JP3886985B2 - Center cluster module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a center cluster module that reduces assembly and cost for vehicles such as automobiles.

  Conventionally, a center cluster module for storing audio equipment is mounted on the front of the vehicle. This center cluster module is a case for inserting components of audio equipment. For this reason, it is necessary to connect a power line and a signal line for each device, the wiring of the power line and the signal line becomes complicated, and it takes a lot of time to assemble the device, and a considerable cost is required. .

  In addition, since each device has an operation switch, when operating the device at the bottom of the rack, it is necessary to drop the line of sight and operate the switch. It was missing.

  Furthermore, in the audio equipment housed in the center cluster module of the vehicle, one-body construction is performed in consideration of cost and assemblability. However, when the equipment is not very expandable and a retrofit apparatus is purchased, if there is a space in addition to the one body, the retrofit apparatus can be attached to another space. However, not all retrofit equipment can be attached to the body side (instrument stay in the instrument panel).

  In addition, when a retrofit device was purchased at the aftermarket and the retrofit device was attached to the center console, the wire harness (W / H) had to be rearranged.

Furthermore, since the retrofit equipment is not necessarily the same equipment manufacturer as the equipment equipment installed earlier, the switches and display units of each equipment are, for example, operability, the concept of visibility, and the uniformity of design. It was mixed in terms of etc. For this reason, when retrofit equipment is stored in the center cluster module, the operability and visibility of the equipment are poor, and safety during operation is lacking.
JP-A-9-286287

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 41, when one 1 DIN size device 403 and two 1/2 W-DIN size devices 405 and 407 are mounted in the device slot 401, the DIN size device is inserted into a slot board (not shown). Only one DIN size device can be connected at one location on the slot board connector (not shown) for connection to the connector.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 41, the two 1 / 2W-DIN size devices 405 and 407 are arranged in the upper and lower two stages of the rack, and there are a lot of useless parts in terms of space. In consideration of the operability of each device, it is desirable to dispose each device at the top of the rack.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a center cluster module capable of improving the assembly property of a vehicle, reducing the cost, and ensuring safety.

The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. The center cluster module according to the first aspect of the invention includes a main unit having a device connection slot in which each electric device of a plurality of electric devices mounted on the vehicle is detachable, a first connection connector, and the electric device. A switch unit that has a plurality of operation switches for inputting operation signals to be connected and is detachably attached to the main body unit via the first connection connector, and the switch unit is disposed in the opening recess and the opening recess a base face having a second of said first opening portion main body unit via the first connector and the plurality can be connected together and a connector which is, the second connection to the base face Yusuke said base face in accordance with the electrical equipment that is and connected to the equipment connection slot can be connected via a connector A sub face that is removably attached to the opening recess, said and having a second opening for inserting a recording medium corresponding to the electrical equipment mounted on a vehicle, electric connected to the equipment connection slots And an exchange plate that is detachably attached to the corresponding first opening of the plurality of first openings according to the device.

According to the present invention, is detachably attached to the opening recess having a sub face to the base face in accordance with the electrical devices connected to the equipment connection slot, the plurality in accordance with the electrical devices connected to the equipment connection slots No. Since the replacement plate is attached to the corresponding first opening in one of the openings, the base face can be used as a common component, so that the cost can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the light emitting portion is provided in the opening concave portion of the base face, and the light from the light emitting portion is provided in the sub face between the base face and the sub face. A light guide member that leads to the operation switch is provided.

According to the present invention, since the light guide member guides the light from the light emitting portion provided in the opening concave portion of the base face to the plurality of operation switches having the sub-face, each operation switch becomes bright, which is convenient at night. is there.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first light receiving / emitting unit that receives and emits light, and optical communication between the first optical communication unit that is detachable from the base face and the first light receiving / emitting unit. And a second optical communication unit that is detachably attached to the sub-face and has a battery that operates the second light emitting / receiving unit.

  According to the present invention, the light from the first light emitting / receiving unit included in the first optical communication unit detachable from the base face is received by the second light receiving unit included in the second optical communication unit detachable from the subface. Since it is received by the light emitting unit, communication between the base face and the sub-face becomes possible. Further, since the second optical communication unit is attached to the sub-face and the second light emitting / receiving unit is operated by the battery, it is portable.

Moreover, since the light guide member guides light from the light emitting portion provided in the opening concave portion of the base face to the plurality of operation switches having the sub-face, each operation switch becomes bright, which is convenient at night.

  According to the present invention, optical communication can be performed between the first light emitting / receiving unit provided on the base face and the second light receiving / emitting unit included in the optical communication unit detachably attached to the subface.

According to the present invention, is detachably attached to the opening recess having a sub face to the base face in accordance with the electrical devices connected to the equipment connection slot, the plurality in accordance with the electrical devices connected to the equipment connection slots No. Since the replacement plate is attached to the corresponding first opening in one of the openings, the base face can be used as a common component, so that the cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, since the light guide member guides light from the light emitting portion provided on the base face to the plurality of operation switches having the sub-face, each operation switch becomes bright and convenient at night.

