JP6980464B2 - Vehicle control device and control method for vehicle control device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device and a control method for a vehicle control device.

Conventionally, a vehicle control device that controls the drive of a light emitting device by controlling the voltage supplied from the battery of the vehicle to the light emitting device of the winker of the vehicle by a CPU has been adopted.

For example, the vehicle control device includes a first power supply line from the battery to the CPU via an ignition switch and a power supply circuit for activating the CPU. Further, the vehicle control device includes a second power supply line from the battery to the CPU via a winker switch and a switch input circuit for inputting a voltage to the CPU by a switching operation associated with the on / off of the winker switch.

When the blinker switch is turned on, the switch input circuit inputs an instruction voltage indicating blinking of the blinker to the CPU while passing a current from the battery to the ground. The CPU is started by the starting voltage supplied from the power supply circuit when the ignition switch is turned on. Then, after startup, the CPU controls to supply the battery voltage to the light emitting device at a cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the blinker according to the indicated voltage input from the switch input circuit when the blinker switch is turned on.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-23929

However, since the second power supply line via the winker switch is branched from the first power supply line via the ignition switch, the switch is input from the battery by turning on the winker switch regardless of whether the ignition switch is on or off. The voltage had been supplied to the circuit.

As a result, even if the CPU (that is, the control unit) is not started by turning on the ignition switch, the current flows from the switch input circuit to the ground by turning on the blinker switch, and the battery runs out. There was a problem.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device and a control method for a vehicle control device, which can prevent the battery from running out due to battery power consumption when the control unit is not activated.

The vehicle control device according to one aspect of the present invention is
A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling the drive of the light emitting device by controlling the voltage supplied from the battery of the vehicle to the light emitting device of the vehicle.
A control unit that controls the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device,
A first switch, one end of which is connected to an input node between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the light emitting device.
When connected to the other end of the first switch and the first switch is turned on, the battery voltage supplied from the battery is converted into a starting voltage for starting the control unit, and the converted starting voltage is used. A power supply circuit that supplies the control unit, while the battery voltage is not supplied from the battery and the starting voltage is not supplied to the control unit when the first switch is turned off.
The second switch, one end of which is connected to the input node,
When the second switch is connected to the other end of the second switch and the second switch is turned on, an instruction voltage instructing control of voltage supply from the battery to the light emitting device is input to the control unit, while the control unit is used. An input circuit that does not input the indicated voltage to the control unit when the second switch is turned off.
It is connected between the input circuit and the fixed potential, and by turning on the second switch in the on state, the input circuit is controlled so as to input the indicated voltage to the control unit, and the input circuit is turned off. A switching element that controls an input circuit so that the indicated voltage is not input to the control unit is provided.

In the vehicle control device
The control unit
When the first switch is turned on, it is started by the starting voltage supplied from the power supply circuit.
After being activated, the switching element is turned on and
When the indicated voltage is input from the input circuit by turning on the second switch after turning on the switching element, the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device may be controlled.

In the vehicle control device
In the input circuit, when the switching element is turned on while the second switch is turned on, a current is passed from the battery to the fixed potential via the switching element, and the switching element is turned off. If so, the current may not flow from the battery to the fixed potential.

In the vehicle control device
The input circuit may have a transistor having one end connected to the power supply circuit side, the other end connected to the switching element, and a control terminal connected to the second switch side.

In the vehicle control device
The input circuit further has a resistor connected between the power supply circuit and one end of the transistor, and is between the resistance and one end of the transistor among the voltages between the power supply circuit and the fixed potential. The voltage of the node may be input to the control unit as the indicated voltage.

In the vehicle control device
The switching element may have a semiconductor switch connected to the transistor and a control terminal connected to the control unit.

In the vehicle control device
A voltage conversion circuit connected between the input node and one end of the light emitting device, which converts the voltage supplied from the battery into a driving voltage for driving the light emitting device and outputs the voltage may be further provided.

In the vehicle control device
The control unit may output a PWM signal to the voltage conversion circuit and control the duty ratio of the PWM signal to control the voltage value of the drive voltage.

In the vehicle control device
A light emitting device drive circuit that is connected between the voltage conversion circuit and one end of the light emitting device and that drives the light emitting device by supplying the driving voltage to the light emitting device may be further provided.

In the vehicle control device
The second switch is a winker switch.
The light emitting device drive circuit has a switch circuit that supplies the drive voltage to the light emitting device when it is turned on and stops the supply of the drive voltage when it is turned off.
The control unit outputs a control signal for turning on / off the switch circuit at a set cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the light emitting device in response to the indicated voltage input from the input circuit when the second switch is turned on. It may be output to a switch circuit.

In the vehicle control device
The switch circuit is
A first transistor having one end connected to the voltage conversion circuit and the other end connected to one end of the light emitting device.
It may have a second transistor having one end connected to the control terminal of the first transistor, the other end connected to the fixed potential, and the control terminal connected to the control unit.

In the vehicle control device
The negative electrode of the battery and the other end of the light emitting device may be connected to the fixed potential.

