JP2014172578A - Vehicle control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle control system for performing control concerning an operation of a vehicle according to a communication result between a portable transceiver and a controller to simply suppress consumption of a battery of the transceiver.SOLUTION: A radio key controller 2 performs control concerning an operation of a vehicle 100 according to a communication result with a radio key 3. The radio key controller 2 continues communication with the radio key 3 by transmitting a call signal for calling the radio key 3 and receiving a response signal to be transmitted from the radio key 3 to the call signal during travel of the vehicle 100. The radio key controller 2 detects whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling by a vehicle speed sensor 41, and transmits a travel notification signal showing that the vehicle 100 is traveling to the radio key 3 when the vehicle speed sensor 41 detects that the vehicle 100 is traveling. The radio key 3 has a built-in battery; and a power generation part, and switches a power source to the power generation part by receiving the travel notification signal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle control system that performs control related to the operation of a vehicle according to a communication result between a portable wireless communication device and a control device.

  In recent years, an occupant who carries a portable wireless communication device (hereinafter referred to as a wireless key) such as a card type or a key holder type has a contact with an operation unit provided at or near the door of the vehicle. A door lock system that automatically locks / unlocks a vehicle door when an operation or a push operation is performed has been put into practical use. This door lock system is highly convenient because it is not necessary for the occupant to insert and rotate the machine key as in the past, and is particularly effective when both hands are closed with luggage. In addition, a smart key system has been put into practical use in which the position of an ignition switch (hereinafter referred to as IG switch) can be switched by pressing a button after the passenger has boarded the vehicle with a wireless key. This contributes to improving the operability of the vehicle.

  The conventional vehicle control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a door lock device, a wireless key, and a control device. The wireless key transmits a response signal in response to a call signal from the control device, and locks / unlocks the door. Control the lock. The wireless key has a vibration power generation element that generates power by vibration and a vibration type determination circuit that determines what kind of vibration is transmitted by the output voltage of the vibration power generation element. The vibration type determination circuit determines the vibration state. Thus, the state where the vehicle is running, the state where the vehicle is stopped, and the like are estimated, and power control for power saving in the wireless key is performed. Specifically, when it is determined by the vibration type determination circuit that the vehicle is traveling, the wireless key stops energization of some circuits that do not require processing during traveling from the built-in battery. In the conventional vehicle control system, the built-in battery may be a rechargeable battery, and the rechargeable battery may be charged from the vibration power generation element.

JP 2012-227586 A

  However, in the conventional vehicle control system, in order to control the power supply of the wireless key, it is necessary to provide a vibration type determination circuit, which causes an increase in the external dimension of the wireless key and a high cost. there were. In addition, the algorithm for determining the vibration type becomes complicated, and there is a concern about an increase in the size of the control program processed in the wireless key. Usually, a battery that is commercially available at a low price, such as a button battery, is used as the built-in battery of the wireless key. However, when the built-in battery is a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery itself is expensive. End up.

  In addition, the wireless key may be located in the passenger's clothes pocket, bag, etc. in the passenger compartment, and since the wireless key is placed in various positions, the vehicle is running by the vibration type determination circuit. It is expected that considerable experimentation will be required to determine whether or not.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to perform control related to the operation of the vehicle according to the communication result between the portable wireless communication device and the control device. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control system that can easily suppress the battery consumption of a wireless communication device.

  A vehicle control system according to the present invention is mounted on a portable wireless communication device and a vehicle, performs control related to the operation of the vehicle in accordance with a communication result with the wireless communication device, and while the vehicle is traveling. And a control device that transmits a call signal for calling the wireless communication device and receives a response signal transmitted from the wireless communication device in response to the call signal, to continue communication with the wireless communication device. In the control system, the control device detects that the vehicle is running, and if the detection unit detects that the vehicle is running, indicates that the vehicle is running to the wireless communication device. A first control unit that performs control to transmit a signal indicating, wherein the wireless communication device includes a built-in battery, a power generation unit that receives power generated by traveling of the vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits the response signal. Receiving the signal A power supply switching unit that switches a power source that supplies power to the transmission unit to one of the built-in battery and the power generation unit, and the transmission unit to the transmission unit based on the signal received by the reception unit It has the 2nd control part which instruct | indicates to the said power supply switching part to supply electric power to.

