JP2002012089A - Electronic equipment for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily realize communication facility with the outside of a vehicle in electronic equipment for the vehicle with minimum unit replacement. SOLUTION: In this electronic equipment for the vehicle provided with a first to a third electronic control units 20-40 and a control panel 10 exposed into a cabin, when realizing external communication facility, a side face part or a switch panel of the same shape provided with communication facility is mounted in place of a side face part 20B covering the cabin side surface of the first electronic control unit 20, or a switch panel 50 mounted to the control panel 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device for a vehicle, for example, to an electronic device for a vehicle in which a cassette tape, a CD, an MD and the like can be intensively operated by an operation panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of automobiles, which are typical vehicles, audio modules such as a radio tuner and a sound reproducing unit such as a CD (compact disc) are appropriately provided according to a system configuration desired by a user. A so-called modular audio system which can be connected is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.
8, proposed in JP-A-11-102304.

[0003]

According to the above-mentioned conventional module audio system, it is possible to meet the needs of various users with a relatively small lineup of audio modules. However, it is not easy to realize without deteriorating the appearance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular electronic device capable of easily realizing a communication function with the outside of a vehicle by minimum unit replacement.

[0005]

To achieve the above object, a vehicle electronic device according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, a first control unit (20A)
An operation panel (1) connected to the first control unit to partially cover the front surface of the first control unit
0), and a bezel unit (20B, 20C) mounted on the insertion portion (60) of the operation panel according to a desired specification of the first control unit. 1. An electronic device for a vehicle, comprising at least one of an operation switch capable of instructing an operation of a first control unit and a display for performing a display in accordance with the control of the first control unit. When an external communication function is realized by an electronic device, a bezel unit (20C) having external communication means is mounted on the insertion portion, and the first control unit communicates with the outside via the external communication means of the bezel unit. Communication is performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the bezel unit controls the operation of an external communication device (61) by wired or wireless communication via the external communication means so as to realize the external communication function. It is preferable to include control means for controlling communication with the first control unit.

Alternatively, a first control unit (20);
An operation panel (1) connected to the first control unit to partially cover the front surface of the first control unit
0) and a bezel unit (50, 50) attached to the operation panel according to the desired specification of the first control unit.
50A), and a second control unit (40) for controlling the first control unit and the operation panel, wherein the operation panel has at least an operation switch capable of instructing an operation of the second control unit. And a vehicle electronic device provided with at least one of a display for performing a display according to the control of the second control unit, when realizing an external communication function in the vehicle electronic device, A bezel unit (50A) having external communication means is mounted on the operation panel, and the second control unit communicates with the outside via the external communication means of the bezel unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the bezel unit controls the operation of an external communication device (61) by wired or wireless communication via the external communication means so as to realize the external communication function. It is preferable to include a control unit that controls communication with the second control unit via an operation panel.

In any of the above device configurations, a portable storage medium may be inserted into and ejected from the first control unit via the bezel unit.

The bezel unit is preferably provided with an operation switch controlled by the control means, the operation switch being capable of instructing at least the operation of the external communication device, and a display for performing a display according to the operation.

[0012]

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to provide a vehicle electronic device capable of easily realizing a communication function with the outside of the vehicle by minimum unit replacement.

That is, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the communication function with the outside of the vehicle can be easily realized by the minimum unit replacement.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, both convenience and appearance can be achieved.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the communication can be performed by using an external communication device such as a portable telephone even when communication with the outside cannot be performed by itself due to the specifications of the bezel unit. Therefore, the unit price of the bezel unit can be reduced.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, convenience can be improved.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, a basic system configuration of a vehicle electronic device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the vehicle electronic device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation panel.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicular electronic apparatus of the present embodiment has a first electronic control for reading and reproducing information stored in an acoustic storage medium such as a cassette tape or a mini disk (MD). A unit 20, a second electronic control unit 30 that reads and reproduces information stored in an acoustic storage medium such as a compact disk (CD), and integrally controls the first and second electronic control units 20, 30; In addition, a third electronic control unit 40 having a radio tuner function, and first to third electronic control units 20
Operation panel 1 that can be operated intensively by the occupant
0, with the operation panel 10 facing the interior of the vehicle.
To the third electronic control unit 20 to 40 are the operation panel 1
0.

More specifically, the first electronic control unit 20 reads and reproduces information stored in a cassette tape player, MD player, or other storage medium of the same size, and the second electronic control unit 30 controls the first electronic control unit. Examples include a CD player for reading and reproducing information stored in a storage medium having a size larger than the storage medium of the unit 20, and a CD player with a CD changer function capable of storing a plurality of CDs.

