Multi-input / output device and in-vehicle device

Abstract

An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-input / output device to which an in-vehicle load is connected. The in-vehicle device comprises: four switch-side terminals to which two upstream-side opening / closing switches having input ends connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load or two downstream-side opening / closing switches having output ends grounded to the ground are connected; a plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected; a plurality of internal connections that connect each of the switch-side terminals and each of the load-side terminals; and a plurality of mechanical relays that switch the connection states of the plurality of internal connections in accordance with the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals.

Description

Multi-input / output device and in-vehicle device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-008179, filed on January 23, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of that application.

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

[0003] JP 2013-143905 A

[0004] A multi-input / output device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-input / output device to which an on-vehicle load is connected, and includes four switch-side terminals to which two upstream-side open / close switches having input terminals connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the on-vehicle load or two downstream-side open / close switches having output terminals grounded to ground are connected, a plurality of load-side terminals to which the on-vehicle load is connected, a plurality of internal wiring connecting each of the switch-side terminals to each of the load-side terminals, and a plurality of mechanical relays that switch the connection state of the plurality of internal wiring depending on the on-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an on-vehicle system including an on-vehicle device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an on-vehicle device; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-vehicle device and an on-vehicle load (forward / reverse rotation load) during forward rotation; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-vehicle device and an on-vehicle load (forward / reverse rotation load) during reverse rotation; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-vehicle load (forward / reverse rotation load); FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-vehicle device and an on-vehicle load (small current forward rotation load); FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-vehicle load (small current forward rotation load); FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-vehicle device and an on-vehicle load (failsafe, etc.); FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-vehicle load (failsafe, etc.); FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-vehicle device and an on-vehicle load (small current both end connection); FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-vehicle load (small current both end connection). 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (large current forward rotation load); FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-board load (large current forward rotation load); FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (large current both-end connection); FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-board load (large current both-end connection); FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load) during forward rotation according to a second embodiment; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load) during reverse rotation; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load); FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated small current forward rotation load); FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated fail-safe, etc.); Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated, small current, both ends connected). Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated, large current, normal load). Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between an on-board device and an on-board load (mechanically and electrically integrated, large current, both ends connected). Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an on-board device according to a third embodiment.

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] However, the power supply control device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration how to efficiently respond to the connected in-vehicle load.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a multi-input / output device or the like that efficiently responds to the connected in-vehicle load.

[0008] Effect of the Present Disclosure A multi-input / output device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can efficiently respond to the connected in-vehicle load.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

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

[0011] In this aspect, two upstream open-close switches and two downstream open-close switches are connected to a multi-input / output device (multi-I / O). The two upstream open-close switches and the two downstream open-close switches are connected to respective switch-side terminals of the multi-input / output device. An on-board load is also connected to the multi-input / output device. The on-board load is connected to a load-side terminal of the multi-input / output device. The multi-input / output device has multiple load-side terminals. The load-side terminals to which the on-board load is connected vary depending on the classification of the on-board load connected to the multi-input / output device. The multi-input / output device has internal wiring connecting each of the switch-side terminals to each of the load-side terminals, and multiple mechanical relays that switch the connection state of the internal wiring. The connection state of the internal wiring can be switched by switching the mechanical relays on (closed) or off (open). In other words, by switching the mechanical relays on or off, the load-side terminal that outputs a current input to the switch-side terminal or the switch-side terminal that outputs a current input to the load-side terminal is changed. By making it possible to change the connection state of the internal wiring according to the classification of the connected on-board load, it is possible to perform drive control for the on-board load regardless of the classification of the on-board load connected, thereby providing a multi-input / output device with high availability and flexibility. In other words, the multi-input / output device to which on-board loads of multiple classifications are connected can be standardized (fixed). Therefore, the multi-input / output device can be universally installed (applied) to different vehicle models, and by promoting the standardization of parts, product costs can be reduced. Note that the multi-input / output device may include a semiconductor relay instead of a mechanical relay.

[0012] (2) An in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of connection lines connecting at least two of the plurality of internal connections, and the mechanical relay includes a connection relay provided on each of the connection lines.

[0013] In this aspect, the multi-input / output device includes a plurality of connection lines, each connecting two internal wires. Each connection line is provided with a mechanical relay (connection relay). When the connection relay is turned on, the two internal wires connected by the connection line are electrically connected. That is, the connection relay switches the connection state of the internal wires. This makes it possible to change the load-side terminal that outputs current to the switch-side terminal to which current is input, or the switch-side terminal that outputs current to the load-side terminal to which current is input. Therefore, the path through which current flows within the multi-input / output device can be changed depending on the upstream or downstream open / close switch that is turned on, the classification of the connected vehicle load, or the load-side terminal to which the vehicle load is connected.

[0014] (3) In an in-vehicle device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the four switch side terminals include a first switch side terminal, a second switch side terminal, a third switch side terminal, and a fourth switch side terminal; the plurality of load side terminals include a first load side terminal, a second load side terminal, a third load side terminal, and a fourth load side terminal; and the internal connections include a first internal connection connecting the first switch side terminal and the first load side terminal, a second internal connection connecting the second switch side terminal and the second load side terminal, and a third internal connection connecting the third switch side terminal and the third load side terminal. a third internal connection connecting the fourth switch side terminal and the fourth load side terminal, and a fourth internal connection connecting the fourth switch side terminal and the fourth load side terminal, and the connection wires include a twelfth connection wire connecting the first internal connection and the second internal connection, a thirteenth connection wire connecting the first internal connection and the third internal connection, a fourteenth connection wire connecting the first internal connection and the fourth internal connection, a twenty-third connection wire connecting the second internal connection and the third internal connection, and a thirty-fourth connection wire connecting the third internal connection and the fourth internal connection.

[0015] In this aspect, the multi-input / output device includes four switch-side terminals and four load-side terminals. Each switch-side terminal (first switch-side terminal, second switch-side terminal, third switch-side terminal, and fourth switch-side terminal) and each load-side terminal (first load-side terminal, second load-side terminal, third load-side terminal, and fourth load-side terminal) are connected one-to-one via internal wiring. The four internal wirings (first to second internal wirings) are connected to each other via a connection line in which a mechanical relay (connection relay) is provided. By switching the connection relay provided in the connection line on or off, when a current is input to either the first switch-side terminal or the second switch-side terminal connected to the power supply device via the upstream open / close switch, a current can be output from any of the first to fourth load-side terminals. Furthermore, when a current is input to any of the first to fourth load terminals, the current can be output from either the third switch terminal or the fourth switch terminal, which is grounded via the downstream open / close switch. This makes it possible to control the drive of any type of on-board load that is connected.

[0016] (4) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mechanical relay includes a switch-side relay provided at the switch-side terminal and switching between the presence and absence of current flow between the switch-side terminal and the internal wiring, and a load-side relay provided at the load-side terminal and switching between the presence and absence of current flow between the internal wiring and the load-side terminal.

[0017] In this aspect, the multi-input / output device includes a mechanical relay (switch-side relay) that switches the connection / disconnection between each switch-side terminal and the internal wiring, and a mechanical relay (load-side relay) that switches the connection / disconnection between each load-side terminal and the internal wiring. That is, the switch-side relay is provided inside the switch-side terminal in the multi-input / output device, and the load-side relay is provided inside the load-side terminal in the multi-input / output device. The switch-side relay may be built into the switch-side terminal, and the load-side relay may be built into the load-side terminal. By switching the switch-side relay or the load-side relay on or off based on the upstream-side open / close switch or the downstream-side open / close switch that is turned on or the load-side terminal to which the load is connected, it is possible to prevent a through current (ground fault current) from being input or output to the multi-input / output device while controlling the drive of the on-vehicle load.

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

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

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

[0021] In this embodiment, by turning off the load side relay provided at the load side terminal to which no load is connected, if a short circuit failure (short circuit failure) occurs in the connection relay or if an on-board load is incorrectly connected to the load side terminal, it is possible to prevent a through current from being input or output in the load side relay.

[0022] (7) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the two upstream opening / closing switches include a first upstream opening / closing switch connected to the first switch-side terminal and a second upstream opening / closing switch connected to the second switch-side terminal, the two downstream opening / closing switches include a first downstream opening / closing switch connected to the third switch-side terminal and a second downstream opening / closing switch connected to the fourth switch-side terminal, the connection relays include a 12th connection relay provided on the 12th connection line, a 13th connection relay provided on the 13th connection line, a 14th connection relay provided on the 14th connection line, a 23rd connection relay provided on the 23rd connection line, and a 34th connection relay provided on the 34th connection line, and the rated current values ​​of the first load side terminal and the fourth load side terminal are higher than the rated current values ​​of the second load side terminal and the third load side terminal.