  In the present invention, the control device mounted on the vehicle performs control related to the operation of the vehicle according to the communication result with the portable wireless communication device. While the vehicle is running, the control device transmits a call signal for calling the wireless communication device, and receives a response signal transmitted from the wireless communication device in response to the call signal, thereby continuing communication with the wireless communication device. The control device detects whether the vehicle is running by the detection unit, and when detecting that the detection unit is running, the control device performs control to transmit a signal indicating that the vehicle is running to the wireless communication device. 1 is performed by the control unit. The wireless communication device has a built-in battery and a power generation unit. The power generation unit receives power generated by traveling of the vehicle and generates power. The wireless communication device transmits a response signal by the transmission unit, receives the signal by the reception unit, and switches the power supply for supplying power to the transmission unit to either the built-in battery or the power generation unit by the power supply switching unit. The wireless communication device instructs the power supply switching unit to supply power from the power generation unit to the transmission unit based on the signal received by the reception unit by the second control unit. Thereby, the wireless communication device can easily switch the power source to the power generation unit by receiving the signal indicating that the vehicle is running, and can suppress the consumption of the battery of the wireless communication device.

  In the vehicle control system according to the present invention, the control device includes a second receiving unit that receives the response signal, and the first control unit has a predetermined signal strength of the response signal received by the second receiving unit. When the value is equal to or less than the value, control is performed to transmit a second signal indicating that the built-in battery should be switched to the wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device, the second control unit, Based on the two signals, the power supply switching unit is instructed to supply power from the built-in battery to the transmission unit.

  In the present invention, the control device receives the response signal by the second reception unit, and the first control unit wirelessly transmits the response signal received by the second reception unit when the signal strength is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Control is performed to transmit a second signal indicating that the internal battery should be switched to the communication device. The wireless communication device instructs the power supply switching unit to supply power from the built-in battery to the transmission unit based on the second signal. Thereby, when the power generation amount in the power generation unit is insufficient, switching to the built-in battery can be performed, and communication between the wireless communication device and the control device can be continued.

  In the vehicle control system according to the present invention, the power generation unit has two electrodes arranged to face each other, and one electrode receives a force and is displaced relative to the other electrode to generate power. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the power generation unit has two electrodes disposed to face each other. Since one electrode receives force and is displaced relative to the other electrode to generate electric power, a response signal is transmitted from the transmitter using the generated electric power.

  The vehicle control system according to the present invention includes a locking device that electrically locks and unlocks the door of the vehicle, and the control device uses the locking device to move the door according to a communication result with the wireless communication device. Control for locking and unlocking is performed.

  The present invention includes a locking device that electrically locks and unlocks the door of the vehicle, and the control device locks and unlocks the door by the locking device in accordance with the communication result with the wireless communication device. Take control. Thereby, about the vehicle control system which locks and unlocks the door of a vehicle, consumption of the battery of a radio | wireless communication apparatus can be suppressed easily.

  According to the present invention, the control device mounted on the vehicle performs control related to the operation of the vehicle according to the communication result with the portable wireless communication device. While the vehicle is running, the control device transmits a call signal for calling the wireless communication device, and receives a response signal transmitted from the wireless communication device in response to the call signal, thereby continuing communication with the wireless communication device. The control device detects whether the vehicle is running by the detection unit, and when detecting that the detection unit is running, the control device performs control to transmit a signal indicating that the vehicle is running to the wireless communication device. 1 is performed by the control unit. The wireless communication device has a built-in battery and a power generation unit. The power generation unit receives power generated by traveling of the vehicle and generates power. The wireless communication device transmits a response signal by the transmission unit, receives the signal by the reception unit, and switches the power supply for supplying power to the transmission unit to either the built-in battery or the power generation unit by the power supply switching unit. The wireless communication device instructs the power supply switching unit to supply power from the power generation unit to the transmission unit based on the signal received by the reception unit by the second control unit. For this reason, the wireless communication device can easily switch the power source to the power generation unit by receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle is running, and can suppress the consumption of the battery of the wireless communication device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle control system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a wireless key. It is a schematic diagram which shows one structural example of a vibration electric power generation element. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the power supply switch of the wireless key in a wireless key control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the power supply switch in a wireless key. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle control system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the power supply switch of the wireless key in a wireless key control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the power supply switch in a wireless key.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle control system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The vehicle control system 1 includes a door lock mechanism 42, an IG switch control device 44, a wireless key control device 2, and a wireless key 3, and the vehicle 100 is controlled according to a communication result between the wireless key control device 2 and the wireless key 3. Control for locking and unlocking the door by the door lock mechanism 42 and switching control of the IG switch 44a by the IG switch control device 44 are performed. In addition, the vehicle control system 1 performs a control for notifying the passenger when the wireless key 3 is taken out from the vehicle 100 when the IG switch 44a is in an on state, including when the vehicle 100 is running. The power switch control of the wireless key 3 is performed. The wireless key control device 2 functions as a control device in the present invention, and the wireless key 3 functions as a wireless communication device in the present invention.

