Electronic key device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electronic key device for a vehicle that allows a user to perform a start operation of the vehicle even when a signal from a remote transmitter-receiver becomes very weak due to battery consumption, etc.SOLUTION: An electronic key device for a vehicle comprises a control device for starting the vehicle on condition that authentication via contactless communication is established between a vehicle-mounted transmitter-receiver and a remote transmitter-receiver 41 possessed by a user, when a start switch 11 mounted on a surface of an instrument panel 4 in a vehicle cabin starts operation. The electronic key device for the vehicle comprises: a signal detection part 12 disposed at a position adjacent to the start switch 11 on the surface of the instrument panel 4, and having a thickness smaller than other portions of the instrument panel 4; and an antenna part 33 of the vehicle side transmitter-receiver mounted on the rear surface of the instrument panel 4 facing the signal detection part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic key device for a vehicle that starts the vehicle based on an authentication process between a vehicle transceiver and a user's remote control transceiver when starting the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, based on the condition that authentication by non-contact communication is established between a vehicle transceiver mounted on a vehicle and a remote control transceiver held by a user, a keyless entry function that allows unlocking and locking of the vehicle door and an engine start function of the vehicle that allows starting of the engine are known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, although a battery is built into the remote control transceiver, when the battery of the remote control transceiver is in a depleted state, the signal emitted from the remote control transceiver becomes weak, so that the signal does not reach the vehicle transceiver, and for example, starting the engine becomes impossible. There is a problem that the vehicle cannot be started.

[0005] This case was conceived by paying attention to the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic key device for a vehicle that enables a user to start the vehicle even when the signal from the remote control transceiver becomes weak due to battery depletion or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This invention is made to solve at least part of the above problems and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples. The vehicle electronic key device according to this application example includes a control device for starting the vehicle on the condition that authentication by non-contact communication is established between a vehicle-side transceiver mounted on the vehicle and a remote control transceiver held by a user when a start switch mounted on the surface of an instrument panel in the vehicle interior is operated. The vehicle electronic key device is provided with a signal detection unit that is disposed at a position adjacent to the start switch on the surface of the instrument panel and is thinner than other parts of the instrument panel, and an antenna unit of the vehicle-side transceiver that is attached to the back surface of the instrument panel facing the signal detection unit.

[0007] According to this application example, when a user carries a remote control transceiver, gets into the vehicle interior, and operates the start switch, the transmitter of the vehicle-side transceiver requests the remote control transceiver to output an authentication ID signal. On the remote control transceiver side, when the receiver receives the output request signal for the authentication ID signal, the transmitter outputs the authentication ID signal. When the receiver of the vehicle-side transceiver receives the authentication ID signal output from the transmitter of the remote control transceiver, the authentication unit collates the pre-stored authentication ID with the received authentication ID. That is, the signal emitted from the remote control transceiver is received by the vehicle-side transceiver through the antenna unit attached to the back surface of the instrument panel, authentication by non-contact communication is performed, and if the authentication is established, the vehicle is started. At this time, if the signal emitted from the remote control transceiver is weak due to battery consumption or the like of the remote control transceiver, it is difficult for the radio wave to reach the vehicle-side transceiver from the remote control transceiver, the authentication is not established, and the vehicle cannot be started by the start operation. However, if the remote control transceiver is brought close to or in contact with the signal detection unit that is thinner than other parts of the instrument panel, the remote control transceiver approaches the antenna unit and the signal is more likely to reach the vehicle-side transceiver, increasing the possibility that the authentication is established and the vehicle can be started by the start operation.

[0008] (2) In this application example, when the vehicle fails to start due to the authentication not being established even though the start switch is being operated, it is preferable for the control device to issue warning information. With such a configuration, a driver who cannot start the vehicle can grasp the cause, and can be prompted to take measures such as bringing the remote control transceiver closer to the signal detection unit.

[0009] (3) In this application example, furthermore, it is preferable that the warning information includes guidance information for guiding the start operation of the start switch in a state where the remote control transceiver is brought close to or in contact with the signal detection unit. With such a configuration, a driver who cannot start the vehicle can be further prompted to take measures such as bringing the remote control transceiver closer to the signal detection unit.