[0023] In this aspect, when all connection relays are off, a current input to the first switch-side terminal via the first upstream switch energizes the first internal connection and is output from the first load-side terminal. A current input to the second switch-side terminal via the second upstream switch energizes the second internal connection and is output from the second load-side terminal. A current input to the third load-side switch energizes the third internal connection and is output from the third switch-side terminal and flows to ground via the first downstream switch. A current input to the fourth load-side switch energizes the fourth internal connection and is output from the fourth switch-side terminal and flows to ground via the second downstream switch. By turning on each connection relay and electrically connecting the internal connections, it is possible to change the load-side terminal or switch-side terminal that outputs the current from the switch-side terminal or load-side terminal that inputs the current. Furthermore, the power line connecting the first load side terminal or the fourth load side terminal to the load may be, for example, a power line with a relatively large diameter, and the rated current values ​​of the first load side terminal and the fourth load side terminal may be relatively high. Furthermore, the power line connecting the second load side terminal or the third load side terminal to the load may be, for example, a power line with a relatively small diameter, and the rated current values ​​of the second load side terminal and the third load side terminal may be relatively low. By lowering the rated current values ​​of some of the load side terminals, it is possible to accommodate multiple categories of in-vehicle loads while reducing product costs. The multi-input / output device may also include a 24th connecting line connecting the second internal connection to the fourth internal connection, and a 24th connecting relay provided on the 24th connecting line.

[0024] (8) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a forward / reverse load including a forward / reverse motor, one end of the forward / reverse load is connected to the first load side terminal and the other end of the forward / reverse load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, and when the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off, and when the second upstream opening / closing switch and the first downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 13th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

[0025] In this aspect, the on-vehicle load connected to the load terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward / reverse-rotation load including a forward / reverse-rotation motor, and is driven in forward or reverse rotation depending on the direction (polarity) of the input current (flowing through the forward / reverse-rotation load). One end of the forward / reverse-rotation load is connected to the first load terminal, and the other end is connected to the fourth load terminal. When the first upstream switch and the second downstream switch are turned on, all connection relays are turned off. As a result, current input to the first switch terminal is output from the first load terminal, and power input to the fourth load terminal is output from the fourth switch terminal. In other words, current output from the first load terminal is input to the fourth load terminal via the forward / reverse-rotation load, driving the forward / reverse-rotation load (forward drive). In this case, a first half-bridge circuit is formed by the first upstream switch and the second downstream switch. When the second upstream switch and the first downstream switch are turned on, the 13th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned on. As a result, current input to the second switch terminal is output from the fourth load terminal, and power input to the first load terminal is output from the third switch terminal. That is, current output from the fourth load terminal is input to the first load terminal via the forward / reverse load, driving the forward / reverse load (reverse drive). At this time, a second half-bridge circuit is formed by the second upstream switch and the first downstream switch. That is, by making the internal wiring in the multi-input / output device changeable, a first half-bridge circuit is formed by the first upstream switch and the second downstream switch, a second half-bridge circuit is formed by the second upstream switch and the first downstream switch, and a full-bridge circuit is formed by these first half-bridge circuit and second half-bridge circuit. In this way, by switching the connection relays in the multi-input / output device on or off, a full-bridge circuit in which currents of opposite polarities flow through a forward / reverse load including a forward / reverse motor can be formed, thereby controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the forward / reverse load. In addition, when the multi-input / output device includes a 24th connection and a 24th connection relay, the 24th connection relay may be turned on instead of the 23rd connection relay and the 34th connection relay.Furthermore, regardless of which upstream or downstream switch is turned on, the thirteenth connection relay and the twenty-fourth connection relay may be fixed to an on state.

[0026] (9) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, and the forward load includes a plurality of power supply loads whose input terminals are connected to the power supply device and a plurality of ground loads whose output terminals are grounded to the ground, the plurality of power supply loads include a first power supply load whose output terminal is connected to the third load terminal and a second power supply load whose output terminal is connected to the fourth load terminal, the plurality of ground loads include a first ground load whose input terminal is connected to the first load terminal and a second ground load whose input terminal is connected to the second load terminal, and the 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off.

[0027] In this aspect, the on-vehicle loads connected to the load terminals of the multi-input / output device are forward loads through which current flows in only one direction, and multiple on-vehicle loads (forward loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device. The forward loads include two power supply loads (a first power supply load and a second power supply load) connected to the power supply device and two ground loads (a first ground load and a second ground load) grounded to ground. The output terminal of the first power supply load is connected to the third load terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the output terminal of the second power supply load is connected to the fourth load terminal. The input terminal of the first ground load is connected to the first load terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the input terminal of the second ground load is connected to the second load terminal. The power supply loads and ground loads of this aspect are small-current loads such as LEDs that are driven by low-current power (low power consumption). When two power supply loads and two ground loads, each of which is a low-current load, are connected to the multi-input / output device, the 12th, 13th, 14th, 23rd, and 34th connection relays are turned off. In this case, the first downstream switch connected in series to the first power supply load connected to the power supply device via the third internal connection and the second downstream switch connected in series to the second power supply load connected to the power supply device via the fourth internal connection correspond to low-side switches. The first upstream switch connected in series to the first ground load grounded (connected) to ground via the first internal connection and the second upstream switch connected in series to the second ground load grounded (connected) to ground via the second internal connection correspond to high-side switches. In this way, the forward load can include an on-board load connected to the low-side switch and an on-board load connected to the high-side switch by switching off all connection relays according to the load characteristics or product specifications.

[0028] (10) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a normal load through which current flows in only one direction, and the normal load includes a power supply side load in which an input end of the normal load is connected to the power supply device and an output end of the normal load is connected to the third load side terminal, and a ground side load in which an output end of the normal load is grounded to the ground and an output end of the normal load is connected to the second load side terminal, and when the first upstream side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and when the second downstream side opening / closing switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on.

[0029] In this aspect, the on-board load connected to the load terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, and multiple on-board loads (forward loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device. The forward loads include a power supply load connected to the power supply device and a ground load grounded to ground. The output terminal of the power supply load is connected to the third load terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the input terminal of the ground load is connected to the second load terminal of the multi-input / output device. The power supply load and ground load in this aspect are small-current loads, such as LEDs, that are driven by low-current power. The current flowing through the power supply load and ground load in this aspect is controlled by fail-safe control by complementarily controlling the opening and closing of two switches on the same side of two downstream switches or two upstream switches. When the first downstream switch is turned on and the second downstream switch is turned off, all connection relays are turned off, and the current input from the power supply load to the third load terminal flows to ground via the third switch terminal and the first downstream switch. When the first downstream switch is turned off and the second downstream switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on, and current input from the power supply load to the third load terminal flows to ground via the fourth switch terminal and the second downstream switch. When the first upstream switch is turned on and the second upstream switch is turned off, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and current input from the power supply device to the first switch terminal via the first upstream switch is output from the second load terminal to the ground load. When the first upstream switch is turned off and the second upstream switch is turned on, all connection relays are turned off, and current input from the power supply device to the second switch terminal via the second upstream switch is output from the second load terminal to the ground load. In this way, by controlling the opening and closing of the upstream opening / closing switch or the downstream opening / closing switch in a complementary manner and switching the connection relay on or off depending on which upstream opening / closing switch or downstream opening / closing switch is turned on, it is possible to control the current flowing to the vehicle load through fail-safe control.The 12th connection relay or the 34th connection relay may be fixed to an on state regardless of which upstream or downstream switch is turned on.

[0030] (11) In one aspect of the in-vehicle device of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a forward load in which current flows in only one direction, the input end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the output end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, and when the second upstream opening / closing switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and when the first downstream opening / closing switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on.

[0031] In this aspect, the on-board load connected to the load terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, with the input end of the forward load connected to the first load terminal of the multi-input / output device and the output end connected to the fourth load terminal. The on-board load according to this aspect is a low-current load, such as an LED, that is driven by low-current power. The current flowing through the on-board load (forward load) according to this aspect is controlled by fail-safe control by complementarily controlling the opening and closing of two on-board switches on the same side of two downstream switches or two upstream switches. When the first upstream switch is turned on and the second upstream switch is turned off, all connection relays are turned off, and the current input from the power supply device to the first switch terminal via the first upstream switch is output from the first load terminal to the on-board load. When the second upstream switch is turned off and the first upstream switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and a current input from the power supply device to the second switch-side terminal via the second upstream switch is output from the first load-side terminal to the vehicle load. When the first downstream switch is turned on and the second downstream switch is turned off, the 34th connection relay is turned on, and a current input from the power supply load to the fourth load-side terminal flows to ground via the third switch-side terminal and the first downstream switch. When the first downstream switch is turned off and the second downstream switch is turned on, all connection relays are turned off, and a current input from the power supply load to the fourth load-side terminal flows to ground via the fourth switch-side terminal and the second downstream switch. In this way, by controlling the upstream switch or downstream switch in a complementary manner and switching the connection relay on or off depending on which upstream switch or downstream switch is turned on, it is possible to control the current flowing to the vehicle load by fail-safe control. The 12th connection relay or the 34th connection relay may be fixed to an on state regardless of which upstream or downstream switch is turned on.