  The wireless key control device 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a flash memory, a ROM 21 using a nonvolatile memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). ), A RAM 22 using a memory such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), an input unit 23 for receiving an input of the door lock switch 40, an output unit 24 for outputting a control signal to the door lock mechanism 42, etc., and a wireless key 3 includes a wireless communication unit 25 for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 3 and a timer unit 27. The CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, input unit 23, output unit 24, wireless communication unit 25, and timer unit 27 are connected by a bus M and can input / output signals to / from each other. You may comprise a microcomputer with CPU20, ROM21, RAM22, the input part 23, the output part 24, the radio | wireless communication part 25, the time measuring part 27, and the bus | bath M. FIG. The CPU 20 functions as a first control unit in the present invention.

  The ROM 21 stores a control program 21 a read and executed by the CPU 20 and identification information 21 b for mutual identification with the wireless key 3. The identification information 21b is, for example, ID (IDentifier) information of the wireless key 3, ID information of the wireless key control device 2 itself, key information used for encryption processing, and the like. The RAM 22 temporarily stores information generated during the process of the CPU 20. The timer unit 27 includes, for example, a counter circuit that counts up a clock signal, and measures time.

  A door lock switch 40 and a vehicle speed sensor 41 are connected to the input unit 23. The door lock switch 40 is a contact type or mechanical type switch provided on the outer side and the inner side of the door of the vehicle 100, and accepts an operation of locking / unlocking the door to notify the wireless key control device 2. By operating a switch provided on the outside of the door (for example, a door knob), the occupant can lock / unlock the door from the outside of the vehicle 100, and the inside of the door (for example, a side surface of the door inside the vehicle interior) The user can perform a door lock / unlock operation in the passenger compartment by operating a switch provided on the vehicle.

  The vehicle speed sensor 41 includes, for example, a detected body that rotates together with the rotation axis of the wheel and a sensor that detects the rotation of the detected body (not shown), and measures the vehicle speed based on the rotational speed of the wheel. The wireless key control device 2 can determine whether the vehicle 100 is stopped or traveling by acquiring the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 41. The vehicle speed sensor 41 may be replaced with, for example, a navigation device or the like, and may detect whether the vehicle 100 is traveling based on position information from the navigation device. The vehicle speed sensor 41 functions as a detection unit in the present invention.

  A door lock mechanism 42, an audio output device 43, and an IG switch control device 44 are connected to the output unit 24. The door lock mechanism 42 includes a mechanical mechanism for locking / unlocking each door of the vehicle 100, an actuator for electrically operating the mechanical mechanism, and the like. The door lock mechanism 42 locks / unlocks the door by operating an actuator in accordance with a binary control signal indicating lock / unlock output from the wireless key control device 2. The door lock mechanism 42 functions as a locking device in the present invention.

  The audio output device 43 acquires an audio signal from the wireless key control device 2 and other in-vehicle devices (for example, a radio or a music player), and outputs the audio signal from the speaker 43a. The audio output device 43 stores a predetermined chime sound or buzzer sound as a preset together with the audio number, and outputs an analog audio signal to the speaker 43a in accordance with the audio number added to the notification command. Note that the audio output device 43 may acquire audio data together with the notification command, convert the acquired audio data into an analog audio signal, and output the analog audio signal to the speaker 43a.

  The IG switch control device 44 receives the switching permission signal from the wireless key control device 2 and performs control to switch the switch position of the IG switch 44a. As will be described later, the wireless key control device 2 outputs a switching permission signal to the IG switch control device 44 when the wireless key 3 is authorized by an authentication process based on identification information performed with the wireless key 3. To do. The IG switch 44a is a push button type switch or the like that starts the engine when the driver presses the button. The IG switch 44a is gradually switched to an off position, an accessory position (hereinafter referred to as an ACC position), an on position, and an engine start position by a push operation (including a long press operation) by the occupant. Note that the position here is not a physical position but a functional state.

  In general, an illumination device (not shown) such as a headlight can operate in the off position, and a navigation device or the like (not shown) can operate in the ACC position. In this way, only some of the in-vehicle devices with low power consumption can operate at the off position and the ACC position. On the other hand, in the ON position, many vehicle equipment (not shown) such as a window opening / closing device, an air conditioner, a turn lamp, a wiper, and a meter device can be operated. Further, at the engine start position, the spark plug is ignited to start the engine, and after the engine starts, the engine returns to the on position. The position of the IG switch 44 a is input to the input unit 23 of the wireless key control device 2. The wireless key control device 2 performs control for notifying the occupant's attention when, for example, the wireless key 3 is taken out of the vehicle 100 when the IG switch 44a is not in the off position.

