U.S. patent application number 12/623819 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Syuji MIYAMA, Kiichiro OOYAMA.
Application Number | 20100070134 12/623819 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36100309 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100070134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIYAMA; Syuji ; et
al. |
March 18, 2010 |
CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE EQUIPMENT DEVICE
Abstract
There is disclosed an apparatus for controlling a vehicle
equipment device. The apparatus permits a reduction in the cost of
manufacturing a vehicle in which the apparatus is installed. The
apparatus also enables easy and precise switching between normal
mode and delivery mode. The apparatus has a delivery decision unit
and control change unit. The decision unit makes a decision as to
whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode. If the decision unit
determines that the vehicle is in the delivery mode, the control
change unit changes the controlled contents of the vehicle
equipment device from normal mode to delivery mode. The decision
unit makes the aforementioned decision according to whether a
backup power supply is applied to a clock device.
Inventors: |
MIYAMA; Syuji; (Tokyo,
JP) ; OOYAMA; Kiichiro; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL
1130 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 1130
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki
Kaisha
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
36100309 |
Appl. No.: |
12/623819 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11234263 |
Sep 26, 2005 |
7643918 |
|
|
12623819 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 16/0231
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/36 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 28, 2004 |
JP |
2004-282332 |
Claims
1. A vehicle control system comprising: a vehicle equipment device;
a control apparatus for the vehicle equipment device including a
delivery decision unit configured to determine whether a vehicle is
in a delivery mode or a normal mode, and a control change unit
configured to control contents of said vehicle equipment device
from the normal mode to the delivery mode if the delivery decision
means determines that the vehicle is in the delivery mode; an
in-vehicle electronic device; a backup power supply for supplying
electric power to the in-vehicle electronic device; a backup power
supply circuit provided between the backup power supply and the
in-vehicle electronic device; a fuse, wherein electric power from
the backup power is supplied to the in-vehicle electric device when
the fuse is disposed in the backup power supply circuit; and a
storage circuit for receiving the fuse withdrawn from the backup
power supply circuit; wherein said delivery decision unit
determines according to whether the fuse is inserted in or
withdrawn from the backup power supply circuit.
2. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: a communication unit configured to receive an
instruction signal regarding control of said vehicle equipment
device from the outside, and wherein said control change unit
changes controlled contents of said vehicle equipment device based
on an instruction signal received by said communication unit.
3. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
control change unit changes the controlled contents of said vehicle
equipment device to said delivery mode if said communication unit
receives the instruction signal and if said delivery decision unit
determines that the vehicle is in the delivery mode.
4. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
control change unit changes the controlled contents of said vehicle
equipment device to an inspection mode, if said communication unit
receives the instruction signal and said delivery decision unit
determines that the vehicle is not in the delivery mode.
5. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
control change unit is so designed that controlled contents in the
delivery mode when the communication unit has received an
instruction signal and said delivery decision unit has determined
that the vehicle is in the delivery mode are made different from
controlled contents in the delivery mode when the communication
unit has received no instruction signal and the delivery decision
unit has determined that the vehicle is in the delivery mode.
6. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
delivery decision unit determines that the fuse is withdrawn from
the backup power supply circuit by way of detecting the fuse
received in the storage circuit.
7. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: a fuse box electrically connected to the control
apparatus, the in-vehicle electronic device and a backup power
supply, wherein the backup power supply circuit and the storage
circuit are provided in the fuse box.
8. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
vehicle equipment device is an engine of the vehicle, and the
control change unit changes a normal engine control program for
controlling the engine in the normal mode to a delivery control
program for controlling the engine in the delivery mode when the
delivery decision unit determines that the vehicle is in the
delivery mode.
9. The vehicle control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
in-vehicle electronic device is at least one of a clock device,
radio-audio device, navigation system and TV.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/234,263, filed on Sep. 26, 2005, and which is incorporated
herein in its entirety. Also, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/234,263
claims Paris Convention Priority to Japanese Application No.