[0032] (12) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is a normal load through which current flows in only one direction, and the normal load includes a power supply-side load in which an input end of the normal load is connected to the power supply device and an output end of the normal load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal, and a ground-side load in which an output end of the normal load is grounded to the ground and an input end of the normal load is connected to the first load-side terminal, and when the first upstream-side opening / closing switch, the second upstream-side opening / closing switch, the first downstream-side opening / closing switch, and the second downstream-side opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

[0033] In this aspect, a plurality of vehicle loads (forward loads) are forward loads through which current flows in only one direction, and are connected to the multi-input / output device. The forward loads include a power supply load connected to the power supply device and a ground load grounded to ground. The output terminal of the power supply load is connected to the fourth load terminal of the multi-input / output device, and the input terminal of the ground load is connected to the first load terminal of the multi-input / output device. The power supply load and ground load in this aspect are high-current loads, such as motors, driven by high-current power. The current flowing through the power supply load and ground load in this aspect is a high current (high-current current) that flows when two downstream switches or two upstream switches on the same side are simultaneously turned on. When the first upstream switch and the second upstream switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and both the current input to the first switch terminal via the first upstream switch and the current input to the second switch terminal via the second upstream switch are output from the first load terminal to the ground load. Furthermore, when the first downstream switch and the second downstream switch are turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the power supply load to the fourth load terminal is divided and output from the third switch terminal and the fourth switch terminal, and flows to ground via the first downstream switch or the second downstream switch. In this way, by simultaneously turning on the two switches on the same side and connecting the first internal connection and the second internal connection, or the third internal connection and the fourth internal connection, the multi-input / output device can input a large current input via the two upstream switches to the vehicle load, or can flow a large current input from the vehicle load to ground.

[0034] (13) In an in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a normal load in which current flows in only one direction, the input end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the output end of the in-vehicle load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, and when the first upstream opening / closing switch, the second upstream opening / closing switch, the first downstream opening / closing switch, and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

[0035] In this aspect, the on-board load connected to the load terminal of the multi-input / output device is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, with the input end of the forward load connected to the first load terminal of the multi-input / output device and the output end connected to the fourth load terminal. The on-board load in this aspect is a high-current load, such as a motor, driven by high-current power. The current flowing through the on-board load in this aspect is a high current (high-current current) that flows when two downstream on-off switches or two upstream on-off switches on the same side are simultaneously turned on. When the first upstream on-off switch and the second upstream on-off switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and both the current input to the first switch terminal via the first upstream on-off switch and the current input to the second switch terminal via the second upstream on-off switch are output from the first load terminal to the on-board load. Furthermore, when the first downstream switch and the second downstream switch are turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on, and the current input from the vehicle load to the fourth load terminal is divided and output from the third switch terminal and the fourth switch terminal, and flows to ground via the first downstream switch or the second downstream switch. In this way, by simultaneously turning on the two open / close switches on the same side and connecting the first internal connection and the second internal connection, or the third internal connection and the fourth internal connection, the multi-input / output device can input a large current input via the two upstream open / close switches to the vehicle load, or can flow a large current input from the vehicle load to ground.

[0036] (14) In the in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load.

[0037] In this aspect, the electromechanical load may be configured, for example, as a module in which an inverter, a reducer (gear), and a motor are integrated, and may include a control module such as a microcomputer that controls the inverter. That is, the electromechanical load may be connected to an in-vehicle network and function as an in-vehicle ECU. For example, when an in-vehicle device that controls an upstream switch, a downstream switch, and a mechanical relay is connected to the electromechanical load via the in-vehicle network, a control unit (microcomputer) of the in-vehicle device may communicate with the electromechanical load and acquire load specifications of the electromechanical load. The control unit (microcomputer) of the in-vehicle device may determine a connection mode (internal wiring connection mode) for the electromechanical load by switching on or off each mechanical relay (connection relay) based on the load specifications acquired from the electromechanical load and the terminal numbers of the load-side terminals to which the electromechanical load is connected, and thereby control the drive of the electromechanical load. Even when an electromechanical integrated load is connected to an on-board device in this way, flexible response is possible by connecting the multi-input / output device and the electromechanical integrated load and switching the connection relay on or off according to the load specifications of the electromechanical integrated load.

[0038] (15) In one aspect of the in-vehicle device of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load including a forward / reverse rotating motor, and the electromechanical integrated load includes a first electromechanical integrated load having one end connected to the first load side terminal and a second electromechanical integrated load having one end connected to the fourth load side terminal, and when the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 23rd connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on, and when the first downstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 14th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

[0039] In this aspect, the on-board loads connected to the load terminals of the multi-input / output device include two electromechanical integrated loads (a first electromechanical integrated load and a second electromechanical integrated load) including a forward / reverse rotating motor. One end of the first electromechanical integrated load is connected to the first load terminal of the multi-input / output device, and one end of the second electromechanical integrated load is connected to the fourth load terminal of the multi-input / output device. When rotating forward, the electromechanical integrated load according to this aspect needs to receive current from a power supply via the multi-input / output device. When rotating reversely, the electromechanical integrated load needs to output current to ground via the multi-input / output device. The electromechanical integrated load communicates with an on-board device that controls an upstream open / close switch, a downstream open / close switch, and a mechanical relay, for example, via an in-vehicle network, and notifies the on-board device of whether the electromechanical integrated load rotates forward or reverse (rotation direction). The on-board device switches a connection relay on or off based on the notified rotation direction of the electromechanical integrated load. In this embodiment, the first and second mechanically and electrically integrated loads simultaneously rotate in the same direction, but may simultaneously rotate in opposite directions. When the two mechanically and electrically integrated loads rotate forward, the first and second upstream switches are turned on, and the 23rd and 34th connection relays are turned on. As a result, a current input to the first switch-side terminal via the first upstream switch is output from the first load-side terminal to the first mechanically and electrically integrated load, and a current input to the second switch-side terminal via the second upstream switch is output from the fourth load-side terminal to the second mechanically and electrically integrated load. When the two mechanically and electrically integrated loads rotate in the opposite direction, the first and second downstream switches are turned on, and the 14th and 34th connection relays are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first load side terminal via the first mechanically and electrically integrated load is output to ground from the fourth switch side terminal via the second downstream opening / closing switch, and the current input to the fourth load side terminal via the second mechanically and electrically integrated load is output to ground from the third switch side terminal via the first downstream opening / closing switch.In this way, by switching the connection relay in the multi-input / output device on or off, a full bridge circuit can be formed in which currents of opposite polarities flow through an integrated electromechanical load including a forward / reverse rotating motor, and forward and reverse drive control can be performed for the integrated electromechanical load.

[0040] (16) An in-vehicle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, the in-vehicle device comprising: two upstream open-close switches having input terminals connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load; two downstream open-close switches having output terminals grounded to ground; four switch-side terminals to which the upstream open-close switches or the downstream open-close switches are connected; and a plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected; and a control unit that controls opening and closing of the upstream open-close switches and the downstream open-close switches, the multi-input / output device comprising: a plurality of internal wirings connecting each of the switch-side terminals to the load-side terminals; and a plurality of mechanical relays that switch connection states of the plurality of internal wirings depending on the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals, and the control unit executes control to switch the plurality of mechanical relays on or off based on the upstream open-close switch or the downstream open-close switch that is turned on, the classification of the in-vehicle load, and the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected.

[0041] In this aspect, the in-vehicle device includes two upstream switches, two downstream switches, a multi-input / output device (multi-I / O) to which these switches are connected, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the two upstream switches and the two downstream switches. The in-vehicle device is connected to at least one of the two upstream switches and the two downstream switches via the multi-input / output device (multi-I / O). In this way, the two upstream switches and the two downstream switches are each connected to the multi-input / output device, and are connected to the in-vehicle load via the multi-input / output device that is configured to switch on or off a mechanical relay according to the in-vehicle load and to change the connection state between internal wires, thereby preventing the occurrence of unused switches that are not connected to an in-vehicle load. The control unit switches the connection relay of the multi-input / output device on or off depending on the upstream or downstream switch that is turned on, the classification of the connected vehicle load, and the load-side terminal to which the vehicle load is connected. This allows the control unit to drive and control the vehicle load regardless of the classification of the connected vehicle load, thereby providing an in-vehicle device with high availability and flexibility. That is, the number and connection mode of the switch-side terminals of the multi-input / output device can be standardized (fixed). By switching the mechanical relay on or off depending on the classification of the vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals of the multi-input / output device, the connection state (wiring state) of the internal wiring of the multi-input / output device can be changed, thereby flexibly responding to the vehicle load. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can be universally installed (applied) to different vehicle models, and by promoting the standardization of parts, product costs can be reduced. In addition, the multi-input / output device is equipped with an input / output device control unit that communicates with the control unit of the in-vehicle device, and the input / output device control unit may switch the mechanical relay on or off based on information obtained from the control unit regarding the upstream opening / closing switch or downstream opening / closing switch to be turned on.

[0042] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] The present disclosure will be specifically described based on the drawings showing the embodiment. An in-vehicle device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0043] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an in-vehicle system S including an in-vehicle device 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the in-vehicle device 1. The in-vehicle system S is composed of an in-vehicle device 1 mounted on a vehicle C and an in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 via a power line 51. The in-vehicle device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of in-vehicle ECUs 2 via an in-vehicle network 3, and drives (starts power supply) or stops (cuts off power supply) the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 in response to messages transmitted from the in-vehicle ECUs 2 or output signals from various sensors, etc.