The first and second electronic control units 20,
30 may have a function of writing information to a storage medium.

On one side of the operation panel 10 facing the passenger compartment, an operation switch 11 for operating each electronic control unit such as a radio, a CD, a cassette tape, and an MD, and an operation mode of each electronic control unit are displayed. A panel display device 12 such as an LCD and a panel communication hole 14 for inserting or ejecting a storage medium into and from the second electronic control unit 30 are provided. The display data of the unit is displayed in segments and characters.

A base chassis 1 detachably fixed to the vehicle body is detachably attached to the operation panel 10,
The first to third electronic control units 20 to 40 are detachably fixed to the base chassis 1 and the operation panel 10
It is located on the other side.

The base chassis 1 is detachably mounted in a mounting recess P1 of the instrument panel P shown in FIG.

The third electronic control unit 40 is detachably fixed to the base chassis 1, receives a switch signal from an operation switch, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the switch signal to the first and second electronic control units 20. , 30 and output. The third electronic control unit 40 is electrically connected by a connector between the operation panel 10 and the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other. It is arranged between the two electronic control units 20 and 30.

The first electronic control unit 20 includes a housing 20
A, and a vehicle interior side surface portion 20B protruding from the housing portion 20A to the vehicle interior side (20C when a user desires an external communication function as described later: see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). I have.

The operation panel 10 has a pair of projections 15 formed integrally with the panel. The pair of projections 15 are formed on the periphery of the vehicle interior side surface 20B of the first electronic control unit 20 when viewed from the vehicle interior side. A concave portion (insertion portion) 60 for surrounding the portion and the text display device 22 and facing the vehicle interior is formed, and at least one of the pair of projecting portions 15 serves as an operation switch 11 for adjusting a volume for an acoustic function. A switch is provided.

As a result, the operation switches are arranged in the dead spaces existing on both sides of the vehicle interior side portion 20B of the first electronic control unit 20 to save the space, and to create a sense of unity with the operation panel and improve the appearance. Appearance is improved.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the second electronic control unit 30 is a CD player with a CD changer function, a switch panel 50 is mounted on the operation panel 10 at a position corresponding to the second electronic control unit 30. Is done. The switch panel 50 has a communication hole 14 with an open / close lid for inserting and ejecting a CD, and an eject switch 5.
A load switch 53 for storing two or more CDs is provided. Also, the second electronic control unit 30 has a CD
If there is no changer function, switch panel 5
Instead of 0, a switch panel in which the switch function of the load switch is omitted is mounted, and in the case where the second electronic control unit 30 is not mounted, the communication hole 14, the eject switch 52, and the load switch 53 are all omitted. Switch panel is mounted.

In a case where the user desires the external communication function as described later, the first electronic control unit 20
When the external communication function of the vehicle interior side portion 20C is not desired, a switch panel having a communication function (a switch panel 50A shown in FIG. 7B) is mounted instead of the switch panel 50.

As a result, the appearance is improved, and the minimum product lineup (option setting) flexibly responds to the user's request.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a structure for mounting the electronic device for a vehicle of the present embodiment in a vehicle interior.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 10 and the first to third electronic control units 20 to 40 fixed by the base chassis 1 are provided in front of the vehicle cabin where instruments such as a speedometer are provided. Instrument panel P
The operation switch 11 of the operation panel 10 and the text display device 12 can be operated by an occupant. The operation panel 10 abolishes the operation switches normally provided for each audio device, and can operate the respective audio devices collectively instead.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the vehicle electronic device of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the lower end side edge of the third electronic control unit 40 has a convex portion 4 projecting downward.
1 is formed, and the convex portion 41 forms a concave portion that is opened downward to accommodate the first electronic control unit 20 in the lower portion of the third electronic control unit 40. This allows
Although the first electronic control unit 20 disposed in the recess is inferior in heat dissipation, the first electronic control unit 20 is disposed below the third electronic control unit 40 to allow the third electronic control unit 40 to operate. Since the generated heat is directed upward, the heat generated by the third electronic control unit 40 is less likely to be transmitted to the first electronic control unit 20, and the heat dissipation is improved.

Further, the components of the third electronic control unit 40 can be laid out in the convex portion 41 which can secure the internal space, and the first to third electronic control units can be laid out in the vertical direction. Can be minimized.

Third electronic control unit 40 and operation panel 1
0 is formed integrally or separately, and in the case of a separate body, it is detachably and electrically connected by connectors 13 and 43, and is physically and mechanically detachably connected.

Third electronic control unit 40 and operation panel 1
When the control panel 10 is formed separately and detachably configured by the connectors 13 and 43, the operation panel 10 can be attached to the third electronic control unit 40 with a different design according to the type of the vehicle. The degree of freedom in replacement when viewed in units increases.