2004-282332 filed on Sep. 28, 2004, which is also incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a control apparatus for a
vehicle equipment device, preferably the control apparatus which is
used in a vehicle, varies the controlled contents of the vehicle
equipment device from normal mode to delivery mode when the vehicle
is put in a delivery mode.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] When an automotive vehicle undergoes an inspection during
assembly in a manufacturing plant or is made to run without
external assistance during transportation from the plant to an
automotive store after completion of the assembly, the engine and
other devices are started and stopped. At this time, with respect
to the engine, there is the problem that the engine comes to a stop
before the temperature of the spark plug reaches its self-cleaning
temperature, because the time period from start to stop is much
shorter than during normal usage. Another problem is that if the
vehicle is controlled in a normal manner, it follows that the
vehicle comes to a stop during a warm-up operation in which the
air-fuel ratio is relatively rich so that the plug tends to
smolder. In addition, where the fuel loaded within the plant is
different from a destination-matched fuel, knocking may take place,
because the engine control corresponds to the destination.
[0004] It is known that when a vehicle runs without external
assistance for inspection or transportation for delivery from a
plant, the controlled contents of the engine are placed in delivery
mode different from normal mode, in order to solve the problems.
That is, the problems are solved either by making the air-fuel
ratio leaner than normal or by retarding the ignition timing by
controlling the engine. In this way, a vehicle equipment device
such as an engine is switched between normal mode and delivery mode
adapted for transportation by a control apparatus such as an ECU
(electrical control unit).
[0005] In a well-known technique for switching the operation for
engine control between normal mode and delivery mode by an ECU, the
switching operation is performed by engagement and disengagement of
a dedicated connector (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid Open
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-37025). According to this
technique, the dedicated connector and harness are mounted. When
the connector is connected, it is judged that the vehicle is in the
delivery mode. When the connector is disconnected, it is judged
that the vehicle is not in the delivery mode.
[0006] In the above-described control apparatus, however, the
connector and harness are mounted to judge the delivery mode. This
increases the number of components, presenting the problem that the
cost of manufacturing the vehicle is increased. In addition, in an
automotive store, an operation for disconnecting the connector is
required, i.e., a cumbersome operation is needed. Further, in a
store, if the staff forgets to disconnect the connector or the user
erroneously connects the connector, the user will use the vehicle
while kept in the delivery mode.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing circumstances, the present
invention has been made. It is an object of the invention to
provide a control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device which
can reduce the cost of manufacturing a vehicle and which can easily
and precisely switch the mode of operation between normal mode and
delivery mode.
[0008] A first aspect of the present invention which achieves the
foregoing object provides a control apparatus for a vehicle
equipment device, the control apparatus having delivery decision
means for making a decision as to whether a vehicle is in a
delivery mode or not and control change means for changing
controlled contents of the vehicle equipment device from normal
mode to delivery mode if the decision made by the delivery decision
means is that the vehicle is in the delivery mode. The delivery
decision means makes the aforementioned decision according to
whether a backup power supply is applied to an in-vehicle
electronic device.
[0009] According to the first aspect of the invention, the
in-vehicle electronic device is connected with the backup power
supply and constantly supplied with electric power. However, during
assembly in a plant or during transportation from the plant to an
automotive store after the assembly, the vehicle is not in use for
a long time. In this case, the harness connector, for example, is
disconnected to electrically disconnect the backup power supply and
the in-vehicle electronic device, for preventing the battery from
dying.
[0010] A decision is made as to whether the vehicle is in the
delivery mode, depending on whether the backup power supply is
applied to the in-vehicle electronic device. Therefore, the state
in which the vehicle is not in use for a long time can be precisely
judged as being in the delivery mode. If the delivery decision
means determines that the vehicle is in the delivery mode, the
control change means changes the controlled contents of the vehicle
equipment device to the delivery mode adapted for short-term use of
the vehicle.
[0011] Therefore, a separate connector or harness for judging
whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode is dispensed with,
unlike in the prior art. The number of components is reduced. The
cost of manufacturing the vehicle can be reduced. Furthermore, a
decision is made as to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode
or not, depending on whether the backup power supply is applied to
the in-vehicle electronic device. Therefore, switching between
normal mode and delivery mode can be done easily and precisely.
[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control
apparatus for a vehicle equipment device, the control apparatus
having delivery decision means for making a decision as to whether
a vehicle is in a delivery mode or not and control change means for
changing controlled contents of a previously selected in-vehicle
device from normal mode to the delivery mode if the decision made
by the delivery decision means is that the vehicle is in the
delivery mode. The control apparatus is supplied with electric
power from a backup power supply. The delivery decision means makes
the decision depending on whether the backup power supply is
applied or not.
