

3. the vehicle-side first terminal and the tool-side first terminal are +B terminals, The reprogramming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle-side second terminal and the tool-side second terminal are IG terminals.

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