  In addition, light from the first light receiving / emitting unit included in the first optical communication unit detachably attached to the base face is received by the second light receiving / emitting unit included in the second optical communication unit detachable from the subface. Therefore, communication between the base face and the sub-face becomes possible. Since the second optical communication unit is attached to the sub-face and the second light emitting / receiving unit is operated by the battery, it is portable. Optical communication can be performed between the first light emitting / receiving unit provided on the base face and the second light receiving / emitting unit included in the optical communication unit detachably attached to the subface.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the center cluster module of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the invention corresponding to the inventions of claims 1 to 4 correspond to the examples described in paragraphs [0104] to [0133], and examples other than this example are reference examples. It is not an embodiment of the invention corresponding to the inventions of Items 1-4.

<First Embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the center cluster module of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1A shows a configuration diagram of the center cluster module, FIG. 1B shows a head unit in the center cluster module, and FIG. 1C shows a device connection slot in the center cluster module. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the center cluster module system.

  The center cluster module 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and includes a display block and a standard block (hereinafter referred to as a head unit). The display block includes a display 11 that displays audio video data (hereinafter referred to as AV data), and the head unit 12 includes a switch unit 13 and a main unit 14. The main unit 14 includes a controller 15 and a device connection slot 19. The device connection slot 19 includes an electrical device (hereinafter referred to as a device) such as a radio 35, a cassette 37 a, and a compact disc (hereinafter referred to as a CD) 38. ) Is detachably mounted.

  The device connection slot 19 is provided with a bus line 41 for connecting the respective electrical devices mounted in the device connection slot 19, and the bus line 41 is connected to the controller 15.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the switch unit 13 includes a plurality of operation switches 13 a to 13 e, and the plurality of operation switches 13 a to 13 e are connected to the number of various devices connected to the device connection slot 19. Corresponding operation switches are provided to operate corresponding devices. The plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e are arranged so as to be inclined so that a driver or the like can easily operate.

  The controller 15 controls various devices connected to the device connection slot 19 via the bus line 41 by operation signals from the plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e. The controller 15 is disposed in a lower portion of the plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e (not shown), and as shown in FIG. 1B, racks 17a to 17c for storing various devices are provided at the front. The device connection slot 19 is disposed at the rear portion.

  The device connection slot 19 has a slot substrate 21 as shown in FIG. 1C, and the slot substrate 21 is incorporated in the rack portions 17a to 17c. FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the slot substrate. The slot substrate 21 shown in FIG. 3 includes long-open connectors 23a to 23c having long openings and short-open connectors 25a to 25c having short openings.

  The flat connector 27 has a large board edge 29a having a large size and a small board edge 29b having a small size. The large board edge 29a is detachably attached to, for example, the long opening connector 23a, and the small board edge 29b is short. The opening connector 25a is detachably attached. The other flat connector 27 is attached to the long opening connector 23b and the short opening connector 25b, and the other flat connector 27 is attached to the long opening connector 23c and the short opening connector 25c.

  The flat connector 27 is provided with a first opening 31a and a second opening 31b. A substrate edge 33a for a 1/2 W (size) -DIN size device is provided in the first opening 31a. A board edge 33b for 1 / 2W-DIN size equipment is attached to the second opening 31b. And as shown in FIG. 4, the 1 / 2W-DIN size apparatus 37a and the 1 / 2W-DIN size apparatus 37b can be accommodated in one rack.

  FIG. 5A shows a configuration diagram of the bus line, and FIG. 5B shows an optional device connected to the bus line. The bus line 41 is disposed on the back surface of the device connection slot 19 in FIG. 2, and has a plurality of cutout portions 42 and a plurality of terminal portions 43 along the vertical direction. The terminal portions 43 are arranged in a plurality of rows along the horizontal direction. Each terminal portion 43 is welded to one end 45a of the bus bar 45, and the other end 45b of the bus bar 45 is connected to a substrate edge 47 provided in the optional device 49 shown in FIG.

  In this way, each device is mounted in the device connection slot 19, each mounted device is connected to the bus line 41, and each device is connected to the controller 15 via the bus line 41. The controller 15 is connected to a display 11, an operation switch 13a, and the like.

  That is, since the center cluster module 1 is formed in a rack structure and the devices can be freely replaced with the device connection slots 19, the expandability of the devices can be obtained and the assemblability can be improved.

  Further, since the controller 15 controls each device through the bus line 41 by operating the plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e of the switch unit 13, it is not necessary to provide each operation switch 13a to 13e in each device. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a display for each device.

  Therefore, since a device having no operation switch and a display can be freely expanded, the cost can be reduced. Further, since the plurality of operation switches are collectively arranged at a place where the driver can easily operate, safety during driving can be ensured.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of an example of a center cluster module system mounted on a vehicle. In the center cluster module system, data is transmitted between the center cluster module 1 having a standard block and an extension block 53 as an extension module in the vehicle.

  In FIG. 6, the center cluster module 1 is arranged in the dashboard area in the front part of the vehicle 50, and the center cluster module 1 is connected to an extension block 53 arranged in the rear trunk area via a bus line 51.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of the expansion block 53 arranged in the rear trunk area. The extension block 53 stores a CD changer and an MD changer that cannot be stored in the standard block in the center cluster module 1.

  The expansion block 53 includes devices such as a controller 55 including a communication IC, a device connection slot 57, a CD changer 58, an amplifier (AMP) 59, and a telephone (TEL) 60. Each of the CD changer 58, the amplifier 59, and the telephone 60 is mounted in the device connection slot 57 via an expansion connector 57a. A bus line 41a (shown in FIG. 2) having the same configuration as the bus line 41 shown in FIG. 5A is provided on the rear surface of the device connection slot 57, and a device is connected to the bus line 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, since the controller 15 and the controller 55 are connected by the bi-line 51, each device included in the expansion block 53 can be remotely operated by the operation switch 13 a via the bus line 51. .