[0013] According to the second aspect of the invention, the
apparatus is designed to be connected with the backup power supply
and constantly supplied with electric power. However, during
assembly in a plant or during transportation from the plant to an
automotive store after the assembly, the vehicle is not in use for
a long time. In this case, the harness connector, for example, is
disconnected to electrically disconnect the backup power supply and
the apparatus, thus preventing the battery from dying.
[0014] A decision is made as to whether the vehicle is in the
delivery mode or not, depending on whether the backup power supply
is applied or not. Therefore, the state in which the vehicle is not
in use for a long time can be precisely judged as the delivery
mode. If the decision made by the delivery decision means is that
the vehicle is in the delivery mode, the control change means
changes the controlled contents of the vehicle equipment device to
the delivery mode adapted for short-term use of the vehicle.
[0015] In addition, the apparatus should be designed to directly
detect whether the backup power supply is applied to the apparatus
itself. This makes it unnecessary to send information about the
backup power supply from the outside. Hence, the harness,
connectors, and so on connected with the apparatus can be
simplified.
[0016] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to a third aspect of the present invention is based on a control
apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according to the first
aspect of the invention and further characterized in that the
in-vehicle electronic device pertains to functions independent of
the driving related functions of the vehicle.
[0017] According to the third aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the first aspect are obtained. In addition, the
in-vehicle electronic device used to make a decision as to whether
the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not is independent of the
driving related functions of the vehicle. Therefore, although the
backup power supply is not supplied in the delivery mode,
operations related to the driving functions such as of motors,
transmission, various gears, and suspension are not hindered.
Consequently, when the vehicle is judged to be in the delivery
mode, it is assured that inspection of the power system within a
manufacturing plant, movement of the vehicle without external
assistance within the plant after the completion of the assembly,
and movement of the vehicle without external assistance during
transportation of the vehicle are carried out.
[0018] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to a fourth aspect of the present invention is based on a device
control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according to the
first of the invention and further characterized in that the
delivery decision means makes the decision as to whether the backup
power supply is applied or not, depending on whether a fuse
disposed in a circuit for the backup power supply has been inserted
or withdrawn.
[0019] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the first aspect are obtained. In addition, the
backup power supply and the in-vehicle electronic device are
electrically connected or disconnected by insertion or withdrawal
of the fuse. Therefore, it is possible to make a reliable decision
as to whether the backup power supply is applied or not.
Consequently, the application of the backup power supply can be
grasped without providing any separate connector. This leads to a
further decrease in the manufacturing cost. Furthermore, if the
circuit of the backup power supply is constructed using a fuse box
equipped in the vehicle, the manufacturing cost can be reduced
effectively.
[0020] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to a fifth aspect of the present invention is based on a device
control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according to the
fourth aspect and further characterized in that there is further
provided a storage circuit for receiving and holding the fuse
withdrawn from the circuit of the backup power supply and that the
delivery decision means detects the fuse in the storage circuit to
thereby judge whether the fuse has been inserted in the circuit of
the backup power supply or withdrawn from the circuit.
[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the fourth aspect are obtained. In addition, the fuse
in storage is detected with the storage circuit. Therefore, a
reliable decision can be made as to whether the fuse has been
withdrawn from the circuit of the backup power supply. Furthermore,
if the fuse has broken simply, the fuse can be prevented from being
misrecognized as having been withdrawn; otherwise, the vehicle
would shift to the delivery mode.
[0022] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to a sixth aspect of the present invention is based on a control
apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according to the first or
second aspect of the invention and further characterized in that
there is further provided communication means for receiving an
instruction signal regarding control of the vehicle equipment
device from the outside and that the control change means changes
the controlled contents of the vehicle equipment device based on
the instruction signal received by the communication means.
[0023] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the first or second aspect of the invention are
obtained. In addition, the controlled contents are changed based on
the instruction signal received by the communication means. Thus,
the controlled contents of the selected in-vehicle device can be
changed finely according to a work or purpose.
[0024] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to a seventh aspect of the present invention is based on a control
apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according to the sixth
aspect and further characterized in that the control change means
receives an instruction signal by means of the communication means.
If the delivery decision means determines that the vehicle is in
the delivery mode, the control change means changes the controlled
contents of the vehicle equipment device to the delivery mode.