The cabin side 2 of the first electronic control unit 20
The first electronic control unit 20 is formed so as to be substantially flush with the operation panel surface in a state where the first electronic control unit 20 is housed under the third electronic control unit 40, and is read from the storage medium of the first electronic control unit 20. A text display device 22 for displaying the displayed display data is integrally provided, and a vehicle compartment side-portion insertion port 23 for inserting and discharging a storage medium is formed. Also, 24 indicates that the occupant (operator)
Eject switch 24 operated when taking out D (sound storage medium).

As a result, the first electronic control unit 20, which is set as an option, is formed integrally with the text display device 22, which is delivered at the same time, so that the cost can be reduced and the parts management can be facilitated. Since a different design can be attached to the third electronic control unit 30 according to the vehicle type or the like, the degree of freedom of replacement when viewed in unit units increases.

The text display device 22 and the vehicle compartment side-portion insertion port 23 are provided adjacent to the operation panel 10 rather than facing the interior of the vehicle from the operation panel 10. Therefore, the text display device 22 and the vehicle interior side surface of the vehicle interior side surface insertion portion 23 are made as flush as possible with the operation panel surface.
The first electronic control unit 20 is replaced with the third electronic control unit 40
When assembling, the operation panel 10 and the text display device 22 or the vehicle interior side portion insertion opening 23 can be assembled without interference.

The third electronic control unit 40
Connector 42 for electrically connecting to the vehicle body side wiring (not shown)
Are arranged, and the connector 42 is arranged below the projection 41, that is, below the third electronic control unit 40. Generally, the wiring from the vehicle body is extended from below, so that the length of the wiring can be reduced, and cost and weight can be reduced.
In addition, the connector 42 can be laid out in the convex portion 41 for which an internal space can be secured, and the thickness in the vertical direction when the first to third electronic control units 20 to 40 are arranged in parallel can be minimized. it can.

On the upper surface of the convex portion 41 of the third electronic control unit 40, a connector 44 for electrically connecting to the connector 31a of the second electronic control unit 30 is provided. Is provided with a connector 45 for electrically connecting to the connector 21 a of the first electronic control unit 20.

Since the connector 44 for electrically connecting to the second electronic control unit 30 is provided on the upper surface of the convex portion 41 of the third electronic control unit 40, the mounting strength of the connector 44 is increased, Damage can be prevented.

Further, the connector 44 can be laid out in the convex portion 41 for which an internal space can be secured, so that the vertical thickness when the first to third electronic control units are arranged in parallel can be minimized. it can.

Further, since the storage medium inserted into the first electronic control unit 20 is smaller than the storage medium inserted into the second electronic control unit 30, the third electronic control unit 4
The storage medium inserted below 0 is smaller. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the concern of interfering with the shift of the vehicle transmission, for example. In addition, since the small storage medium is laid out on the side of the third electronic control unit 40 where the convex portion 41 is provided, the size of the vehicle electronic device in the cabin direction can be reduced.

The connector 44 is connected to the third electronic control unit 40
The connector 45 is directly mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board B3 on the upper surface of the circuit board B3 built therein.

Thus, the thickness of the third electronic control unit 40 can be reduced. Further, since the semiconductor device is directly mounted on the board, the cost can be reduced.

Further, the third electronic control unit 40 includes the operation panel 10 and the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30.
A control signal and display data are electrically connected to each other by a connector so as to be communicable with the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30 on the opposite side of the operation panel 10. Thus, the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30 can be arranged vertically so as to sandwich the third electronic control unit 40, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in layout.

Further, the heat dissipation is improved, especially the third electronic control unit 40 and the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30.
It is possible to improve the assemblability with a focus on electrical connection between them, and further downsize the electronic device for a vehicle itself. Further, the first or second electronic control unit 2
Even when the sizes of 0 and 30 are increased, assembly becomes possible without any problem.

The connector 21a for engaging with the connector 45 of the third electronic control unit 40 is provided on the upper surface of the first electronic control unit 20.
By providing a connector 21b for electrically connecting another fourth electronic control unit to the lower surface of the device, the function can be easily expanded. Similarly, a connector 31a that engages with the connector 44 of the third electronic control unit 40 is provided on the lower surface of the second electronic control unit 30, and another fourth electronic control unit is electrically connected to the lower surface of the second electronic control unit 30. By providing the connector 31b for connecting to the terminal, the function can be easily expanded.