  FIG. 8 shows the assembly of the center cluster module to the rack. In FIG. 8, a center console 63 is provided on the right side of the handle 61, and the display unit 10 including the display 11 is attached to the groove 65 and connected to the connector 68. In the display unit 10, there are a case where a display device is selected according to a selected device and a case where the display device is selected according to the user's preference.

  The head unit 12 including the expansion rack is assembled to the center cluster bezel 70, and a decorative panel 71 is attached to the center cluster bezel 70 to complete the center cluster module 1. The completed center cluster module 1 is stored in the expansion rack 67 of the center console 63. The center cluster module 1 is connected to the connector 69 and electrically connected to the bus line 51.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a decorative panel. The decorative panels 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d are provided with drive openings 73 for devices such as CDs and MDs, and the printing unit 75 is printed. These decorative panels are decorated according to the combination of devices stored in the expansion rack. Thereby, the expandable apparatus can be established by the correspondence of the decorative panel.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration diagram of a 1 / 2W-DIN size device connector system. The 1 / 2W-DIN size device connector system constitutes an electrical device connector system. The connector system is provided with a connection device slot 80, and the connection device slot 80 has a slot substrate 81. The slot board 81 is provided with slot board connectors 82, 83, 84 as first connectors at equal intervals in the vertical direction, and has a board edge 85 at the upper left end.

  A 1DIN size device 86 such as a CD player is detachably attached to the connector 82 on the slot board, and a 1DIN size device 87 such as an amplifier is detachably attached to the connector 84 on the slot board. It has become.

  FIG. 11 shows the connection between the connector on the slot board and the DIN size device. The 1DIN size device 86 is provided with a flat connector 91, and the flat connector 91 is connected to the slot board connector 82. Accordingly, the power line and input / output line of various devices can be connected to the on-slot board connector 82 by the flat connector 91.

  Further, the 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector 88 as the second connector is connected to the slot board connector 83. FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of a 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector 88 includes a printed circuit board 92 including a substrate edge 92a as a first connection portion connected to the on-slot connector 83 and a double-sided board, and an integrated circuit. It is connected to a connector 93 (slot 1) as a second connection unit connected to a 1/2 W-DIN size device 89 such as an (IC) card, and to a 1/2 W-DIN size device 90 such as a magnetic disk (MD). And a connector 94 (slot 2) as a third connecting portion.

  FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a portion A of the 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector 88 of FIG. The board edge 92a is provided with a plurality of copper foil patterns 92b corresponding to the plurality of lines from the on-slot board connector 83, and a through hole 95 is provided on each copper foil pattern 92b.

  On the surface side of the printed circuit board 92, a copper foil pattern 96 is connected to the copper foil pattern 92 b through the through hole 95, and the copper foil pattern 96 is connected to the connector 93. The copper foil pattern 92 b is connected to the copper foil pattern 97 (dotted line portion) on the back surface side of the substrate edge 92 through the through hole 95, and the copper foil pattern 97 is connected to the connector 94.

  With the above configuration, by using the 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector 88, each line from the connector on the slot board 83 is branched into two through each through hole 95, so that the connector of the same shape as the two slots board connector is formed. In addition, two 1 / 2W-DIN size devices can be connected in the space of the 1DIN size device. Thereby, an apparatus mounting space can be used effectively.

  In addition, various devices can be connected by connectors on the slot board having the same function and shape, so that the devices can be connected with each other, and can be easily attached during expansion. The printed circuit board may be a multilayer board instead of the double-sided board.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of stand-alone operation of each device at the time of network failure of the center cluster module system of FIG. In FIG. 2, it is assumed that a failure such as a short circuit occurs in the bus line 51 while each device is operating via the bus line 51 under the control of the controller 15.

  In such a case, the controller 15 cannot control each device. For this reason, the stand-alone operation of each device is performed when a network failure occurs.

  The example shown in FIG. 14A shows a stand-alone operation of the CD device. 14A has an opening 102 for inserting a CD, an eject button 103 for taking out the CD, a changeover switch 104 for switching between stand-alone or network, and a CPU 103a.

  The stand-alone operation of the CD device will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the eject button 103 is turned on (pressed) (step S101). Next, the CPU 103a determines whether or not it is a stand-alone from a signal from the changeover switch 104 (step S103).

  If it is not a stand-alone, the CPU 103a determines whether or not the network is normal (step S105). If the network is normal, the CPU 103a transmits an eject signal from the eject button 103 to the controller 15 (step S107).

  Then, a command in response to the eject signal is transmitted from the controller 15 to the CD device 101 (step S109), and the CD device 101 takes out the CD by the command and further stops (step S111).

  On the other hand, if the network is abnormal in step S105, the process is terminated. If it is stand-alone in step S103, the CPU 103a drives a motor (not shown) (step S113) and takes out the CD by driving the motor (step S115).

  In this way, the CD is taken out and other operations are performed when the network is normal, but when the network is out of order, the CD device 101 can be pressed to eject the CD by a stand-alone operation by pressing the eject button. That is, by performing a stand-alone operation, it is possible to control the removal of a CD, which is the minimum operation.

