Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-23
2001-04-03
Ballato, Josie (Department: 2836)
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
C307S009100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06211578
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to instrumentation devices for vehicles and, more particularly, to instrumentation devices for capable of offering improved reliability.
BACKGROUND ART
In recent years, various electronic components and devices, such as an illuminated key entry system, a defogger timer, a seat belt warning system, a light turning-off reminding warning system, a key takeout reminding warning system, power door locks, and a keyless entry system, have been independently installed and distributed in a vehicle. These electronic components are electrically connected with a meter unit mounted in front of the driver's seat. The electronic components are controlled by system means such as a microcomputer incorporated in the meter unit. The state of the vehicle detected by the electronic components is displayed on the meter unit if necessary for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 203553/1995.)
Integration of the distributed, independent electronic components is considered as a means for achieving cost reduction. The combination of the required electronic components differs according to the vehicular specifications for specific climatic areas or the vehicle grade. Therefore, if electronic components are integrated simply according to the combination, then the number of variations increases. Consequently, large cost reduction cannot be expected.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 276571/1994 discloses a multiplexed transmission device for a vehicular electric system. This multiplexed transmission device is separate from electronic components, unlike the prior art device. Since these two kinds of systems can be separately developed and manufactured, it is possible to prevent the total number of components including both electronic components and multiplexed transmission device from increasing. Even with this structure, however, the number of variations described above cannot be sufficiently decreased.
Accordingly, the present applicant has proposed novel means in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 60601/1997 and 69497/1997. In particular, electronic components other than the meter unit are classified and integrated into plural electronic component units. Mounting means are provided to mount and detach the electronic component units to and from the meter unit. A control portion for controlling the electronic component units and a power-supply portion for supplying electric power to the electronic component units are mounted in the meter unit. The electronic component units are controlled and energized via the mounting means. The present invention is an improvement over this proposed instrumentation system. It is an object of the present invention to improve the reliability of instrumentation devices.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an instrumentation system comprising at least two electronic component units and a reference portion having a given electric circuit. Electronic components are classified and integrated into the aforementioned electronic component units according to their amounts of electric power consumption. The reference portion receives external electrical signals and is electrically energized from the outside. The reference portion becomes an electrical and mechanical reference part for the electronic component units. The electronic component units through which a large current flows are energized without passing current through the electric circuit in the reference portion.
The invention also provides an instrumentation system comprising at least two electronic component units, a display portion for providing a desired display, and a reference portion. Electronic components are classified and integrated into the aforementioned electronic component units according to their amounts of electric power consumption. One of the electronic component units is used as a main unit for providing a control of the whole instrumentation system, thus providing a desired display on the display portion. The reference portion receives external electrical signals and is electrically energized from the outside. The reference portion has a given electric circuit such that this portion becomes an electrical and mechanical reference part for the electronic component units. The reference portion serving as the electrical and mechanical reference part can selectively connect the electronic component units. The electronic component units through which a large current flows are energized without passing current through the electric circuit in the reference portion.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4792783 (1988-12-01), Burgess et al.
patent: 5471389 (1995-11-01), Hahlganss
patent: 5697048 (1997-12-01), Kimura
patent: 5990571 (1999-11-01), Sato et al.
patent: 209072 (1987-07-01), None
patent: 61-143227 (1986-09-01), None
patent: 4-48657 (1992-04-01), None
patent: 6-276571 (1994-09-01), None
patent: 7-203553 (1995-08-01), None
patent: 7-277035 (1995-10-01), None
patent: 9-275636 (1997-10-01), None
patent: 10-254382 (1998-09-01), None
patent: 10-60601 (1998-09-01), None
patent: 10-267699 (1998-10-01), None
patent: 10-69497 (1998-10-01), None
Ballato Josie
McDermott & Will & Emery
Nippon Seiki Co. Ltd.
Polk Sharon
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