[0025] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the sixth aspect are obtained. In addition, the
delivery decision means makes a decision. Furthermore, the
controlled contents of the vehicle equipment device are changed to
the delivery mode provided that an instruction signal is received
by the communication means. That is, the controlled contents are
not shifted to the delivery mode unless an instruction signal is
received by the communication means. Therefore, shifting to the
delivery mode due to a malfunction under normal operating
conditions of the vehicle can be certainly prevented.
[0026] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to an eighth aspect of the present invention is based on a control
apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according to the sixth
aspect and further characterized in that, if the communication
means receives an instruction signal and the delivery decision
means determines that the vehicle is not in the delivery mode, the
control change means changes the controlled contents of the vehicle
equipment device to an inspection mode.
[0027] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the sixth aspect are obtained. In addition, the
controlled contents of the vehicle equipment device are changed to
at least three modes including delivery mode, inspection mode, and
normal mode by the control change means. The controlled contents
are changed to the inspection mode provided that an instruction
signal is received by the communication means and the delivery
decision means determines that the vehicle is not in the delivery
mode. The controlled contents are changed to the delivery mode
provided that the delivery decision means determines that the
vehicle is in the delivery mode irrespective of whether any
instruction signal is received by the communication means. The
normal mode is maintained provided that the delivery decision means
determines that the vehicle is not in the delivery mode and that no
instruction signal is received by the communication means.
[0028] In this way, the selected in-vehicle device can be placed in
the inspection mode. For example, when the vehicle is transported
for a long time to an automotive store after delivery from a plant,
the vehicle is placed in the delivery mode. During inspection
performed in the store, the vehicle is placed in the inspection
mode. In this manner, when the vehicle is inspected, the controlled
contents are made different from the contents used in the delivery
mode. Control can be performed according to the contents of the
work to inspect the vehicle.
[0029] A control apparatus for a vehicle equipment device according
to a ninth aspect of the present invention is based on the sixth
aspect and further characterized in that the control change means
is so designed that controlled contents in the delivery mode when
the communication means has received an instruction signal and the
delivery decision means has determined that the vehicle is in the
delivery mode are made different from controlled contents in the
delivery mode when the communication means has received no
instruction signal and the delivery decision means has determined
that the vehicle is in the delivery mode.
[0030] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the
advantages of the sixth aspect of the invention are obtained. In
addition, the controlled contents in the delivery mode are made
different according to whether an instruction signal has been
received by the communication means. By making the controlled
contents in the delivery mode different in this way, the controlled
contents when a delivery inspection is performed in a plant are
made different from the controlled contents when the vehicle is
transported to an automotive store after delivery from the plant.
The controlled contents when a delivery inspection of the vehicle
is performed are made different from the controlled contents during
transportation. In consequence, control can be performed according
to the contents of a work to perform the delivery inspection of the
vehicle.
[0031] In this way, according to the present invention, the cost of
manufacturing a vehicle is reduced. In addition, switching between
normal mode and delivery mode can be done easily and precisely.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
showing a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
showing a modified embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
showing another modified embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
showing a second embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus,
and in which a fuse is held in a storage circuit; and
[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
showing a third embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
showing one embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the control apparatus, 10, is connected
with various devices including an igniter 21 for the engine, a
boost pressure actuator 22 for adjusting the pressure in the
supercharger of the engine, a throttle valve 23 for adjusting the
amount of air drawn into the engine, an injector 24 for adjusting
the amount of injected fuel, a fuel pump 25 for adjusting the
amount of delivered fuel, a radiator fan 26 for adjusting the
amount of air circulating through the radiator, and a purge
actuator 27 for adjusting purging of the fuel in a canister. This
control apparatus 10 controls the state of operation of the engine
that is a vehicle equipment device, and is generally known as an
ECU. The control apparatus 10 for the vehicle equipment device is
connected with a backup power-supply circuit 31 for a clock device
30 installed in the vehicle. The clock device 30 purely relates to
the functions of a timepiece and is independent of the running
related functions of the vehicle.