In the vehicle control device
The input circuit is connected to the first contact of the second switch, and when the second switch is turned on on the first contact side, the indicated voltage is input to the control unit.
The switching element controls the input circuit so that the indicated voltage is input to the control unit by turning on the second switch in a state of being turned on on the first contact side.
The vehicle control device is
When connected to the second contact of the second switch and the second switch is turned on to the second contact side, the control unit is instructed to control the supply of voltage from the battery to the second light emitting device. A second input circuit that inputs the second indicated voltage,
The second indicated voltage is input to the control unit by being connected between the second input circuit and the fixed potential and turning on with the second switch turned on on the second contact side. A second switching element that controls the second input circuit so as not to input the second indicated voltage to the control unit by controlling the second input circuit and turning it off.
A second node connected between the node between the input node and the voltage conversion circuit and one end of the second light emitting device, and the voltage supplied from the battery is used to drive the second light emitting device. A second voltage conversion circuit that converts to the drive voltage of and outputs it,
The second light emitting device is driven by being connected between the second voltage conversion circuit and one end of the second light emitting device and supplying the second driving voltage to the second light emitting device. Further equipped with a second light emitting device drive circuit,
The control unit
When the indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the first contact side, the voltage conversion circuit is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery into the drive voltage, and the voltage conversion circuit is controlled. Control the light emitting device drive circuit so as to supply the driving voltage to the light emitting device.
On the other hand, when the second indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the second contact side, the voltage supplied from the battery is converted into the second drive voltage. The second light emitting device driving circuit may be controlled so as to control the second voltage conversion circuit and supply the second driving voltage to the second light emitting device.

In the vehicle control device
The input circuit is connected to the first contact of the second switch, and when the second switch is turned on on the first contact side, the indicated voltage is input to the control unit.
The switching element controls the input circuit so that the indicated voltage is input to the control unit by turning on the second switch in a state of being turned on on the first contact side.
The vehicle control device is
When connected to the second contact of the second switch and the second switch is turned on to the second contact side, the control unit is instructed to control the supply of voltage from the battery to the second light emitting device. A second input circuit that inputs the second indicated voltage,
The second indicated voltage is input to the control unit by being connected between the second input circuit and the fixed potential and turning on with the second switch turned on on the second contact side. A second switching element that controls the second input circuit so as not to input the second indicated voltage to the control unit by controlling the second input circuit and turning it off.
The second light emitting device is connected to a node between the voltage conversion circuit and the light emitting device driving circuit and one end of the second light emitting device, and supplies a second driving voltage to the second light emitting device. A second light emitting device drive circuit for driving the light emitting device of the above is further provided.
The control unit
When the indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the first contact side, the voltage conversion circuit is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery into the drive voltage, and the voltage conversion circuit is controlled. Control the light emitting device drive circuit so as to supply the driving voltage to the light emitting device.
On the other hand, when the second indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the second contact side, the voltage supplied from the battery is converted into the second drive voltage. The second light emitting device drive circuit may be controlled so as to control the voltage conversion circuit and supply the second drive voltage to the second light emitting device.

The vehicle control method according to one aspect of the present invention is
A control unit that controls the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device, a first switch having one end connected to an input node between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the light emitting device, and the other end of the first switch. When the first switch is turned on, the battery voltage supplied from the battery is converted into a starting voltage for starting the control unit, and the converted starting voltage is supplied to the control unit. On the other hand, when the first switch is turned off, the battery voltage is not supplied from the battery and the starting voltage is not supplied to the control unit, and the second switch having one end connected to the input node. , Connected to the other end of the second switch, and when the second switch is turned on, an instruction voltage instructing the control of voltage supply from the battery to the light emitting device is input to the control unit, while the instruction voltage is input. A control method for a vehicle control device including an input circuit that does not input the indicated voltage to the control unit when the second switch is turned off, and a switching element connected between the input circuit and a fixed potential. And,
The switching element controls the input circuit so as to input the instruction voltage to the control unit by turning on the second switch in the on state, and by turning off the switching element, the instruction voltage is input to the control unit. The input circuit is controlled so as not to input.

The vehicle control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling the drive of the light emitting device by controlling the voltage supplied from the vehicle battery to the vehicle light emitting device. , A control unit that controls the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device, a first switch whose one end is connected to an input node between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the light emitting device, and the other end of the first switch. When the first switch is turned on, the battery voltage supplied from the battery is converted into a starting voltage for starting the control unit, and the converted starting voltage is supplied to the control unit, while the first switch is turned off. In this case, the battery voltage is not supplied from the battery and the starting voltage is not supplied to the control unit, the second switch whose one end is connected to the input node, and the second switch which is connected to the other end of the second switch. When the switch is turned on, an instruction voltage is input to the control unit to instruct the control of the voltage supply from the battery to the light emitting device, while when the second switch is off, an instruction voltage is not input to the control unit. It is connected between the circuit, the input circuit and the fixed potential, and when the second switch is turned on, the input circuit is controlled so that the indicated voltage is input to the control unit, and when it is turned off, it is controlled. It is provided with a switching element that controls the input circuit so that the indicated voltage is not input to the unit.
In this way, by controlling the input circuit so that the switching element is turned off and the indicated voltage is not input to the control unit, the current path from the input circuit to the fixed potential is cut off when the control unit is not activated. be able to.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the battery from running out due to the power consumption of the battery when the control unit is not activated.

It is a figure which shows an example of the control device for a vehicle which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the LED drive circuit of the control device for a vehicle which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the switching element of the control device for a vehicle which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the control device for a vehicle which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the control device for a vehicle which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the control device for a vehicle which concerns on the modification of the 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are not limited to the present invention.

(First Embodiment)
The vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle and controls a voltage supplied from a vehicle battery 3 to an LED element 2 which is an example of a vehicle light emitting device. It is a device that controls the drive of the LED element 2. The LED element 2 is, for example, a light source for a winker of a vehicle. The LED element 2 may be a light source for a vehicle headlight. The vehicle is, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle may be a vehicle other than a two-wheeled vehicle such as a four-wheeled vehicle.