[0044] The vehicle C is equipped with a power supply device 5 configured with a lead battery, an alternator, a secondary battery, or the like. The power supply device 5 and the in-vehicle device 1 are connected by a power line 51. The power supply device 5 and the in-vehicle device 1 are not limited to being directly connected by the power line 51, but may be indirectly connected via an electrical box (junction box) such as a relay box or a fuse box interposed between the power supply device 5 and the in-vehicle device 1.

[0045] The on-board load 4 is, for example, an actuator such as a car air conditioner, a lamp, or a drive motor. The on-board load 4 has a different connection configuration depending on the load type, including, for example, a high-side switch connection configuration (load type: small-current forward-rotating load 42 or large-current forward-rotating load 43 / ground-side load), a low-side switch connection configuration (load type: small-current forward-rotating load 42 or large-current forward-rotating load 43 / power-supply-side load), or a full-bridge 92 connection configuration (load type: forward / reverse-rotating load 41). The small-current forward-rotating load 42 and the large-current forward-rotating load 43 are on-board loads 4 through which current flows in only one direction. The forward / reverse-rotating load 41 includes a forward / reverse-rotating motor and is driven in forward or reverse rotation depending on the direction (polarity) of the input current (flowing through the forward / reverse-rotating load 41). As will be described in more detail below, the in-vehicle device 1 is equipped with one or more (one in the illustration) multi-input / output devices 6 (multi-I / O), and each of the multi-input / output devices 6 is connected to four opening / closing switches (a first upstream opening / closing switch 71, a second upstream opening / closing switch 72, a first downstream opening / closing switch 81, and a second downstream opening / closing switch 82).

[0046] By changing the connection mode (connection state) of the internal wiring 62 (first connection 621, second connection 622, third connection 623, and fourth connection 624) of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in accordance with the classification (product specifications, model, etc.) of the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the multi-input / output device 6, it is possible to achieve a general-purpose connection (support) regardless of the load type of the in-vehicle load 4, and allow the in-vehicle device 1 to function as a load type sorting multi-IO device. The in-vehicle device 1 may acquire load information of the connected in-vehicle load 4, and determine and change the connection mode of the in-vehicle load 4 based on the acquired load information. Based on the load information, the vehicle-mounted device 1 determines the connection mode by controlling the opening and closing of the mechanical relays 6a (connection relays 63a) provided on each of the connection lines 63 (the 12th connection line 631, the 13th connection line 632, the 14th connection line 633, the 23rd connection line 634, and the 34th connection line 635) that connect the internal connections 62 together, and functions as a power supply control device that controls the start or stop of the vehicle-mounted loads 4, etc. by controlling the drive of the vehicle-mounted loads 4 according to the determined connection mode.

[0047] The in-vehicle device 1 functions as a power supply control device that controls the driving or stopping of the in-vehicle load 4, and may be a device having a relay function such as a CAN gateway. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be an integrated ECU (vehicle computer) that controls the entire vehicle C in an integrated manner and has a relay function. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be an individual ECU connected under the integrated ECU and disposed in each area of ​​the vehicle C. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be configured as a body ECU or the like that controls body actuators of the vehicle C. Alternatively, the in-vehicle device 1 may be a PLB (Power LAN Box) that functions as a power distribution device that distributes and relays power output from a power supply device 5 such as a secondary battery and supplies power to in-vehicle devices such as actuators, in addition to relaying communication.

[0048] The in-vehicle device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and an input / output I / F 14, which may be configured as a package using, for example, a microcomputer 10. The in-vehicle device 1 further includes one or more (one in the illustrated example) multi-input / output devices 6 (multi-I / O). The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) has two upstream open-close switches (a first upstream open-close switch 71 and a second upstream open-close switch 72) and two downstream open-close switches (a first downstream open-close switch 81 and a second downstream open-close switch 82) connected to switch-side terminals 60 (a first switch-side terminal 601, a second switch-side terminal 602, a third switch-side terminal 603, and a fourth switch-side terminal 604) of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), respectively. The first upstream switch 71 , the second upstream switch 72 , the first downstream switch 81 , and the second downstream switch 82 are connected to the input / output I / F 14 (microcomputer 10 ) via a signal line 140 .

[0049] The control unit 11 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and performs various control processes and arithmetic processes by reading and executing a control program P (program product) and data pre-stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 outputs control signals such as duty via the input / output I / F 14 and a signal line 140 to perform open / close control of the open / close switches, including the first upstream open / close switch 71, the second upstream open / close switch 72, the first downstream open / close switch 81, and the second downstream open / close switch 82, which are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). The control unit 11 also controls the opening and closing of the mechanical relays 6a, including a plurality of connection relays 63a (a twelfth connection relay 631a, a thirteenth connection relay 632a, a fourteenth connection relay 633a, a twenty-third connection relay 634a, and a thirty-fourth connection relay 635a), the switch-side relays 60a (a first switch-side relay 601a, a second switch-side relay 602a, a third switch-side relay 603a, and a fourth switch-side relay 604a), and the load-side relays 61a (a first load-side relay 611a, a second load-side relay 612a, a third load-side relay 613a, and a fourth load-side relay 614a), via the input / output I / F 14 and the signal line 140. The on-state of the opening and closing switches and the mechanical relays 6a is a closed state, and the off-state is an open state.

[0050] The storage unit 12 is configured with a volatile memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory element such as a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory, or a combination of these storage devices, and stores a control program P (program product) and data to be referenced during processing in advance. The control program P (program product) stored in the storage unit 12 may be a control program P (program product) read from a recording medium M readable by the in-vehicle device 1. Alternatively, the control program P (program product) may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network (not shown) and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0051] The communication unit 13 is an input / output interface that uses a communication protocol such as CAN, CAN-FD, or Ethernet (registered trademark), and the control unit 11 communicates with the in-vehicle ECU 2 connected to the in-vehicle network 3 via the communication unit 13. The in-vehicle device 1 may be provided with a plurality of communication units 13.

[0052] The input / output I / F 14 is a communication interface for, for example, serial communication. The input / output I / F 14 includes multiple terminals (signal terminals), each of which is connected to a signal line 140 extending to a gate terminal of the first upstream open / close switch 71, the second upstream open / close switch 72, the first downstream open / close switch 81, and the second downstream open / close switch 82. The signal line 140 is configured, for example, as a serial cable, a wire harness, or a conductive cable (direct wire) that transmits only one signal. Furthermore, the input / output I / F 14 is connected to each of the signal lines extending to the coil terminals of each mechanical relay 6 a included in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). The signal line is configured, for example, as a serial cable, a wire harness, or a conductive cable (direct wire) that transmits only one signal. To avoid complication, the signal lines connecting the input / output I / F 14 and each mechanical relay 6 a are omitted from FIG. 2 . The mechanical relay 6a may be of a hinge type or a plunger type.

[0053] Each of the multi-input / output devices 6 (multi-I / O) is connected to two upstream switches (a first upstream switch 71 and a second upstream switch 72) and two downstream switches (a first downstream switch 81 and a second downstream switch 82). The first upstream switch 71, the second upstream switch 72, the first downstream switch 81, and the second downstream switch 82 are configured with semiconductor switches such as N-channel field effect transistors (NchFETs). Alternatively, these switches may be configured with intelligent power devices (IPDs) including N-channel FETs. Alternatively, these switches may be configured with P-channel FETs.

[0054] The input terminals of the two upstream switches (the first upstream switch 71 and the second upstream switch 72) are connected to the power supply device 5 via a power line 51. These two upstream switches (the first upstream switch 71 and the second upstream switch 72) function as high-side switches. The output terminals of the two upstream switches (the first upstream switch 71 and the second upstream switch 72) are connected to switch-side terminals (the first upstream switch 71 is connected to the first switch-side terminal 601, and the second upstream switch 72 is connected to the second switch-side terminal 602) of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) via conductors such as an internal bus or a land. The control terminals of the two upstream switches (the first upstream switch 71 and the second upstream switch 72) are connected to the input / output I / F 14 (the microcomputer 10) via a signal line 140.

[0055] Input terminals of the two downstream-side switches (the first downstream-side switch 81 and the second downstream-side switch 82) are connected to switch-side terminals (the first downstream-side switch 81 is connected to the third switch-side terminal 603, and the second downstream-side switch 82 is connected to the fourth switch-side terminal 604) of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) via conductors such as an internal bus or a land. These two downstream-side switches (the first downstream-side switch 81 and the second downstream-side switch 82) function as low-side switches. Output terminals of the two downstream-side switches (the first downstream-side switch 81 and the second downstream-side switch 82) are connected (grounded) to a common ground (GND) constituted by, for example, the body of the vehicle C, via a power line 51. Control terminals of the two downstream-side switches (the first downstream-side switch 81 and the second downstream-side switch 82) are connected to the input / output I / F 14 (the microcomputer 10) via a signal line 140.

[0056] The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) includes four switch-side terminals (a first switch-side terminal 601, a second switch-side terminal 602, a third switch-side terminal 603, and a fourth switch-side terminal 604) and four load-side terminals (a first load-side terminal 611, a second load-side terminal 612, a third load-side terminal 613, and a fourth load-side terminal 614). The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) further includes four internal connections 62 (a first connection 621, a second connection 622, a third connection 623, and a fourth connection 624) that connect the four switch-side terminals to the four load-side terminals, respectively.

[0057] The first switch side terminal 601 and the first load side terminal 611 are connected by a first connection 621. The second switch side terminal 602 and the second load side terminal 612 are connected by a second connection 622. The third switch side terminal 603 and the third load side terminal 613 are connected by a third connection 623. The fourth switch side terminal 604 and the fourth load side terminal 614 are connected by a fourth connection 624.

[0058] One of the open / close switches is connected to each of the switch-side terminals 60. One of the load-side terminals is connected to an in-vehicle load 4. Therefore, the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is disposed between the first upstream open / close switch 71, the second upstream open / close switch 72, the first downstream open / close switch 81, and the second downstream open / close switch 82 and the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1.

[0059] The multi-input / output device 6 includes a mechanical relay 6a (connection relay 63a) provided in each of a plurality of internal connection lines 63 (a twelfth connection line 631, a thirteenth connection line 632, a fourteenth connection line 633, a twenty-third connection line 634, and a thirty-fourth connection line 635) that connect two of the four internal connections 62 (a first connection line 621, a second connection line 622, a third connection line 623, and a fourth connection line 624). The twelfth connection line 631 connects the first connection line 621 and the second connection line 622. The thirteenth connection line 632 connects the first connection line 621 and the third connection line 623. The fourteenth connection line 633 connects the first connection line 621 and the fourth connection line 624. The twenty-third connection line 634 connects the second connection line 622 and the third connection line 623. The thirty-fourth connection line 635 connects the third connection line 623 and the fourth connection line 624 .

[0060] Each of the connection lines 63 is provided with a mechanical relay 6a (connection relay 63a) that switches between energization and de-energization of the connection line 63. The connection relays 63a include a twelfth connection relay 631a, a thirteenth connection relay 632a, a fourteenth connection relay 633a, a twenty-third connection relay 634a, and a thirty-fourth connection relay 635a. The twelfth connection relay 631a is provided on the twelfth connection line 631, the thirteenth connection relay 632a is provided on the thirteenth connection line 632, the thirteenth connection relay 632a is provided on the thirteenth connection line 632, the fourteenth connection relay 633a is provided on the fourteenth connection line 633, the twenty-third connection relay 634a is provided on the twenty-third connection line, and the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a is provided on the thirty-fourth connection line 635.

[0061] Each switch-side terminal 60 is provided with a switch-side relay 60a (a first switch-side relay 601a, a second switch-side relay 602a, a third switch-side relay 603a, and a fourth switch-side relay 604a). In this embodiment, the switch-side relay 60a is incorporated into the switch-side terminal 60, but this is not limiting. The switch-side relay 60a may connect the switch-side terminal 60 to the internal wiring 62, or may be provided on the internal wiring 62 closer to the switch-side terminal 60 than the connection points between all the connection lines 63 and the internal wiring. The first switch-side terminal 601 is provided with a first switch-side relay 601a. ​​The second switch-side terminal 602 is provided with a second switch-side relay 602a. The third switch-side terminal 603 is provided with a third switch-side relay 603a. The fourth switch-side terminal 604 is provided with a fourth switch-side relay 604a.

[0062] Each load side terminal 61 is provided with a load side relay 61a (a first load side relay 611a, a second load side relay 612a, a third load side relay 613a, and a fourth load side relay 614a). In this embodiment, the load side relay 61a is incorporated into the load side terminal 61, but this is not limiting. The load side relay 61a may connect the load side terminal 61 to the internal wiring 62, or may be provided on the load side terminal 61 side of the internal wiring 62 at a position closer to the load side terminal 61 than the connection points between all the connection lines 63 and the internal wiring. The first load side terminal 611 is provided with a first load side relay 611a. The second load side terminal 612 is provided with a second load side relay 612a. The third load side terminal 613 is provided with a third load side relay 613a. The fourth load side terminal 614 is provided with a fourth load side relay 614a.

[0063] As an example of this embodiment, two small-current forward loads 42 are connected to a multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). As shown, one end of the upper small-current forward load 42 (power-supply-side load) is connected to the power supply 5, and the other end is connected to a third load-side terminal 613. The upper small-current forward load 42 is connected to two downstream switches (a first downstream switch 81 and a second downstream switch 82) that function as low-side switches via the third load-side terminal 613. In this case, the third connection 623 and the fourth connection 624, to which the first downstream switch 81 and the second downstream switch 82 are connected, are connected by turning on (closed) the 34th connection relay 635a. Furthermore, by turning on the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, and the third load-side relay 613a, current flows from the third load-side terminal 613 to the third switch-side relay 603a and the fourth switch-side relay 604a.

[0064] As shown in the figure, one end of the lower small-current forward load 42 (ground-side load) is connected to the second load-side terminal 612, and the other end is grounded (connected) to ground. The lower small-current forward load 42 (ground-side load) is connected to two upstream switches (a first upstream switch 71 and a second upstream switch 72) functioning as high-side switches via the second load-side terminal 612. The first connection 621 and the second connection 622, to which the first upstream switch 71 and the second upstream switch 72 are connected, are connected by turning on (closed state) the twelfth connection relay 631a. Furthermore, by turning on the first switch-side relay 601a, the second switch-side relay 602a, and the second load-side relay 612a, current flows from the first switch-side relay 601a and the second switch-side relay 602a to the second load-side relay 612a.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the on-board device 1 and the on-board load 4 (forward / reverse rotation load 41) during forward rotation. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the on-board device and the on-board load (forward / reverse rotation load) during reverse rotation. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the on-board load (forward / reverse rotation load). The relay switching table shows the open / close switches that are turned on according to the on-board load 4 and the mechanical relays 6a that are turned on for the open / close switches that are turned on. In the relay switching table, the open / close switches or mechanical relays 6a that are turned on are indicated by circles, and the open / close switches or mechanical relays 6a that are turned off are indicated by crosses. The same applies to FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 18. The switch-side relays 60a of the switch-side terminals 60 connected to the open / close switches that are turned on are turned on, and the switch-side relays 60a of the switch-side terminals connected to the open / close switches that are turned off are turned off. Further, the load side relay 61a of the load side terminal 61 to which the vehicle load 4 to be driven is connected is turned on, and the load side relay 61a of the load side terminal 61 to which the vehicle load 4 is not connected is turned off.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, one end of the forward / reverse rotation load 41 is connected to the first load side terminal 611, and the other end of the forward / reverse rotation load 41 is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614. In Figures 3 and 4, whether each open / close switch is turned on or off is indicated. Also, the mechanical relay 6a (connection relay 63a, switch side relay 60a, or load side relay 61a) that is turned on is indicated by a dashed line. Also, the current in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is indicated by a dotted line. The same applies to Figures 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the forward / reverse rotation load 41 is driven in the forward direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the first switch-side relay 601a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the fourth load-side relay 614a, and turns off the other mechanical relays 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) closes (on) the first upstream switch 71, opens (off) the second upstream switch 72, opens (off) the first downstream switch 81, and closes (on) the second downstream switch 82 (see FIG. 5 ), thereby causing the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 to be output from the first load-side terminal 611. Furthermore, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 to be output from the fourth switch-side terminal 604. As a result, a current during forward rotation flows through the forward / reverse rotation load 41, driving it in the forward direction.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4 , when the forward / reverse rotation load 41 is driven in the reverse direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the second switch-side relay 602a, the third switch-side relay 603a, the first load-side relay 611a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, the thirteenth connection relay 632a, the twenty-third connection relay 634a, and the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a, and turns off the other mechanical relays 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) opens (off) the first upstream switch 71, closes (on) the second upstream switch 72, closes (on) the first downstream switch 81, and opens (off) the second downstream switch 82 (see FIG. 5 ). This causes the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 to be output from the fourth load-side terminal 614. Furthermore, the current input to the first load-side terminal 611 to be output from the third switch-side terminal 603. As a result, a reverse current flows through the forward / reverse rotation load 41, and the forward / reverse rotation load 41 is driven in the reverse direction.

[0069] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the on-off switches and the mechanical relays 6a as described above, thereby controlling the drive of the forward / reverse rotation load 41. That is, the connection mode of the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is changed so that a full bridge 92 circuit is configured by the first upstream on-off switch 71, the second upstream on-off switch 72, the first downstream on-off switch 81, and the second downstream on-off switch 82.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (small-current forward load 42). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the in-vehicle load 4 (small-current forward load 42). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a small-current forward load 42 driven by low-current power (the load current flowing through the in-vehicle load 4 is less than a predetermined value). Four small-current forward loads 42 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, i.e., the same number of small-current forward loads 42 as the number of load-side terminals can be connected. The four small-current forward loads 42 include two power-side loads and two ground-side loads.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 6 , one end of the power supply load is connected to the power supply device 5. The other end of the left power supply load is connected to a third load terminal 613. The other end of the right power supply load is connected to a fourth load terminal 614. Note that Fig. 6 shows a case where the first upstream open / close switch 71, the second upstream open / close switch 72, the first downstream open / close switch 81, and the second downstream open / close switch 82 are turned on.

[0072] One end of the left ground load is connected to the second load terminal 612. One end of the right ground load is connected to the first load terminal 611. The other end of the ground load is connected to ground.

