JP2009275479A - Smart key system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a smart key system by sufficiently preventing a fellow passenger from being shut up in a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: The smart key system includes a control ECU 10 (a control means), a lock switch 31 (a lock operating means), a lock reservation switch 32 (a lock reservation operating means), a radio portable key 40 (a portable device), etc. The lock reservation switch 32 is provided at the vehicle and sets a lock reservation state of maintaining an unlocked state until the lock switch 31 is operated by input operation in the state of the portable key 40 existing within a predetermined door lock area SA and shifting into a locked state from the unlocked state after the lock switch 31 is operated. The control ECU 10 permits a shift into the locked state from the unlocked state in response to the operation of the lock switch 31 in the lock reserved state even if the portable key 40 does not exist within the door lock area SA. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a smart key system for a vehicle.

  This type of smart key system wirelessly communicates specific encryption information between the in-vehicle device and the portable device, so that all of the closed vehicle doors are unlocked from the unlocked state or unlocked from the locked state. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, when a portable user (key carrier) leaves the door lock area, all the doors of the vehicle are switched from the unlocked state to the locked state ( Auto-lock) technology is disclosed. In the smart key system described in Patent Document 1, in order to further improve the reliability of auto-locking, for example, a passenger who does not carry a portable device in a state where the key carrier is in the door lock area can carry luggage, etc. If you open any of the vehicle doors to remove the vehicle, remember that, even if the key carrier leaves the door lock area, the passenger closes the vehicle door and all of the vehicle doors Auto-lock is automatically executed when it is in the closed state.

JP 2004-132028 A

  However, in the smart key system described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, after the key carrier leaves the door lock area, if the passenger closes the vehicle door while entering the vehicle, There is a problem of being trapped inside the car. This is a problem that can occur not only in the auto-lock system but also in a vehicle that employs a smart key system.

  The present invention has been made to cope with the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of the smart key system by satisfactorily preventing the passenger from being trapped in the vehicle.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention wirelessly communicates specific encryption information between an in-vehicle device and a portable device, so that all vehicle doors in a closed state are changed from an unlocked state to a locked state, or locked. In a smart key system having control means capable of switching from a state to an unlocked state, a lock state is set by an input operation provided in a vehicle and in a state where a portable device is present in a predetermined door lock area. The lock operation means is provided in the vehicle and is unlocked until the lock operation means is operated by an input operation in a state where the portable device is present in a predetermined door lock area. And a lock reservation operating means for setting a lock reservation state for shifting from the unlocked state to the locked state. In the state, the portable device can not be present in the door lock area, characterized in that it allows the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state in response to the operation of the locking means.

  In the smart key system of the present invention, the vehicle is provided with a lock operation means for setting the lock state and a lock reservation operation means for setting the lock reservation state. Then, in the lock reservation state, the control unit allows the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state in accordance with the operation of the lock operation unit even if the portable device does not exist in the door lock area.

  According to this, when the key carrier operates the lock reservation operation means after getting off, all the vehicle doors are maintained in the unlocked state. For this reason, even if the key carrier leaves the door lock area, the passenger can freely open and close the vehicle door and get on and off the vehicle. In this case, when the passenger simply closes the vehicle door, the vehicle door is in an unlocked state, so that the passenger is prevented from being trapped in the vehicle. When the passenger gets off and operates the lock operation means after closing the vehicle door, the vehicle door is locked. That is, the vehicle door is locked only when the passenger consciously operates the lock operation means. Thereby, the convenience of the smart key system can be improved.

  In implementing the present invention, the control means shifts from the unlocked state to the locked state after a predetermined time elapses after the lock reservation operating means is operated in the lock reserved state until the lock operating means is operated. It should be prohibited. If it can be inferred that the passenger is not willing to set the locked state, the passenger is better prevented from being trapped in the vehicle by prohibiting the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state. be able to. At this time, when it is set to end the execution of the door lock control by the control means, the effect of reducing the power consumption can also be obtained.

  In implementing the present invention, the control means may prohibit the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state when the portable device is in the vehicle in the locked reservation state. According to this, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the portable device from being confined in the vehicle.

  In implementing the present invention, the control means may notify the user by the notifying means whether the transition to the locked state is permitted or prohibited in the lock reservation state. For example, in the case where the notification is made after the operation of the lock operation means, it is possible to inform the passenger that the vehicle does not shift to the locked state because one of the vehicle doors is open. Moreover, when it is set as the aspect which alert | reports before operation of a lock operation means, it can inform a passenger in the meaning of confirmation that it can be in a locked state by operation of a lock operation means.

a. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the smart key system of the present invention. The smart key system includes an in-vehicle device 1 having a control ECU 10 and a wireless portable key (electronic key) 40 carried by the user.