[0040] The backup power-supply circuit 31 is used to maintain the
clock function connected with the vehicle power supply. The
power-supply circuit 31 is different from an accessory power-supply
circuit for supplying electric power to various devices and
appliances when the key cylinder of the vehicle key is rotated, an
ignition power-supply circuit, and a lighting power-supply circuit
for supplying electric power to the lights of various display
portions when lighting switches are manipulated. The backup
power-supply circuit 31 connects a backup power supply 40 and the
clock device 30 via a pair of detachable clock power-supply
connectors 32.
[0041] In this way, the clock device 30 is designed to be connected
with the backup power supply 40 and constantly supplied with
electric power. However, where the vehicle is not in use for a long
time such as when the vehicle is assembled in a plant or when the
vehicle is being transported from the plant to a store after the
assembly, the clock power-supply connectors 32 are disconnected to
break the electrical connection with the backup power supply 40 to
prevent the battery from dying.
[0042] The control apparatus 10 for the vehicle equipment device
has a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and an I/O interface 14 all of
which are connected with a bus 15. The I/O interface 14 is
connected with a crank angle sensor 51, a water temperature sensor
52, a vehicle speed sensor 53, an accelerator sensor 54, a throttle
opening sensor 55, an O.sub.2 sensor 56, and so on. The interface
14 is also connected with the igniter 21, boost pressure actuator
22, throttle valve 23, injector 24, fuel pump 25, radiator fan 26,
backup power-supply circuit 31, and other components. A normal
engine control program 61 for controlling the engine in normal mode
is stored in the ROM 12. Based on information detected by the
sensors 51-56, the igniter 21, boost pressure actuator 22, throttle
valve 23, injector 24, fuel pump 25, radiator fan 26, purge
actuator 27, and other components are controlled.
[0043] Furthermore, a delivery engine control program 62 for
controlling the engine in delivery mode and a control change
program 63 for changing the controlled contents of the engine from
normal mode to delivery mode according to whether the backup power
supply 40 is applied to the clock device 30 are stored in the ROM
12. In the present embodiment, the ROM 12 in which the control
change program 63 is stored, the CPU 11, constitute delivery
decision means for making a decision as to whether the vehicle is
in the delivery mode according to whether the back up power supply
40 is applied to the clock device 30. These components also
constitute control change means for changing the controlled
contents of the engine if the delivery decision means determines
that the vehicle is in the delivery mode.
[0044] The delivery engine control program 62 performs a lean
operation in which the air-fuel ratio is made leaner than in normal
operation. The control program 62 also performs a retard operation
in which the ignition timing is retarded compared with normal
operation. The lean operation prevents the spark plug from
smoldering. The retard operation prevents knocking. In particular,
the lean operation is achieved by setting a table independent of a
table used for normal operation and using the former table in the
delivery mode. The table for the lean operation uniquely determines
an amount of injected fuel from the engine rotational speed and the
water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 52. The
engine rotational speed is calculated based on a signal from the
crank angle sensor 51.
[0045] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the delivery engine
control program 62 performs a low-pressure operation in which the
boost pressure into the engine is made lower than in normal
operation. In particular, if the boost pressure is increased, the
air-fuel ratio is made richer to suppress increase of the exhaust
temperature. However, the boost pressure is lower than in normal
operation and consequently the air-fuel ratio does not become rich.
This prevents smoldering of the spark plug.
[0046] In addition, the delivery engine control program 62 performs
a limiter-decreased operation and an opening limiter operation in
which the throttle opening is prevented from increasing beyond a
given opening differently from in the normal operation. In the
limiter-decreased operation, the state of a new vehicle in which
the engine has not yet been sufficiently tuned is assumed and the
rotational frequency of a rotation limiter at which the fuel is cut
off is made lower than in normal operation.
[0047] Further, the delivery engine control program 62 performs
control of the fan such that the radiator fan 26 is operated even
at low temperatures. Thus, in normal operation, the radiator fan 26
does not operate unless the water temperature of the engine-cooling
water exceeds a given temperature. On the other hand, in this
operation, the radiator fan 26 is operated regardless of the water
temperature. Hence, operation of the radiator fan 26 can be
checked.
[0048] The control change program 63 switches the controlled
contents of the engine according to the input from the backup
power-supply circuit 31. That is, where the clock power-supply
connectors 32 are connected together and the backup power supply 40
is applied to the clock device 30, the controlled contents of the
engine are kept in the normal mode. This decision as to whether the
vehicle is in the delivery state or not is made steadily, e.g.,
every 10 ms. If the clock power-supply connectors 32 are
disconnected and application of the backup power supply 40 to the
clock device 30 cannot be checked, the controlled contents of the
engine are changed to the delivery mode.