  The wireless communication unit 25 includes an LF (Low Frequency) transmission unit 25a and a UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) transmission / reception unit 25b, and performs wireless communication with the wireless key 3 possessed by the occupant inside and outside the vehicle 100. In the vehicle 100, an LF transmission antenna 26a and a UHF transmission / reception antenna 26b are respectively provided at appropriate positions, and the wireless communication unit 25 performs wireless communication using these antennas. The LF transmission antenna 26a includes, for example, an in-vehicle transmission antenna that transmits toward the inside of the vehicle and an out-of-vehicle transmission antenna that transmits toward the outside of the vehicle. The UHF transmission / reception antenna 26 b transmits a radio signal to the radio key 3 and receives a radio signal transmitted from the radio key 3 regardless of the inside or outside of the vehicle 100. The UHF transmitter / receiver 25b functions as the second receiver in the present invention.

  The LF transmitter 25a transmits a calling signal for calling the wireless key 3 in the LF band (for example, 125 kHz). Information such as ID information and key information of the wireless key control device 2 itself is added to the call signal. The UHF transmission / reception unit 25b transmits a travel notification signal indicating that the vehicle 100 is traveling to the wireless key 3, and receives a response signal from the wireless key 3 in the UHF band (for example, 315 MHz). The UHF transmission / reception unit 25b may receive and transmit radio signals by separating transmission and reception by time division or frequency division. As will be described later, information such as ID information and key information of the wireless key 3 is added to the response signal. The LF transmission unit 25a transmits the calling signal given from the CPU 20 to the wireless key 3 from the LF transmission antenna 26a. The UHF transmission / reception unit 25b transmits a travel notification signal provided from the CPU 20 from the UHF transmission / reception antenna 26b, receives a response signal transmitted from the wireless key 3 at the UHF transmission / reception antenna 26b, and provides the CPU 20 with the response signal.

  The CPU 20 executes the control program 21a stored in the ROM 21 to cause each part of the wireless key control device 2 to function, and locks / unlocks the door, permits switching of the IG switch 44a, and notifies the user of the wireless key 3 being taken out. Control processing such as power switching of the wireless key 3 during traveling is performed.

  The CPU 20 acquires an occupant's operation on the door lock switch 40 with the input unit 23 and instructs the LF transmission unit 25 a to transmit a calling signal to the wireless key 3. CPU20 will perform the authentication process based on the information contained in the received response signal, if the UHF transmission / reception part 25b receives the response signal from the wireless key 3 with respect to a calling signal. When the authentication is successful, the CPU 20 operates the door lock mechanism 42 to lock / unlock the door of the vehicle 100.

  Further, the CPU 20 acquires an operation on the IG switch 44 a by the input unit 23 and instructs the LF transmission unit 25 a to transmit a calling signal to the wireless key 3. CPU20 will perform the authentication process based on the information contained in the received response signal, if the UHF transmission / reception part 25b receives the response signal from the wireless key 3 with respect to a calling signal. When the authentication is successful, the CPU 20 outputs a switching permission signal to the IG switch control device 44.

  Further, the CPU 20 repeatedly transmits a call signal to the wireless key 3 in the on state (the ACC position, the on position, and the engine start position) in which the IG switch 44a is in a position other than the off position. Commands the LF transmitter 25a. CPU20 will perform the authentication process based on the information contained in the received response signal, if the UHF transmission / reception part 25b receives the response signal from the wireless key 3 with respect to a calling signal. The CPU 20 determines that the wireless key 3 has been taken out of the vehicle 100 when the response signal cannot be received by the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b, and when authentication fails, and outputs a notification command to the audio output device 43. . The audio output device 43 outputs a notification sound from the speaker 43a based on the notification command.

  Further, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling based on a signal input from the vehicle speed sensor 41 in the on state where the IG switch 44a is in a position other than the off position. When the vehicle is traveling, the CPU 20 instructs the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b to transmit a traveling notification signal to the wireless key 3. The travel notification signal may be any signal as long as it can be read by the wireless key 3, but may be a signal to which a specific code (for example, “1010” having a 4-bit length) is added, for example. Further, it may include a signal for synchronization, identification, etc., a signal added to comply with the wireless communication interface, and the like. When the wireless key 3 receives the travel notification signal, the wireless key 3 switches the power based on the signal.

  When the CPU 20 transmits a call signal from the above-mentioned in-vehicle transmission antenna to the wireless key 3 by the LF transmission unit 25a, the CPU 20 receives the response signal transmitted from the wireless key 3 by the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b via the UHF transmission / reception antenna 26b. Whether or not the wireless key 3 is present in the vehicle can be determined according to whether or not it has been done. Similarly, when the CPU 20 transmits a call signal from the above-described outside transmission antenna to the wireless key 3 by the LF transmission unit 25a, the CPU 20 receives the response signal from the wireless key 3 by the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b via the UHF transmission / reception antenna 26b. Whether or not the wireless key 3 is present within a predetermined range outside the vehicle, for example, within a range of several meters, can be determined depending on whether or not it has been performed.