Then, the connectors 21a and 21b
(Or the connector 31a and the connector 31b) are provided at substantially the same position on the surfaces facing each other. This allows
For example, even when the first or second electronic control unit 20 or 30 is not attached, the fourth electronic control unit and the third electronic control unit 40 can be directly connected to each other by a connector and electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the degree of freedom in connection in such a case can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, only the panel display device 12 is provided on the operation panel 10 and is separated from the text display device 22 of the first electronic control unit 20. The display device 12 and the text display device 22 may be provided together, and any configuration may be selected according to the cost and the type of the electronic control unit.

The first electronic control unit 20 is provided with a first insertion port 29 for inserting and ejecting a storage medium such as an MD, and the second electronic control unit 30 is for inserting and storing a storage medium such as a CD. A second insertion port 32 for discharging is provided. Further, the operation panel 10 is provided with a panel communication hole 14 for inserting a storage medium corresponding to the second insertion port 32. The first and second insertion ports 29 and 32 are provided when the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30 have a function of reading a storage medium.

Thus, insertion and ejection of the storage medium can be easily performed. Also, the first or second electronic control unit 2
Even if the sizes (especially the thickness) of 0 and 30 become large, the problem that they cannot be accommodated in the base chassis 1 can be minimized by adjusting the positions of the panel communication holes 14. It is not necessary to increase the internal space of the base chassis 1 in advance, and downsizing of the vehicle electronic device can be achieved.

Further, the first electronic control unit 20 is provided with a first insertion port 29 for inserting and ejecting the storage medium on the side surface of the cabin, so that the first electronic control unit can be operated in any manner. Even when a storage medium is used, the operation panel 10 does not need to be changed, and the operation panel 10 can be shared.

The height of the side wall 20B of the first electronic control unit 20 is set to be smaller than the thickness of the housing 20A of the first electronic control unit 20.

Thus, the thickness of the text display device 22 facing the side surface 20B of the vehicle compartment is reduced by the first electronic control unit 20.
Since the size of the operation panel is smaller than that, the area of the operation panel itself can be increased, and the design is improved.

[Electrical Configuration] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vehicle electronic apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 10 and the third
The electronic control unit 40 is electrically connected to the connector 13 of the operation panel 10 and the connector 43 of the third electronic control unit 40, and a switch signal of the operation switch 11 is input to the CPU 46 of the third electronic control unit 40. , The CPU 46 operates the panel display device 12 of the operation panel 10.
Is displayed, and the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30 are controlled.

The third electronic control unit 40 and the second electronic control unit 30 include a connector 44 on the third electronic control unit 40 side and a connector 31 on the second electronic control unit 30 side.
a of the third electronic control unit 40 in accordance with a switch signal of the operation switch 11.
6 outputs a control signal to the second electronic control unit 30;
The PU 46 controls the display of the panel display device 12 of the operation panel 10 according to the operation mode of the second electronic control unit 30.

The third electronic control unit 40 and the first electronic control unit 20 include a connector 45 on the third electronic control unit 40 side and a connector 21 on the first electronic control unit 20 side.
a of the third electronic control unit 40 in accordance with a switch signal of the operation switch 11.
6 outputs a control signal to the first electronic control unit 20;
The PU 46 controls the display of the panel display device 12 of the operation panel 10 according to the operation mode of the first electronic control unit 20.

The CPU of the third electronic control unit 40
46 controls the radio tuner 47 according to the switch signal of the operation switch 11. In the case where the navigation function for guiding a route to a desired destination is realized in the electronic device for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, the control processing is performed by the third electronic control unit 40. in this case,
A display that displays a map screen, route guidance route, etc.
Is equivalent to a display 100 shown in FIG. 1), and is separately provided from the vehicle electronic device, and may be disposed at an appropriate place near the top of the center console, or may have a structure in which the operation panel 10 is extended upward in the vehicle. Alternatively, a relatively large liquid crystal display or the like may be mounted.

The first electronic control unit 20 is configured to be electrically and physically detachable, directly or indirectly, from the operation panel 10.
The vehicle electronic device according to the present embodiment is configured to achieve at least the control function of the second electronic control unit 30 even when the vehicle is in the detached state.

Thus, even when the first electronic control unit 20 is installed with options set,
The display area or the display time of the display data relating to the other electronic control units is not restricted more than necessary.

When character data is included in the storage medium of the second electronic control unit 30, the character data is transferred to the text display device 22 via the first electronic control unit 20.
To be displayed. Thereby, the second electronic control unit 30
Even if character data is included in the storage medium, the display can be appropriately performed.

For example, since display data such as titles and music titles are also stored on a CD, if the second electronic control unit 30 is a CD unit, the CD unit reads display data such as titles and music titles from a CD and reads the data. Display data first
The data is output to the electronic control unit 20, and the first electronic control unit 20 can display the display data of the CD unit by the text display device 22.