[0010] (4) In this application example, furthermore, it is provided with an illumination device for irradiating light to the signal detection unit, and it is preferable for the control device to operate the illumination device when issuing the warning information. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to detect the position of the signal detection unit, and a driver who cannot start the vehicle can be further prompted to take measures such as bringing the remote control transceiver closer to the signal detection unit.

[0011] (5) In this application example, furthermore, it is preferable that steps or grooves or protrusions are formed on the surface side of the instrument panel corresponding to the contour portion of the signal detection unit. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to detect the position of the signal detection unit, and a driver who cannot start the vehicle can be further prompted to take measures such as bringing the remote control transceiver closer to the signal detection unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present case, even when the signal from the remote control transceiver becomes weak due to battery depletion or the like, the user can start the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Referring to the drawings, the embodiments of the present case will be described. The following embodiments are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be implemented with various modifications within the scope not departing from their gist. Also, selection can be made as necessary, or they can be combined as appropriate.

[0015] Note that the vehicle 1 according to each of the embodiments described below is a commercial vehicle including a truck. However, the vehicle electronic key device 20 of the present case is applicable not only to commercial vehicles but also to passenger cars. Also, in Figs. 1 and 2 for reference, it is assumed that the vehicle is on a horizontal plane, and the front of the vehicle is indicated by "FR", the rear of the vehicle is indicated by "RR", the right side in the vehicle width direction is indicated by "RH", the left side in the vehicle width direction is indicated by "LH", the vertically upward direction is indicated by "UP", and the vertically downward direction is indicated by "DW", as shown by arrows.

[0016] [1. Configuration] In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, below the front window 3 in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat (both not shown) in the passenger compartment 2, an instrument panel (hereinafter abbreviated as "instrument panel") 4 is provided. Further, a steering wheel 5 is provided in front of the driver's seat, and a shift lever 6 is provided on the side of the steering wheel 5 (on the passenger seat side).

[0017] On the surface of the instrument panel 4, various meters 7 such as a speedometer, switches 8, an audio device 9, an air conditioner outlet 10, etc. are provided. Near the speedometer, a warning display 70 for displaying various warning information is provided. Also, a start switch 11 of the vehicle 1 is provided at a position relatively close to the driver's seat on the side of the steering wheel 5 (on the passenger seat side).

[0018] The vehicle 1 of this embodiment travels with the engine 60 as a drive source, as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, when the start switch 11 is turned on, the engine 60 starts and the vehicle can travel. However, the vehicle electronic key device 20 of this case can also be applied to an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that uses a motor as all or part of the drive source. In this case, when the start switch 11 is turned on, the motor becomes operable and the vehicle can travel.

[0019] In the vehicle electronic key device 20 according to this embodiment, when the start switch 11 is started, an authentication process by non-contact communication between the vehicle 1 side and the user side is performed, and the vehicle 1 is started on the condition that the authentication is successful. For this reason, the vehicle electronic key device 20 includes a vehicle-side transceiver 30 composed of a receiver 31 and a transmitter 32 mounted on the vehicle 1, a smart key (remote control transceiver) 40 in which a transmitter (remote control transmitter) 41 and a receiver (remote control receiver) 42 are built in and held by the user, and an electronic key ECU (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) 50 as a control device that performs an authentication process based on the information of non-contact communication between the vehicle-side transceiver 30 and the smart key 40 side.

[0020] The vehicle-side transceiver 30 and the smart key 40 carried by the user are each connected to a transmission / reception antenna unit (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the antenna unit) 33, 43. The antenna unit 43 of the smart key 40 is extremely small and built into the case of the smart key 40 together with the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42. On the other hand, the antenna unit 33 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 is larger than the antenna unit 43 on the smart key 40 side in order to obtain sufficient sensitivity.

[0021] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 2, the antenna unit 33 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 is attached to the back surface of the instrument panel 4. Further, as described above, the start switch 11 is disposed at a position on the front surface of the instrument panel 4 where the driver can easily operate. However, a signal detection unit 12 is disposed at a position adjacent to the start switch 11 on the front surface of the instrument panel 4. In the present embodiment, the signal detection unit 12 is disposed so as to surround the upper half of the start switch 11. Further, the antenna unit 33 is attached to a position on the back surface of the instrument panel 4 that faces the signal detection unit 12. Note that the antenna unit 33 is disposed at a distance of d or more from a conductor 13 such as a steel plate.