  The control ECU 10 (control means) includes a microcomputer including a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, memory 14, input / output unit (I / O) 15 and the like as main components, and the door lock reservation of FIG. 3 stored in the ROM 12. Run the control program repeatedly. The memory 14 stores an ID code unique to the vehicle. Connected to the control ECU 10 are antennas 21a to 23a and a vehicle interior transmitter 21, a vehicle interior transmitter 22, and a receiver 23 each including a known modulation / demodulation circuit unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outside-vehicle transmitter 21 is provided in a driver's seat, front passenger seat, left / right rear seat, and trunk opening / closing door of the vehicle. The entrance door and the trunk opening / closing door correspond to the vehicle door of the present invention. The vehicle interior transmitter 21 is built in, for example, the handle portion of each door, and periodically transmits an inquiry signal to the surrounding area. The output of this inquiry signal is adjusted so as to reach only within a predetermined key response area SA (door lock area) of about 70 cm to 1 m from each door. Thereby, only the wireless portable key 40 existing in the key response area SA can receive this inquiry signal.

  The vehicle interior transmitter 22 is built in, for example, a room lamp section at the center of the interior, and periodically transmits an inquiry signal to the vehicle interior. The output of this inquiry signal is adjusted so as to reach only within a predetermined key response area TA in the passenger compartment. Thereby, only the wireless portable key 40 existing in the key response area TA can receive this inquiry signal.

  The receiver 23 is incorporated in, for example, a room mirror in front of the driver's seat, decodes a response signal from the wireless portable key 40 in the key response areas SA and TA, and sends it to the control ECU 10. The response signal from the wireless portable key 40 includes data that can identify in which of the key response areas SA and TA the wireless portable key 40 exists.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a lock switch 31, a lock reservation switch 32, and an unlock switch 33 are connected to the control ECU 10, and a door opening / closing switch 34 and a lock / unlock drive device 35 are connected.

  The lock switch 31 (lock operation means) is provided at the handle portion of each door, for example. The lock switch 31 is composed of, for example, a push button mechanical switch, a capacitive touch sensor, or the like, and transmits an ON signal to the control ECU 10. When the wireless portable key 40 is present in the key response area SA and the control ECU 10 receives an ON signal from the lock switch 31, the control ECU 10 drives and controls the lock / unlock drive device 35 (hereinafter referred to as a closed vehicle door). All of the doors are simply locked.

  The lock reservation switch 32 (lock reservation operation means) is provided, for example, on the handle portion of the driver's seat door. The lock reservation switch 32 includes, for example, a push button type mechanical switch, a capacitance type touch sensor, and the like, and transmits an ON signal to the control ECU 10. When receiving the ON signal from the lock reservation switch 32 in a state where the wireless portable key 40 is present in the key response area SA, the control ECU 10 sets all doors in the closed state to the lock reservation state. The lock reservation switch 32 may be provided individually at each door.

  This lock reservation state is a lock standby state in which all the doors are unlocked until the lock switch 31 is operated, and after the lock switch 31 is operated, all the doors are shifted from the unlocked state to the locked state. When the control ECU 10 receives the ON signal from the lock reservation switch 32 and then receives the ON signal from the lock switch 31, the control ECU 10 drives the lock / unlock drive device 35 on condition that all the doors are closed. Control to lock all doors.

  The unlock switch 33 is provided, for example, on the handle portion of the driver's seat door. The unlock switch 33 is composed of, for example, a push button type mechanical switch, a capacitance type touch sensor, and the like, and transmits an ON signal to the control ECU 10. When the control ECU 10 receives an ON signal from the unlock switch 33 in a state where the wireless portable key 40 exists in the key response area SA, the control ECU 10 controls the lock / unlock drive device 35 to control all the doors in the locked state. Set to unlocked state. The unlock switch 33 may be provided individually for each door.

  The door opening / closing switch 34 is individually provided for each door. The door opening / closing switch 34 is turned on when the corresponding door is opened and turned off when the door is closed, and transmits the switch signal to the control ECU 10.

  The lock / unlock drive device 35 is individually provided for each door. The lock / unlock drive device 35 is configured to include a known electric motor, link mechanism, and the like. In response to a control signal from the control ECU 10, all doors in the closed state are changed from the unlocked state to the locked state. Or it operates to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.