[0049] According to the control apparatus 10 constructed in this
way, a decision is made as to whether the vehicle is in the
delivery mode or not depending on whether the backup power supply
40 is applied to the clock device 30. Therefore, the state in which
the vehicle is not in use for a long time can be precisely judged
as the delivery mode. Furthermore, if this judgment is made, the
controlled contents of the engine are changed to the delivery mode
adapted for short-term use of the vehicle.
[0050] Therefore, a separate connector or harness for making a
decision as to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode is not
necessary, unlike in the prior art. The number of components is
reduced and thus the cost of manufacturing the vehicle can be
decreased. Furthermore, a decision is made as to whether the
vehicle is in the delivery mode or not depending on whether the
backup power supply 40 is applied to the clock device 30.
Consequently, switching between normal mode and delivery mode can
be easily and precisely done.
[0051] Furthermore, according to the control apparatus 10 of the
present embodiment, the clock device 30 used to make a decision as
to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not is
independent of the running related functions of the vehicle and so
if no electric power is supplied from the backup power supply 40 in
the delivery mode, operations related to the running functions such
as of engine, transmission, various gears, and suspension are not
hindered. Consequently, if the vehicle is judged to be in the
delivery mode, inspection of the power system within a plant,
movement of the vehicle without external assistance within the
plant after the assembly, and movement of the vehicle without
external assistance during transportation of the vehicle can be
done precisely.
[0052] In the above embodiment, a decision is made as to whether
the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not according to whether the
backup power supply 40 is applied to the clock device 30. As shown
in FIG. 2, a decision may be made as to whether the vehicle is in
the delivery mode or not according to whether a voltage from the
backup power supply 40 is applied to the control apparatus 10
itself. In this case, it is necessary to design the apparatus such
that the running of the vehicle is not hindered if no electric
power is supplied to the control apparatus 10.
[0053] In the control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, a pair of
detachable apparatus power-supply connectors 17 is mounted to the
backup power-supply circuit 16 of the apparatus 10. Although no
description is given in the above embodiment, the control apparatus
10 has a voltage converter circuit 18 for converting the voltage of
12 V of the vehicle backup power supply 40 into 5 V corresponding
to the specification of the CPU 11 as shown in FIG. 2. The CPU 11
has a decision port 11a that is connected with the voltage
converter circuit 18 and with the backup power-supply circuit 16
inside the apparatus 10 by a connector circuit 19 having an
operational amplifier. In this case, the state of application of
the backup power supply 40 is detected, depending on whether the
voltage detected at the decision port 11a is at high or low level.
The connector circuit 19 may also be constructed using transistors
instead of the operational amplifier as shown in FIG. 3.
[0054] In this case, the same advantages as the above embodiments
are produced, as a matter of course. Since it is only necessary to
directly detect whether the backup power supply 40 is applied to
the apparatus itself, it is not necessary to send information
regarding the application of the voltage from the backup power
supply 40 from the outside to the apparatus 10. The harness,
connectors, and so on connected with the control apparatus 10 can
be simplified. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost can be reduced
further.
[0055] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a control
apparatus for a vehicle equipment device. FIG. 5 is a schematic
block diagram of the control apparatus for a vehicle equipment
device, and in which a fuse has been held in a storage circuit.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, a control apparatus 110 of the second
embodiment is similar in configuration with the control apparatus
10 of the first embodiment except that a decision is made as to
whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not according to
whether the backup power supply 40 is applied to a radio-audio
device 130 rather than to the clock device 30 and that a decision
is made as to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not
depending on whether a fuse 132 disposed in a backup power-supply
circuit 131 has been inserted or withdrawn. The following
description centers on the differences with the first
embodiment.
[0057] The radio-audio device 130 relates purely to the functions
of a radio receiver and is independent of the running related
functions of the vehicle. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the
backup power-supply circuit 131 connects the radio-audio device 130
and backup power supply 40 via the fuse 132. The fuse 132 is
accommodated in a fuse box 170 fitted in the vehicle.