[0022] By the way, the wireless communication between the vehicle-side transceiver 30 and the smart key 40 side is performed by radio waves. However, if the radio wave signal is weak, it will interfere with the wireless communication. In particular, since the transmitter 41 of the smart key 40 emits a radio wave signal using the power of the built-in battery, when the battery is in a depleted state, the signal emitted from the transmitter 41 becomes weak. As a result, it becomes difficult for the receiver 31 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 to capture the signal from the transmitter 41.

[0023] In addition, since the signal emitted from the transmitter 41 attenuates according to the distance, the farther the antenna unit 43 of the smart key 40 is from the antenna unit 33 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30, the more difficult it becomes for the receiver 31 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 to capture the signal from the transmitter 41. Conversely, the closer the antenna unit 43 of the smart key 40 is to the antenna unit 33 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30, the easier it becomes for the receiver 31 to capture the signal from the transmitter 41 even if the signal emitted from the transmitter 41 is weak.

[0024] Therefore, even when the battery of the smart key 40 is depleted and the signal output from the smart key 40 becomes weak, if the user brings the smart key 40 with the built-in antenna unit 43 close to the antenna unit 33 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30, the possibility of performing authentication processing based on the information of the non-contact communication between the vehicle-side transceiver 30 and the smart key 40 side increases. Since the antenna unit 33 is attached to the back surface of the signal detection unit 12 of the instrument panel 4, the closer the smart key 40 is brought to the signal detection unit 12, the higher the possibility of performing authentication processing.

[0025] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the signal detection unit 12 is formed to be thinner than other parts of the instrument panel 4. Further, the antenna unit 33 is arranged on the back surface of the instrument panel 4 as close as possible (contact is also possible) to the signal detection unit 12. As close as possible takes into account manufacturing errors and assembly errors, and the closer the antenna unit 33 is to the back surface of the instrument panel 4, the better.

[0026] Also, the portion of the signal detection unit 12 of the instrument panel 4 is formed to be thinner than other parts by recessing the surface side. As a result, a step 12a is formed in the portion of the signal detection unit 12 on the surface of the instrument panel 4, and the outline of the signal detection unit 12 can be seen from the inside of the passenger compartment 2. Thereby, the user can grasp the position of the signal detection unit 12, and bring the smart key 40 close, for example, until it contacts the signal detection unit 12, so that the smart key 40 can be brought closest to the antenna unit 33. Note that, in order to make the outline of the signal detection unit 12 visible, instead of the step 12a, a groove or a protrusion may be used.

[0027] In addition, when the vehicle 1 does not start due to the authentication not being established even though the start switch 11 is operated, the electronic key ECU 50 of the vehicle electronic key device 20 according to the present embodiment outputs a command to issue warning information. The warning information includes guidance information for guiding the user to start the start switch 11 with the smart key 40 (the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42) in a state of being close to or in contact with the signal detection unit 12.

[0028] The functional configuration of the electronic key ECU 50 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic key ECU 50 includes an authentication unit 51 that performs authentication processing, a start command unit 52 that outputs a start command (start permission) signal based on the authentication result by the authentication unit 51 when the start switch 11 is operated, and a warning unit 53 that outputs a command for issuing the above warning information. Note that the arrows shown in FIG. 3 indicate signal transmission. Such signals are transmitted using the in-vehicle communication line.

[0029] The authentication unit 51 performs authentication processing in various situations. In particular, when the start switch 11 of the vehicle is turned on, the authentication unit 51 receives the on signal of the start switch 11 and requests the transmitter 32 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 to output an authentication ID signal to the receiver 42 of the smart key 40. On the smart key 40 side, when the receiver 42 receives the output request signal for the authentication ID signal, the transmitter 41 outputs the authentication ID signal. When the receiver 31 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 receives the authentication ID signal output from the transmitter 41, the authentication unit 51 collates the pre-stored authentication ID with the received authentication ID. If the collation is successful, the authentication is established; if the collation fails, the authentication fails.

[0030] In the start command unit 52, when the start switch 11 is turned on and the above authentication is established, a signal for an engine start command is output to the engine start ECU 61. When the engine start ECU 61 receives the signal for the engine start command, it operates the engine start device (starter) 62 to start the engine 60.