  Next, the wireless key 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless key 3. The wireless key 3 includes a control unit 30, a wireless communication unit 31, an operation unit 33, a built-in battery 34, a power generation unit 35, and a power switch 36. The control unit 30 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and causes each unit of the wireless key 3 to function by the CPU executing a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM stores identification information for identifying each other with the wireless key control device 2. The identification information is, for example, ID information of the wireless key 3 itself, ID information of the wireless key control device 2, and key information used for encryption processing. Information generated in the process of the CPU is temporarily stored in the RAM.

  The wireless communication unit 31 includes an LF reception unit 31a and a UHF transmission / reception unit 31b. The LF receiver 31a receives the calling signal transmitted from the wireless key control device 2 by the LF reception antenna 32a. The LF receiver 31 a reads out information (ID information and key information of the wireless key control device 2) included in the call signal and outputs the information to the control unit 30. The UHF transmission / reception unit 31b receives the travel notification signal transmitted from the wireless key control device 2 by the UHF transmission / reception antenna 32b, reads the code included in the travel notification signal, and outputs the code to the control unit 30. The UHF transmission / reception unit 31b transmits a response signal including information such as ID information and key information of the wireless key 3 from the UHF transmission / reception antenna 32b based on the control signal from the control unit 30. The UHF transmitter / receiver 31b may receive and transmit a radio signal by separating transmission and reception by time division or frequency division. The operation unit 33 includes a lock button 33 a and an unlock button 33 b, receives an occupant's operation on these operation buttons, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to each operation button to the control unit 30. The UHF transceiver 31b functions as a transmitter and a receiver in the present invention.

  The control unit 30 performs an authentication process based on the identification information when the call signal from the wireless key control device 2 is received by the wireless communication unit 31 (note that a detailed procedure of the authentication process is omitted). When the authentication is successful, the control unit 30 outputs a control signal instructing transmission of a response signal to the wireless communication unit 31. Further, when an operation signal corresponding to the lock button 33a / unlock button 33b is input, the control unit 30 outputs a control signal instructing transmission of the lock signal / unlock signal to the wireless communication unit 31. In response to this control signal, the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b of the wireless communication unit 31 transmits a wireless signal including information indicating lock or unlock and identification information (such as the ID number and key information of the wireless key 3) from the UHF transmission / reception antenna 32b. When the wireless key control device 2 transmits the wireless signal and receives the wireless signal, the door of the vehicle 100 is locked / unlocked. The control unit 30 functions as a second control unit in the present invention.

  Further, when the travel notification signal from the wireless key control device 2 is received by the wireless communication unit 31, the control unit 30 acquires a code included in the travel notification signal and confirms that the vehicle 100 is traveling. Recognizing and outputting a control signal that instructs the power switch 36 to switch the power source to the power generation unit 35.

  The built-in battery 34 is a small button battery, for example, and needs to be replaced when the electric power stored in the battery is consumed. In contrast, the power generation unit 35 includes a power storage unit 35a and a vibration power generation element 35b, and stores the power generated by the vibration power generation element 35b due to vibration in the power storage unit 35a. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the vibration power generation element 35b. The vibration power generation element 35b includes electrodes 51 and 52 arranged to face each other, and a resistor 53 connected between the electrodes. The vibration power generation element 35 b is configured such that one electrode 51 is slidably supported, and the one electrode 51 is relatively displaced with respect to the other fixed electrode 52.

  When one electrode 51 is relatively displaced with respect to the other electrode 52, the electric charge stored in the electrode moves, a current flows through the resistor 53, and a voltage is generated between both ends of the resistor 53 to generate power. As the vehicle 100 travels, vibration generated in the vehicle 100 is transmitted to the wireless key 3 placed in the vehicle 100, and relative displacement between the electrodes occurs. Further, when the vehicle 100 is accelerated or decelerated, the electrodes receive a force, and a relative displacement occurs between the electrodes. The vibration power generation element 35b supplies the generated electric power to the power storage unit 35a. The vibration power generation element 35b is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be any element that generates power by receiving a force from the traveling of the vehicle 100 and vibrates, and a known vibration power generation element can be used. A small-sized one is suitable for incorporation into.

  The power storage unit 35a includes a rectifier circuit using a diode or the like, and a smoothing circuit using a capacitor or the like. Further, a constant voltage circuit such as a Zener diode may be provided in the power storage unit 35a to output a constant voltage.