[0058] In the present embodiment, the control apparatus 110 for the
vehicle equipment device has a storage circuit 180 for receiving
and holding the fuse 132 withdrawn from the backup power-supply
circuit 131. The storage circuit 180 is also designed to receive
and hold the fuse 132 by the fuse box 170. As shown in FIG. 5, the
storage circuit 180 is located between the backup power supply 40
and I/O interface 14 and electrically connects the backup power
supply 40 and I/O interface 14 by accepting the fuse 132.
[0059] The control change program 163 detects the fuse 132 by means
of the storage circuit 180. Thus, the program judges whether the
fuse 132 has been inserted in the backup power-supply circuit 131
or withdrawn from it. The program then judges whether the backup
power supply 40 is applied to the radio-audio device 130 according
to whether the fuse 132 has been inserted or withdrawn, and
switches the controlled contents of the engine. That is, if the
fuse 132 does not exist in the storage circuit 180, the controlled
contents of the engine are maintained as the normal mode. If the
fuse 132 is present in the storage circuit 180, the controlled
contents of the engine are switched to the delivery mode. The
controlled contents of the engine in the normal mode and in the
delivery mode are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0060] According to the control device 110 constructed in this way,
the same advantages as the advantages of the first embodiment are
obtained. In addition, the backup power supply 40 and radio-audio
device 130 are electrically connected or disconnected by insertion
or withdrawal of the fuse 132. Hence, a reliable decision can be
made as to whether the backup power supply 40 is applied or not.
This makes it possible to grasp the application of the backup power
supply without providing a separate connector. Consequently, the
manufacturing cost can be curtailed further. In addition, the
manufacturing cost can also be reduced effectively, because the
backup power-supply circuit 131 is constructed using the fuse box
170 equipped in the vehicle.
[0061] Since the fuse 132 in storage within the storage circuit 180
is detected, if the fuse 132 is withdrawn from the backup
power-supply circuit 131, it can be reliably judged. Furthermore,
if the fuse breaks simply, a misrecognition that the fuse 132 has
been withdrawn can be prevented; otherwise, the vehicle would shift
to the delivery mode.
[0062] Moreover, the radio-audio device 130 is not electrically
connected with the control apparatus 110. Therefore, noise produced
in the control apparatus 110 is not entered into the radio-audio
device 130. Hence, it is unlikely that the sensitivity of the radio
receiver deteriorates or that the audio quality is deteriorated by
noise.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a control apparatus
for a vehicle equipment device showing the configuration of a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the control apparatus 210 of the third
embodiment is similar in configuration with the control apparatus
110 of the second embodiment except that a communication portion
216 for receiving an instruction signal regarding control of the
engine is mounted and that the controlled contents of the engine
are changed based on the instruction signal received by the
communication portion 216. The following description centers on the
differences with the second embodiment.
[0065] In the present embodiment, the communication portion 216
receives an instruction signal sent from a checker 290 connected on
a delivery inspection line in a plant.
[0066] A first delivery engine control program 262a, a second
delivery engine control program 262b, and an inspection engine
control program 264 are stored in the ROM 12, in addition to a
normal engine control program 61 identical with the normal engine
control program 61 used in the second embodiment.
[0067] The second delivery engine control program 262b is similar
in controlled content with the delivery engine control program 62
in the first and second embodiments. The controlled contents of the
first delivery engine control program 262a are the same as the
controlled contents of the second delivery engine control program
excluding low-pressure operation regarding supply of boost pressure
into the engine. That is, in the first delivery engine control
program 262a, the boost pressure actuator 22 is driven in the same
way as in the normal operation. The supercharger operates in the
same way as in the normal mode.
[0068] The inspection engine control program 264 is used to control
the engine in the inspection mode adapted for inspection, for
example, in an automotive store. In the present embodiment, the
operation of the boost pressure actuator 22 is checked. The boost
pressure actuator 22 is turned on and off repeatedly irrespective
of the state of operation of the engine. Also, the operation of the
purge actuator 27 is checked. The actuator 27 is turned on and off
repeatedly regardless of the state of operation of the engine.
[0069] When an instruction signal is received by the communication
portion 216 and the vehicle is judged to be in the delivery mode,
the control change program 263 changes the controlled contents of
the engine to the first delivery mode. When the communication
portion 216 receives an instruction signal and the vehicle is
judged not to be in the delivery mode, the control change program
263 changes the controlled contents of the engine to the inspection
mode. When the communication portion 216 receives no instruction
signal and the vehicle is judged to be in the delivery mode, the
control change program 263 changes the controlled contents of the
engine to the second delivery mode. When the communication portion
216 receives no instruction signal and the vehicle is judged not to
be in the delivery mode, the control change program 263 retains the
controlled contents of the engine as the normal mode.