In the example of FIG. 1, the vehicle control device 1 has two LED elements 2 connected in series between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery 3, but the number and connection state of the LED elements 2 are as shown. The specific embodiment is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. Further, a protective diode may be connected to the anode of the LED element 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control device 1 is an example of a converter circuit 4 which is an example of a voltage conversion circuit, an LED drive circuit 5 which is an example of a light emitting device drive circuit, a power supply circuit 11, and an example of a first switch. The ignition switch 12 and the LED drive switch 13 which is an example of the second switch are provided. Further, the vehicle control device 1 includes a CPU 8 which is an example of a control unit, a switch input circuit 14 which is an example of an input circuit, and a switching element 15.

(Converter circuit 4)
The converter circuit 4 is connected between the positive electrode of the battery 3 and the anode of the LED element 2 which is an example of one end of the light emitting device. It can also be said that the converter circuit 4 is connected between the input node 10 described later and the anode of the LED element 2. In the LED element 2, the cathode side, which is an example of the other end, is connected to the ground potential, which is an example of a fixed potential, and the negative electrode of the battery 3 connected to the ground potential. The converter circuit 4 converts the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into a drive voltage for driving the LED element 2 and outputs the voltage. The converter circuit 4 may be, for example, a chopper type DC-DC converter, but is not limited thereto.

(LED drive circuit 5)
The LED drive circuit 5 is connected between the converter circuit 4 and the anode of the LED element 2. The LED drive circuit 5 drives the LED element 2 by supplying a drive voltage to the LED element 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the LED drive circuit 5 is composed of a switch circuit that supplies a drive voltage to the LED element 2 when it is turned on and stops the supply of the drive voltage when it is turned off.

In the example of FIG. 2, the LED drive circuit 5 has a PNP transistor Tr1 which is an example of a first transistor and an NPN transistor Tr2 which is an example of a second transistor.

In the PNP transistor Tr1, the emitter (one end) is connected to the converter circuit 4, and the collector (the other end) is connected to the anode of the LED element 2.

In the NPN transistor Tr2, the collector (one end) is connected to the base (control terminal) of the PNP transistor Tr1, the emitter (other end) is connected to the ground potential which is an example of a fixed potential, and the base (control terminal) is connected to the CPU 8. Has been done.

In the LED drive circuit 5 having such a configuration, the NPN transistor Tr2 is turned on by inputting the LED drive control signal from the CPU 8 to the base of the NPN transistor Tr2. When the NPN transistor Tr2 is turned on, the base of the PNP transistor Tr1 is connected to the ground potential, and the PNP transistor Tr1 is turned on. When the PNP transistor Tr1 is turned on, the supply of the drive voltage from the converter circuit 4 to the LED drive circuit 5 is allowed.

The specific embodiment of the LED drive circuit 5 is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. For example, the LED drive circuit 5 may be configured by a MOS transistor.

(Ignition switch 12)
One end of the ignition switch 12 is connected to an input node 10 between the positive electrode of the battery 3 and the anode of the LED element 2. The ignition switch 12 is turned on or off by a user operation such as a key operation.

(Power supply circuit 11)
The power supply circuit 11 is connected between the other end of the ignition switch 12 and the CPU 8. When the ignition switch 12 is turned on, the power supply circuit 11 converts the battery voltage supplied from the battery 3 into a starting voltage for starting the CPU 8, and supplies the converted starting voltage to the CPU 8. On the other hand, when the ignition switch 12 is turned off, the power supply circuit 11 does not supply the battery voltage from the battery 3 and does not supply the starting voltage to the CPU 8.

(LED drive switch 13)
One end of the LED drive switch 13 is connected to the input node 10. The LED drive switch 13 is turned on or off by a user operation.

The LED drive switch 13 is, for example, a winker switch for blinking a winker of a vehicle. The LED drive switch 13 may be a headlight switch for turning on the headlight of the vehicle.

(Switch input circuit 14)
The switch input circuit 14 is connected to the other end of the LED drive switch 13. When the LED drive switch 13 is turned on, the switch input circuit 14 inputs an instruction voltage instructing the CPU 8 to control the supply of voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2. On the other hand, the switch input circuit 14 does not input the indicated voltage to the CPU 8 when the LED drive switch 13 is turned off.

In the example of FIG. 3, the switch input circuit 14 has an NPN transistor 141 as an example of a transistor, a first resistor 142 as an example of a resistor, a diode 144, a second resistor 145, and a Zener diode 146.

In the NPN transistor 141, the collector (one end) is connected to the power supply circuit 11, the emitter (the other end) is connected to the switching element 15, and the base (control terminal) is connected to the LED drive switch 13.

More specifically, the collector of the NPN transistor 141 is connected to the cathode of the diode 144, and the anode of the diode 144 is connected to the power supply circuit 11 via the first resistor 142. That is, the first resistor 142 is connected between the power supply circuit 11 and the collector of the NPN transistor 141. Further, the base of the NPN transistor 141 is connected to the anode of the Zener diode 146, and the cathode of the Zener diode 146 is connected to the other end of the LED drive switch 13 via the second resistor 145.

The switch input circuit 14 having such a configuration uses the voltage of the node 143 between the first resistor 142 and the collector of the NPN transistor 141 as the indicated voltage to the CPU 8 among the voltages between the power supply circuit 11 and the ground potential. input.

The Zener diode 146 cuts off noise by limiting the voltage so that a voltage having a voltage value equal to or higher than the threshold value is supplied from the battery 3 to the base of the NPN transistor 141 via the LED drive switch 13. The diode 144 prevents the current from flowing back from the NPN transistor 141 side toward the power supply circuit 11 side or the CPU 8 side.