If the first electronic control unit 20 is an MD unit, the MD unit reads out display data such as titles and song names from the MD and displays them on the text display device 22.

The third electronic control unit 40 and the first and second electronic control units
The first and second electronic control units 2 and 30 are communicably connected to each other by a multiplex communication line.
A unique ID code is assigned to each of 0 and 30.
When the third electronic control unit 40 is connected to the first and second electronic control units 20 and 30, it communicates with each electronic control unit to read an ID code, and recognizes the type of each device from the ID code.

It should be noted that by setting a product ID and a failure code in addition to the ID code and displaying the product when a failure or the like occurs, it is easy to deal with the situation at a store or a manufacturer. Further, the product ID and the failure code may be displayed only when a key code is input at a store or a maker.

Next, the configuration of the vehicular electronic device having the above-described electrical configuration will be described from the viewpoint of data processing between units.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for information processing of the vehicle electronic device shown in FIG.

The vehicle electronic device shown in FIG. 1 includes a second electronic control unit 30, a housing 20A and a side surface 20B constituting the first electronic control unit 20, a third electronic control unit 40, an operation panel 10, and a switch. Panel 50, and
It is configured by each module of the external display 100.

Each of these modules is physically connected via the above-described connector, and is controlled by a communication interface 101 (or a CPU having a communication interface function) under the control of a CPU (microcomputer) provided in each module. , And transmits and receives data in a predetermined communication format. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the communication interface mounted on each module will be described as having the communication interface 101 that is basically common.

The switch panel 50 includes the operation panel 10
A CPU 102 having a communication interface function capable of performing bidirectional communication with the communication interface 101 on the side is provided.
An operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation of the switches 52 and 53 by the operator is transmitted to the operation panel 10 and the operation of turning on and off the lamp 59 for back lighting of the switches is controlled.

The operation panel 10 includes a communication interface capable of two-way communication with the operation panel 10 and a communication interface capable of two-way communication with the communication interface 101 of the third electronic control unit 40. Are provided, and the CPU 104
Is provided. The CPU 104 transmits, to the third electronic control unit 40, an operation instruction signal acquired from the switch panel 50 via the communication interface 101 or an operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 11 by the operator. And / or performs display control of the display 12 according to a control signal acquired from the third electronic control unit 40.

The second electronic control unit 30 has a communication interface 101 capable of two-way communication with the third electronic control unit 40, controls a CD reproducing operation and has a plurality of CDs.
CD / CD changer driver 106 for controlling reading of D, and CPU for controlling the operation of the driver
The CD / CD changer driver 106 is operated according to a control signal received from the third electronic control unit 40 to reproduce music and the like. Here, the control signal received by the second electronic control unit 30 is a signal for instructing an operation corresponding to an operator's switch operation on the operation panel 10 or the switch panel 50.

The third electronic control unit 40 has a plurality of communication interfaces capable of bidirectional communication with the operation panel 10, the housing 20 A of the first electronic control unit 20, the second electronic control unit 30, and the display 100. 101
, A radio tuner 47, a navigation module 107 for performing operations such as route guidance, an amplifier for amplifying an audio signal to be output to the vehicle interior, and a RAM (or non-volatile memory) 10 for storing various data.
9 and a CPU 46.
Is a main CPU that controls the operation of each of these modules.

In the third electronic control unit 40,
When the navigation module 107 is operated to realize a function such as route guidance, necessary information is acquired from map information, a GPS (global positioning system) sensor, a gyro, and the like, and arithmetic processing based on the information is performed. Assumed to be performed.

The display 100 is provided with a plurality of communication interfaces 101 capable of bidirectional communication with the third electronic control unit 40, operation switches 113, a display device 115, and a CPU 114.
The PU 114 transmits an operation instruction signal according to the operation of the switch 113 by the operator to the third electronic control unit 40, and displays a display according to the operation and / or the control signal acquired from the third electronic control unit 40. The display of the device 115 is controlled.

The side surface portion 20B, which is the exposed surface of the first electronic control unit 20 in the vehicle interior, is provided with a CPU 103 having a communication interface function capable of performing bidirectional communication with the communication interface 101 of the housing portion 20A. In addition, an operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 24 by the operator is transmitted to the housing unit 20A, and the display control of the display 22 is controlled according to the operation and / or the control signal acquired from the housing unit 20A. Do.