  The wireless portable key 40 (portable device) functions as a portable wireless device capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the control ECU 10, and includes an antenna 41, a microcomputer 42, and a known modulation / demodulation circuit unit. A wireless communication circuit unit 43 is provided. The microcomputer 42 has a memory 42a for storing an ID code (encrypted information) unique to the vehicle. The microcomputer 42 is activated by an inquiry signal from the control ECU 10 and transmits a response signal including an ID code stored in the memory 42 a to the receiver 23 via the wireless communication circuit unit 43 and the antenna 41.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, normal door lock / unlock control will be described. When the user (key carrier) carrying the wireless portable key 40 outside the vehicle enters the key response area SA for getting on when all the doors are closed and locked, the control ECU 10 and the wireless portable key 40 The ID code is automatically verified between the two. Specifically, the wireless portable key 40 transmits a response signal including an ID code to the receiver 23 in response to an inquiry signal from the vehicle interior transmitter 21. Then, the control ECU 10 collates the ID code decoded by the receiver 23 with the ID code stored in the memory 14. If the verification is matched (authentication accepted), the key carrier or the passenger operates the unlock switch 33 so that the control ECU 10 controls the lock / unlock drive device 35 to unlock all the doors. And

  On the other hand, when the key carrier gets off and all the doors are in the closed state, the key carrier or passenger in the key response area SA operates the lock switch 31 to perform the same as in the case of the door lock control. Thus, the control ECU 10 automatically collates the ID with the wireless portable key 40. If the verifications match, the control ECU 10 controls the lock / unlock drive device 35 to lock all the doors.

  Next, door lock reservation control will be described using the door lock reservation control program of FIG. When the key holder gets off and operates the lock reservation switch 32 while in the key response area SA (S11), the control ECU 10 and the wireless portable key 40 are connected in the same manner as in the door lock / unlock control. The IDs are automatically collated with each other (S12). If the collations match, the control ECU 10 controls the lock / unlock drive device 35 to place all doors in the lock reservation state (during lock reservation), and executes the processing from step S14 onward. If the collation does not match (S13: NO), the execution of this door lock reservation control program is terminated.

  In the lock reservation state, even if the key carrier leaves the key response area SA, all the doors are in the unlocked state until the lock switch 31 is operated (S14: NO), so the wireless portable key 40 is not held. Passengers can freely open and close each door. In this case, when the passenger simply closes the door, the door is in an unlocked state, so that the passenger is prevented from being trapped in the vehicle.

  If the passenger gets off and operates the lock switch 31 (S14: YES), the control is performed on the condition that all the doors are closed (the switch signal of the door opening / closing switch 34 is OFF) (S15: YES). The ECU 10 controls the lock / unlock drive device 35 to lock all the doors (S16). That is, all the doors are locked only when the passenger consciously operates the lock switch 31. Thereby, the convenience of the smart key system can be improved. If any of the doors is open (S15: NO), the unlocked state of all the doors is maintained.

b. Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the ROM 12 of the control ECU 10 stores a door lock reservation control program shown in FIG. 4, for example, instead of the door lock reservation control program of FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The door lock reservation control program of FIG. 4 is obtained by adding the process of step S21 to the door lock reservation control program of FIG. In the second embodiment, after the lock reservation operation switch 32 is operated (S11) until the lock switch 31 is operated (S14: YES), or after the lock reservation operation switch 32 is operated. After a predetermined time N seconds elapse until all doors are closed (S15: YES), the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state is prohibited (S14: NO, S15: NO). , S21: YES), the execution of the door lock reservation control program is terminated. Note that the determination in step S21 is made based on the timer count from when the control ECU 10 starts the timer provided in the control ECU 10 in accordance with the operation of the lock reservation operation switch 32.

  According to the second embodiment, when it can be inferred that the passenger does not intend to set the locked state, the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state is prohibited, that is, the process of step S16 is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to better prevent the passenger from being trapped in the vehicle. Further, since the control ECU 10 ends the execution of the door lock reservation control program after determining “Yes” in step S21, an effect of reducing the power consumption during the execution of the door lock reservation control is also obtained.

c. 3rd Embodiment In this 3rd Embodiment, it replaces with the door lock reservation control program of FIG. 3, for example, the door lock reservation control program shown in FIG. 5 is memorize | stored in ROM12 of control ECU10. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The door lock reservation control program of FIG. 5 is obtained by adding the processes of steps S31 and S32 to the door lock reservation control program of FIG. In the third embodiment, in addition to the process (S12, S13) in which the control ECU 10 automatically collates the ID with the wireless portable key 40 in response to the inquiry signal from the vehicle interior transmitter 21, the vehicle interior transmission is performed. The control ECU 10 is configured to automatically collate the ID with the wireless portable key 40 in response to an inquiry signal from the machine 22 (S31, S32).