(Switching element 15)
The switching element 15 is connected between the switch input circuit 14 and the ground potential which is an example of a fixed potential. The switching element 15 controls the switch input circuit 14 so as to input an instruction voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 in a state of being turned on. On the other hand, when the switching element 15 is turned off, the switch input circuit 14 is controlled so that the indicated voltage is not input to the CPU 8.

In the example of FIG. 3, the switching element 15 is composed of an NPN transistor which is an example of a semiconductor switch. In the switching element 15, the collector is connected to the emitter of the NPN transistor 141 of the switch input circuit 14, the emitter is connected to the ground potential, and the base (control terminal) is connected to the CPU 8. That is, in the example of FIG. 3, the switching element 15 is cascode-connected to the NPN transistor 141 of the switch input circuit 14.

By providing such a switching element 15, the switch input circuit 14 inputs an instruction voltage to the CPU 8 and inputs an instruction voltage to the CPU 8 when the switching element 15 is turned on while the LED drive switch 13 is turned on. A current is passed from the battery 3 to the ground potential via the switching element 15.

On the other hand, when the switching element 15 is off, the switch input circuit 14 does not input the indicated voltage to the CPU 8 and does not pass a current from the battery 3 to the ground potential.

(CPU8)
The CPU 8 is started by the starting voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 11 when the ignition switch 12 is turned on. After the CPU 8 is started, the switching element 15 is turned on. On the other hand, the CPU 8 does not turn on the switching element 15 before it is started.

The CPU 8 controls the supply of voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2 when the indicated voltage is input from the switch input circuit 14 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 after turning on the switching element 15.

Specifically, the CPU 8 outputs a PWM signal to the converter circuit 4 and controls the duty ratio of the PWM signal to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into a drive voltage having a voltage value according to the duty ratio. The converter circuit 4 is controlled in such a manner. That is, the CPU 8 controls the voltage value of the drive voltage by controlling the duty ratio of the PWM signal. The duty ratio may be a preset value according to the characteristics of the LED element 2 (for example, the forward voltage VF).

Further, the CPU 8 controls the LED drive circuit 5 so as to supply the drive voltage to the LED element 2 by outputting the LED drive control signal to the LED drive circuit 5. When the LED element 2 is a blinker light source, the LED drive control signal is a signal for turning on / off the LED drive circuit 5 at a set cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the LED element 2. When the LED element 2 is the light source of the headlight, the LED drive control signal is a signal that continuously turns on the LED drive circuit 5.

(Control method of vehicle control device 1)
Next, an example of the control method of the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

First, the LED drive switch 13 is turned on by the user operation with the ignition switch 12 turned off. At this time, since the ignition switch 12 is off, no voltage is supplied from the battery 3 to the power supply circuit 11, and no starting voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 11 to the CPU 8. Since the starting voltage is not supplied, the CPU 8 has not started. Since the CPU 8 has not started, the switching element 15 is not turned on by the CPU 8 and is in a turned off state.

Since the switching element 15 is off, the NPN transistor 141 of the switch input circuit 14 remains off even when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on. Therefore, the switch input circuit 14 does not input the indicated voltage to the CPU 8. When the indicated voltage is not input, the CPU 8 does not control to supply the voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2 (that is, output the PWM signal and the LED drive control signal). As a result, the LED element 2 is not driven.

Further, since the switching element 15 is turned off, even if the LED drive switch 13 is turned on, no current flows from the battery 3 to the ground potential via the LED drive switch 13 and the switch input circuit 14. In the example of FIG. 3, no current flows from the base of the NPN transistor 141 to the emitter. Since the switching element 15 is off, no current flows from the power supply circuit 11 to the ground potential.

In this way, by turning off the switching element 15 while the CPU 8 is not started, the current path between the switch input circuit 14 and the ground potential can be cut off. This makes it possible to prevent dark current when the CPU 8 is not started.

Next, when the ignition switch 12 is turned on by a user operation, a voltage is supplied from the battery 3 to the power supply circuit 11, and a starting voltage is supplied from the power supply circuit 11 to the CPU 8. Since the starting voltage is supplied, the CPU 8 is started. The CPU 8 turns on the switching element 15 after starting.

Subsequently, the LED drive switch 13 is turned on. At this time, since the switching element 15 is turned on, the NPN transistor 141 of the switch input circuit 14 is turned on by the voltage supplied from the battery 3 via the LED drive switch 13. As a result, the switch input circuit 14 inputs the indicated voltage to the CPU 8. When the indicated voltage is input, the CPU 8 controls to supply a voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2. As a result, the LED element 2 is driven.

At this time, a current flows from the battery 3 to the ground potential via the LED drive switch 13 and the switch input circuit 14. In addition, a current also flows from the power supply circuit 11 to the ground potential.

Hereinafter, the action brought about by the first embodiment will be described.

As described above, the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a CPU 8, an ignition switch 12, a power supply circuit 11, an LED drive switch 13, a switch input circuit 14, and a switching element 15. .. The CPU 8 controls the supply of voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2. One end of the ignition switch 12 is connected to an input node 10 between the positive electrode of the battery 3 and the anode of the LED element 2. The power supply circuit 11 is connected to the other end of the ignition switch 12, and when the ignition switch 12 is turned on, the battery voltage supplied from the battery 3 is converted into a starting voltage for starting the CPU 8, and the converted starting voltage is converted. It is supplied to the CPU 8. On the other hand, when the ignition switch 12 is turned off, the power supply circuit 11 does not supply the battery voltage from the battery 3 and does not supply the starting voltage to the CPU 8. One end of the LED drive switch 13 is connected to the input node 10. The switch input circuit 14 is connected to the other end of the LED drive switch 13. When the LED drive switch 13 is turned on, the switch input circuit 14 inputs an instruction voltage instructing the CPU 8 to control the supply of voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2. On the other hand, when the LED drive switch 13 is turned off, the switch input circuit 14 does not input the indicated voltage to the CPU 8. The switching element 15 is connected between the switch input circuit 14 and the ground potential, and is turned on with the LED drive switch 13 turned on to control the switch input circuit 14 so as to input an indicated voltage to the CPU 8. On the other hand, when the switching element 15 is turned off, the switch input circuit 14 is controlled so that the indicated voltage is not input to the CPU 8.