[0073] When four small current forward loads 42 (two power supply side loads and two ground side loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this manner, the 12th connection relay 631a, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, the 23rd connection relay 634a, and the 34th connection relay 635a are turned off (see Figure 7).

[0074] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the operation of four small-current forward loads 42 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) by controlling the ON / OFF of the ON / OFF switches to which the small-current forward loads 42 are connected. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the operation of the right-side ground-side load (small-current forward load 42) by controlling the ON / OFF of the first upstream-side ON / OFF switch 71. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the operation of the left-side ground-side load (small-current forward load 42) by controlling the ON / OFF of the second upstream-side ON / OFF switch 72. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the operation of the left-side power-supply-side load (small-current forward load 42) by controlling the ON / OFF of the first downstream-side ON / OFF switch 81. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the operation of the right-side power-supply-side load (small-current forward load 42) by controlling the ON / OFF of the second downstream-side ON / OFF switch 82.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the first upstream open-close switch 71 is turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a and the first load-side relay 611a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. Note that in FIG. 7 , open-close switches or mechanical relays 6a that can be turned on or off when the corresponding open-close switch is turned on are indicated by a null value (-). The same applies to FIGS. 9 , 11 , and 13 . When the second upstream open-close switch 72 is turned on, the second switch-side relay 602a and the second load-side relay 612a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the second load-side terminal 612. When the first downstream open-close switch 81 is turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a and the third load-side relay 613a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the third load side terminal 613 is output from the third switch side terminal 603. When the second downstream side open / close switch 82 is turned on, the fourth switch side relay 604a and the fourth load side relay 614a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load side terminal 614 is output from the fourth switch side terminal 604.

[0076] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6a as described above, and by not connecting the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) to each other, it is possible to drive and control four small current forward loads 42 (two power supply side loads and two ground side loads).

[0077] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an on-board device and an on-board load (fail-safe, etc.). Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-board load (fail-safe, etc.). In the illustration of this embodiment, the on-board load 4 connected to the on-board device 1 is a small-current forward load 42. Two small-current forward loads 42 are connected to the on-board device 1, and the two small-current forward loads 42 include one power-supply side load and one ground-side load.

[0078] One end of the power supply side load is connected to the power supply device 5. The other end of the power supply side load is connected to the third load side terminal 613. One end of the ground side load is connected to the second load side terminal 612. The other end of the ground side load is connected to ground.

[0079] When two small-current forward loads 42 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this manner, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, and the 23rd connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 9). The 12th connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first upstream opening / closing switch 71, and the 34th connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second downstream opening / closing switch 82. Note that FIG. 8 shows a case where the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second downstream opening / closing switch 82 are turned on.

[0080] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening and closing of the switches connected to the small current forward loads 42 when driving and controlling the two small current forward loads 42 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). When driving and controlling the small current forward loads 42, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) opens (turns on) only one of the two switches connected to the small current forward loads 42 and opens (turns off) the other, thereby complementarily controlling the two parallel-connected switches. Furthermore, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may determine whether a switch has failed based on, for example, a voltage value across the switch, and, if one of the switches fails, perform fail-safe control using the other switch constituting the parallel circuit.

[0081] 9 , when the first upstream-side open / close switch 71 is turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a, the second load-side relay 612a, and the twelfth connection relay 631a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the second load-side terminal 612. When the second upstream-side open / close switch 72 is turned on, the second switch-side relay 602a and the second load-side relay 612a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the second load-side terminal 612. When the first downstream-side open / close switch 81 is turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a and the third load-side relay 613a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the third load-side terminal 613 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603. When the second downstream-side open / close switch 82 is turned on, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the third load-side relay 613a, and the third connection relay 635a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the third load-side terminal 613 is output from the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0082] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6a as described above, and connects the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) depending on which open / close switch is turned on, thereby enabling drive control of two small current forward loads 42 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) in a fail-safe configuration. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may turn on both upstream open / close switches. At this time, the twelfth connection relay 631a is turned on. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may also turn on both downstream open / close switches. At this time, the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a is turned on.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (small current, double-ended connection). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the in-vehicle load 4 (small current, double-ended connection). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a small current forward load 42, which is a double-ended connection load with one end and the other end both connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the double-ended connection load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the double-ended connection load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0084] When both ends of one small current forward load 42 are connected to the multiple input / output device 6 (multiple I / O) in this manner, the 13th connection relay 632a, the 14th connection relay 633a, and the 23rd connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 11 ). The 12th connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, and the 34th connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first downstream opening / closing switch 81. Note that FIG. 10 shows a case where the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 and the first downstream opening / closing switch 81 are turned on.

[0085] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening and closing of the switch connected to the small current forward load 42 when driving and controlling the small current forward load 42 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). When driving and controlling the small current forward load 42, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) complementarily controls the two upstream switches connected to the small current forward load 42 by turning on only one of the two upstream switches connected to the small current forward load 42 and turning off the other, or by turning on only one of the two downstream switches connected to the small current forward load 42 and turning off the other. Furthermore, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may determine whether a switch has failed based on, for example, a voltage value across the switch, and, if one of the switches fails, perform fail-safe control using the other switch in the parallel circuit.

[0086] 11 , when the first upstream-side open / close switch 71 is turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a and the first load-side relay 611a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the second upstream-side open / close switch 72 is turned on, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the twelfth connection relay 631a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the first downstream-side open / close switch 81 is turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, and the thirteenth connection relay 635a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603. When the second downstream open / close switch 82 is turned on, the fourth switch relay 604 a and the fourth load relay 614 a are turned on, so that the current input to the fourth load terminal 614 is output from the fourth switch terminal 604.

[0087] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6a as described above, and connects the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to the open / close switches that are turned on, thereby enabling drive control of the small current forward loads 42 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) in a fail-safe configuration. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may turn on both upstream open / close switches. At this time, the twelfth connection relay 631a is turned on. The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) may also turn on both downstream open / close switches. At this time, the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a is turned on.

[0088] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an on-board device and an on-board load (a large-current forward load). Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an on-board load (a large-current forward load). In the illustration of this embodiment, the on-board load 4 connected to the on-board device 1 is a large-current forward load 43 driven by power with a high current value (the load current flowing through the on-board load 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Two large-current forward loads 43 are connected to the on-board device 1, and the two large-current forward loads 43 include one power supply side load and one ground side load.

[0089] One end of the power supply side load is connected to the power supply device 5. The other end of the power supply side load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614. One end of the ground side load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the ground side load is connected to ground. The power line 51 connecting the first load side terminal 611 or the fourth load side terminal to the on-board load 4 has a larger diameter and a higher rated current value than the power line 51 connecting the first load side terminal 611 or the fourth load side terminal to the on-board load 4. Therefore, a large current forward load is connected to the first load side terminal 611 or the fourth load side terminal 614. The rated current values ​​of the first load side terminal 611 and the fourth load side terminal 614 are higher than the rated current values ​​of the second load side terminal 612 and the third load side terminal 613.

[0090] When two large-current forward loads 43 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this manner, the thirteenth connection relay 632a, the fourteenth connection relay 633a, and the twenty-third connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 13 ). The twelfth connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, and the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first downstream opening / closing switch 81.

[0091] When controlling the drive of the large-current load, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously opens (off) or closes (on) both of the two switches connected to the large-current load. As a result, even if the vehicle load 4 is a large-current forward load 43 and the load current is relatively large (above a predetermined value), the current flowing through each of the two switches constituting the parallel circuit can be divided and reduced to half the load current value. When the power supply side load is the large-current forward load 43, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the first downstream switch 81 and the second downstream switch 82 constituting the parallel circuit, thereby dividing the load current flowing through the first downstream switch 81 and the second downstream switch 82. When the ground side load is a large current load, the control unit 11 (microcontroller 10) simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72 that form a parallel circuit, thereby dividing the load current flowing to the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72.

[0092] 13 , when the first upstream-side open / close switch 71 and the second upstream-side open / close switch are turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the twelfth connection relay 631a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 and the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the first downstream-side open / close switch 81 and the second downstream-side open / close switch 82 are turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, and the 34th connection relay 635a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603 and the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0093] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6 a as described above, and connects the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) together. When the vehicle load 4 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is a large-current forward load 43, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) can shunt the load current and input it to the large-current forward load 43, or output it from the large-current forward load 43 to ground.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an in-vehicle device and an in-vehicle load (high current double-ended connection). FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for an in-vehicle load (high current double-ended connection). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a large current forward load 43, which is a double-ended connected load with one end and the other end both connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the double-ended connected load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the double-ended connected load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0095] When both ends of one large current forward load 43 are connected to the multiple input / output device 6 (multiple I / O) in this manner, the thirteenth connection relay 632a, the fourteenth connection relay 633a, and the twenty-third connection relay 634a are turned off (see FIG. 15 ). The twelfth connection relay 631a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, and the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a is controlled in accordance with the opening and closing of the first downstream opening / closing switch 81.