The side wall 20 is attached to the housing 20A.
B, a plurality of communication interfaces 101 capable of two-way communication with the third electronic control unit 40 are provided,
An MD / tape driver 110 that controls the reproduction operation of an MD or a cassette tape, a RAM (or non-volatile memory) 112 that stores various data, and a CPU 111 are provided. The CPU 111 controls the communication interface 10
1, the operation instruction signal acquired from the side surface portion 20B,
The MD / tape driver 110 transmits to the third electronic control unit 40 and responds to the operation instruction signal and / or the control signal acquired from the third electronic control unit 40.
Operation control.

Further, when the side portion 20C is connected in place of the side portion 20B as will be described later, and the content information of a predetermined format such as music is acquired from the outside in this state, the CPU 111 stores the content information in the data storage RAM 112. And the content information is read from the RAM, and decryption / playback processing is performed.

[External Communication Function] Next, a description will be given of a system configuration for performing communication with the outside in a vehicle electronic device having the above-described system configuration. To implement the external communication function in the vehicle electronic device according to the present embodiment, a switch panel 50A having a communication function (FIG. 7B) is mounted instead of the switch panel 50, or the first electronic control is performed. In configuring the unit 20,
There are two methods of attaching a side surface 20C having a communication function to the housing 20A instead of the side surface 20B.

In the following description, the operation panel 1
0, switch panels 50 and 50A detachable with respect to
The side parts 20A and 20B detachable from the housing part 20A may be referred to as a bezel unit for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a side panel 20C and a switch panel 50A used when realizing an external communication function in the vehicle electronic device according to the present embodiment.

The side surface 20C shown in FIG.
, An external device communication interface 51 (63) for controlling communication by a mobile phone 61 as an external communication device, a microphone 53 for realizing a hands-free call, and a hook switch 54. ,
In addition to controlling these operations, the housing 20A
A CPU 121 having a communication interface function with the server is provided.

The switch panel 5 shown in FIG.
0A includes an external device communication interface 123 for controlling communication by a mobile phone 61 as an external communication device, and operation switches 12 such as a hook switch and a dial switch.
5. Microphone 126 for realizing hands-free call,
A display 124 and a CPU 122 having a communication interface function with the operation panel 10 are provided.

The CPU 122 operates the switch 1 by the operator.
An operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation of the mobile phone 25 is transmitted to the mobile phone 61 via the external device communication interface 123, and information (audio signal and content information) obtained from the mobile phone 61 is transmitted to the housing 20A. CPU1
22 is the operation of the switch 125 and / or the housing 20
A in accordance with the control signal acquired from A
Display control.

Here, the case where the first electronic control unit 20 reproduces the MD or the cassette tape and implements the external communication function in the same manner as in FIGS. 2 and 4 will be described as an example.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the operation panel when the first electronic control unit 20 realizes an external communication function. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the vehicle electronic device when the first electronic control unit 20 realizes the external communication function.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the basic configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 is different from the basic configuration shown in FIGS.
Instead of the cabin side 20B of the electronic control unit 20,
The difference is that a vehicle side surface portion 20C is provided.

[0094] In addition to the above-described configuration of the vehicle interior side surface portion 20B, the vehicle interior side surface portion 20C has a communication interface 51, an operation switch 52 capable of operating an external communication function, a microphone 53,
In addition, a hook switch 54 is provided.

In the present embodiment, the communication interface 51 is, for example, a PC card slot, and is capable of bidirectional communication with the mobile phone 61 via the communication cable 62.
A communication card 63 of the PCMCIA system or the like is inserted. Alternatively, when the mobile phone 61 has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth, the communication cable 62 is unnecessary, and a card having a short-range wireless communication function of the same type is used as the communication card 63. Good.

When the communication card 63 has the external communication function of the mobile phone, the mobile phone 61 and the communication cable 62 are not required. The communication interface 51
If it has the external communication function of the mobile phone,
There is no need to provide a slot for inserting a card.

As described above, by forming the first electronic control unit 20 into a divided structure, the cost can be reduced by the mass production effect due to the common use of the housing 20A.

Note that music information (content information) in a predetermined data format (eg, MP3 format) distributed from the outside is received by the vehicle interior side surface portion 20C, and the music information is reproduced by the housing portion 20A. In this case, the received music information is stored in the RAM 112, and a playback driver corresponding to the music information is provided in the housing unit 20A as hardware or software.

On the other hand, the case where the switch panel 50A is employed is substantially the same as the case of the side surface portion 20C, and the switch panel 50 is used instead of the switch panel 50.
By attaching A and connecting the mobile phone 61 by wire or wirelessly, a communication function with the outside can be realized.

As described above, by setting the side surface portion 20C or the switch panel 50A as a lineup, an external communication function for connecting to a public telephone line can be realized easily and at low cost.

Next, control processing executed by each module will be described.

<Control of Third Electronic Control Unit 40> FIG.
0 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the third electronic control unit 40.