With such a configuration, the switch input circuit 14 is controlled so that the switching element 15 is turned off and the indicated voltage is not input to the CPU 8, so that the switch input circuit 14 can be transferred to the ground potential in a state where the CPU 8 is not started. The current path can be cut off. That is, when the switching element 15 is turned on while the LED drive switch 13 is turned on, the switch input circuit 14 causes a current to flow from the battery 3 to the ground potential via the switching element 15, and the switching element 15 causes the switching element 15. When it is off, it is possible to prevent current from flowing from the battery 3 to the ground potential. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the battery from running out due to the power consumption of the battery 3 when the CPU 8 is not started.

Further, in the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment, the CPU 8 is started by the starting voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 11 when the ignition switch 12 is turned on, and after being started, the switching element 15 is turned on. .. Then, the CPU 8 controls the supply of the voltage from the battery 3 to the LED element 2 when the indicated voltage is input from the switch input circuit 14 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 after turning on the switching element 15. ..

With such a configuration, the CPU 8 can turn on the switching element 15 in response to the activation of the CPU 8, so that the switching element 15 can be easily controlled.

Further, in the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment, in the switch input circuit 14, the collector is connected to the power supply circuit 11 side, the emitter is connected to the switching element 15, and the base is connected to the LED drive switch 13 side. It has an NPN transistor 141.

With such a configuration, the indicated voltage to the CPU 8 can be generated by a simple configuration.

Further, in the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment, the switch input circuit 14 has a first resistor 142 connected between the power supply circuit 11 and the collector of the NPN transistor 141. The switch input circuit 14 inputs the voltage of the node 143 between the first resistor 142 and the collector of the NPN transistor 141 among the voltages between the power supply circuit 11 and the ground potential as an instruction voltage to the CPU 8.

With such a configuration, the voltage value of the indicated voltage can be made sufficiently smaller than the battery voltage, so that the failure of the CPU 8 due to the indicated voltage can be prevented.

Further, in the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment, the switching element 15 is composed of a semiconductor switch (NPN transistor) in which the switching element 15 is connected to the NPN transistor 141 and the control terminal (gate) is connected to the CPU 8.

With such a configuration, the switching element 15 can be easily configured by a single semiconductor switch.

Further, the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment is connected between the input node 10 and the anode of the LED element 2, and the voltage supplied from the battery 3 is used as the drive voltage for driving the LED element 2. A converter circuit 4 for converting and outputting is provided.

With such a configuration, the voltage of the battery 3 can be converted into a drive voltage suitable for driving the LED element 2.

Further, in the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment, the CPU 8 outputs a PWM signal to the converter circuit 4 and controls the duty ratio of the PWM signal to control the voltage value of the drive voltage.

With such a configuration, the drive voltage can be efficiently controlled by controlling the duty ratio.

Further, the vehicle control device 1 according to the first embodiment is connected between the converter circuit 4 and the anode of the LED element 2, and is driven by an LED that drives the LED element 2 by supplying a drive voltage to the LED element 2. The circuit 5 is provided.

With such a configuration, the LED element 2 can be appropriately driven by a drive voltage suitable for driving the LED element 2 converted by the converter circuit 4.

(Modification example)
Next, the vehicle control device 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment in which the duty ratio of the PWM signal is controlled based on the voltage detection result reflecting the voltage drop of the LED element 2 is the same as the configuration of FIG. The explanation will focus on the differences.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle control device 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment further includes a voltage detection circuit 7 in addition to the configuration of FIG.

The voltage detection circuit 7 detects the voltage value (hereinafter, also referred to as load voltage) of the output node 6 on the output side of the LED drive circuit 5, and outputs the detected load voltage to the CPU 8.

The CPU 8 controls the duty ratio of the PWM signal based on the detected load voltage. Specifically, the CPU 8 causes the voltage value of the drive voltage to be the total value of the load voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 7 and the voltage value of the voltage drop in the LED drive circuit 5 with respect to the specified current. The duty ratio of the PWM signal is controlled.

The CPU 8 continuously calculates the total value of the detected load voltage and the voltage value of the voltage drop in the LED drive circuit 5 stored in advance according to the change of the load voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 7. You may. In this case, the CPU 8 may continuously control the duty ratio of the PWM signal so that the voltage value of the drive voltage becomes the calculated total value. Further, instead of continuously controlling the duty ratio of the PWM signal, the CPU 8 may control the duty ratio only once based on the detected load voltage when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on.

According to the modification of the first embodiment, the voltage value of the drive voltage is the load voltage based on the load voltage reflecting the voltage drop of the LED element 2 and the voltage value of the voltage drop in the LED drive circuit 5. By controlling the duty ratio of the PWM signal so that it becomes the total value with the voltage value of the voltage drop in the LED drive circuit 5, the minimum necessary for driving the LED element 2 from the converter circuit 4 to the LED drive circuit 5 It can supply a limited voltage. As a result, the loss of the LED drive circuit 5 can be sufficiently suppressed, so that the parts of the LED drive circuit 5 can be made smaller. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and cost while ensuring an appropriate drive of the LED element 2 in consideration of the change in the voltage drop of the LED element 2.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the vehicle control device 1 according to the second embodiment that controls the drive of each of the LED elements connected in parallel will be described focusing on the difference from the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle control device 1 according to the second embodiment further includes two second LED elements 22 and a second converter circuit 42 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. A second LED drive circuit 52, a second switch input circuit 142, and a second switching element 152 are provided.

