JPH0886130A - Electronic key and vehicle antitheft system using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the number of wirings by integrally incorporating a mechanical key with an electronic key, by providing a circuit coping with both mechanical and electronic keys on the controller side, and integrally incorporating a keyless, an immobilizer and an antitheft device with one another. CONSTITUTION: A mechanical key 45 is integrally incorporated with an electronic key composed of a transponder 41, a transmitter 4, a battery 43 or the like, and a controller 11 is provided therein with an electromagnetic coupling communication circuit 13, a keyless receiving circuit 14 and the like. When the mechanical key 45 is inserted into a key cylinder 45, a signal indicating locking, unlocking, engine starting or the like is transmitted and received. Even though the key 45 is inserted into a key cylinder 31, a predetermined operation is controlled by the electronic key 21, and further, the immobilizer is energized. Further, if the engine is to be started with the use of a false key, and so forth, an alarm is issued. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the cost due to a reduction in the number of wirings.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic key and a vehicle antitheft system using the electronic key.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a key for starting an engine of a vehicle is inserted in a key cylinder, a specific code signal (hereinafter referred to as an ID code) is received from the key side by communication of a radio signal between the two. It is known that a so-called immobilizer is used to prevent the vehicle from being stolen by using an electronic key that allows the engine to be started by determining that a legitimate key has been inserted only when the key is pressed. See, for example, JP-A-5-39767).
Further, there is a so-called keyless device that unlocks and locks the door of a vehicle by transmitting and receiving an ID code between the door key side and the key using radio waves without inserting the key into the door key cylinder. Are known. In addition, there is an anti-theft alarm device that issues a warning when it is determined that the door has been stolen when the door is opened improperly.

[0003]

However, in the past, each of the above-mentioned devices has been provided as a single unit without being linked to each other. Therefore, when inspecting and diagnosing each device, a tester is connected to each position via an interface to read the self-diagnosis information, and each interface is required, resulting in an increase in cost. Since the mounting positions are dispersed, it took time to perform maintenance. Moreover, since each device is independent, the number of wires increases, which causes a cost increase. For example, if you try to start the engine with an improper key (the ID code for the immobilizer is not sent), to activate the anti-theft alarm, connect a signal line between each controller of the immobilizer and the anti-theft alarm. It is necessary to connect, which increases the cost. Furthermore, since the keyless device adopts the one-way communication system, the ID code transmitted from the transmitter on the key side cannot be rolled (changed),
Therefore, there is a possibility that the vehicle may be stolen by tapping the radio waves.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and improves the cost performance by integrating a keyless device and / or an immobilizer device and an anti-theft alarm device. The number of wires can be reduced, cost can be reduced, and it is easy to inspect and diagnose each device to obtain self-diagnosis information.Furthermore, even if you do not have an immobilizer device, you can use its function with a keyless device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic key that can be used as a substitute for cost reduction and a vehicle theft prevention system using the electronic key.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic key according to a first aspect of the present invention has a power source, and a transmitting unit for transmitting at least a specific code signal to a vehicle-side controller by radio waves, electromagnetic waves or light. And a controller on the vehicle side for transmitting and receiving by an electromagnetic coupling method and transmitting at least a specific code signal in the transmission. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic key according to the first aspect, the specific code signal transmitted from the transmitting unit and the specific code signal transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit are the same code signal. The electronic key according to claim 3 is integrally formed with the mechanical key according to claim 1 or 2, and by inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder,
The specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitter / receiver. An electronic key according to a fourth aspect is the electronic key according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising switch means that is manually operated,
The specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitter by operating the switch means. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic key according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least unlocking or locking of the door is controlled based on the specific code signal from the transmitting unit, and the engine is controlled based on the specific code signal from the transmitting / receiving unit. It controls the startup of. The electronic key according to claim 6 has a mechanical key that is inserted into a key cylinder and performs a predetermined key operation, and a power supply, and transmits at least a specific code signal to a controller on the vehicle side by radio waves, electromagnetic waves, or light. Section, switch means for transmitting a specific code signal from the transmitting section by manual operation, and trigger means for transmitting a specific code signal from the transmitting section by inserting a mechanical key into the key cylinder. It is a thing. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect, the switch means is a push button switch. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic key according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the trigger means is an electrical terminal electrically connected by inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder, and a transmitter based on a signal from the electrical terminal. And a control means for controlling the transmission of the specific code signal from the. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the electric terminal is a charging terminal for charging the power source. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic key according to any of the sixth to ninth aspects, unlocking or locking of the door and activation of the engine are controlled based on a specific code signal from the transmitting unit. The electronic key according to claim 11 controls a vehicle-side controller that controls lock / unlock of a door key and activates an engine, and activates a specific code signal for lock / unlock control of a door key and an engine. It has a function of transmitting a specific code signal for control by radio waves. The electronic key of claim 12 is the same as that of claim 1.
1, the specific code signal for lock / unlock control of the door key is different from the specific code signal for startup control of the engine. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the specific code signal for lock / unlock control of the door key is the same as the specific code signal for starting control of the engine. In the electronic key of claim 14, the transmission power of the specific code signal for controlling the start of the engine is weaker than the transmission power of the specific code signal for locking / unlocking the door key. Is. According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the eleventh aspect of the invention, the electronic key receives the trigger signal from the vehicle side and transmits a specific code signal for starting and controlling the engine. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 16 has a power source,
An electronic key including at least a transmission section for transmitting a specific code signal by electromagnetic waves or light and a transmission / reception section for transmitting / receiving by an electromagnetic coupling method and transmitting at least a specific code signal in the transmission, and a specific code from the transmission section A door key means for controlling the unlocking / locking of the door based on the specific code signal received by the receiving means, and a transmitting / receiving means for receiving the specific code signal from at least the transmitting / receiving section. And a controller for starting and controlling the engine of the vehicle based on the specific code signal received by the transmitting / receiving means. A vehicle theft prevention system according to a seventeenth aspect is the vehicle antitheft system according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the controller includes receiving means for receiving the specific code signal from the transmitting portion of the electronic key, and the engine of the engine is based on the specific code signal received by the receiving means. It is possible to control startup. In the vehicle antitheft system according to claim 18, in claim 16 or 17, the specific code signal of the transmitting unit and the specific code signal of the transmitting / receiving unit are the same specific code signal. A vehicle antitheft system according to claim 19 is the vehicle antitheft system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the electronic key is integrally formed with the mechanical key, the controller has a key cylinder, and the mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder. By doing so, the specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit of the electronic key. A vehicle theft prevention system according to a twentieth aspect is the vehicle antitheft system according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, further comprising a manually operated switch means, and by operating the switch means, a specific code signal is transmitted from a transmission section of the electronic key. It was done so. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 21 is the vehicle antitheft system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the controller has a key cylinder, and a specific code signal is received within a predetermined time after the mechanical key of the electronic key is inserted into the key cylinder. It is provided with an alarm means for issuing an alarm when it cannot receive. The vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 22 is a mechanical key that is inserted into a key cylinder to perform a predetermined operation, a transmission unit that has a power source and transmits at least a specific code signal by radio waves, electromagnetic waves, or light, and by a manual operation. An electronic key having a switch means for transmitting a specific code signal from the transmitting portion and a trigger means for transmitting a specific code signal from the transmitting portion by inserting a mechanical key into the key cylinder, and a transmitting portion. A door key means for controlling unlocking / locking based on the specific code signal received by the receiving means, and a transmitting / receiving means for receiving the specific code signal from the transmitting section. And a controller for starting and controlling the engine of the vehicle based on the specific code signal received by the transmitting / receiving means. Than it is. A vehicle antitheft system according to a twenty-third aspect is the vehicle antitheft system according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the controller has a key cylinder and the mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder so that a specific code signal is transmitted from a transmission section of the electronic key. It was done. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 24 is the vehicle antitheft system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the switch means is a push button switch. A vehicle anti-theft system according to claim 25 is the vehicle anti-theft system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the trigger means has an electrical terminal electrically connected by inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder, and a signal from the electrical terminal. And a control means for controlling the transmission of the specific code signal from the transmitter based on the above. A vehicle antitheft system according to a twenty-sixth aspect is the vehicle antitheft system according to any one of the twenty-second to twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the electric terminal is a charging terminal for charging the power source. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 27 is the system according to claim 22.
26. In any one of 26 to 26, the controller has a key cylinder, and is provided with an alarm means for issuing an alarm when a specific code signal cannot be received within a predetermined time after the mechanical key of the electronic key is inserted into the key cylinder. It is a thing. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 28,
In response to an electronic key that has the function of transmitting a specific code signal for locking / unlocking the door key and a specific code signal for controlling the engine startup by radio waves, and receiving the specific code signal from the electronic key It is composed of a door key means for controlling unlocking / locking and a controller for receiving a specific code signal from the electronic key and controlling activation of the engine of the vehicle.

[0006]

According to the electronic key of the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, the transmitting section obtains electric power from the built-in power source,
A specific code signal or the like is transmitted to the controller on the vehicle side using electromagnetic waves or light, and by this transmission, for example, the door can be unlocked or locked as a keyless entry. In addition, the transmission / reception unit obtains power from the controller on the vehicle side by an electromagnetic coupling method and performs transmission / reception including transmission of a specific code signal. Based on this transmission / reception, the controller on the vehicle side can determine whether or not the activation of the engine can be permitted, for example, and functions as an immobilizer. According to the electronic keys of claims 6 to 10,
The transmitter receives power from the built-in power supply, and by operating the switch means manually,
A specific code signal or the like is transmitted to the controller on the vehicle side by electromagnetic waves or light. With this transmission, for example,
The door can be unlocked or locked as a keyless entry. Also, by inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder, the trigger means causes the transmitter to transmit the specific code signal. Based on this transmission, the vehicle-side controller can determine, for example, whether or not to allow the engine to start. As a result, the function of the immobilizer can be substituted for the keyless entry configuration. According to the electronic keys of claims 11 to 15, both the specific code signal for controlling the lock / unlock of the door key and the specific code signal for controlling the start of the engine are transmitted to the vehicle by radio waves. Each function can be obtained by transmitting to the controller. Here, by making the transmission power of the specific code signal for controlling the engine start weaker than the transmission power of the specific code signal for locking / unlocking the door key, it is possible to specify the engine start permission. The interception of code signals can be suppressed. Further, according to the vehicle antitheft system of claims 16 to 21, the door key means of the controller provided on the vehicle side that is the other side of the door key means according to the operation of the electronic key according to claims 1 to 5 is The keyless entry controls the unlocking / locking of the door, and the transmitting / receiving unit functions as an immobilizer that controls whether or not to permit the engine of the vehicle to be started based on the received signal. Further, according to the vehicle antitheft system of claims 22 to 27, the controller provided on the vehicle side of the counterpart is similar to the above in response to the action of the electronic key according to claims 6 to 10. Function. Further, according to the vehicle antitheft system of claim 28, the controller provided on the opposite vehicle side functions in the same manner as described above, in response to the operation of the electronic key according to claims 11 to 15. .

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a mode of communication between a vehicle-side controller and an engine controller, which is a partner of an electronic key in a vehicle theft prevention system. The controller 1 recognizes the ID code sent from the transponder for communication of the electronic key 2 and sends an engine start permission signal to the engine controller 3 (immobilizer function). The engine controller 3 receives this and permits the operation of the fuel pump 4 and the ignition system 5. Further, the controller 1 recognizes the ID code sent from the transmitter of the electronic key 2 to unlock / lock the door (keyless entry function). Further, the dealer can connect the tester 6 to the engine controller 3 in this system configuration through a communication line for maintenance, and use the tester 6 to read self-diagnosis (diagnosis) information of the controller 1. Is configured.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic key and a controller on the other side of the vehicle in the vehicle theft prevention system according to the first embodiment. The controller 11 of the first embodiment integrates a keyless device, an immobilizer, and an anti-theft alarm. The controller 11 controls the entire CPU 12, the immobilizer electromagnetically coupled communication circuit 13, the keyless receiving circuit 14, the EEPROM 15 storing the ID code and other information, the alarm interface 16, and the engine communication interface 17.
And a door lock / unlock interface 18. Further, the controller 11 includes a key cylinder 31 into which the electronic key 21 is inserted and a key cylinder 3
1. Transponder antenna 32 provided close to
A key detection switch 33 for detecting the insertion of the electronic key 21 into the key cylinder 31, a transmitter antenna 34 for receiving a keyless radio wave (RF) signal, and a door switch 35 for obtaining a door opening / closing signal. Signal is input from. Further, a door lock / unlock device (door key means) 36 for locking / unlocking the door via the door lock / unlock interface 18 is provided with a horn 37 and a light 38 via the alarm interface 16.
However, the engine controllers 3 are respectively connected via the engine communication interface 17. The controller 11 receives power from the vehicle battery.

The electronic key 21 includes a transponder 41 (transmission / reception section) for an immobilizer having an antenna that can be magnetically coupled to the transponder antenna 32, and a transmitter 42 for transmitting a keyless radio wave to a transmitter antenna 34. A (transmission unit), a battery 43 that is a power source for the transmitter 42, and a switch 44 (lock switch and unlock switch) that is operated when operating the keyless are provided in the key grip portion. A mechanical key 45 that is inserted and enables a predetermined key operation is integrally provided. In addition, the transponder 41 and the transmitter 42
Has a shared memory such as an EEPROM for storing an ID code.

When the mechanical key 45 is inserted into the key cylinder 31, the transponder 41 and the transponder antenna 32 are automatically magnetically coupled to each other based on the mechanical key 45. The magnetic coupling causes the transponder 41 to obtain electric power and the immobilizer. An ID code for use and other signals are transmitted to and received from the electromagnetic coupling communication circuit 13. Further, the transmitter 42 transmits an ID code for keyless by radio waves. The immobilizer ID code and the keyless ID code may be the same, but they are not necessarily the same.

The general operation of the key side and the controller side of the above system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Is a flow chart of the operation on the key side, (a) is an operation when activated by receiving power supply from the vehicle side, and when the electronic key 21 is activated (# 1), it is an ID code for the immobilizer. The engine start permission code is transmitted to the controller 11 side by electromagnetic coupling (# 2). 3B shows an operation when the keyless entry is activated by operating the switch 44. When the electronic key 21 is activated (# 3), it is checked whether or not the lock switch is turned on (# 4 ), If the switch is ON, the lock code is transmitted by radio waves (# 5). If the switch is not ON, it is checked whether the unlock switch is ON (#
6) If the switch is ON, the unlock code is transmitted by radio waves (# 7), and if the switch is not ON, the process ends. The process is terminated after each transmission is completed.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the operation on the controller side. It is checked whether or not the key 21 is inserted in the key cylinder 31 (# 11). If the key 21 is inserted, electric power is supplied to the key side by electromagnetic coupling ( # 12), and the timer is activated (# 13). After that, it is checked whether the ID code is received (# 14), and if the ID code is received, the warning lamp is turned off (# 16), the engine start permission signal is transferred (# 17), and then by the electromagnetic coupling. The power supply is terminated (# 18). If a certain period of time has passed since the key was inserted without receiving the ID code and the timer is up (YES in # 15), the anti-theft alarm such as lighting of a warning lamp is activated (# 19) and then to # 18. move on.

The operation when the lock code of the keyless entry in operation is received will be described in detail. On the controller 11 side, the CPU 12 causes the transmitter antenna 34 and the keyless receiving circuit 14 to transmit the keyless ID code. Received this ID code and EE
The ID code stored in the PROM 15 is checked, and if the ID code is valid, the lock / unlock device 36 is operated via the door lock / unlock interface 18 to lock / unlock the door. When the door open signal from the door switch 35 is not appropriate, the CPU 12 drives the horn 37 and / or the light 38 via the alarm interface 16 to perform an antitheft alarm operation by turning on the horn or blinking the light.

The operation when the engine start permission code (ID code) for the immobilizer is received will be described in detail.
Receives the ID code for the immobilizer via the transponder antenna 32 and the electromagnetic coupling communication circuit 13, compares the ID code with the ID code stored in the EEPROM 15, and if correct, the engine communication interface 17 The engine controller 3 is permitted to start the engine via # (step # 17 in FIG. 4). Also, if you try to start the engine with an improper false key, the ID code for the immobilizer will not be sent from the key to the controller 11, so it will be judged as theft and the anti-theft alarm will be activated. There is. As in the present embodiment, the keyless and anti-theft alarm and the immobilizer controller are integrated, so that the individual connection between the immobilizer and the anti-theft alarm is different from the conventional one having a separate controller. No signal line is required, and therefore, in the past, when the signal line was cut, the anti-theft alarm could not be activated, but in the present embodiment, such a problem is solved.

Further, since the EEPROM for storing the ID codes of the transponder 41 and the transmitter 42 is shared, and the EEPROM is also used as an anti-theft alarm, it is possible to effectively function against theft due to battery cut. Further, since the immobilizer can perform bidirectional communication, the IDless code on the keyless side can be rolled (changed) by sharing the memory of the keyless transmitter 42 and the immobilizer transponder 41 on the electronic key 21 side. This makes it possible to improve the anti-theft function. Further, when the ID code cannot be communicated due to a failure of the immobilizer transponder 41 or the antenna 32, the function of the immobilizer can be backed up by transmitting the keyless ID code.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic key and a controller on the other side of the vehicle in the vehicle theft prevention system according to the second embodiment. Controller 1 of the second embodiment
In No. 1, a keyless device and an anti-theft alarm are integrated with each other, and an immobilizer is not installed, and the keyless function of the immobilizer is substituted.
The difference from the first embodiment is that in the second embodiment, the structure of the immobilizer that performs communication by electromagnetic coupling is omitted, and that of the immobilizer that permits engine start with a keyless structure that performs communication by radio waves. This is a point that also serves as a structure. As a result, the cost is reduced. The electronic key 21 is provided with a built-in charging circuit 46 for charging the battery and a charging terminal 47 that is electrically connected by inserting the mechanical key 45 into the key cylinder, and this electrical connection is made. Then, electric power is supplied from the vehicle side power source to the charging circuit 46 via the charging terminal 47, and the transmitter 4 is triggered by this electrical connection.
In No. 2, the transmission of the ID code by radio waves is started.

The general operation of the key side and the controller side of the above system will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Figure 6
Is a flowchart of the operation on the key side. Electronic key 21
When is inserted into the key cylinder 31, this process is started, and it is checked whether or not the charging terminal 47 is ON (# 21). If the charging terminal 47 is ON, it is an ID code for functioning as an immobilizer. The engine start permission code is transmitted to the controller 11 side by radio waves (RF) (# 2
2). If the charging terminal 47 is not turned on, it is checked whether the lock switch is turned on (# 23). If the switch is turned on, the lock code is transmitted by radio waves (# 24), and the switch must be turned on. For example, it is checked whether the unlock switch is turned on (# 25). If the unlock switch is turned on, an unlock code is transmitted by radio waves (# 26). If the switch is not turned on, the process ends. . The process is terminated after each transmission is completed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation on the controller side. It is checked whether the key 21 is inserted in the key cylinder 31 (# 31), and if the key 21 is inserted, the timer is started (# 32). After that, it is checked whether the ID code is received (# 33), and if the ID code is received, the warning lamp is turned off (# 35), and the engine start permission signal is transferred (# 36). Without receiving the ID code, a certain time has passed since the key was inserted and the timer U
When P (YES in # 34), an antitheft alarm such as lighting of a warning lamp is activated (# 37), and then the process ends.

When the engine start permission code is transmitted by radio waves in # 22 of the above operation, this transmission signal is received by the transmitter antenna 34 on the controller 11 side and functions as an immobilizer. Also, # 2
The process after 3 is a time when the electronic key 21 is not inserted into the key cylinder 31 and is operated as a keyless entry by operating the switch 44. The lock code and unlock code signals at this time are The signal is received by the controller 11 side via the transmitter antenna 34, and the door lock and unlock are activated.

According to the second embodiment, since the immobilizer is not required, the transponder antenna is not required, and therefore the degree of freedom of the material of the key cylinder 31 is increased, and the transmitter antenna 34 of the controller 11 is ID. It only needs to be within the reach of radio waves for code transfer, increasing the degree of freedom of installation location. That is, since the transmission / reception transponder used in the conventional immobilizer has a short communication distance, it is necessary to provide an antenna in the vicinity of the key cylinder into which the key is inserted, and communication is performed by the electromagnetic coupling method in order to eliminate the battery. Since this electromagnetic coupling method is affected by the surrounding metal, it is necessary to consider the material of the key cylinder to which the antenna is mounted, but in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to consider such a matter. . Also, turn on the charging terminal
Is used as a trigger for ID code transmission, and therefore, if the ID code is not transmitted, it is possible that the charging terminal is defective and the user can be notified. Further, conventionally, in the immobilizer (electromagnetic coupling and battery-less), if the antenna for performing power transfer and data transfer fails, the engine cannot be started, but in the present embodiment,
Even if the charging terminal is defective, the switch 44 provided on the key 21 is turned on by using the battery 44 built in the key 21.
It is possible to permit the engine to start by turning on the ignition by operating the key while pressing N.

Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described second embodiment, the keyless can be used as an immobilizer as well, but the keyless radio waves are spread over a wide area and are easily intercepted. If intercepted, the ID code to be transmitted can be duplicated and stolen. There is a risk. The modification shown here solves this problem by detecting that the key 21 has been inserted into the key cylinder 31, and sending a trigger signal from the controller 11 to the key 2 key.
Key 21 that sent to the 1 side by radio wave and received the trigger signal
Uses a rolled ID code different from the normal lock / unlock ID code for the door to be transmitted by the transmitter 42 so as to function as an immobilizer. Further, since the ID code only needs to be able to communicate in the vehicle interior, the radio wave output is weaker than the ID code output at the time of keyless entry. During keyless entry, operate the switch 44 to lock / lock the door.
The unlock ID code is transmitted by radio wave. With such a configuration, it is possible to maintain the convenience as a keyless entry and the antitheft property as an immobilizer.

In the above modification, the detection of the insertion of the key 21 into the key cylinder 31 is performed by using a key detection switch, and by rotating the key, Acc (accessory).
ON is used. Also, from the controller 11 to the key 21
In addition to the use of radio waves, the trigger means to the above uses a coil near the key cylinder 31 and uses electromagnetic induction with a built-in coil in the key 21, or a magnet near the key cylinder 31 and is installed on the key 21 side. It may have a built-in reed switch. As described above, by reducing the output of the ID code transmitted as the immobilizer, the battery 4
3 also has the effect of making it possible to prolong the service life, or facilitating the power supply from the key cylinder 31 side by electromagnetic coupling. The present invention is not limited to the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. For example, instead of the above communication using radio waves (RF), communication using electromagnetic waves or light is used. May be.

[0023]

As described above, according to the electronic key according to the inventions of claims 1 to 5 and the vehicle theft prevention system according to the inventions of claims 16 to 21, the door is unlocked by sending a specific code signal or The keyless entry function for locking and the immobilizer function for preventing theft by determining whether or not the engine can be started on the controller side have been integrated to improve cost performance and wiring. The number can be reduced. Also, when inspecting and diagnosing each device, the self-diagnosis information can be easily read without distributing the tester mounting positions and without individually going through the interface. It can be operated so as to give an alarm when it is about to be started, and further, it becomes easy to roll a specific code to be transmitted even in keyless. Further, according to the electronic key according to the invention of claims 6 to 10 and the vehicle theft prevention system according to the invention of claims 22 to 27, in addition to the above effects, the immobilizer function can be substituted by the keyless entry function, and the immobilizer function can be used. The parts for use are unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced.
According to the electronic key of the invention of claims 11 to 15 and the vehicle theft prevention system of the invention of claim 28,
When the immobilizer function is replaced by the keyless entry function as described above, the immobilizer can be used as a keyless entry by using a specific code that is different from the specific code for keyless, or by weakening the code output. And it is possible to maintain the anti-theft property as an immobilizer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an aspect of communication in a vehicle theft prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle theft prevention system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B are flowcharts showing the operation on the key side of the present system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller side of the present system.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle theft prevention system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation on the key side of the present system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller side of the present system.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle theft prevention system according to a modification of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Engine Controller 11 Controller 12 CPU 13 Electromagnetic Coupling Communication Circuit 14 Keyless Reception Circuit 16 Alarm Interface 21 Electronic Key 31 Key Cylinder 32 Transponder Antenna 33 Key Detection Switch 34 Transmitter Antenna 36 Door Lock / Unlock Device (Door Key Means) 41 Transponder 42 Transmitter 43 Battery 44 Switch 45 Mechanical key 47 Charging terminal

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shinichi Tokaibayashi, Omron Co., Ltd. 10 Hanazono Dodocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An electromagnetic coupling system is used for transmission and reception between a transmission unit that has a power supply and transmits at least a specific code signal to a vehicle-side controller by radio waves, electromagnetic waves, or light, and the vehicle-side controller. An electronic key comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits at least a specific code signal in the transmission. 2. The electronic key according to claim 1, wherein the specific code signal transmitted from the transmitting unit and the specific code signal transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit are the same code signal. 3. A mechanical key integrally formed with the mechanical key, wherein the mechanical key is inserted into a key cylinder.
The electronic key according to claim 1, wherein a specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitting / receiving unit. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a manually operated switch means, wherein a specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitter by operating the switch means. Key. 5. The unlocking or locking of at least a door is controlled based on a specific code signal from the transmitting section, and the engine start is controlled based on the specific code signal from the transmitting / receiving section. Item 5. The electronic key according to any one of Items 1 to 4. 6. A mechanical key that is inserted into a key cylinder to perform a predetermined key operation, a transmission unit that has a power supply, and that transmits at least a specific code signal to a controller on the vehicle side by radio waves, electromagnetic waves, or light. Switch means for transmitting a specific code signal from the transmitter by manual operation, and trigger means for transmitting the specific code signal from the transmitter by inserting the mechanical key into a key cylinder. Electronic key. 7. The electronic key according to claim 6, wherein the switch means is a push button switch. 8. The trigger means is an electrical terminal that is electrically connected by inserting the mechanical key into a key cylinder, and a specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitter based on a signal from the electrical terminal. 8. The electronic key according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a control means for controlling the. 9. The electronic key according to claim 8, wherein the electric terminal is a charging terminal for charging the power source. 10. The electronic key according to claim 6, wherein unlocking or locking of a door and activation of an engine are controlled based on a specific code signal from the transmitting unit. 11. A specific code signal for lock / unlock control of a door key and a start control of an engine to a controller on a vehicle side for lock / unlock control of a door key and startup control of an engine. An electronic key that has the function of transmitting the specified code signal of and by radio waves. 12. The electronic key according to claim 11, wherein a specific code signal for lock / unlock control of the door key is different from a specific code signal for startup control of the engine. 13. The electronic key according to claim 11, wherein the specific code signal for locking / unlocking the door key is the same as the specific code signal for controlling the start of the engine. 14. The transmission power of the specific code signal for controlling the start of the engine is weaker than the transmission power of the specific code signal for locking and unlocking the door key. Electronic key. 15. Upon receiving a trigger signal from the vehicle side,
The electronic key according to claim 11, wherein a specific code signal for controlling the start of the engine is transmitted. 16. A transmitter having a power supply and transmitting at least a specific code signal by radio waves, electromagnetic waves or light, and a transmitting / receiving unit transmitting / receiving by an electromagnetic coupling method and transmitting at least a specific code signal in the transmission. An electronic key provided, and a receiving means for receiving a specific code signal from the transmitting section, and a door key means for controlling unlocking / locking of the door based on the specific code signal received by the receiving means, at least A vehicle antitheft system comprising: a transmitter / receiver for receiving a specific code signal from the transmitter / receiver; and a controller for starting and controlling an engine of a vehicle based on the specific code signal received by the transmitter / receiver. 17. The controller comprises a receiving means for receiving a specific code signal from a transmitting section of the electronic key, and enables engine start control based on the specific code signal received by the receiving means. Vehicle anti-theft system described. 18. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the specific code signal of the transmitting unit and the specific code signal of the transmitting / receiving unit are the same specific code signal. 19. The electronic key is configured integrally with a mechanical key, the controller has a key cylinder, and the mechanical key is inserted into the key cylinder to identify the electronic key from a transmitting / receiving unit of the electronic key. The vehicle theft prevention system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein a code signal is transmitted. 20. A switch means which is manually operated,
20. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 16, wherein a specific code signal is transmitted from the transmission section of the electronic key by operating the switch means. 21. The controller comprises a key cylinder, and alarm means for issuing an alarm when a specific code signal cannot be received within a predetermined time after the mechanical key of the electronic key is inserted into the key cylinder. The vehicle antitheft system according to any one of claims 16 to 19. 22. A mechanical key which is inserted into a key cylinder to perform a predetermined operation, a transmission section which has a power source and transmits at least a specific code signal by radio waves, electromagnetic waves or light, and which is specified by the transmission section by a manual operation. An electronic key having switch means for transmitting a code signal, and trigger means for transmitting a specific code signal from the transmitter by inserting the mechanical key into a key cylinder, and from the transmitter. A door key means for controlling unlocking / locking based on the specific code signal received by the receiving means, and a transmitting / receiving means for receiving the specific code signal from the transmitting section. And a controller for starting and controlling the engine of the vehicle based on the specific code signal received by the transmitting / receiving means. Vehicle anti-theft system. 23. The vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the controller has a key cylinder, and a specific code signal is transmitted from a transmission section of the electronic key by inserting the mechanical key into the key cylinder. Anti-theft system. 24. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 22, wherein the switch means is a push button switch. 25. The trigger means is an electrical terminal that is electrically connected by inserting the mechanical key into a key cylinder, and a specific code signal is transmitted from the transmitter based on a signal from the electrical terminal. The vehicle antitheft system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, comprising: a control unit that controls the vehicle. 26. The vehicle antitheft system according to claim 22, wherein the electric terminal is a charging terminal for charging the power source. 27. The controller comprises a key cylinder, and alarm means for issuing an alarm when a specific code signal cannot be received within a predetermined time after the mechanical key of the electronic key is inserted into the key cylinder. The vehicle antitheft system according to any one of claims 22 to 26. 28. An electronic key having a function of transmitting a specific code signal for lock / unlock control of a door key and a specific code signal for startup control of an engine by radio waves; A vehicle theft prevention system comprising: a door key means for receiving a specific code signal to control unlocking / locking; and a controller for receiving a specific code signal from the electronic key and controlling activation of a vehicle engine.