[0096] When controlling the drive of the large-current load, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously opens (off) or closes (on) both of the two switches connected to the large-current load. As a result, even if the vehicle load 4 is a large-current forward load 43 and the load current is relatively large (above a predetermined value), the current flowing through each of the two switches constituting the parallel circuit can be shunted to half the load current value. When the vehicle load 4 is the large-current forward load 43, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the first downstream switch 81 and the second downstream switch 82 constituting the parallel circuit, thereby shunting the load current flowing through the first downstream switch 81 and the second downstream switch 82. In addition, the control unit 11 (microcontroller 10) simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72, which form a parallel circuit, thereby dividing the load current flowing through the first upstream opening / closing switch 71 and the second upstream opening / closing switch 72.

[0097] 15 , when the first upstream-side open / close switch 71 and the second upstream-side open / close switch are turned on, the first switch-side relay 601a, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, and the twelfth connection relay 631a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 and the second switch-side terminal 602 is output from the first load-side terminal 611. When the first downstream-side open / close switch 81 and the second downstream-side open / close switch 82 are turned on, the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, and the 34th connection relay 635a are turned on. As a result, the current input to the fourth load-side terminal 614 is output from the third switch-side terminal 603 and the fourth switch-side terminal 604.

[0098] The control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) synchronizes and controls the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6 a as described above, and connects the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) together. When the vehicle load 4 connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is a large-current forward load 43, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) can shunt the load current and input it to the large-current forward load 43, or output it from the large-current forward load 43 to ground.

[0099] As described above, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) controls the opening and closing of each switch and each mechanical relay 6a of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to the classification and connection mode of the on-board load 4 connected to the on-board device 1. This allows the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) to be universally installed (applied) to different vehicle models, promoting component standardization and reducing product costs. Furthermore, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) prevents through-current (ground fault current) from being input or output to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) by turning off the switch-side relay 60a and load-side relay 61a of the internal wiring 62 through which no current flows, as well as the connection relay 63a of the wiring connection line 63. Furthermore, current can be prevented from flowing when the on-board load 4 is erroneously connected to a load-side terminal that does not correspond to the classification of the on-board load 4. Incidentally, the shapes of the load-side terminals 61 may be different to prevent erroneous connection of the on-board load 4.

[0100] (Embodiment 2) The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) may be connected to an electromechanical integrated in-vehicle load 4. The electromechanical integrated in-vehicle load 4 is, for example, connected to an in-vehicle network and functions as an in-vehicle ECU. In the following, several modes in which the electromechanical integrated in-vehicle load 4 is connected will be described.

[0101] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the in-vehicle device 1 according to the second embodiment and the in-vehicle load 4 (mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44) ​​during forward rotation. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the in-vehicle device 1 and the in-vehicle load 4 (mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44) ​​during reverse rotation. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relay switching table for the in-vehicle load 4 (mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is the in-vehicle load 44. The in-vehicle load 44, like the forward / reverse rotation load 41, includes a forward / reverse rotation motor and is configured by a module or the like in which an inverter, a reducer (gear), and a motor are integrated. The in-vehicle load 44 may further include a control module such as a microcomputer 10 that controls the inverter, etc., and may be connected to the in-vehicle network 3 to function as the in-vehicle ECU 2.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the upper mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44 is connected to the first load side terminal 611. Also, one end of the lower mechanically and electrically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44 is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0103] When one of the electromechanical integrated forward / reverse rotation loads 44 is driven in the forward direction, the other electromechanical integrated load is also driven in the forward direction, and when one of the electromechanical integrated loads is driven in the reverse direction, the other electromechanical integrated load is also driven in the reverse direction. In other words, the two electromechanical integrated forward / reverse rotation loads 44 are driven simultaneously in the same direction.

[0104] 16 , when the electromechanically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44 is driven in the forward direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the first switch-side relay 601a, the second switch-side relay 602a, the first load-side relay 611a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, the 23rd connection relay 634a, and the 34th connection relay 635a, and turns off the other mechanical relays 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) closes (on) the first upstream switch 71, closes (on) the second upstream switch 72, opens (off) the first downstream switch 81, and opens (off) the second downstream switch 82 (see FIG. 18 ). This causes the current input to the first switch-side terminal 601 to be output from the first load-side terminal 611. Furthermore, the current input to the second switch-side terminal 602 to be output from the fourth load-side terminal 614. As a result, current flows through both of the electromechanical integrated forward / reverse rotation loads 44 during forward rotation, and the loads are driven in the forward direction.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 17 , when the electromechanically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44 is driven in the reverse direction, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) turns on the third switch-side relay 603a, the fourth switch-side relay 604a, the first load-side relay 611a, the fourth load-side relay 614a, the fourteenth connection relay 633a, and the thirty-fourth connection relay 635a, and turns off the other mechanical relays 6a. At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) opens (off) the first upstream switch 71, opens (off) the second upstream switch 72, opens (off) the first downstream switch 81, and opens (off) the second downstream switch 82 (see FIG. 18 ). This causes the current input to the first load terminal 611 to be output from the fourth switch terminal 604. Furthermore, the current input to the fourth load terminal 614 to be output from the third switch terminal 603. As a result, a current for reverse rotation flows through both of the electromechanical integrated forward / reverse rotation loads 44, and the loads are driven in the reverse direction.

[0106] By controlling the ON / OFF switches and the mechanical relay 6a in synchronization as described above, the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) can drive and control the electromechanically integrated forward / reverse rotation load 44. That is, the connection mode of the internal wiring 62 in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) is changed so that a full bridge 92 circuit is configured by the first upstream ON / OFF switch 71, the second upstream ON / OFF switch 72, the first downstream ON / OFF switch 81, and the second downstream ON / OFF switch 82.

[0107] 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an on-board device 1 and an on-board load 4 (a mechatronically integrated small-current forward load 45). In the illustrated embodiment, the on-board load 4 connected to the on-board device 1 is a mechatronically integrated small-current forward load 45 driven by low-current power (the load current flowing through the on-board load 4 is less than a predetermined value). Four mechatronically integrated small-current forward loads 45 are connected to the on-board device 1, i.e., the same number of mechatronically integrated small-current forward loads 45 as the number of load-side terminals can be connected. The four mechatronically integrated small-current forward loads 45 include two power-side loads and two ground-side loads.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 19 , one end of the left power supply load is connected to the third load terminal 613. One end of the right power supply load is connected to the fourth load terminal 614. One end of the left ground load is connected to the second load terminal 612. One end of the right ground load is connected to the first load terminal 611. Note that Fig. 19 shows a case where the first upstream open-close switch 71, the second upstream open-close switch 72, the first downstream open-close switch 81, and the second downstream open-close switch 82 are turned on.

[0109] When four electromechanical integrated small current forward loads 45 (two power supply side loads and two ground side loads) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) in this manner, the control method of the open / close switches and mechanical relays 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as when four small current forward loads 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0110] 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an in-vehicle device 1 and an in-vehicle load 4 (such as a mechanically and electrically integrated fail-safe). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a mechanically and electrically integrated small-current forward load 45 driven by power with a low current value. Two mechanically and electrically integrated small-current forward loads 45 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, and the two mechanically and electrically integrated small-current forward loads 45 include one power supply side load and one ground side load. One end of the power supply side load is connected to the third load side terminal 613. One end of the ground side load is connected to the second load side terminal 612.

[0111] In this way, when two electromechanical integrated small current forward loads 45 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), the control method of the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as when two small current forward loads 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0112] 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an in-vehicle device 1 and an in-vehicle load 4 (mechanically and electrically integrated, small current, double-ended connection). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a mechanically and electrically integrated, small current, forward-rotating load 45, which is a double-ended connection load having one end and the other end both connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the double-ended connection load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the double-ended connection load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0113] In this way, when both ends of one electromechanical integrated small current forward load 45 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), the control method of the open / close switch and the mechanical relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as when both ends of one small current forward load 42 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0114] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an in-vehicle device 1 and an in-vehicle load 4 (a mechatronically integrated high-current forward load 46). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a mechatronically integrated high-current forward load 46 driven by power with a high current value (the load current flowing through the in-vehicle load 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Two mechatronically integrated high-current forward loads 46 are connected to the in-vehicle device 1, and the two mechatronically integrated high-current forward loads 46 include one power supply load and one ground load. One end of the power supply load is connected to the fourth load terminal 614. One end of the ground load is connected to the first load terminal 611.

[0115] In this way, when two electromechanical integrated large-current forward loads 46 (one power supply side load and one ground side load) are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), the control method of the open / close switches and the mechanical relays 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as when two large-current forward loads are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0116] 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between an in-vehicle device 1 and an in-vehicle load 4 (mechanically and electrically integrated, large current, double-ended connection). In the illustration of this embodiment, the in-vehicle load 4 connected to the in-vehicle device 1 is a mechanically and electrically integrated, large current forward-rotating load 46, which is a double-ended connection load having one end and the other end both connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O). One end of the double-ended connection load is connected to the first load side terminal 611. The other end of the double-ended connection load is connected to the fourth load side terminal 614.

[0117] In this way, when both ends of one electromechanical integrated large current forward load 46 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O), the control method of the open / close switch and the mechanical relay 6a by the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10) is the same as when both ends of one large current forward load 43 are connected to the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0118] (Embodiment 3) A multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to embodiment 3 includes a control circuit. The control circuit communicates with the microcomputer 10 to acquire information regarding the classification of the loads connected to the in-vehicle device 1 and information regarding the open / close switches to be turned on. The control circuit controls the opening and closing of each mechanical relay 6 a included in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) based on the information acquired from the microcomputer 10.