The two second LED elements 22 are connected in series between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery 3 and are connected in parallel to the two LED elements 2. The number of the second LED elements 22 is not limited to two.

In the example of FIG. 5, the LED element 2 is a light source of the winker on the left side, which instructs the vehicle to change its course to the left. On the other hand, the second LED element 22 is a light source of the winker on the right side, which instructs the vehicle to change its course to the right.

The LED elements 2 may be provided in two rows in a state of being connected in parallel to each other. In this case, the LED element 2 in one row may be the light source for the front blinker on the left side of the vehicle, and the LED element 2 in the other row may be the light source for the rear blinker on the left side of the vehicle. Similarly, the second LED elements 22 may be provided in two rows in a state of being connected in parallel to each other. In this case, the second LED element 22 in one row may be the light source for the front blinker on the right side of the vehicle, and the second LED element 22 in the other row may be the light source for the rear blinker on the right side of the vehicle. ..

The second converter circuit 42 is connected between the node 17 between the input node 10 and the converter circuit 4 and the anode of the second LED element 22. The second converter circuit 42 converts the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into a second drive voltage for driving the second LED element 22 and outputs the voltage.

The second LED drive circuit 52 is connected between the second converter circuit 42 and the anode of the second LED element 22. The second LED drive circuit 52 drives the second LED element 22 by supplying the second drive voltage to the second LED element 22.

The LED drive switch 13 is located on either side of the first contact L of the LED drive switch 13 connected to the switch input circuit 14 and the second contact R of the LED drive switch 13 connected to the second switch input circuit 142. Turn on.

In the example of FIG. 5, the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the first contact L side when the user operates the LED drive switch 13 for instructing the course change to the left. On the other hand, the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the second contact R side when the user operates the LED drive switch 13 for instructing the course change to the right.

The switch input circuit 14 inputs an indicated voltage to the CPU 8 when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on on the first contact L side.

The second switch input circuit 142 is a second instruction instructing the CPU 8 to control the supply of voltage from the battery 3 to the second LED element 22 when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the second contact R side. Enter the voltage. The specific configuration of the second switch input circuit 142 may be the same as that of the switch input circuit 14.

The switching element 15 controls the switch input circuit 14 so as to input an indicated voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 in a state of being turned on on the first contact L side.

The second switching element 152 is connected between the second switch input circuit 142 and the ground potential. The second switching element 152 controls the second switch input circuit 142 so as to input the second indicated voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 in a state of being turned on on the second contact R side. .. Further, the second switching element 152 controls the second switch input circuit 142 so that the second indicated voltage is not input to the CPU 8 by turning it off. The specific configuration of the second switching element 152 may be the same as that of the switching element 15.

When the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the first contact L side and the indicated voltage is input from the switch input circuit 14, the CPU 8 outputs a PWM signal to the converter circuit 4 and controls the duty ratio of the PWM signal. As a result, the converter circuit 4 is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into the drive voltage.

Further, the CPU 8 outputs an LED drive control signal to the LED drive circuit 5 when the instruction voltage is input from the switch input circuit 14 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 to the first contact L side, and the LED element 2 Controls to supply the drive voltage to the LED. Specifically, in the CPU 8, the LED drive circuit 5 has a set cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the LED element 2 according to the voltage supplied from the battery 3 when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the first contact L side. The LED drive control signal for turning on / off is output to the LED drive circuit 5. As a result, the driving voltage is intermittently supplied from the LED drive circuit 5 to the LED element 2 at a cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the LED element 2, and the LED element 2 blinks at the blinking cycle.

On the other hand, when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the second contact R side and the second indicated voltage is input from the second switch input circuit 142, the CPU 8 performs the second to the second converter circuit 42. By outputting a PWM signal and controlling the duty ratio of the second PWM signal, the second converter circuit 42 is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into the second drive voltage.

Further, in the CPU 8, when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the second contact R side and the second indicated voltage is input from the second switch input circuit 142, the CPU 8 is second to the second LED drive circuit 52. The LED drive control signal is output to supply the second drive voltage to the second LED element 22. Specifically, the CPU 8 has a set cycle according to the blinking cycle of the second LED element 22 according to the voltage supplied from the battery 3 when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the second contact R side. The second LED drive control signal for turning on / off the LED drive circuit 52 of 2 is output to the second LED drive circuit 52. As a result, the second LED drive circuit 52 intermittently supplies the second drive voltage to the second LED element 22 at a cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the second LED element 22, and the second LED element 22. Blinks in a blinking cycle.

According to the second embodiment, by turning off the switching element 15 and controlling the switch input circuit 14 so that the indicated voltage is not input to the CPU 8, the switch input circuit 14 is grounded in a state where the CPU 8 is not started. The current path to the potential can be cut off. Further, by turning off the second switching element 152 and controlling the second switch input circuit 142 so that the second indicated voltage is not input to the CPU 8, the second switch is in a state where the CPU 8 is not started. The current path from the input circuit 142 to the ground potential can be cut off. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the power consumption of the battery 3 due to the blinking of the left and right blinkers when the CPU 8 is not started.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the drive of the left and right blinkers can be easily controlled by the LED drive circuits 5 and 52 configured by the switch circuit.

(Modification example)
Next, the vehicle control device 1 according to the modification of the second embodiment, which uses a common voltage conversion circuit for controlling the drive of each of the LED elements connected in parallel, is mainly different from the configuration of FIG. explain.

As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle control device 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment has a second LED in order to control the drive of the second LED element 22 connected in parallel to the LED element 2. It is the same as the configuration of FIG. 5 in that it includes a drive circuit 52. On the other hand, the vehicle control device 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment does not have the second converter circuit 42, and the converter circuit 4 is driven and controlled by both the LED element 2 and the second LED element 22. It differs from the configuration of FIG. 5 in that it is used for.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in the modified example, the second LED drive circuit 52 includes a node 18 between the converter circuit 4 and the LED drive circuit 5, and an anode of the second LED element 22. Is connected between.

When the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the first contact L side and the indicated voltage is input from the switch input circuit 14, the CPU 8 outputs a PWM signal to the converter circuit 4 and controls the duty ratio of the PWM signal. As a result, the converter circuit 4 is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into the drive voltage.

On the other hand, when the LED drive switch 13 is turned on to the second contact R side and the second indicated voltage is input from the second switch input circuit 142, the CPU 8 outputs a PWM signal to the converter circuit 4. By controlling the duty ratio of the PWM signal, the converter circuit 4 is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 3 into the second drive voltage.

According to the modification of the second embodiment, one converter circuit 4 can be shared for the drive control of the LED elements 2 and 22 connected in parallel, so that the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.

A modification of the first embodiment (FIG. 4) is applied to the second embodiment, and the duty ratio of the PWM signal is controlled so that the drive voltage and the second drive voltage become the total values described. It is also good. In this case, a voltage detection circuit 7 for detecting the voltage of the output node on the output side of the LED drive circuit 5 is provided, and a voltage detection circuit 7 similar to the voltage detection circuit 7 for detecting the output node on the output side of the second LED drive circuit 52 is provided. The voltage detection circuit of 2 may be provided.

Further, the vehicle control device 1 shown in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6 has two switchings corresponding to the LED drive switch 13 being turned on to either one of the first contact L and the second contact R. It includes elements 15 and 152. Then, the switching element 15 controls the switch input circuit 14 so as to input the indicated voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 in a state of being turned on on the first contact L side. Further, the second switching element 152 controls the switch input circuit 14 so as to input the second indicated voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 in a state of being turned on on the second contact R side.

On the other hand, the switch input circuit 14 and the second switch input circuit 142 may be connected to one common switching element 15. The input of the indicated voltage and the second indicated voltage may be controlled by only one switching element 15. That is, the switching element 15 controls the switch input circuit 14 so as to input the indicated voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the LED drive switch 13 in the state of being turned on on the first contact L side, while the LED drive switch 13 is turned on. The switch input circuit 14 may be controlled so as to input the second indicated voltage to the CPU 8 by turning on the second contact R side in a state of being turned on. In this case, since the second switching element 152 becomes unnecessary, the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the vehicle control device 1 provided with a light emitting device other than the LED element, the present invention can be applied in order to prevent the battery from running out due to the power consumption of the battery 3 when the CPU 8 is not started.

The above-described embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the scope of the invention. Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention. The modified embodiment is included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Vehicle control device 2 LED element 3 Battery 8 CPU
11 Power supply circuit 12 Ignition switch 13 LED drive switch 14 Switch input circuit 15 Switching element

Claims (14)

A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling the drive of the light emitting device by controlling the voltage supplied from the battery of the vehicle to the light emitting device of the vehicle.
A control unit that controls the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device,
A first switch, one end of which is connected to an input node between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the light emitting device.
When connected to the other end of the first switch and the first switch is turned on, the battery voltage supplied from the battery is converted into a starting voltage for starting the control unit, and the converted starting voltage is used. A power supply circuit that supplies the control unit, while the battery voltage is not supplied from the battery and the starting voltage is not supplied to the control unit when the first switch is turned off.
The second switch, one end of which is connected to the input node,
When the second switch is connected to the other end of the second switch and the second switch is turned on, an instruction voltage instructing control of voltage supply from the battery to the light emitting device is input to the control unit, while the control unit is used. An input circuit that does not input the indicated voltage to the control unit when the second switch is turned off.
It is connected between the input circuit and the fixed potential, and by turning on the second switch in the on state, the input circuit is controlled so as to input the indicated voltage to the control unit, and the input circuit is turned off. A switching element that controls an input circuit so that the indicated voltage is not input to the control unit is provided .
The control unit
When the first switch is turned on, it is started by the starting voltage supplied from the power supply circuit.
After being activated, the switching element is turned on and
After turning on the switching element, when the second switch is input said command voltage from said input circuit by turning on a feature that you control the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device Vehicle control device. In the input circuit, when the switching element is turned on while the second switch is turned on, a current is passed from the battery to the fixed potential via the switching element, and the switching element is turned off. in the case that the vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that no current flows to the fixed potential from the battery. The input circuit has one end connected to the power supply circuit side, the other end is connected to the switching element, according to claim 1 or 2 control terminal and having a transistor connected to said second switch side The vehicle control device described in. The input circuit further has a resistor connected between the power supply circuit and one end of the transistor, and is between the resistance and one end of the transistor among the voltages between the power supply circuit and the fixed potential. The vehicle control device according to claim 3 , wherein the voltage of the node is input to the control unit as the instruction voltage. The vehicle control device according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the switching element has a semiconductor switch connected to the transistor and a control terminal connected to the control unit. It is further provided with a voltage conversion circuit which is connected between the input node and one end of the light emitting device and converts the voltage supplied from the battery into a driving voltage for driving the light emitting device and outputs the voltage. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The vehicle according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit outputs a PWM signal to the voltage conversion circuit and controls the voltage value of the drive voltage by controlling the duty ratio of the PWM signal. Control device for. The sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that it is further provided with a light emitting device drive circuit which is connected between the voltage conversion circuit and one end of the light emitting device and drives the light emitting device by supplying the driving voltage to the light emitting device. Or the vehicle control device according to 7. The second switch is a winker switch.
The light emitting device drive circuit has a switch circuit that supplies the drive voltage to the light emitting device when it is turned on and stops the supply of the drive voltage when it is turned off.
The control unit outputs a control signal for turning on / off the switch circuit at a set cycle corresponding to the blinking cycle of the light emitting device in response to the indicated voltage input from the input circuit when the second switch is turned on. The vehicle control device according to claim 8 , wherein the device outputs to a switch circuit. The switch circuit is
A first transistor having one end connected to the voltage conversion circuit and the other end connected to one end of the light emitting device.
9. The ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that one end is connected to a control terminal of the first transistor, the other end is connected to the fixed potential, and the control terminal is connected to the control unit. Vehicle control device. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the negative electrode of the battery and the other end of the light emitting device are connected to the fixed potential. The input circuit is connected to the first contact of the second switch, and when the second switch is turned on on the first contact side, the indicated voltage is input to the control unit.
The switching element controls the input circuit so that the indicated voltage is input to the control unit by turning on the second switch in a state of being turned on on the first contact side.
The vehicle control device is
When connected to the second contact of the second switch and the second switch is turned on to the second contact side, the control unit is instructed to control the supply of voltage from the battery to the second light emitting device. A second input circuit that inputs the second indicated voltage,
The second indicated voltage is input to the control unit by being connected between the second input circuit and the fixed potential and turning on with the second switch turned on on the second contact side. A second switching element that controls the second input circuit so as not to input the second indicated voltage to the control unit by controlling the second input circuit and turning it off.
A second node connected between the node between the input node and the voltage conversion circuit and one end of the second light emitting device, and the voltage supplied from the battery is used to drive the second light emitting device. A second voltage conversion circuit that converts to the drive voltage of and outputs it,
The second light emitting device is driven by being connected between the second voltage conversion circuit and one end of the second light emitting device and supplying the second driving voltage to the second light emitting device. Further equipped with a second light emitting device drive circuit,
The control unit
When the indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the first contact side, the voltage conversion circuit is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery into the drive voltage, and the voltage conversion circuit is controlled. Control the light emitting device drive circuit so as to supply the driving voltage to the light emitting device.
On the other hand, when the second indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the second contact side, the voltage supplied from the battery is converted into the second drive voltage. 8. To claim 8 , wherein the second light emitting device driving circuit is controlled so as to control the second voltage conversion circuit and supply the second driving voltage to the second light emitting device. The vehicle control device according to any one of 10. The input circuit is connected to the first contact of the second switch, and when the second switch is turned on on the first contact side, the indicated voltage is input to the control unit.
The switching element controls the input circuit so that the indicated voltage is input to the control unit by turning on the second switch in a state of being turned on on the first contact side.
The vehicle control device is
When connected to the second contact of the second switch and the second switch is turned on to the second contact side, the control unit is instructed to control the supply of voltage from the battery to the second light emitting device. A second input circuit that inputs the second indicated voltage,
The second indicated voltage is input to the control unit by being connected between the second input circuit and the fixed potential and turning on with the second switch turned on on the second contact side. A second switching element that controls the second input circuit so as not to input the second indicated voltage to the control unit by controlling the second input circuit and turning it off.
The second light emitting device is connected to a node between the voltage conversion circuit and the light emitting device driving circuit and one end of the second light emitting device, and supplies a second driving voltage to the second light emitting device. A second light emitting device drive circuit for driving the light emitting device of the above is further provided.
The control unit
When the indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the first contact side, the voltage conversion circuit is controlled so as to convert the voltage supplied from the battery into the drive voltage, and the voltage conversion circuit is controlled. Control the light emitting device drive circuit so as to supply the driving voltage to the light emitting device.
On the other hand, when the second indicated voltage is input by turning on the second switch to the second contact side, the voltage supplied from the battery is converted into the second drive voltage. 8. The vehicle control device according to item 1. A control unit that controls the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device, a first switch having one end connected to an input node between the positive electrode of the battery and one end of the light emitting device, and the other end of the first switch. When the first switch is turned on, the battery voltage supplied from the battery is converted into a starting voltage for starting the control unit, and the converted starting voltage is supplied to the control unit. On the other hand, when the first switch is turned off, the battery voltage is not supplied from the battery and the starting voltage is not supplied to the control unit, and the second switch having one end connected to the input node. , Connected to the other end of the second switch, and when the second switch is turned on, an instruction voltage instructing the control of voltage supply from the battery to the light emitting device is input to the control unit, while the instruction voltage is input. A control method for a vehicle control device including an input circuit that does not input the indicated voltage to the control unit when the second switch is turned off, and a switching element connected between the input circuit and a fixed potential. And,
The switching element controls the input circuit so as to input the instruction voltage to the control unit by turning on the second switch in the on state, and by turning off the switching element, the instruction voltage is input to the control unit. controls the input circuit so as not to enter,
The control unit
When the first switch is turned on, it is started by the starting voltage supplied from the power supply circuit.
After being activated, the switching element is turned on and
After turning on the switching element, when the second switch is input said command voltage from said input circuit by turning on a feature that you control the supply of voltage from the battery to the light emitting device How to control the vehicle control device.

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