  According to the third embodiment, when the wireless portable key 40 is present in the vehicle, even when the lock reservation state is set, the transition from the unlocked state to the locked state is prohibited (S32: YES), The door lock reservation control program is configured to end execution. Thereby, it is possible to favorably prevent the wireless portable key 40 from being confined in the vehicle. Note that the processing of steps S31 and S32 may be added to the door lock reservation control program of FIG. 4, and this can also achieve the same effect as the third embodiment.

d. 4th Embodiment In this 4th Embodiment, as shown with the broken line in FIG. 1, the sound generator 36 is connected to control ECU10. Further, the ROM 12 of the control ECU 10 stores, for example, a door lock reservation control program shown in FIG. 6 instead of the door lock reservation control program of FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The sound generator 36 (notification means) is, for example, a buzzer that generates an alarm sound, and is provided on the driver's seat door. Further, the door lock reservation control program of FIG. 6 is obtained by adding the process of step S41 to the door lock reservation control program of FIG. In this fourth embodiment, when the passenger gets off and operates the lock switch 31 (S14: YES), if all the doors are not in the closed state, the control ECU 10 controls the sound generator 36 to generate an alarm sound. It is configured to sound for N seconds (S15: NO, S41).

  According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to let the passenger know that the door does not shift to the locked state because one of the doors is open. Note that the process of step S41 may be added to the door lock reservation control program of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, and this can also achieve the same effect as the fourth embodiment.

(Modified embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, when all the doors are not in the closed state, the control ECU 10 is configured to drive and control the sound generator 36 to sound an alarm sound for N seconds. For example, as shown in FIG. Step S14 and Step S15 are interchanged in the door lock reservation control program of No. 5, and when all the doors are closed, the control ECU 10 drives and controls the sound generator 36 to sound an alarm sound for N seconds. Good.

  According to this modified embodiment, the passenger can be informed in the sense of confirmation that it can be locked by operating the lock operation switch 31. In addition, while replacing step S14 and step S15 in the door lock reservation control program of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the process of step S41 may be added between both steps S14 and S15. The same effect can be obtained.

  The present invention can also be applied to an auto-lock smart key system that automatically locks the door after confirming that the wireless portable key 40 does not exist in either of the key response areas SA and TA. .

(A) is a block diagram of a smart key system according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. The schematic diagram which shows the radio | wireless communication area of the smart key system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the door lock reservation control program which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention and is performed by control ECU of FIG. The flowchart which shows the door lock reservation control program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention and is performed by control ECU of FIG. The flowchart which shows the door lock reservation control program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention and is performed by control ECU of FIG. The flowchart which shows the door lock reservation control program which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention and is performed by control ECU of FIG. The flowchart which shows the door lock reservation control program which concerns on the deformation | transformation embodiment of 4th Embodiment and is performed by control ECU of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 On-vehicle equipment 10 Control ECU (control means)
21 Outside transmitter 22 Inside transmitter 23 Receiver 31 Lock switch (lock operation means)
32 Lock reservation switch (lock reservation operation means)
33 Unlock switch 34 Door open / close switch 35 Lock / unlock drive device 36 Sound generator (notification means)
40 Wireless portable key (mobile device)

Claims (4)

Control means capable of switching all the vehicle doors in the closed state from the unlocked state to the locked state or from the locked state to the unlocked state by wirelessly communicating specific encryption information between the in-vehicle device and the portable device In the smart key system with
A lock operation means that is provided in a vehicle and sets the lock state by an input operation in a state in which the portable device is present in a predetermined door lock area;
The unlocking state is maintained until the lock operation means is operated by an input operation in a state where the portable device is provided in a predetermined door lock area, and the lock operation means is operated. And a lock reservation operation means for setting a lock reservation state for shifting from the unlocked state to the locked state,
In the lock reservation state, the control means allows a transition from the unlocked state to the locked state in response to an operation of the lock operating means even if the portable device is not present in the door lock area. Smart key system characterized by that.   The control means shifts from the unlocked state to the locked state after a predetermined time elapses after the lock reservation operating means is operated until the lock operating means is operated in the lock reserved state. The smart key system according to claim 1, which is prohibited.   3. The smart key system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits transition from the unlocked state to the locked state when the portable device is present in a vehicle in the locked reservation state.   The smart key system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the user whether transition to the locked state is permitted or prohibited in the lock reservation state. .

Images