  Next, a stand-alone operation of an air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner) will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 105 is provided with a changeover switch 106 for switching between stand-alone and network, an A / C switch 107 for turning on or off the air conditioner, and a CPU 107a.

  The CPU 107a determines whether the network is normal or abnormal. If the network is normal, the changeover switch 106 is switched to the network, and the A / C switch 107 is turned on or off, and does not operate accordingly. That is, when the network is normal, the controller 15 controls the on / off operation of the air conditioner 105.

  On the other hand, when the network is abnormal, when the changeover switch 106 is switched to stand-alone, the CPU 107a operates the A / C switch 107 as a stand-alone operation based on a changeover signal from the changeover switch 106. That is, if the A / C switch 107 is turned on, the air conditioner 105 is activated, and if the A / C switch 107 is turned off, the air conditioner 105 is stopped. In other words, the stand-alone operation can control the operation and stop of the air conditioner, which is the minimum operation.

  Next, the stand-alone operation of the amplifier will be described with reference to FIG. The amplifier 108 is provided with a changeover switch 109, a mute switch 110 for turning on or off the mute operation, and a CPU 110a.

  The CPU 110a determines whether the network is normal or abnormal. If the network is normal, the changeover switch 109 is switched to the network, and the mute switch 110 is turned on or off, and does not operate accordingly. That is, when the network is normal, the controller 15 controls the on / off operation of the amplifier 108.

  On the other hand, when the network is abnormal, when the changeover switch 109 is switched to stand-alone, the CPU 110a operates the mute switch 110 as a stand-alone operation based on the changeover signal from the changeover switch 109. That is, when the mute switch 110 is turned on, the mute operation is turned on, and when the mute switch 110 is turned off, the mute operation is turned off. That is, by performing a stand-alone operation, it is possible to control mute on / off, which is the minimum operation.

  Next, a device expansion connector in the in-vehicle network system will be described. FIG. 16 shows an in-vehicle network system. A network system control device is built in the front portion of the vehicle 131, and a vehicle front device slot 135 in which an arbitrary audio / video (AV) device or the like can be mounted is arranged on the instrument panel 133.

  In addition, a vehicle rear device expansion connector 139 having a bus line capable of connecting various devices to the network is disposed at the rear of the vehicle. The device expansion connector 139 is connected to the vehicle front device slot 135 via the high-speed network line 137. It is connected to the.

  FIG. 17 shows a configuration block diagram of device connection to the vehicle rear device expansion connector. As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of devices 143 a to 143 c are connected to the device expansion connector 139, and an expansion expansion connector 141 is connected to the device expansion connector 139. The expansion expansion connector 141 is used for connecting a plurality of devices 143d to 143f exceeding the number of devices connected to the device expansion connector 139 on the network.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view of device connection to the vehicle rear device expansion connector. In FIG. 18, a plurality of devices 143 a to 143 c are connected to the device expansion connector 139, an expansion connector 145 is provided to the expansion expansion connector 141, and the device expansion connector 139 is a connector 147 that fits into the expansion connector 145. Is provided.

  FIG. 19 shows a detailed view of a fitting portion B between the device expansion connector 139 and the expansion expansion connector 141. The extension connector 141 is provided with a notch 149a and a projection 149b, and the device extension connector 139 is provided with a taper 151a and a groove 151b. When the device expansion connector 139 and the expansion expansion connector 141 are fitted, the connector 147 is fitted to the expansion connector 145, the projection 149a is fitted to the groove 151b, and the notch 149a is fitted to the taper 151a.

  FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of device connection at the rear of the vehicle. The device expansion connector 139 shown in FIG. 20 is provided with connectors 153a to 153c, and a front device slot device 156 is connected to the connector 153a via an intermediate bus cable 155. A front device slot device 158 is connected to the connector 153c via an intermediate bus cable 157.

  According to the above configuration, the information network system is configured by storing each device in the vehicle front device slot 135 and connecting each device to the rear device expansion connector 139. For this reason, a wiring member can be saved and wiring can be made efficient. In addition, the device can be easily expanded. Furthermore, in various types of communication within the network, digital conveyance by a high-speed network line is effective for countermeasures against electromagnetic interference (EMC).

  Next, the storage case for in-vehicle device slots will be described. FIG. 21 shows a device slot application example. The in-vehicle device slot 160 shown in FIG. 21 is arranged in the vehicle center cluster unit, and can be equipped with various devices. If no device is installed in all slots, an arbitrary slot position where no device is installed corresponds to the user needs. A storage case or accessory case can be mounted.

  The in-vehicle device slot 160 has a bus line 161 as shown in FIG. 21, and, for example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, for example, the device 163 is stored in the upper stage, the storage case 165 is stored in the middle stage, and the lower stage. The device 167 is stored. The number of storage cases 165 and accessory cases is not limited to one, and the storage cases 165 and accessory cases may be mounted as many as the number of slots in which devices are not installed.

  FIG. 23 shows details of the portion C in FIG. 22, that is, the connection between the jumper connector and the bus line connector. A jumper connector 169 is provided on the rear bus line 161 side of the storage case 165 (or accessory case, various racks), and this jumper connector 169 also serves as dust protection on the bus line connector 168 of the vehicle-mounted device slot 160. At the same time, various circuit configurations can be performed by jumpers of the bus line connector 168 according to the state configuration of the device.

  FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the jumper connector and the storage case, and FIG. 25 is a detailed view of the jumper connector. As shown in FIG. 24, the jumper connector 169 is provided at the rear part of the storage case 165. When the jumper connector 169 is not necessary due to the bus line and circuit configuration, the jumper connector is not provided on the storage race side, and only the dustproof structure of the bus line connector 168 is used. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of patterns 171 are arranged on the jumper connector 169, and the jumper connector 169 is integrally formed with the storage case 165.

  FIG. 40 shows a conventional accessory case mounting method. When the accessory case 378, 379 or the like is attached to a vehicle that does not have the above-described in-vehicle device slot or the like, it is necessary to use the dedicated stay 377 or the like to assemble the center cluster, which is inefficient.

  FIG. 39 shows the connection between the conventional bus line 161 and the storage case. A bus line connector 373 is attached to the bus line 161, and a storage case connector portion 374 is inserted into the bus line connector 373. The impedance matching resistor 375 on the storage case connector 374 and the jumper line are connected to the bus line 161. Thus, various input / output signals from the bus line connector 373 have to be jumpered in the bus line connector 373 in accordance with the bus connection form.

  However, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. 25, it is possible to easily meet the user needs by easily attaching the storage case 165, the accessory case, various holders, etc. to the unused slot of the on-vehicle equipment slot 160. it can. Further, by using such a storage case 165, the space in the vehicle can be used effectively.

  Further, providing the jumper connector 169 at the rear part of the storage case 165 is effective for dust-proofing of the bus line connector, and the bus line 161 is jumpered according to the state of equipment mounting, and various wirings are possible. .

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the center cluster module of the present invention will be described. FIG. 26A shows a configuration diagram of the center cluster module according to the second embodiment, FIG. 26B shows a configuration diagram of the switch unit, and FIG. 26C shows a configuration diagram of the main unit.

  The head unit 201 constituting the center cluster module is composed of a switch unit 203 and a main unit 205 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26B, the switch unit 203 includes a plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e, a convex portion 207a, a concave portion 207b, and a connection connector 209 provided on the convex portion 207a.

  The plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e are provided corresponding to the number of various devices, and the corresponding operation switches operate the corresponding devices. The plurality of operation switches 13a to 13e are arranged so as to be inclined so that a driver or the like can easily operate.

  As shown in FIG. 26 (c), the main unit 205 houses the recess 211a, the protrusion 211b, the connection connector 213 provided on the recess 211a and at a position facing the connection connector 209, and various devices. Rack portions 17a to 17c. The connection connector 213 is detachably attached to the connection connector 209 so that the main unit 205 and the switch unit 203 are electrically connected.

  The circuit configuration of the switch unit 203 is the same as the configuration of the switch unit 13 shown in FIG. 2, and the circuit configuration of the main unit 205 is also the same as the configuration of the main unit 14 shown in FIG. Then, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  According to the above configuration, the concave portion 207b of the switch unit 203 is placed on the convex portion 211b of the main unit 205, the convex portion 207a of the switch unit 203 is placed on the concave portion 211a of the main unit 205, and the connection connector 213 is connected to the connection connector 209. To do. Accordingly, the switch unit 203 can be connected to the main unit 205 via the connection connector 209 and the connection connector 213.

  Further, the switch unit is not limited to the shape as shown in FIG. The shape of the switch unit varies depending on the vehicle type. Examples of the switch unit include a switch unit 203b as shown in FIG. 27A and a switch unit 203c as shown in FIG.

  The switch unit 203b has operation switches 13f to 13k and operation switches 13m and 13n having different shapes and functions, and the switch unit 203c has operation switches 13f to 13k and operation switches 13m, 13p, and 13q having different shapes and functions. Have

  Even if the switch units 203b and 203c having different shapes are configured to be detachably attached to the main unit 205 via the connection connector 213, the main unit 205 is commonly used by replacing the switch unit. be able to. That is, since the main unit 205 can be used as a common component, the cost of the center cluster module can be reduced.

  In the example shown in FIG. 26C, the main unit 205 has three device connection slots 19 (corresponding to the rack portions 17a to 17c), but the main unit 205 has two device connection slots or one device connection. May have slots. When the number of device connection slots of the main unit 205 differs depending on the vehicle type or the like, the switch unit 203 may be made common and the main unit 205 may be replaced. In this way, the cost of the center cluster module can be reduced by exchanging only the main unit 205 according to the vehicle type or the like.

  Further, when the switch unit 203 and the main unit 205 are separated from each other, an intermediate connector 214 as shown in FIG. 28 may be used. The intermediate connector 214 includes a connection connector 215, a connection connector 219, and a cable 217 that connects these two connection connectors.

  By connecting the connection connector 215 to the connection connector 209 of the switch unit 203 and connecting the connection connector 219 to the connection connector 213 of the main unit 205, for example, the switch unit 203 and the main unit 205 can be connected. .

  FIG. 29 shows an example of a face plate that covers the device connection slot 19. As shown in FIG. 26 (c), the main unit 205 is provided with rack portions 17 a to 17 c and a device connection slot 19. FIG. 29 shows first to third face plates 221a to 221c covering the rack portions 17a to 17c and the device connection slot 19.

  The first face plate 221a has a sufficient space for inserting a CD player (corresponding to the CD 38 shown in FIG. 2) and a cassette player (corresponding to the cassette 37a shown in FIG. 2), and the CD player and the cassette player. There are openings 223 and 225 provided corresponding to the positions.