  The power switch 36 is connected to the power supply line B that supplies power to the internal battery 34, the power generation unit 35, and the wireless key 3, and the power source connected to the power supply line B is connected to the internal battery 34 or the power generation unit. Switch to one of 35. The power switch 36 switches the power to the power generation unit 35 based on a control signal from the control unit 30. The power switch 36 functions as a power switch in the present invention.

  Next, an operation related to power supply switching of the wireless key 3 in the vehicle control system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to power switching of the wireless key 3 in the wireless key control device 2. As described above, when the position of the IG switch 44 a input from the IG switch control device 44 is on, the wireless key control device 2 transmits a calling signal to the wireless key 3 so that the wireless key 3 is connected to the vehicle 100. We are monitoring whether it is taken out to the outside. Based on the signal from the vehicle speed sensor 41, the CPU 20 of the wireless key control device 2 determines whether or not the vehicle 100 is traveling in step S1. If it is determined that the vehicle is traveling (S1: YES), the CPU 20 instructs the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b to transmit a traveling notification signal in step S2. When it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling (S1: NO), and after transmitting the traveling notification signal in step S2, the CPU 20 instructs the LF transmitting unit 25a to transmit a calling signal for calling the wireless key 3 in step S3. To do. The LF transmission unit 25a transmits a calling signal from the LF transmission antenna 26a (the above-described in-vehicle transmission antenna) based on a command from the CPU 20.

  After transmitting the calling signal, the CPU 20 instructs the timer 27 to reset and start the timer 27 in step S4. Thereafter, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a response signal has been received in step S5. If it is determined that the response signal has not been received (S5: NO), the CPU 20 determines in step S6 whether or not the timer started by the timer unit 27 has passed a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, about several tens of seconds to several minutes. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S6: NO), the CPU 20 returns to step S5 and determines whether or not a response signal has been received. When the predetermined time has elapsed (S6: YES), the CPU 20 determines that the wireless key 3 has been taken out of the vehicle 100, and outputs a notification command to the audio output device 43 (step S9). The audio output device 43 receives the notification command and outputs a notification sound from the speaker 43a.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the response signal has been received (S5: YES), the CPU 20 performs an authentication process based on the ID information and key information of the wireless key 3 added to the response signal in step S7. . The CPU 20 determines whether or not the authentication is successful in step S8. When the authentication is successful (S8: YES), the CPU 20 ends the process. When authentication fails (S8: NO), CPU20 returns a process to step S5.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure regarding power supply switching in the wireless key 3. In step S10, the control unit 30 of the wireless key 3 determines whether the travel notification signal is received by the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b. When the travel notification signal is received (S10: YES), the control unit 30 instructs the power switch 36 to switch the power source to the power generation unit 35 in step S11, and the power switch 36 turns on the power based on the command. Switch to the power generation unit 35. When the travel notification signal is not received (S10: NO), the control unit 30 instructs the power switch 36 to switch the power source to the built-in battery 34 in step S12, and the power switch 36 is based on the command. The power source is switched to the built-in battery 34.

  After steps S11 and S12, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the call signal is received by the LF receiving unit 31a in step S13. When the call signal has not been received (S13: NO), the control unit 30 repeats step S13. When the call signal is received (S13: YES), the control unit 30 performs an authentication process based on the ID information and key information of the wireless key control device 2 added to the call signal in step S14. The control unit 30 determines whether or not the authentication is successful in step S15. When the authentication is successful (S15: YES), the control unit 30 instructs the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b to transmit a response signal in step S16. The UHF transceiver 31b transmits a response signal based on a command from the controller 30. The control part 30 complete | finishes a process after transmission by step S16. Moreover, when authentication fails (S15: NO), the control part 30 returns a process to step S13.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wireless key control device 2 mounted on the vehicle 100 performs control related to the operation of the vehicle 100 according to the communication result with the portable wireless key 3. Specifically, the wireless key control device 2 performs door lock / unlock control, permission control for position switching of the IG switch 44a, take-out monitoring control of the wireless key 3, and the like. The wireless key control device 2 communicates with the wireless key 3 by transmitting a call signal for calling the wireless key 3 while the vehicle 100 is traveling and receiving a response signal transmitted from the wireless key 3 in response to the call signal. Continue. The wireless key control device 2 detects whether the vehicle 100 is traveling by the vehicle speed sensor 41, and when the vehicle speed sensor 41 detects that the vehicle is traveling, the wireless key control device 2 indicates that the vehicle is traveling to the wireless key 3. The CPU 20 performs control for transmitting the notification signal. The wireless key 3 has a built-in battery 34 and a power generation unit 35. The power generation unit 35 receives power generated by the traveling of the vehicle 100 to generate power. The wireless key 3 transmits a response signal by the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b and receives a travel notification signal. The wireless key 3 switches the power supply for supplying power to the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b to either the built-in battery 34 or the power generation unit 35 by the power switch 36. The control unit 30 of the wireless key 3 instructs the power switch 36 to supply power from the power generation unit 35 to the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b based on the travel notification signal received by the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b. Accordingly, the wireless key 3 can easily switch the power source to the power generation unit 35 by receiving the travel notification signal, and can suppress the consumption of the built-in battery 34 of the wireless key 3.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the electric power generation part 35 has the two electrodes 51 and 52 arrange | positioned facing each other. Since one electrode 51 receives force and is displaced relative to the other electrode 52 to generate power, a response signal is transmitted from the UHF transceiver 31b using the generated power.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the door lock mechanism 42 that electrically locks and unlocks the door of the vehicle 100 is provided, and the wireless key control device 2 performs the door lock mechanism according to the communication result with the wireless key 3. The door 42 is controlled to lock and unlock the door. Thereby, about the vehicle control system which locks and unlocks the door of the vehicle 100, the consumption of the battery of the wireless key 3 can be suppressed easily.