[0070] With the control apparatus 210 constructed in this way; the
vehicle is judged to be in the delivery mode until the fuse 132 is
inserted into the backup power-supply circuit 131 from the storage
circuit 180 in an automotive store after the vehicle undergoes an
assembly sequence in a plant, is delivered from the plant, and is
transported to the store. During this time interval, the engine is
controlled in the first delivery mode in principle. In the delivery
inspection in the plant, the checker 290 is connected. When an
instruction signal is received, the engine is controlled in the
second delivery mode.
[0071] After the fuse 132 has been inserted into the backup
power-supply circuit 131, the engine is controlled in the normal
mode in principle. The checker 290 is connected in the store. When
an instruction signal is received, the engine is controlled in the
inspection mode.
[0072] In this way, according to the control apparatus 210 of the
present embodiment, the advantages of the second embodiment are
obtained. In addition, the controlled contents in the delivery mode
are made different according to whether an instruction signal has
been received or not by the communication portion 216. The
controlled contents used during delivery inspection in a plant are
made different from the controlled contents used during
transportation to a store after delivery from the plant, by making
different the two kinds of controlled contents in the delivery mode
as described above. The controlled contents used when the vehicle
is subjected to a delivery inspection are made different from the
controlled contents used during transportation. Control can be
provided according to the contents of the delivery inspection work
of the vehicle.
[0073] When the vehicle is transported for a longtime to a store
after delivery from a plant, the vehicle is placed in the delivery
mode. During inspection in the store, the vehicle is placed in the
inspection mode. This makes the controlled contents used when the
vehicle is inspected different from the controlled contents used in
the delivery mode. Control can be performed according to the
contents of the inspection work of the vehicle. In the present
embodiment, the boost pressure actuator 22 and purge actuator 27
are turned on and off repeatedly and so these can be inspected.
[0074] In the first through third embodiments, the controlled
contents of the engine are changed. The vehicle equipment device
for which the controlled contents are changed by the control
apparatus may be a transmission or differential, for example.
[0075] Furthermore, in the first through third embodiments, cited
examples of the devices associated with functions independent of
the running related functions are the clock device 30 and
radio-audio device 130. They may also be a navigational system and
a TV receiver. In addition, a device which does not relate to
functions independent of the running related functions and which
does not hinder the running of the vehicle can make a decision as
to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not according to
whether the backup power supply is applied or not.
[0076] Further, in the third embodiment, the engine is controlled
in any one of different delivery modes according to whether an
instruction signal is received by the communication portion 216.
The vehicle may be shifted to the delivery mode provided that an
instruction signal is received or not. That is, when the
communication portion 216 receives an instruction signal and the
vehicle is judged to be in the delivery mode, the control change
program 263 may change the controlled contents of the engine to the
delivery mode. In this case, the controlled contents are not
shifted to the delivery mode unless the communication portion 216
receives an instruction signal. Therefore, if a malfunction occurs
during normal running of the vehicle, shifting to the delivery mode
can be prevented certainly.
[0077] Additionally, in the third embodiment, the checker 290 is
connected with the communication portion 216 by a wire, and an
instruction signal is sent. An instruction signal may also be sent
wirelessly from an external wireless device.
[0078] Further, in the second and third embodiments, the storage
circuit 180 for receiving and holding the fuse 132 is mounted. A
decision may be made as to whether the fuse 132 has been inserted
or withdrawn by directly detecting whether the backup power-supply
circuit 31 is energized or not as in the first embodiment.
[0079] Also, in the second and third embodiments, a decision may be
made as to whether the vehicle is in the delivery mode or not
depending on whether the backup power supply 40 is applied to the
control apparatus 110 or 210 itself not depending on whether the
backup power supply 40 is applied to the radio-audio device
130.
[0080] In addition, the controlled contents such as delivery mode
and inspection mode can be modified arbitrarily according to the
state of transportation or the contents of inspection. Besides,
specific structure details can be appropriately modified, as a
matter of course.
* * * * *