In the figure, step S1: for example, when power is supplied in response to an operation of turning on an ignition switch, another module (such as an electronic control unit) connected to the third electronic control unit 40 is connected. Make a confirmation. Specifically, by transmitting a predetermined signal to each of the above-described connectors of the third electronic control unit 40, an ID code transmitted from another module is read as a response signal to the signal, and each device is read from the ID code. Recognize the type of

Step S2, Step S3: First MD / tape capable of reproducing MD / tape under the third electronic control unit 40
It is determined whether or not the electronic control unit 20 is connected (step S2). When the electronic control unit 20 is detected in this determination, the operation panel 10 and / or the vehicle interior side 20
In accordance with the switches operated by the operator via B and 20C, the first electronic control unit 20 controls a general MD / tape reproducing operation, a storage medium inserting operation and a storage medium discharging operation (step S3). .

Steps S4 and S5: The type of the bezel unit attached to the insertion section 60 below the operation panel 10 is determined based on the ID code acquired in step S1 (step S4), and the communication function is performed. When the side part 20C is mounted, the hands-free communication by the mobile phone 61 using the microphone 23 is controlled via the communication interface 63, and the predetermined operation of the switch 52 of the operation panel 10 or the side part 20C of the passenger compartment is performed. By operation, the first electronic control unit 20 is controlled to connect to the Internet environment via the public telephone line (step S5). At this time, the control signal from the third electronic control unit 40 to the first electronic control unit 20 and the first
Information transferred from the electronic control unit 20 to the third electronic control unit 40 is transmitted through the connector 21a and the connector 45. On the other hand, the side part 20 having a communication function
When B is mounted, the process proceeds to step S6.

Steps S6 and S7: It is determined whether or not the CD unit or the second electronic control unit 30 with a CD changer function is connected above the third electronic control unit 40 (step S6). When the unit is connected, the operation panel 10
Depending on the switch operated by the operator via
The second electronic control unit 30 controls a general reproduction operation of a CD / CD changer, and an operation of inserting and ejecting a storage medium (step S7). On the other hand, when the second electronic control unit 30 is not connected, step S8
Proceed to.

Steps S8 and S9: The type of the bezel unit mounted on the upper side of the operation panel 10 is determined based on the ID code obtained in step S1 (step S8), and the switch panel 5 having a communication function is determined.
0A is attached, the communication interface 1
A hands-free call by the mobile phone 61 using the microphone 126 is controlled via the microphone 23 (step S9). On the other hand, when the switch panel 50 having no communication function is mounted, the process proceeds to step S10.

Step S10: The function of the radio tuner of the third electronic control unit 40, the function of amplifying the output of audio signals, etc., and the map information and the GPS sensor according to the switch operated by the operator via the operation panel 10. The navigation function based on the detection result (not shown) is controlled, and the process returns to step S2.

<Control of First Electronic Control Unit 20> Next, control processing of the first electronic control unit 20 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the first electronic control unit 20, which is performed according to the control processing of the third electronic control unit 40 described above.

In FIG. 11, step S11: a control signal received from the third electronic control unit 40 is interpreted, and an operation to be performed by the own unit is determined according to the received signal.

Steps S12 and S13: It is determined whether or not the bezel unit mounted on the housing 20A is the side surface 20C having a communication function (step S1).
2) In the case of the side surface portion 20C, as a process corresponding to step S5 in FIG. 10 described above, a hand-free call function by the microphone 23 and the communication interface 63 are performed in accordance with the control signal acquired in step S11. The communication function (or call function) of the mobile phone 61 is executed (step S13). On the other hand, when the side surface portion 20B having a communication function is mounted on the housing portion 20A, the process proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: When the control signal obtained in step S11 is a download request signal for content information such as music information, a predetermined Web site in the Internet environment is transmitted via the communication line established in step S13. The corresponding content information is downloaded, and the acquired content information is stored in the data storage RAM 112.

Step S15: In accordance with the control signal obtained in step S11, a general MD / tape reproducing operation, a storage medium inserting operation and a discharging operation are controlled, and the process returns.

<Control of Operation Panel 10> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the operation panel 10, which is performed according to the control processing by the third electronic control unit 40 described above.

In FIG. 16, step S21: The control signal received from the third electronic control unit 40 is interpreted, and the operation to be performed by the own unit is determined in accordance with the received signal.

Step S22, Step S23: It is determined whether or not the bezel unit mounted on the operation panel 10 is a switch panel 50A having a communication function (Step S22). As processing corresponding to step S9, the microphone 126 is operated in accordance with the operation determined in step S21.
-Free hands-free calling function and communication interface 1
The communication function (or call function) of the mobile phone 61 via the PC 23 is executed (step S23). On the other hand, when the switch panel 50 having no communication function is mounted on the operation panel 10, the process proceeds to step S24.