  In the present embodiment, the power generation unit 35 of the wireless key 3 stores power in the power storage unit 35a. For example, when the vehicle 100 travels at a low speed, vibration and acceleration applied to the power generation unit 35 are small, and the response signal There is a possibility that the amount of power generation required to transmit can not be obtained. In this case, the wireless key 3 detects the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 35a, and when it is determined that the amount of electricity stored is less than the power necessary for transmitting the response signal, the power switch 36 supplies the power to the power generation unit 35. It is sufficient to switch from the internal battery 34 to the internal battery 34.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the wireless key control device 2 performs control for switching the power supply of the wireless key 3 based on the signal strength of the response signal from the wireless key 3. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle control system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the wireless communication unit 25 includes a signal strength measuring unit 25c that measures the signal strength of the received response signal. The vehicle control system 1 shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the configuration of the vehicle control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 except for the signal strength measuring unit 25c. The configuration of the wireless key 3 is equivalent to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the signal strength measurement of the response signal by the signal strength measuring unit 25c will be described, and for the sake of brevity, description of other configurations will be omitted.

  The signal strength measuring unit 25c measures the signal strength of the response signal from the wireless key 3 received by the UHF transmitting / receiving unit 25b. The signal strength measurement unit 25c, for example, a known RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), measures the signal strength by rectifying the response signal received by the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b. The signal intensity measured by the signal intensity measuring unit 25c is given to the CPU 20. The CPU 20 determines that the amount of power generated by the wireless key 3 is insufficient when the signal strength is smaller than a predetermined value necessary for receiving the response signal. At this time, the CPU 20 causes the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b to transmit a power supply switching signal that instructs the wireless key 3 to perform control using the built-in battery 34 as a power supply.

  The power switching signal may be any signal as long as it can be read by the wireless key 3, but may be a signal to which a specific code (for example, “1011” having a 4-bit length) is added, for example. Further, it may include a signal for synchronization, identification, etc., a signal added to comply with the wireless communication interface, and the like. When receiving the power switch signal, the wireless key 3 switches the power based on the signal.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to power switching of the wireless key 3 in the wireless key control device 2. The processing from step S21 to S26 shown in FIG. 7 is equivalent to the processing from step S1 to S6 shown in FIG. In step S27 shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 20 of the wireless key control device 2 determines whether or not the signal strength of the received response signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the measurement result by the signal strength measuring unit 25c. When it is determined that the signal strength is less than the predetermined value (S27: NO), the CPU 20 instructs the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b to transmit a power switch signal in step S28, and the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b is powered on based on the command. Send a switching signal. After transmitting the power supply switching signal in step S28, the CPU 20 returns the process to step S23 and transmits the call signal again. If it is determined that the signal strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S27: YES), the CPU 20 performs an authentication process based on the ID information and key information of the wireless key 3 added to the response signal in step S29. The processing from step S29 to S31 shown in FIG. 7 is equivalent to the processing from step S7 to S9 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure regarding power supply switching in the wireless key 3. The process of step S40 shown in FIG. 8 is equivalent to the process of step S10 shown in FIG. In step 41, the control unit 30 of the wireless key 3 determines whether or not the power switch signal is received by the UHF transmission / reception unit 31b. When the power switch signal is received (S41: YES), the control unit 30 commands the power switch 36 to switch the power to the built-in battery 34 in step S43, and the power switch 36 switches the power based on the command. Switch to built-in battery 34. When the power switch signal is not received (S41: NO), the control unit 30 instructs the power switch 36 to switch the power source to the power generating unit 35 in step S42, and the power switch 36 is based on the command. The power source is switched to the power generation unit 35. The processing from step S44 to S47 shown in FIG. 8 is equivalent to the processing from step S13 to S16 shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wireless key control device 2 receives the response signal by the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b, and the CPU 20 has the signal strength of the response signal received by the UHF transmission / reception unit 25b not more than a predetermined value. In addition, control for transmitting a power switch signal indicating that the built-in battery should be switched to the wireless key 3 is performed. The wireless key 3 instructs the power switch 36 to supply power from the built-in battery 34 to the UHF transmitter / receiver 31b based on the power switch signal. Thereby, when the electric power generation amount in the electric power generation part 35 is insufficient, it switches to the built-in battery 34, and communication between the wireless key 3 and the wireless key control apparatus 2 can be continued.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the LF transmission antenna 26a in the wireless key control apparatus 2 has been described with respect to the example in which the LF transmission antenna 26a is configured with an in-vehicle transmission antenna and an out-of-vehicle transmission antenna. It is not something that can be done. For example, three or more transmission antennas are provided at appropriate positions (the door part of the driver's seat, the door part of the passenger seat, the rear seat rear position, etc.) of the vehicle 100 to transmit the calling signal sequentially, and each call signal is transmitted by the wireless key 3. Is measured, and information on each received intensity is added to the response signal. The wireless key control device 2 reads information of each reception intensity from the response signal, determines the position of the wireless key 3 using the principle of three-point surveying, and determines whether the wireless key 3 is inside or outside the vehicle. It may be. This determination is inserted between step S5 and step S7 shown in FIG. 4 (between step S25 and step S27 in FIG. 7), and when the CPU 20 determines that the wireless key 3 is in the vehicle, step S7 (In FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S27). When it is determined that the wireless key 3 is outside the vehicle, the process proceeds to step S9 (in FIG. 7, step S31).

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the power switch 36 of the wireless key 3 supplies power to the control unit 30, the wireless communication unit 31, the operation unit 33, and the like for the built-in battery 34 and the power generation unit 35. Although switching is performed as any one of them, the power source may be switched for a part of the control unit 30, the wireless communication unit 31, and the operation unit 33, and further, the LF reception unit 31a in the wireless communication unit 31 and You may make it switch a power supply about either of the UHF transmission / reception parts 31b. That is, as compared with the conventional case where each part of the wireless key 3 is operated only by the built-in battery 34, the wireless key 3 is operated by using power from the power generation unit 35. It is possible to suppress power consumption of the internal battery 34.

  The disclosed embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

100 vehicle 1 vehicle control system 2 wireless key control device (control device)
20 CPU (first control unit)
25b UHF transceiver (second receiver)
3 Wireless key (wireless communication device)
30 Control unit (second control unit)
31b UHF transceiver (transmitter, receiver)
34 Built-in battery 35 Power generator 36 Power switch (power switch)
41 Vehicle speed sensor (detection unit)
42 Door lock mechanism (locking device)
51, 52 electrodes

Claims (4)

A portable radio communication device and a call signal that is mounted on the vehicle and controls the operation of the vehicle according to the communication result with the radio communication device, and calls the radio communication device while the vehicle is running In a vehicle control system comprising: a control device that continues communication with the wireless communication device by receiving a response signal transmitted from the wireless communication device in response to the call signal;
The controller is
A detection unit that detects whether the vehicle is running; and a control that transmits a signal indicating that the vehicle is running to the wireless communication device when the detection unit detects that the vehicle is running. 1 control unit,
The wireless communication device is
Built-in battery,
A power generation unit that receives power generated by the traveling of the vehicle to generate power;
A transmission unit for transmitting the response signal;
A receiver for receiving the signal;
A power source switching unit that switches a power source that supplies power to the transmission unit to either the built-in battery or the power generation unit; and
A vehicle control system comprising: a second control unit that instructs the power supply switching unit to supply power from the power generation unit to the transmission unit based on the signal received by the reception unit. The controller is
A second receiver for receiving the response signal;
The first control unit is configured to transmit a second signal indicating that the built-in battery should be switched to the wireless communication device when the signal strength of the response signal received by the second receiving unit is a predetermined value or less. And do
The wireless communication device is
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit instructs the power supply switching unit to supply power from the built-in battery to the transmission unit based on the second signal. Control system.   The power generation unit includes two electrodes arranged to face each other, and one electrode receives a force and is displaced relative to the other electrode to generate power. The vehicle control system according to claim 2. A locking device for electrically locking and unlocking the door of the vehicle;
4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the locking and unlocking of the door by the locking device in accordance with a communication result with the wireless communication device. 5. The vehicle control system according to one.

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