[0119] 24 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an in-vehicle device according to a third embodiment. The multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) according to the third embodiment includes a control circuit 64. The control circuit 64 is configured by a hardware processing unit such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and controls the mechanical relays 6a (switch-side relay 60a, load-side relay 61a, and connection relay 63a) included in the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) based on input from the microcomputer 10. Note that the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) may include a software processing unit such as a CPU or an MPU instead of the control circuit 64.

[0120] The input / output I / F 14 of the microcomputer 10 according to the third embodiment is connected to the control circuit 64 of the multi-input / output device 6 (multi-I / O) via a signal line 141. The control unit 11 of the microcomputer 10 outputs load information of the in-vehicle load 4 and information on the open / close switches that the microcomputer 10 has turned on to the control circuit 64 via the input / output I / F 14, for example, by SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication via the signal line 141.

[0121] The control circuit 64 is connected to each mechanical relay 6a (switch-side relay 60a, load-side relay 61a, and connection relay 63a) via respective signal lines. To avoid complication, the signal lines connecting the control circuit 64 to each mechanical relay 6a are omitted from FIG. 24 . The control circuit 64 acquires load information of the in-vehicle load 4 and information on the open / close switches turned on by the microcomputer 10 from the control unit 11 (microcomputer 10), and controls the opening and closing of each mechanical relay 6a based on the acquired information. The mechanical relays 6a that are turned on in response to the classification and connection mode of the loads connected to the in-vehicle device 1 and the open / close switches turned on by the microcomputer 10 are the same as the mechanical relays 6a shown in the first or second embodiment.

[0122] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The technical features described in each embodiment may be combined with one another, and the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereto. Furthermore, independent and dependent claims described in the claims may be combined with one another in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, while the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not limiting. Multiple claims (multiple multiple claims) that reference at least one other claim may also be used.

[0123] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 In-vehicle device 10 Microcomputer 11 Control unit 12 Memory unit 13 Communication unit 14 Input / output I / F 140 Signal line 141 Signal line 3 In-vehicle network 4 In-vehicle load 5 Power supply unit 51 Power line 6 Multi-input / output device (multi-I / O) 6a Mechanical relay 60 Switch side terminal 60a Switch side relay 61 Load side terminal 61a Load side relay 62 Internal wiring 63 Wiring connection line 63a Connection relay 64 Control circuit 601 First switch side terminal 601a First switch side relay 602 Second switch side terminal 602a Second switch side relay 603 Third switch side terminal 603a Third switch side relay 604 Fourth switch side terminal 604a Fourth switch side relay 611 First load side terminal 611a First load side relay 612 Second load side terminal 612a Second load side relay 613 Third load side terminal 613a Third load side relay 614 Fourth load side terminal 614a Fourth load side relay 621 First connection 622 Second connection 623 Third connection 624 Fourth connection 631 Twelfth connection line 631a Twelfth connection relay 632 Thirteenth connection line 632a Thirteenth connection relay 633 Fourteenth connection line 633a Fourteenth connection relay 634 Twenty-third connection line 634a Twenty-third connection relay 635 Thirty-fourth connection line 635a Thirty-fourth connection relay 71 First upstream side open / close switch 72 Second upstream side open / close switch 81 First downstream side open / close switch 82 Second downstream side open / close switch C Vehicle M Recording medium P Control program S In-vehicle system

Claims

1. A multi-input / output device to which an on-vehicle load is connected, comprising: four switch-side terminals to which two upstream-side open / close switches whose input ends are connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the on-vehicle load or two downstream-side open / close switches whose output ends are grounded to ground are connected; a plurality of load-side terminals to which the on-vehicle load is connected; a plurality of internal wiring connecting each of the switch-side terminals to each of the load-side terminals; and a plurality of mechanical relays that switch the connection state of the plurality of internal wiring depending on the on-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal.

2. The multi-input / output device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connection lines connecting at least two of the plurality of internal connections, and the mechanical relay includes a connection relay provided for each of the connection lines.

3. The four switch side terminals include a first switch side terminal, a second switch side terminal, a third switch side terminal, and a fourth switch side terminal; the plurality of load side terminals include a first load side terminal, a second load side terminal, a third load side terminal, and a fourth load side terminal; the internal connections include a first internal connection connecting the first switch side terminal and the first load side terminal, a second internal connection connecting the second switch side terminal and the second load side terminal, a third internal connection connecting the third switch side terminal and the third load side terminal, and a fourth internal connection connecting the fourth switch side terminal and the fourth load side terminal; 3. The multi-input / output device according to claim 2, wherein the interconnection connection lines include a twelfth connection line connecting the first internal connection and the second internal connection line, a thirteenth connection line connecting the first internal connection and the third internal connection line, a fourteenth connection line connecting the first internal connection and the fourth internal connection line, a twenty-third connection line connecting the second internal connection and the third internal connection line, and a thirty-fourth connection line connecting the third internal connection and the fourth internal connection line.

4. A multi-input / output device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical relay includes: a switch-side relay provided at the switch-side terminal, which switches between the presence or absence of current flow between the switch-side terminal and the internal wiring; and a load-side relay provided at the load-side terminal, which switches between the presence or absence of current flow between the internal wiring and the load-side terminal.

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

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

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

8. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7, wherein the on-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a forward / reverse rotation load including a forward / reverse rotation motor, one end of the forward / reverse rotation load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the other end of the forward / reverse rotation load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, when the first upstream side open / close switch and the second downstream side open / close switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off, and when the second upstream side open / close switch and the first downstream side open / close switch are turned on, the 13th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

9. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7, wherein the on-vehicle load is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, the forward loads including a plurality of power supply loads whose input terminals are connected to the power supply device and a plurality of ground loads whose output terminals are grounded to the ground, the plurality of power supply loads including a first power supply load whose output terminal is connected to the third load terminal and a second power supply load whose output terminal is connected to the fourth load terminal, the plurality of ground loads including a first ground load whose input terminal is connected to the first load terminal and a second ground load whose input terminal is connected to the second load terminal, and the 12th connection relay, the 13th connection relay, the 14th connection relay, the 23rd connection relay, and the 34th connection relay are turned off.

10. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7, wherein the on-board load connected to the load-side terminal is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, and the forward load includes a power supply-side load in which an input end of the forward load is connected to the power supply device and an output end of the forward load is connected to the third load-side terminal, and a ground-side load in which an output end of the forward load is grounded to the ground and an output end of the forward load is connected to the second load-side terminal, and wherein when the first upstream-side open / close switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and when the second downstream-side open / close switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on.

11. The vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is a normal load in which current flows in only one direction, the input end of the vehicle load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the output end of the vehicle load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, and when the second upstream open / close switch is turned on, the 12th connection relay is turned on, and when the first downstream open / close switch is turned on, the 34th connection relay is turned on. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7.

12. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7, wherein the on-board load connected to the load-side terminal is a forward load through which current flows in only one direction, and the forward load includes a power supply-side load in which an input end of the forward load is connected to the power supply device and an output end of the forward load is connected to the fourth load-side terminal, and a ground-side load in which an output end of the forward load is grounded to the ground and an input end of the forward load is connected to the first load-side terminal, and when the first upstream-side open / close switch, the second upstream-side open / close switch, the first downstream-side open / close switch, and the second downstream-side open / close switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

13. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7, wherein the on-board load connected to the load side terminal is a normal load in which current flows in only one direction, the input end of the on-board load is connected to the first load side terminal, and the output end of the on-board load is connected to the fourth load side terminal, and when the first upstream side open / close switch, the second upstream side open / close switch, the first downstream side open / close switch, and the second downstream side open / close switch are turned on, the 12th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

14. The multi-input / output device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the on-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load.

15. The multi-input / output device according to claim 7, wherein the on-vehicle load connected to the load side terminal is an electromechanical integrated load including a forward / reverse rotating motor, the electromechanical integrated load includes a first electromechanical integrated load having one end connected to the first load side terminal and a second electromechanical integrated load having one end connected to the fourth load side terminal, when the first upstream opening / closing switch and the second upstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 23rd connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on, and when the first downstream opening / closing switch and the second downstream opening / closing switch are turned on, the 14th connection relay and the 34th connection relay are turned on.

16. An in-vehicle device to which an in-vehicle load is connected, comprising: two upstream on-off switches having input ends connected to a power supply device that supplies power to the in-vehicle load; two downstream on-off switches having output ends grounded to ground; a multi-input / output device including four switch-side terminals to which the upstream on-off switches or the downstream on-off switches are connected, and a plurality of load-side terminals to which the in-vehicle load is connected; and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the upstream on-off switches and the downstream on-off switches, wherein the multi-input / output device comprises: a plurality of internal wirings connecting each of the switch-side terminals to the load-side terminals; and a plurality of mechanical relays that switch the connection states of the plurality of internal wirings depending on the in-vehicle load connected to the load-side terminals, and the control unit executes control to switch the plurality of mechanical relays on or off based on the upstream on-off switch or the downstream on-off switch that is turned on, the classification of the in-vehicle load, and the load-side terminal to which the in-vehicle load is connected.

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