Vehicle electronic control apparatus

• US 6,236,918 B1
• Filed: 04/16/1997
• Issued: 05/22/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. (Sumitomo Corporation), Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited (Sumitomo Corporation), Sumitomo Wiring Systems Limited (Sumitomo Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. (Sumitomo Corporation), Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited (Sumitomo Corporation), Sumitomo Wiring Systems Limited (Sumitomo Corporation)
• Inventors: Sonoda, Toshiyuki, Ito, Tomokazu, Yamazaki, Hiroaki, Okamoto, Kenji
• Primary Examiner(s): Zanelli, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US08/843,583
• Time in Patent Office: 1,497 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 701/36, 307/9.1, 307/10.1
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor

Abstract

A vehicle electronic control apparatus (1) includes an electronic control section (2) received in an accommodating cavity (23) in an instrument panel (22) in an automotive vehicle for controlling electronic equipments in the vehicle and a switch section (3) detachably attached to the electronic control section (2) for applying command signals to the electronic control section (2). The switch section (3) is provided with a communication function part (27) which serves as a local area network (LAN) manager so that the electronic control section (2) can control the electronic equipments. This construction enables an expensive electronic control section (2) to be used in common in different types of automotive vehicle regardless of presence or absence of the vehicle LAN. The switch section (3) having the communication function part (27) can utilize the vehicle LAN.

Claims

1. A vehicle electronic control apparatus for controlling the operation of one or more electronic devices for optional use in a vehicle provided either with a local area network (LAN) or a non-LAN wiring system, comprising:

an electronic control section for a common use received in an accommodating cavity in an instrument panel in said vehicle; and

a switch section electrically connected to and separate from said electronic control section and said electronic devices, and having manual switches by which a driver gives command signals to said electronic control section and said electronic devices, said switch section being provided with a communication function part so that, together with said electronic control section, said switch section can control said electronic devices either through said LAN or through said non-LAN wiring system, said switch section being configured to accommodate an optional use of said electronic devices.

2. A vehicle electronic control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said communication function part has a multiplex communication function so as to permit a decrease in the number of communication cables needed for connecting said electronic devices with said control apparatus.

3. The control apparatus according to claim 1, in which said apparatus can be operated from a remote location by a remote controller.

4. The control apparatus according to claim 1, in which said electronic control section is adapted to receive a variable and replaceable number of system boards depending upon the taste of a driver of said vehicle or upon the number and type of said electronic devices to be controlled.