Step S24: The operation instruction signal corresponding to the operation of the switch 11 or the operation instruction signal received from the switch panel 50 or the switch panel 50A is transmitted to the third electronic control unit 40, and the operation and / or In accordance with the operation control signal received from the unit, the operation of the backlight lamp 59 or the display 124 is controlled, and the process returns.

<Control of Second Electronic Control Unit 30> FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing a control process of the second electronic control unit 30;
Is performed in accordance with the control processing by

In FIG. 20, step S21: A control signal received from the third electronic control unit 40 is interpreted, and an operation to be performed by the own unit is determined in accordance with the received signal.

Step S32: As a process corresponding to step S7 in FIG. 10 described above, the CD / CD changer driver 1 according to the operation determined in step S31.
In step 06, the general playback operation and the insertion and ejection operations of the storage medium are controlled, and the process returns.

[Modification of Embodiment] The above-described operation panel 10 has a downward concave portion (insertion portion 60) for exposing the side surface portion 20B or the side surface portion 20C into the vehicle interior. It is not limited to the structure, and may have a shape having a hole into which the side part 20 '(the side part 20B or the side part 20C) can be inserted, as in a display panel 10' shown in FIG.

According to the above-described on-vehicle electronic device according to the present embodiment, the communication function with the outside of the vehicle is reduced to a minimum product lineup (option setting) without deteriorating the appearance.
Can be easily realized by minimum unit replacement.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a vehicle electronic device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a mounting structure of the vehicle electronic device according to the embodiment in a vehicle compartment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the vehicle electronic device of the embodiment.

5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the vehicle electronic device shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for information processing of the vehicle electronic device shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a side surface portion 20C and a switch panel 50A used when realizing an external communication function in the vehicle electronic device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an operation panel when an external communication function is realized by the first electronic control unit 20.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the vehicular electronic device when the first electronic control unit 20 realizes an external communication function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control process of a third electronic control unit 40.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control process of the first electronic control unit 20;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control process of the operation panel 10.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of a second electronic control unit 30.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a vehicle electronic device as a modified example of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Base chassis, 10 and 10 ': Operation panel, 11: Operation switch, 12: Panel display device, 20: First electronic control unit, 22: Text display device, 20A, 20A': Housing, 20B, 20C , 20B ′: side surface of vehicle compartment, 30, 30 ′: second electronic control unit, 40, 40 ′: third electronic control unit, 50, 50A, 50 ′: switch panel,

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hideki Okano 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda F-term (reference) 3D020 BA02 BA06 BB01 BC03 BD03 BD11 BE03

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A first control unit, an operation panel connected to the first control unit to partially cover a front surface of the first control unit, and a desired control unit of the first control unit. A bezel unit attached to the insertion portion of the operation panel according to specifications, wherein the operation panel has at least an operation switch capable of instructing an operation of the first control unit and control of the first control unit. A vehicle electronic device provided with at least one of a display for performing a display according to, when realizing an external communication function in the vehicle electronic device, a bezel unit provided with an external communication means, An electronic device for a vehicle, wherein the electronic device is mounted on an insertion portion, and the first control unit communicates with the outside via an external communication unit of the bezel unit. 2. A first control unit, an operation panel connected to the first control unit to partially cover a front surface of the first control unit, and a desired control unit of the first control unit. A bezel unit mounted on the operation panel according to specifications; and a second control unit for controlling the first control unit and the operation panel, wherein the operation panel includes at least the second control unit An operation switch capable of instructing the operation of the second control unit and a display for performing a display according to the control of the second control unit is provided in the vehicle electronic device, wherein the vehicle electronic device When realizing the external communication function, a bezel unit including external communication means is mounted on the operation panel, and the second bezel unit is connected to the second bezel unit via the external communication means. The vehicle electronic device control unit and performing communication with the outside. 3. The vehicular electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a portable storage medium is inserted into and ejected from the first control unit via the bezel unit. . 4. The bezel unit controls the operation of an external communication device by wired or wireless communication via the external communication means so as to realize the external communication function, and communicates with the first control unit. The vehicle electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling communication. 5. The bezel unit controls the operation of an external communication device by wired or wireless communication via the external communication means and realizes the operation of the external communication device via the operation panel in order to realize the external communication function. 3. The vehicle electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising control means for controlling communication with the second control unit. 6. The bezel unit includes an operation switch controlled by the control means and capable of instructing at least an operation of the external communication device, and a display for performing a display according to the operation. The vehicle electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein