KEY UNIT AND VEHICLE THAT HAS THE KEY UNIT

Abstract

Key unit (100) configured to authorize a portable terminal (200) based on information obtained from the portable terminal (200) and to control locking and unlocking of a target by transmitting a signal to a locking and unlocking device (300), wherein the key unit (100) comprises: a first communication module (101; 101A) configured to receive a request signal transmitted in a first frequency band from the locking and unlocking device (300), a control module (104) configured to authorize the portable terminal (200) and process signals transmitted to and received by the locking and unlocking device (300), a second communication module (103) configured to perform short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal (200) in a second frequency band, and a substrate on which the first communication module (101; 101A), the control module (104) and the second communication module (103) are mounted, characterized in that the first communication module (101;101A) and the second communication module (103) are mounted on the substrate at positions that point towards each other via the control module (104), that the second communication module (103) has an antenna, and that the second communication module (103) is mounted on the substrate, such that the antenna is on an outer edge side of the substrate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a key unit that performs locking and unlocking, and to a vehicle that has a key unit. Description of the state of the art

[0002] A key management system is known in which authorization information for unlocking a vehicle is obtained from a server via a network using a portable device, and the portable device can be used as an electronic key (JP 2006 - 118 122 A). In this system, the vehicle has means for reading an identifier on an integrated circuit (IC), and unlocking is performed using the portable device and the IC's identifier, into which the key information is written. JP 2006 - 121 278 A discloses a communication system that performs remote control of locking and unlocking a vehicle. DE 10 2008 017 184 A1 discloses a key unit according to the preamble of claim 1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vehicles for sale are equipped with smart key systems. The smart key system issues a unique identification (ID) to a portable device (electronic key) that communicates wirelessly with the vehicle. This ID enables door unlocking and engine starting, provided the ID obtained through communication matches an ID previously registered in the vehicle. A system that allows locking and unlocking the vehicle using a portable device without requiring any modifications to the vehicle's interior, using the smart key system, is currently under development.

[0004] For example, a key unit acting as an electronic key is installed in the vehicle, and the validity / invalidity of the electronic key is determined based on the authorization result obtained via wireless communication. By operating as described above, it becomes possible to lock and unlock the vehicle using a portable device such as a smartphone.

[0005] The smart key system uses radio waves in the long-wave range to receive a signal from one side of the vehicle and radio waves in the ultra-high frequency band to transmit a response signal to the other side. Accordingly, the key unit that uses the smart key system must contain a circuit (low frequency (LF) circuit) that receives radio waves in a low-frequency band and a circuit (radio frequency (RF) circuit) that transmits radio waves in a high-frequency band. Additionally, a circuit that handles wireless communication with the portable device and a power supply unit are also required. Therefore, when designing the key unit that uses the smart key system, it is desirable to arrange these circuits appropriately.

[0006] The invention provides for a key unit in which parts are optimally arranged and which controls the locking and unlocking of a target, and a vehicle that has a key unit.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a key unit having the features listed in claim 1.

[0008] The key unit according to the first aspect of the invention comprises: a first communication module configured to receive a request signal transmitted in a first frequency band from the locking and unlocking device; a control module configured to authorize the portable terminal and process signals transmitted to and received from the locking and unlocking device; a second communication module configured to perform short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal in a second frequency band; and a substrate on which the first communication module, the control module, and the second communication module are mounted. The first communication module and the second communication module are mounted on the substrate at positions facing each other via the control module.

[0009] The key unit according to the first aspect of the invention receives the request signal transmitted in the first frequency band by the locking and unlocking device and communicates with the portable terminal using the second frequency band. This means that since multiple communication devices operating in different frequency bands are mounted on the same substrate, and the effects of noise, depending on the arrangement of a circuit and a frequency band, are mutually amplified, the sensitivity is reduced during communication.

[0010] Accordingly, according to the first aspect of the invention, the first communication module, which uses the first frequency band, and the second communication module, which uses the second frequency band, are arranged at positions relative to each other via the control module. With such a configuration, since the devices for transmitting and receiving radio waves in the different frequency bands can be physically separated, it is possible, firstly, to suppress the influence of noise. Secondly, the distance between the control module and the first communication module, and the distance between the control module and the second communication module, can be relatively short. That is, improved communication sensitivity can be achieved.

[0011] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the second frequency band can be a higher frequency band than the first frequency band.

[0012] The key unit according to the first aspect of the invention can further comprise: a power supply circuit mounted on the substrate. The communication module and the power supply circuit can be mounted on the substrate at positions facing each other via the control module.

[0013] By positioning the power supply circuit in such a location, the influence of the noise generated by the power supply circuit at the first communication module can be suppressed. The positional relationship between the power supply circuit and the second communication module is not limited.

[0014] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the second communication module has an antenna. The second communication module is mounted on the substrate such that the antenna is located on an outer edge of the substrate.

[0015] According to the first aspect of the invention, by arranging the antenna used by the second communication module on the outer edge of the substrate, the distance to the first communication module can be maintained.

[0016] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, at least part of the control module can be arranged on a straight line connecting the center point of the first communication module and the center point of the second communication module.

[0017] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, at least part of the control module can be arranged in an area in which both communication modules, first communication module and second communication module, are engraved.

[0018] By arranging the first communication module and the second communication module in positions that point towards each other via the control module, the first communication module and the second communication module can be positioned far apart from each other.

[0019] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, at least a part of the first communication module can be arranged inside a region surrounded by both endpoints of a first side of the control module and both endpoints of a side of the substrate that is adjacent to and points towards the first side. At least a part of the second communication module can be arranged inside a region surrounded by both endpoints of a second side of the control module that is parallel to the first side of the control module and both endpoints of a side of the substrate that is adjacent to and points towards the second side.

[0020] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, at least a part of the first communication module can be arranged inside a rectangular area having opposite sides, one side being a first side of the control module and the other side being a side of the substrate facing the first side of the control module and adjacent to one side of the first side. At least a part of the second communication module can be arranged inside a rectangular area having opposite sides, one side being a second side of the control module parallel to the first side of the control module and the other side being a side of the substrate facing the second side and adjacent to one side of the second side.

[0021] According to the first aspect of the invention, the aspect can be applied to an embodiment in which the locking and unlocking of the vehicle is controlled using an existing smart key system.

[0022] In the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the first frequency band can be a long-wave band.

[0023] The first aspect of the invention can be appropriately applied to a system that transmits the request signal (or call signal) via radio waves in the longwave band (30 kHz to 300 kHz).

[0024] The first aspect of the invention can be specified as a key unit containing at least some of the devices. The embodiment of the invention can be specified as a locking and unlocking system containing the key unit. The processing and the devices can be freely combined and implemented without technical inconsistencies.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes the key unit according to the first aspect of the invention and a locking and unlocking device configured to transmit the request signal in the first frequency band to the key unit and to control locking and unlocking of the vehicle by a smart key system receiving a response signal transmitted by the key unit in the second frequency band, which is a higher frequency band than the first frequency band, the locking and unlocking device being mounted on the vehicle.

[0026] According to the aspects of the invention, it is possible to optimally arrange the parts of the key unit that controls the locking and unlocking of the target and the vehicle that has a key unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Fig. Figure 1 is a system overview diagram of a locking and unlocking system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of components of the locking and unlocking system. Fig. 3 is an example of functional modules contained in a comparator electronic control unit (ECU). Fig. 4 is an example of functional modules that are included in a control device. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of data and processing between the components. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a substrate to which each component of a key unit is mounted. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram of the substrate viewed in an axial Z direction. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram of the substrate after a modification example, viewed in the axial Z direction. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram of the substrate after a modification example, viewed in the axial Z direction. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram of the substrate after a modification example, viewed in the axial Z direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS System Overview

[0028] An overview of a locking and unlocking system according to the embodiment is given with regard to Fig. 1 described. The locking and unlocking system according to the embodiment is configured to have a key unit 100 and a locking and unlocking device 300 mounted on the vehicle 10, a portable terminal 200, and a server device 400. In the locking and unlocking system according to the embodiment, the key unit 100 has the same wireless interface as an electronic key (portable device) of a smart key or intelligent key, and it is possible to control locking and unlocking of the vehicle without using a physical key by communicating with the existing locking and unlocking device 300.The key unit 100 establishes short-range wireless communication with the portable device 200 and determines whether the key unit 10 acts as an electronic key for the vehicle 10 based on the authorization result of the portable device 200. This means that a user of the system can control the locking and unlocking of the vehicle by manipulating the portable device 200 from outside the vehicle 10. System configuration

[0029] The system components are described in detail. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the key unit 100, the portable terminal 200, the locking and unlocking device 300, and the server device 400, which are in Fig. Figure 1 is shown schematically. Among the components of the system are the key unit 100 and the locking and unlocking device 300 on the vehicle 10, which is a target of locking and unlocking (to be locked and to be unlocked).

[0030] The locking and unlocking device 300 is a device that locks and unlocks a vehicle door and is an existing device that constitutes part of a smart key system. Specifically, the vehicle door 10 is locked and unlocked following a lock signal and an unlock signal transmitted by the electronic key, which is possessed by the vehicle user (hereinafter referred to as a portable device), via radio waves in a high frequency band (radio frequency, hereinafter referred to as RF). A function for transmitting the radio waves in a low frequency band (hereinafter referred to as LF) for testing the portable device is included.

[0031] In this embodiment, the key unit 100 transmits and receives radio waves in the RF and LF bands, instead of the portable device owned by the user to control the locking and unlocking of the vehicle door. Unless otherwise stated, the following description refers to a communication target of the locking and unlocking device 300 limited to the key unit 100.

[0032] The locking and unlocking device 300 is configured to include an LF transmission device 301, an RF receiving device 302, a comparator ECU 303, a body ECU 304, and a door locking motor 305. The locking and unlocking device 300 is powered by an auxiliary battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0033] The LF transmission device 301 is a device for transmitting radio waves in the low frequency band (first frequency band in the aspects of the invention, for example 100 kHz to 300 kHz) for checking (retrieving) the key unit 100. For example, the LF transmission device 301 is located near a center console or steering wheel in a vehicle cabin.

[0034] The RF receiver 302 is a device for receiving radio waves in the high-frequency band (second frequency band in the aspects of the invention, for example, 100 MHz to 1 GHz) transmitted by the key unit 100. The RF receiver 302 can be installed at any location in the vehicle cabin.

[0035] The comparison ECU 303 is a computer that performs a control operation to lock and unlock the vehicle door 10 based on the signal (lock signal or unlock signal) transmitted by the key unit 100 via radio waves in the RF band. The comparison ECU 303 is, for example, constituted by a microcomputer. In the following description, the lock signal and the unlock signal are referred to collectively as the lock and unlock signals. The term "lock and unlock signals" represents at least one of the signals, the lock signal and the unlock signal.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows functional modules included in a comparison ECU 303. Each of the functional modules included in Fig. 3 can be demonstrated by executing a program stored in a memory device such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM) by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (none of which are shown).

[0037] An LF transmission processing unit 3031 performs the control to transmit a request signal (inquiry signal in the aspects of the invention) to the vehicle cabin as radio waves in the LF band via the LF transmission device 301. An RF receiver processing unit 3032 performs the control to receive the locking and unlocking signals (response signals in the aspects of the invention) transmitted by the key unit 100 as radio waves in the RF band via the RF receiver 302. An authorization unit 3033 authorizes whether the locking and unlocking signals are transmitted by an authorized device or not. In particular, a determination is made as to whether a key ID contained in the locking and unlocking signals matches a key ID that is pre-stored in the memory device (not shown) of the comparator ECU 303.Specific details are described below.

[0038] A key control unit 3034 transmits an unlock instruction or a lock instruction to the body ECU 304, as described below, based on the result of the authorization performed by the authorization unit 3033. The signal is transmitted via an in-vehicle network, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0039] The body ECU 304 is a computer that controls the vehicle body. The body ECU 304 has the function of unlocking and locking the vehicle doors by controlling a door latch motor 115, which will be described later, based on the received unlock or lock command. The body ECU 304 can also control components associated with the vehicle body, such as power window control, seat adjustment, an anti-theft device, seat belt control, and headlight control.

[0040] The door latch motor 305 is an actuator that locks and unlocks the doors of vehicle 10 (which include a trunk, a passenger door, and a tailgate). The door latch motor 305 is operated based on a signal transmitted by the body ECU 304.

[0041] The key control unit 3034 can only transmit information that authorization to the body ECU 304 was successful, instead of the unlock or lock instruction. With this configuration, it is possible to trigger the lock or unlock instruction, using the user's action (for example, pressing an unlock button and touching a doorknob) as a trigger.

[0042] The key unit 100 is described. The key unit 100 is a device located inside the vehicle 10 and has the function of authorizing the portable terminal 200 by conducting short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal 200, and of transmitting the locking and unlocking signals using radio waves in the RF band based on the authorization result of the portable terminal 200. The key unit 100 is configured to include an LF receiver 101, an RF transmitter 102, a short-range communication device 103, and a control device 104.

[0043] In this embodiment, the key unit 100 is arranged at a predetermined position in the vehicle cabin (for example, in a glove compartment) and is operated by the power supplied by the auxiliary battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0044] The LF receiver 101 (first communication module according to aspects of the invention) is a module that receives a retrieval signal transmitted by the locking and unlocking device 300 via radio waves in the LF band. The LF receiver 101 has an antenna (hereinafter referred to as an LF antenna) that receives radio waves in the LF band.

[0045] The RF transmission device 102 is a module that transmits locking and unlocking signals to the key unit 100 via radio waves in the RF band.

[0046] The short-range communication unit 103 (second communication module in the aspects of the invention) is a module that communicates with the portable terminal 200 owned by the user. The communication unit 103 performs short-range communication (to the extent that communication can take place both inside and outside the vehicle cabin) using a predetermined wireless communication standard.

[0047] In this embodiment, the communication unit 103 performs short-range data communication via Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as BLE). BLE is a low-power communication standard based on Bluetooth and is characterized by the ability to establish communication by detecting a partner without requiring pairing or an initial connection process between the two Bluetooth devices. In this embodiment, BLE is used as an example, but other wireless communication standards can also be used. For example, Near Field Communication (NFC), Ultra Wideband (UWB), and WiFi (registered trademark) can be used.

[0048] The control device 104 (control module in the aspects of the invention) is a module that performs short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal 200 via the short-range communication unit 103, performs control to authorize the portable terminal 200, and performs control to transmit the locking and unlocking signals based on the authorization result. The control device 104 is, for example, constituted by a microcomputer.

[0049] The functional modules included in the control unit 104 are in Fig. 4 shown. Each of the function modules shown in Fig. 4 can be realized by executing the program stored in the memory device (ROM or similar) by the CPU (none of which are shown).

[0050] A processing unit 1041 of an LF receiver performs a control operation to receive the call signal, transmitted by the locking and unlocking device 300 as radio waves in the LF band, via the LF receiver 101. A processing unit 1042 for an RF transmission performs a control operation to transmit the locking and unlocking signals as radio waves in the RF band via the RF transmission device 102. The locking and unlocking signals are generated by a communication processing unit 1043, which will be described later, in a case where an authorization unit 1044, which will be described later, successfully authorizes the portable terminal 200.

[0051] The communication processing unit 1043 processes communication with the portable terminal 200 via the communication unit 103 for short-range communication. Specifically, the communication processing unit 1043 receives a lock request or an unlock request (hereinafter referred to collectively as lock and unlock requests) from the portable terminal 200 and generates lock and unlock signals upon receipt of the request. These generated lock and unlock signals are temporarily stored and become a timer when the authorization unit 1044, described later, successfully authorizes the terminal 200.

[0052] The authorization unit 1044 authorizes the portable device 200 based on authorization information contained in the lock and unlock requests transmitted by the portable device 200. The authorization information stored in the storage device (not shown) is compared with the authorization information transmitted by the portable device 200. If both pieces of authorization information match, authorization is deemed successful. If the two pieces of authorization information do not match, authorization is deemed to have failed.In a case where the authorization unit 1044 successfully authorizes the portable terminal 200, the lock and unlock signals generated by the communication processing unit 1043 are output to the processing unit 1042 for RF transmission and wirelessly to the lock and unlock device 300. An authorization procedure performed by the authorization unit 1044 can be a simple part-comparison procedure of authorization information to verify identity, or a procedure that uses asymmetric encryption. Hereinafter, the authorization information stored in the key unit 100 is referred to as facility authorization information, and the authorization information transmitted by the portable terminal 200 is referred to as terminal authorization information, where necessary for the description.