  The second face plate 221b has an opening (not shown) provided in a space sufficient for inserting the CD player and the MD player and corresponding to the positions of the CD player and the MD player. The third face plate 221c has an opening (not shown) provided in a space sufficient for inserting other electrical equipment and corresponding to the position of the electrical equipment.

  According to such first to third face plates 221a to 221c, one of the first to third face plates 221a to 221c is selected according to the type of electrical equipment connected to the device connection slot 19. And the device connection slot 19 and the rack parts 17a to 17c are covered with the selected face plate.

  That is, the face plate can be exchanged depending on the type of electrical equipment. For this reason, the main unit 205 and the switch unit 203 are used as common parts without changing the main unit 205 and the switch unit 203 depending on the vehicle type and grade, and only the changed parts such as the face plate 221a need be changed. As a result, the cost of the center cluster module can be reduced.

  Further, the face plate may be configured as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the base plate 231 is provided with three openings 233 a to 233 c corresponding to the number of device connection slots 19. In addition, a CD plate 237a, an MD plate 237b, a cassette plate 237c, and the like are prepared in advance in the plate portion 235.

  The CD plate 237a has an opening 238a for inserting a CD, the MD plate 237b has an opening 238b for inserting an MD, and the cassette plate 237c has an opening 238c for inserting a cassette. Is provided.

  Here, for example, when a CD player is connected to the device connection slot 19, the CD plate 237a is mounted in the opening 233a, and the CD player is connected to the device connection slot 19 through the CD plate 237a.

  For example, when an MD player is connected to the device connection slot 19, the MD plate 237b is attached to the opening 233b, and the MD player is connected to the device connection slot 19 through the MD plate 237b. Thus, since it is only necessary to replace the plate according to the electrical equipment, the cost of the center cluster module can be reduced.

  Further, the face plate may be configured as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 31, a bezel 239 as a face plate covers the switch unit 203 and the device connection slot 19, and has openings 241a to 241d provided corresponding to the operation switches 13a to 13e, and three devices. It is provided corresponding to the connection slot and has three openings 243a to 243c according to the type of electrical equipment.

  The bezel 239 having such a configuration can be exchanged according to the type of the electrical equipment, thereby reducing the cost of the center cluster module.

  Next, another example of the switch unit that is detachable from the main unit 205 will be described. FIG. 32 is a configuration diagram of a first example of a switch unit that is detachable from the main unit. The first example of the switch unit shown in FIG. 32 is an example when a radio and a tuner are connected to the main unit 205 as electrical equipment. The main unit 205 has a front frame 251, a connector 253, and an opening 255 for inserting electrical equipment.

  The switch unit 256a is configured to be detachable from the front frame 251 of the main unit 205, and can be connected to the main unit 205 via a connector 253, and a subface connectable to the base face 257 via a connector 264. It has a face 265 and plates 275 and 276 attached to the base face 257.

Base face 257, audio and video related basic operating switches 258 to 260 to perform the operation, opening recess 261 disposed in the center, the opening 262 provided in the upper portion of the opening recess 261, the opening recess opening 263 provided in the lower part of 261, a connector 264 provided in the opening recess 261. A plate 275 made of a blind lid is detachably configured in the opening 262, and a plate 276 made of a blind lid is detachably configured in the opening 263.

  Further, a connector (not shown) is provided at a position of the base face 257 facing the connector 253 of the main unit 205 (near the operation switch 260), and this connector can be connected to the connector 253.

Sub face 265 is detachably configured on the opening recessed portion 261 of the base face 257, an operation switch 266 to 268, operation switches 271 to 272, the open mouth 270. Further, a connector (not shown) is provided at a position of the sub-face 265 facing the connector 264 of the base face 257 (near the operation switch 269), and this connector can be connected to the connector 264. Further, the sub-face 265 has a display (not shown) corresponding to the operation switches 266 to 268 and the operation switches 271 to 272.

  The sub-face 265 is provided according to a characteristic function of a grade or a network. For example, there are sub-faces for low grade, high grade, navigation, and games.

  In the above configuration, when a radio or tuner is connected to the main unit 205, the subface 265 is attached to the base face 257, the plate 275 is attached to the opening 262 of the base face 257, and the plate 276 is attached to the opening 263. And the base face 257 can be attached to the main unit 205 via the connector 253.

  Next, FIG. 33 shows a configuration diagram of a second example of a switch unit that is detachably attached to the main unit. The second example of the switch unit shown in FIG. 33 is an example in which a CD player, an MD player, a radio, and a tuner are connected to the main unit as electrical equipment.

  The switch unit 256 b includes a base face 257, a subface 280 that can be connected to the base face 257 via a connector 264, and plates 283 and 285 attached to the base face 257.

  A plate 283 having an opening 284 for inserting a CD is a lid for CD and is attached to the opening 262. A plate 285 having an opening 286 for inserting an MD is a lid for MD and is attached to the opening 263.

  The subface 280 is different from the subface 265 shown in FIG. 32 in that the size of the opening 281 is increased and an operation switch 273 is added.

  According to the above configuration, when a CD player, an MD player, a radio, and a tuner are connected to the main unit 205, the base face 257 is changed by changing the subface 280, the plate 283, and the plate 285. Can be used without. For this reason, the cost of the center cluster module can be reduced.

  A third example shown in FIG. 34 is an example in which a CD player, an MD player, a navigation system, a radio, and a tuner are connected to the main unit as electrical equipment. In the case of the third example of the switch unit 256c, only the configuration of the sub-face 291 having the opening 295 having a larger size is changed with respect to the second example shown in FIG. In the third example, the same effect as that of the first example shown in FIG. 32 and the second example shown in FIG. 33 can be obtained.

Next, a configuration for brightening the subface at night will be described. FIG. 35 shows a configuration diagram of night illumination of the subface. In Figure 35, the base to the opening recess 261 of the face 257 light emitting portion 301 such as a light emitting diode is provided, the transparent member to face the light emitting portion 301 to the sub face cover 303 to cover the sub face 265 305 Is provided. Instead of using the transparent member 305, a translucent member may be used.

  A light guide plate 307 is provided between the subface cover 303 and the subface 265. The light guide plate 307 is provided with light guide members 309a to 309c facing the operation switches 258 to 260 provided on the base face 257, and the light guide members 309d to 309d are provided facing the operation switches 266 to 269 provided on the subface 265. 309g is provided, and light guide members 309h to 309j are provided to face the operation switches 271 to 273 included in the sub-face 265.

  According to the above configuration, the light from the light emitting unit 301 included in the base face 257 passes through the transparent member 305 included in the subface cover 303 and enters the light guide plate 307. The incident light passes through the light guide members 309a to 309j of the light guide plate 307, is guided to the operation switches 266 to 269 and 271 to 273, and is printed on the operation switches 266 to 269 and 271 to 273. A printing unit (not shown) emits light. Accordingly, the sub-face 265 can be brightened at night.

  Next, communication between the base face and the subface will be described. FIG. 36 shows a schematic configuration diagram during communication between the base face and the sub-face. FIG. 37 shows a block diagram of the configuration during communication between the base face and the sub-face.

  The base face 257 includes connection connectors 264 and 337, a switch 331 (corresponding to the operation switches 258 to 260), a communication unit 335 connected to the connection connectors 264 and 337, and a central processing unit (CPU) 333 that controls each unit. Configured.

  The optical communication pack 321 includes a connection connector 324 connected to the connection connector 264 included in the base face 257, a light emitting / receiving unit 325, and a CPU 322 that controls each unit.

  The light emitting / receiving unit 325 receives an optical signal from the battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit interface (hereinafter, battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit I / F) 311 and transmits an optical signal to the battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit I / F 311 by light emission. For example, it is configured to include a light emitting diode and a light receiving diode. The optical communication pack 321 is attached to the base face 257 by connecting the connection connector 324 to the connection connector 264.

  The battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit I / F 311 includes a connection connector 313 connected to the connection connector 339 included in the sub-face 265, a battery 314 that operates the CPU 312, a light emitting / receiving unit 315, and a 312 that controls each unit.

  The light receiving / emitting unit 315 receives an optical signal from the optical communication pack 321 and transmits the optical signal to the optical communication pack 321 by light emission, and includes, for example, a light emitting diode and a light receiving diode. The battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit I / F 311 is attached to the sub-face 265 by connecting the connection connector 313 to the connection connector 339.

  The sub-face 265 includes a connection connector 339, a communication unit 341, a display 347, a driver 345 that drives the display 347, a switch 349 (corresponding to operation switches 266 to 269 and 271 to 273), and a CPU 343 that controls each unit.

  According to the above configuration, by connecting the connection connector 324 to the connection connector 264, the optical communication pack 321 is attached to the base face 257, and the connection connector 313 is connected to the connection connector 339. The I / F 311 is attached to the subface 265.

  For example, light from the light receiving / emitting unit 325 of the optical communication pack 321 is received by the light receiving / emitting unit 315 of the battery built-in light receiving / emitting unit I / F 311, and the light is transmitted through the CPU 312 and the connection connectors 313 and 339. The data is input to the communication unit 341 of the face 265.

  Therefore, communication can be performed between the base face 257 and the subface 265. In addition, since communication is performed by light, remote operation (remote control) can be performed, so that communication can be performed by carrying the sub-face 265 to which the battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit I / F 311 is attached.

  Further, since the base face 257 is a common component and the base face 257 and the sub face 265 can communicate with each other only by exchanging the sub face 265 according to the vehicle type or the like, the cost of the center cluster module can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the base face may be a base face 257a having a light emitting / receiving section 325 as shown in FIG. In this case, in a state where the subface 265 is attached to the base face 257a, an optional subface, for example, a game subface, and a battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit I / F 311 may be added.

  Even with such a configuration, communication can be performed by transmitting light from the light emitting / receiving unit 325 included in the base face 257a to the light emitting / receiving unit 315 included in the battery built-in light receiving / emitting unit I / F 311.

  Further, the color of the input light may be changed according to the case where the subface 265 is attached to the base face 257 and the case where the base face 257 and the subface 265 communicate with each other by remote control. For example, a dark blue color can be input at the time of wearing, and a green color can be input at the time of remote operation, and the color of the input light can be changed.

It is a block diagram of the center cluster module of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the center cluster module system. It is a detailed view of a slot substrate. It is the figure which accommodated the apparatus of 2 1/2 size in one rack. It is a block diagram of a bus line. It is a block diagram of the center cluster module system mounted in the vehicle. It is a block diagram of the expansion block arrange | positioned at a rear trunk area. It is a figure which shows the assembly | attachment to the rack of a center cluster module. It is a figure which shows the example of a decorative panel. It is a block diagram of the connector system corresponding to 1/2 size DIN size equipment. It is a figure which shows the connection of the connector on a slot board | substrate, and a DIN size apparatus. It is a schematic diagram of a 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector. It is a detailed view of a 1 / 2W-DIN size compatible connector. It is a figure which shows the example of the stand-alone operation | movement of each apparatus at the time of the network failure of the center cluster module system of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the stand-alone operation | movement of CD apparatus. It is a figure which shows a vehicle-mounted network system. It is a block diagram of the configuration of device connection to the vehicle rear device expansion connector. It is a perspective view of apparatus connection to a vehicle rear part expansion connector. It is detail drawing of the fitting part of an apparatus expansion connector and an expansion expansion connector. It is a schematic diagram of apparatus connection of the vehicle rear. It is a figure which shows the application example of an apparatus slot. It is a detailed view of the inside of the in-vehicle device slot. It is a figure which shows the connection of a jumper connector and a bus line connector. It is a perspective view which shows a jumper connector and a storage case. It is detail drawing of a jumper connector. It is a block diagram of the center cluster module of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of various switch units. It is a figure which shows an example of the intermediate | middle connector which connects a switch unit and a main body unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the faceplate which covers an apparatus connection slot. It is a figure which shows the other example of a faceplate. It is a figure which shows the example which used the face plate as a bezel. It is a block diagram of the 1st example of the switch unit which can be attached or detached to a main body unit. It is a block diagram of the 2nd example of the switch unit which can be attached or detached to a main body unit. It is a block diagram of the 3rd example of the switch unit which can be attached or detached to a main body unit. It is a block diagram of night illumination of a subface. The schematic block diagram at the time of communication with a base face and a subface is shown. It is a block diagram of the configuration at the time of communication between a base face and a subface. It is a figure which shows the base face which has a light emitting / receiving part. It is a figure which shows the connection of the conventional bus line and a storage case. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the conventional accessory case. It is a figure which shows accommodation to the rack of the conventional 1DIN size apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Center cluster module, 11 ... Display, 12, 201 ... Head unit, 13, 203 ... Switch unit, 13a-13e ... Operation switch, 14, 205 ... Main unit, 15 ... Controller, 17a-17c ... Rack, 19, 57 ... Device connection slot, 21, 81 ... Slot board, 35 ... Radio, 37a ... Cassette, 38 ... CD, 41 ... Bus line, 45 ... Busbar, 58 ... CD changer, 59 ... Amplifier, 60 ... Telephone, 70 ... Center Cluster bezel, 71 ... Cosmetic panel, 82-84 ... Slot board connector, 86, 87 ... 1DIN size device, 89, 90 ... 1 / 2W-DIN size device, 88 ... 1 / 2W-DIN compatible connector, 92 ... Print Substrate 95 ... through hole 103 ... eject button 106 ... cut 107 ... A / C switch, 110 ... Mute switch, 209, 213, 264, 313, 323 ... Connector, 214 ... Intermediate connector, 221a to 221c ... Face plate, 231 ... Base plate, 239 ... Bezel, 233a to 233c, 238a to 238c ... opening, 261 ... base face, 265 ... subface, 275, 276 ... plate, 301 ... light emitting part, 303 ... subface cover, 305 ... transparent member, 307 ... light guide plate, 311 ... Battery built-in light emitting / receiving unit, 315, 325... Light emitting / receiving unit, 314... Battery, 312, 322, 333, 343 ... CPU, 335, 341 ... communication unit, 345 ... driver, 347 ... display.

Claims (4)

A main unit having a device connection slot in which each electrical device of a plurality of electrical devices mounted on the vehicle is detachable and a first connection connector;
A switch unit that has a plurality of operation switches for inputting operation signals for operating each of the electrical devices and is detachable from the main body unit via the first connection connector;
The switch unit has an opening recess and a second connection connector disposed in the opening recess, and is connectable to the body unit via the first connection connector and has a plurality of first openings. The base face,
A subface that can be connected to the base face via the second connection connector and is detachably attached to the opening recess of the base face according to the electrical equipment connected to the equipment connection slot;
A second opening for inserting a recording medium corresponding to the electrical equipment mounted on the vehicle; and a plurality of first openings corresponding to the electrical equipment connected to the equipment connection slot. An exchange plate that is detachably attached to the corresponding first opening;
A center cluster module comprising: A light emitting part is provided in the opening recess of the base face,
2. The center of claim 1, further comprising a light guide member that guides light from the light emitting unit to the plurality of operation switches having the sub face between the base face and the sub face. Cluster module. A first optical communication unit having a first light receiving and emitting unit for receiving and emitting light, and detachable from the base face;
Second optical communication having a second light emitting / receiving unit that performs optical communication with the first light emitting / receiving unit and a battery that operates the second light emitting / receiving unit, and is detachable from the subface And
The center cluster module according to claim 1, further comprising: A first light emitting / receiving unit for receiving and emitting light on the base face;
Furthermore, a removable optical communication unit is provided on the sub-face,
2. The optical communication unit includes a second light emitting / receiving unit that performs optical communication with the first light emitting / receiving unit, and a battery that operates the second light emitting / receiving unit. Center cluster module as described.

Images