[0031] In the warning unit 53, when the start switch 11 is turned on to request the output of the authentication ID signal but the authentication ID signal cannot be received, it is presumed that the authentication ID signal output from the smart key 40 is weak and the smart key 40 is excessively far from the antenna unit 33 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30, and a command signal for warning A is output to the display ECU 71. The display ECU 71 causes the warning display 70 to display the warning information for warning A.

[0032] This warning information for warning A includes character information indicating that the battery of the smart key 40 may be depleted, and further includes character information guiding to perform a start operation of the start switch 11 with the smart key 40 approaching or contacting the signal detection unit 12. Note that, together with or instead of these character information, similar information may be output in voice.

[0033] Also, in the warning unit 53, when the start switch 11 is turned on to perform collation of the authentication ID, but the collation fails because the authentication IDs do not match, a command signal for warning B is output to the display ECU 71. The display ECU 71 causes the warning display 70 to display the warning information for warning B. Note that the warning information for warning B is information indicating that the authentication has failed and is character information. Also in this case, together with or instead of the character information, similar information may be output in voice.

[0034] Note that in this embodiment, although not specifically described, as shown by the virtual line (two-dot chain line) in FIG. 3, an illumination device that irradiates the signal detection unit 12 with light may be provided, and when the warning unit 53 outputs a command signal for warning A, a command signal for operating such an illumination device may be output.

[0035] [2. Flowchart of start control] The vehicle electronic key device 20 is configured as described above, and the electronic key ECU 50 can perform control at the start of the vehicle as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4. The flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed at a predetermined cycle when the engine is stopped and ends when the engine start is completed.

[0036] First, it is determined whether the start switch 11 has been turned on (step S10). If the start switch 11 has not been turned on, the process returns. If the start switch 11 has been turned on, the transmitter 32 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 requests the smart key 40 to output an authentication ID signal (step S20). Then, it is determined whether the authentication ID signal has been received from the smart key 40 (step S30). If the authentication ID signal has been received, the collation process of the authentication ID is performed (step S40). Next, it is determined whether the authentication has been successful through the collation process (step S50). Here, if the authentication is successful, the start process is performed (step S60) and the control ends.

[0037] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the authentication ID signal has not been received from the smart key 40, warning A is executed (step S70). That is, information indicating that the battery of the smart key 40 may be depleted and guidance information guiding to start the start switch 11 in a state where the smart key 40 is close to or in contact with the signal detection unit 12 are displayed on the warning display 70 and the process returns.

[0038] Also, if it is determined in step S50 that the authentication has not been successful, warning B is executed (step S80). That is, warning information indicating that the authentication has failed is displayed on the warning display 70 and the process returns.

[0039] [3. Operations and Effects] The vehicle electronic key device 20 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0040] When the vehicle 1 starts, when the user carries the smart key 40, gets into the vehicle interior, and turns on the start switch 11, the signal emitted from the antenna portion 43 of the transmitter 41 of the smart key 40 is received by the receiver 31 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 through the antenna portion 33 attached to the back surface of the instrument panel 4. Authentication is performed by non-contact communication. If the authentication is successful, the vehicle 1 starts.

[0041] However, at this time, if the signal emitted from the transmitter 41 of the smart key 40 is weak due to battery depletion or the like of the smart key 40, it is difficult for the radio wave to reach the receiver 31 of the vehicle-side transceiver 30 from the transmitter 41, and the authentication fails, making it impossible to start the engine 60 of the vehicle 1 by the start operation. In this regard, if the smart key 40 is brought close to or in contact with the signal detection unit 12 of the instrument panel 4, the transmitter 41 (antenna portion 43) of the smart key 40 approaches the antenna portion 33 on the vehicle 1 side, making it easier for the signal to reach the receiver 31, and increasing the possibility of successful authentication and starting the vehicle by the start operation.

[0042] Since the signal detection unit 12 is thinner than other parts of the instrument panel, if the smart key 40 is brought close to or in contact with the signal detection unit 12 of the instrument panel 4, the transmitter 41 (antenna portion 43) of the smart key 40 approaches the antenna portion 33 on the vehicle 1 side even closer, making it even easier for the signal to reach the receiver 31, and further increasing the possibility of successful authentication and starting the vehicle.