[0053] In this embodiment, the authorization unit 1044 is configured to generate a transmission trigger for the locking and unlocking signals, although the authorization unit 1044 can control the power supply to the key unit 100 based on the authorization status. For example, in a situation where authorization of the portable terminal 200 is not performed, all components except the communication processing unit 1043 and the authorization unit 1044 are configured to be in a suspended state, and in a case where authorization is successful, within a predetermined period (for example, until the response from the locking and unlocking device 300 to the transmitted locking and unlocking signals is made), all components can be in an energized state.As long as the locking and unlocking signals can only be transmitted, the procedure for realizing the authorization is not restricted in a case where the authorization is successful.

[0054] The key unit 100 simultaneously transmits the locking and unlocking signals and the identification of the electronic key (hereinafter referred to as the key ID) to the locking and unlocking device 300. The key ID can be pre-stored in the key unit 100 in plain text or in a state encrypted by a cryptogram unique to the portable terminal 200. In the case where the key ID is encrypted and stored, the authorization information transmitted by the portable terminal 200 allows the encrypted key ID to be decrypted to obtain the original key ID.

[0055] The portable terminal 200 is described. The portable terminal 200 is a small computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, personal information device, or wearable computer (smartwatch or similar). The portable terminal 200 is configured to include a short-range communication unit 201, a communication unit 202, a control unit 203, and an input / output unit 204.

[0056] The short-range communication unit 201 is a device for communicating with the key unit 100 using the same communication standard as the short-range communication unit 103. The communication unit 202 is a communication device for connecting the portable terminal 200 to a network. In this embodiment, it is possible to communicate with other devices (for example, the server device 400) via the network using a mobile communication service such as Third Generation (3G) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE).

[0057] The control unit 203 is a computer that controls the portable terminal 200. The control unit 203 performs, for example, the processing of lock and unlock requests, the processing of terminal authorization information, and the processing of the lock and unlock requests and terminal authorization information to the key unit 100. The control unit 203 is, for example, constituted by a microcomputer. The control unit 203 can implement functions such as processing by executing the program stored in the memory device (ROM or similar) by the CPU (none of which is shown).

[0058] The control unit 203 interacts with the user via the input and output unit 204. The input and output unit 204 is a device for receiving an input action performed by the user and displaying information to the user. The input and output unit is constituted by a touch panel, a touch panel control unit, a liquid crystal display, and a liquid crystal display control unit. In this embodiment, the touch panel and the liquid crystal display are configured to form a single touch panel display.

[0059] The control unit 203 displays an action screen on the input and output unit 204 and generates the unlock or lock request based on the action performed by the user. For example, the control unit 203 outputs an unlock symbol and a lock symbol to the touch panel display and generates the unlock or lock request based on the action performed by the user. The action performed by the user is not limited to operation via the touch panel display. For example, the operation could be via a hardware switch.

[0060] The control unit 203 processes the acquisition of the terminal authorization information. In this embodiment, the terminal authorization information is generated in the server device 400 and transmitted to the portable terminal 200 via the communication unit 202. If the portable terminal 200 does not have the terminal authorization information, the locking and unlocking actions from the screen are not possible.

[0061] The terminal authorization information obtained by the portable terminal 200 can be for an immutable key or a one-time key. In either case, the device authorization information corresponding to the terminal authorization information is pre-stored in the key unit 100. Overview of the locking and unlocking device

[0062] Before the detailed description of the system, an overview of the operation performed by the existing locking and unlocking device 300 is described. The locking and unlocking device 300 is a device that constitutes a standard smart key system and communicates with the portable device possessed by the user to detect that the portable device is near the vehicle or inside the vehicle cabin. As described above, the key unit 100 plays the role of a portable device.

[0063] More specifically, the comparison ECU 303 transmits the retrieval signal to the vehicle's interior and exterior at a predetermined interval via the LF transmission device 301 and receives a return signal transmitted by the key unit 100 as a response to the retrieval signal. The key ID, unique to the key unit 100, is contained in the return signal, and the registered key ID of the key unit 100 is stored in the retrieval ECU 303. The retrieval ECU 303 performs the authorization processing of the key unit 100 using the received key ID and the stored key ID.In a case where the key unit 100 is successfully authorized, the body ECU 304 is notified that the authorization is successful, and it is possible to cause the vehicle to perform a predetermined operation (for example, unlocking the doors, disabling the immobilizer) as described above.

[0064] The communication and processing between the locking and unlocking device 300 and the key unit 100 have been described above. In the locking and unlocking system according to this embodiment, the key unit 100, which is installed in the vehicle, transmits the key ID to the locking and unlocking device 300 instead of the portable device, and it is therefore possible to lock and unlock the vehicle without using the portable device. Operation of the system

[0065] The operation of the locking and unlocking system according to the embodiment is described in relation to Fig. 5 described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart to describe data that is transferred and received between the components and the processing carried out by each component.

[0066] First, in step S11, the portable device 200 requests terminal authorization information from the server device 400. The terminal authorization information described here is not information for the locking and unlocking device 300 to authorize the key unit 100, but rather information for the key unit 100 to authorize the portable device 200. When the portable device 200 transmits the information identifying the terminal to the server device 400, the server device 400 obtains the terminal authorization information unique to the portable device 200 (step S12) and transmits this information to the portable device 200 (step S13). As described above, the portable device 200 can then perform the action of unlocking the vehicle 10.Since the processing in steps S11 to S13 is preparatory processing for controlling the locking and unlocking, the processing is not particularly restricted and it is preferred to perform this processing in advance.

[0067] Steps S21 to S24 are the processing for unlocking the vehicle 10 using the portable terminal 200. When the user of the portable terminal 200 performs the action to unlock the vehicle 10 via the input / output unit 204, the portable terminal 200 transmits the unlock request and the terminal authorization information to the key unit 100 in step S21. In step S22, the key unit 100 compares the terminal authorization information transmitted by the portable terminal 200 with the device authorization information stored beforehand and performs the authorization processing.

[0068] In a case where authorization is successful, the key unit 100 transmits the unlock signal and the key ID to the locking and unlocking device 300 in step S23. Then, in step S24, the locking and unlocking device 300 performs the authorization processing based on the received key ID. As a result, if authorization is successful, the door of vehicle 10 is unlocked. At this time, a response or similar action may be performed.

[0069] Steps S31 to S36 are processes for locking the vehicle 10 using the portable device 200. When the user of the portable device 200 performs the action of locking the vehicle 10 via the touch panel display, the portable device 200 transmits the locking request and the device authorization information to the key unit 100 in step S31. The key unit 100 then compares the device authorization information transmitted by the portable device 200 with the device authorization information that was previously stored and performs the authorization processing.

[0070] If authorization is successful, the key unit 100 transmits the locking signal and a key ID to the locking and unlocking device 300 in step S33. Then, in step S34, the locking and unlocking device 300 performs the authorization processing based on the received key ID. As a result, if authorization is successful, the door of vehicle 10 is locked.

[0071] After the locking signal is transmitted, the key unit 100 sends a notification (lock notification) indicating that locking is complete to the portable terminal 200 (step S35). As described above, a notification that locking is complete is displayed on the touch panel of the portable terminal 200. If the authorization information is for a one-time key, the one-time key can be invalidated at the timing of step S35. The portable terminal 200 generates a notification that system usage has ended and transmits this notification to the server device 400 (step S36).

[0072] Design problems of the key unit 100 are described. As described above, the key unit 100 is configured to include the LF receiver 101, the RF transmitter 102, and the short-range communication unit 103. Among these components, the LF receiver 101, which receives the retrieval signal from the locking and unlocking device 300, and the short-range communication unit 103, which communicates in response to the request from the portable terminal 200, each perform communication at independent timings.

[0073] The problem that arises here is a communication defect that occurs when noise generated by the short-range communication unit 103 wraps around the LF receiver 101. As described above, the LF receiver 101 receives the radio waves in the long-wave band and is therefore particularly sensitive to noise. This noise is typically generated by the communication unit 103 and is also generated by a power supply circuit. When this noise occurs, there is a possibility that the call signal will not be received correctly.

[0074] To solve the aforementioned problem, in the key unit 100 according to the embodiment, the short-range communication unit 103, which transmits and receives radio waves in the high-frequency band, and the low-frequency antenna, which receives radio waves in the low-frequency band, are arranged in positions facing each other via the microcomputer, which is the control device 104. The power supply circuit and the low-frequency antenna are arranged in positions facing each other via the microcomputer, which is the control device 104.

[0075] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the substrate on which each component of the key unit 100 is mounted. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, noise sources, such as the power supply circuit (and associated parts) and the short-range communication unit 103, are located above the microcomputer, which is the control device 104, from the LF receiver 101 (in particular, the LF antenna, hereafter referred to as LF antenna 101A).

[0076] A more specific arrangement procedure is described. The following description primarily focuses on the positional relationship between the LF antenna 101A and the communication unit 103 for short-range applications. However, the positional relationship between the LF antenna 101A and the power supply circuit can also be described in the same way. In the case described above, the relative positional relationship between the power supply circuit and the communication unit 103 is not particularly restricted for short-range applications.

[0077] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram of the substrate of the key unit 100, viewed in a positive Z-axis direction. As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment the low-frequency antenna 101A, the short-range communication unit 103, and the control device 104 are arranged such that a straight line connecting the center point of the low-frequency antenna 101A and the center point of the short-range communication unit 103 passes through at least part of the control device 104. As shown in the drawing, the components are arranged on the substrate in the arrangement order of the low-frequency antenna 101A, the control device 104, and the short-range communication unit 103.

[0078] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram describing an arrangement method according to a modified example. As shown in the drawing, in the modified example, the low-frequency antenna 101A, the short-range communication unit 103, and the control device 104 are arranged such that at least part of the control device 104 is located in an area 801, where the low-frequency antenna 101A and the short-range communication unit 103 are marked. The area 801 can be rectangular or trapezoidal.

[0079] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram describing an arrangement method according to another modification example. In the other modification example, at least part of the LF antenna 101A is arranged in an area (hatched area shown by reference numeral 911) enclosed by both endpoints of the first side (reference numeral 901) of the microcomputer, which is the control device 104, and both endpoints of one side (reference numeral 902) of the substrate facing the first side. At least part of the short-range communication unit 103 is arranged in an area (hatched area shown by reference numeral 912) enclosed by both endpoints of a second side (reference numeral 903) of the microcomputer, which is the control device 104, and by both endpoints of one side (reference numeral 904) of the substrate facing the second side.

[0080] By arranging the components of key unit 100 in positions as described in Fig. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, it is possible to position the short-range communication unit 103 (or the power supply circuit), which may be the noise source, and the LF antenna 101A at a distance from each other. Furthermore, the path connecting the LF receiver 101 and the control unit 104, and the path connecting the short-range communication unit 103 and the control unit 104, can be made relatively short. As described above, this can reduce the noise input and the communication error.

[0081] Fig.Figure 10 is a view for describing the arrangement method according to another modification example. In the other modification example, at least part of the LF antenna 101A is arranged inside a rectangular area (hatched area shown by reference numeral 1011) having opposite sides, one side being the first side (reference numeral 901) of the microcomputer, which is the control device 104, and the opposite side being a section (reference numeral 1002) on one side of the substrate facing in the second direction. According to such an arrangement, the path connecting the LF receiver 101 and the control device 104, and the path connecting the short-range communication unit 103 and the control device 104, can be made relatively short.This means that while the distance between the LF antenna 101A and the communication unit 103 is maintained to a certain extent for a short range, the cabling on the substrate can be made relatively short.

[0082] In a case where the communication unit 103 includes an independent antenna for short-range communication, it is preferred to arrange the antenna on an outer edge of the substrate, as indicated by reference numeral 103A in the respective drawing. By manufacturing it as described above, the distance to the LF antenna 101A can be maintained and the influence of noise can be further reduced. modification

[0083] The embodiment described above is merely an example and the invention can be appropriately modified and implemented within a scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0084] For example, the description of the embodiment shows the LF antenna 101A, the power supply circuit, and the short-range communication unit 103 mounted on one side of the substrate. However, the components can be arranged separately on both sides of the substrate. In a case where components are arranged on both sides of the substrate, the substrate can be a multilayer substrate, with a base layer in the middle. With such a design, it is possible to suppress noise propagation.

[0085] Even in a case where components are arranged on both sides of the substrate, it is preferable to mount the parts associated with the power supply circuit and the short-range communication unit 103 on the same surface. This is because it is possible to accommodate the short-range communication unit 103 in a gap with a housing for components such as an electrolytic capacitor and a connector, which are relatively large, for example. In a case where the locking and unlocking device 300 is a device that constitutes the smart key system for connecting keys, it may be necessary to bring the locking and unlocking device 300 and the LF antenna 101A into contact with each other or in close proximity to each other.In other words, by arranging the LF antenna 101A on the surface on a side opposite to the side on which the parts associated with the power supply circuit are arranged, the operation of bringing the locking and unlocking device 300 and the LF antenna 101A into contact with each other or close to each other can be simple.

[0086] The description of the embodiment shows an example in which the key unit 100 only performs locking and unlocking the vehicle, although the key unit 100 can also be caused to perform an operation other than locking and unlocking. For example, the key unit 100 can communicate with a control device that manages an internal combustion engine to enable the vehicle to be started. According to such a configuration, a portable device (electronic key) owned by the user can be replaced by the portable terminal device in related technology.

[0087] In the description of the embodiment, it was stated that the key unit 100 receives the retrieval signal transmitted via radio waves in the LF band; however, the locking and unlocking signals cannot necessarily be transmitted as a response to the retrieval signal. By transmitting the key ID in response to the retrieval signal, it is possible to cause the locking and unlocking device 300 to detect that the valid electronic key is inside the vehicle; however, the locking and unlocking signals can only be transmitted via radio waves in the RF band.

[0088] In the description of the embodiment, the key unit 100 controls the locking and unlocking using the smart key system mounted on the vehicle; however, as long as it is possible to control the locking and unlocking via wireless communication, the locking and unlocking device, which is the communication target of the key unit 100, can use a different smart key. For example, a keyless entry system can be used.

[0089] The embodiment shown is merely an example of how to implement the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to it and can be appropriately modified and implemented within a scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

[1] Key unit (100) configured to authorize a portable terminal (200) based on information obtained from the portable terminal (200) and to control locking and unlocking of a target by transmitting a signal to a locking and unlocking device (300), wherein the key unit (100) comprises: a first communication module (101; 101A) configured to receive a request signal transmitted in a first frequency band from the locking and unlocking device (300), a control module (104) configured to authorize the portable terminal (200) and process signals transmitted to and received by the locking and unlocking device (300), a second communication module (103) configured to perform short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal (200) in a second frequency band, and a substrate on which the first communication module (101; 101A), the control module (104) and the second communication module (103) are mounted, characterized by , that the first communication module (101;101A) and the second communication module (103) are mounted on the substrate at positions that point towards each other via the control module (104), that the second communication module (103) has an antenna, and that the second communication module (103) is mounted on the substrate, such that the antenna is on an outer edge side of the substrate. [2] Key unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second frequency band is a higher frequency band than the first frequency band. [3] Key unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power supply circuit mounted on the substrate, wherein the first communication module (101; 101A) and the power supply circuit are mounted on the substrate at positions facing each other via the control module (104). [4] Key unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the control module (104) is arranged on a straight line connecting a center point of the first communication module (101A) and a center point of the second communication module (103). [5] Key unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the control module (104) is arranged in an area in which both, first communication module (101A) and second communication module (103), are marked. [6] Key unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: at least part of the first communication module (101A) is arranged inside an area surrounded by both endpoints of a first side of the control module (104) and both endpoints of a side of the substrate that is on one side of the first side and points towards the first side, and at least part of the second communication module (103) is arranged inside a region surrounded by both endpoints of a second side of the control module (104) that is parallel to the first side of the control module (104) and both endpoints of a side of the substrate that is on one side of the second side and points towards the second side. [7] Key unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: at least part of the first communication module (101A) is arranged inside a rectangular area having opposite sides, one side being a first side of the control module (104) and the other side being a side of the substrate facing the first side of the control module (104) and being on one side of the first side, and at least part of the second communication module (103) is arranged inside a rectangular area which has opposite sides, one side being a second side of the control module (104) which is parallel to the first control module (104) and the other side being a side of the substrate which points to the second side and is on one side of the second side. [8] Key unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first frequency band is a long wave band. [9] Vehicle (10) which features: the key unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a locking and unlocking device (300) configured to transmit the request signal in the first frequency band to the key unit (100) and to control the locking and unlocking of the vehicle (10) by a smart key system which receives a response signal transmitted by the key unit (100) in the second frequency band, which is a higher frequency band than the first frequency band, wherein the locking and unlocking device (300) is mounted on the vehicle (10).

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