[0043] Also, when the vehicle 1 does not start due to failure of authentication even though the start switch 11 is operated, especially when the vehicle 1 does not start because the authentication ID signal cannot be received from the smart key 40, the electronic key ECU 50 issues warning information of warning A, so that the driver who cannot start the vehicle can grasp the cause and be prompted to take measures such as bringing the smart key 40 close to the signal detection unit 12.

[0044] In addition, a signal detection unit 12 is disposed at a position adjacent to the start switch 11 on the surface of the instrument panel 4. In particular, in the embodiment, the signal detection unit 12 is disposed so as to surround the upper half of the start switch 11. Due to the positional relationship between the start switch 11 and the signal detection unit 12, it becomes easier to operate the start switch 11 while bringing the smart key 40 closer to the signal detection unit 12.

[0045] Furthermore, the warning information includes specific guidance information for guiding the driver to perform a start operation on the start switch 11 with the smart key 40 in a state of being close to or in contact with the signal detection unit 12. Therefore, a driver who cannot start the vehicle 1 can be further encouraged to take measures such as bringing the smart key 40 closer to the signal detection unit 12.

[0046] Furthermore, if an illumination device for irradiating light to the signal detection unit 12 is provided and the electronic key ECU 50 operates the illumination device when issuing warning information, it becomes easier to detect the position of the signal detection unit 12, and a driver who cannot start the vehicle can be further encouraged to take measures such as bringing the smart key 40 closer to the signal detection unit 12.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a step 12a is formed on the surface side of the instrument panel 4 corresponding to the contour portion of the signal detection unit 12, so that it becomes easier to detect the position of the signal detection unit 12, and a driver who cannot start the vehicle can be further encouraged to take measures such as bringing the smart key 40 closer to the signal detection unit 12. Note that even if a groove or a protrusion is formed at the corresponding position instead of the step 12a, the same effect can be obtained.

[0048] [3. Others] The configuration of the above embodiment is an example, and it can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the signal detection unit 12 is disposed so as to surround the upper half of the start switch 11. However, the signal detection unit 12 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the start switch 11 on the surface of the instrument panel 4, and is not limited to the arrangement of the above embodiment.

Description of Symbols

[0049] 1 Vehicle 2 Passenger Compartment 3 Front Window 4 Instrument Panel (IP) 5 Steering Wheel 6 Shift Lever 7 Meters 8 Switches 9 Audio Equipment 10 Air Conditioner Outlet 11 Start Switch 12 Signal Detection Unit 12a Step 13 Conductor 20 Vehicle Electronic Key Device 30 Vehicle Side Transceiver 31 Receiver 32 Transmitter 33 Transceiver Antenna Unit (Antenna Unit) 40 Smart Key (Remote Transceiver) 41 Transmitter (Remote Transmitter) 42 Receiver (Remote Receiver) 43 Transceiver Antenna Unit (Antenna Unit) 50 Electronic Key ECU 51 Authentication Unit 52 Start Command Unit 53 Warning Unit 60 Engine 61 Engine Start ECU 62 Engine Starting Device (Starter) 70 Warning Display 71 Display ECU FR Front of the Vehicle RR Rear of the Vehicle RH Right Side in the Vehicle Width Direction LH Left Side in the Vehicle Width Direction UP Vertically Upward DW Vertically Downward

Claims

1. A vehicle electronic key device comprising a control device for starting the vehicle on the condition that authentication by non-contact communication is established between a vehicle-side transceiver mounted on the vehicle and a remote control transceiver held by a user when a start switch mounted on the surface of an instrument panel in the vehicle interior of the vehicle is operated to start, a signal detection unit disposed at a position adjacent to the start switch on the surface of the instrument panel and having a thickness thinner than other parts of the instrument panel, and an antenna unit of the vehicle-side transceiver attached to the back surface of the instrument panel facing the signal detection unit. The vehicle electronic key device is characterized by the above.

2. The control device emits warning information when the vehicle fails to start due to the authentication not being established even though the start switch is operated. The vehicle electronic key device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The warning information includes guidance information for guiding the start operation of the start switch with the remote control transceiver in a state of approaching or contacting the signal detection unit. The vehicle electronic key device according to Claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. An illumination device for irradiating the signal detection unit is provided, and the control device operates the illumination device when emitting the warning information. The vehicle electronic key device according to Claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. A step, groove, or protrusion is formed on the surface side of the instrument panel corresponding to the contour portion of the signal detection unit. The vehicle electronic key device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

Images