Electronic key control device and electronic key control program

Abstract

This effectively prevents the unauthorized use of electronic keys placed inside the vehicle. [Solution] Instead of a button battery, a power receiving module 17 of the same size is installed in the electronic key 90, and power is supplied to the power receiving module 17 when the vehicle is on loan and an unlocking request is made from a mobile device. When the vehicle is not on loan and is in standby mode, power is not supplied by the power transmission module 18, and as a result, power is not supplied from the power receiving module 17 to the electronic key 90, so the electronic key 90 is in the same state as if the button battery had been removed, preventing unauthorized unlocking from the outside. Even if someone were to enter the vehicle by some unauthorized means and attempt to start the engine, the electronic key 90, which is in the OFF state, would not react, thus preventing unauthorized engine starting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic key control device and an electronic key control program, and relates to a technique for preventing unauthorized use of an electronic key that is placed in a vehicle and used, for example, in a car-sharing service, a rental car service, or a company car.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, electronic keys that lock, unlock the vehicle doors, or start the engine without inserting the key are widely used. On the other hand, car-sharing, in which a vehicle is jointly used among a plurality of registered members, is also spreading. In this car-sharing, since not all users can own an electronic key, the electronic key is stored in an electronic key box in which an actuator (a motor and a pusher) for physically pressing the lock / unlock button is arranged. Then, by driving the actuator by an operation from a user terminal outside the vehicle, the vehicle is locked / unlocked and the engine is started after getting in the vehicle. In a rental car service where any applicant can use the vehicle, or in a service where a company-owned company car is jointly used by a plurality of users, the same method may be adopted.

[0003] When an electronic key is stored in such an electronic key box in a vehicle, various techniques have been proposed to prevent the vehicle door from being illegally unlocked and items in the vehicle interior from being stolen, or to prevent the engine from being illegally started and the vehicle from being stolen. For example, in Patent Document 1, when locking / unlocking or starting the engine by operating the electronic key, a technique is proposed to output a jamming wave to interfere with the authentication by utilizing the fact that an authentication process by communication is performed between the vehicle-mounted device (on the vehicle side) and the electronic key, and when a signal from the vehicle-mounted device side is detected. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 proposes a technology in which an electronic key is stored in a shielding unit equipped with a movable shield (mesh), and by moving the shield, the shielded state and the unshielded state are switched, thereby blocking the control radio waves between the electronic key and the vehicle and preventing unauthorized use.

[0004] However, the technology described in the patent documents requires a configuration for outputting interfering waves and a mechanism for driving the shield. Furthermore, depending on the timing of the control, the jamming waves and shielding may not function adequately, potentially resulting in insufficient protection against misuse. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-167151 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-188309 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to effectively prevent the unauthorized use of electronic keys placed inside a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an electronic key control device comprising: a storage case for storing an electronic key equipped with a button battery compartment; an unlock button pressing means for pressing the unlock button of the electronic key; a lock button pressing means for pressing the lock button of the electronic key; a power receiving module disposed in the button battery compartment of the electronic key and generating power by magnetic flux change to supply power to the electronic key; a power transmitting module disposed in the storage case opposite to the power receiving module and causing a magnetic flux change when powered; and a control means for supplying power to the power transmitting module and controlling the operation of the unlock button pressing means and the lock button pressing means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a power receiving module is provided in the button battery compartment of the electronic key, which generates electricity by changing the magnetic flux and supplies it to the electronic key. Power is also controlled to supply power to a power transmitting module that is positioned opposite the power receiving module and causes the change in magnetic flux. This effectively prevents unauthorized use of the electronic key placed inside the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic key control device. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the power receiving module and power transmitting module in an electronic key control device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the power receiving module. [Figure 4] This is a circuit diagram of the control unit. [Figure 5] This is a timing chart showing the relationship between power ON / OFF and door locking / unlocking in response to various events. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the electronic key control process performed by the control unit. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates a modified version of the electronic key control process performed by the control unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electronic key control device 1 (electronic key control program) of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 7. (1) Outline of the Embodiment As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the electronic key control device 1 has an electronic key 90 placed inside a storage case 10. By pressing the lock button 92a and unlock button 92b of the electronic key 90 with the locking pusher 22a and unlocking pusher 22b, unlocking signals and locking signals are transmitted from the electronic key 90 to the vehicle, thereby unlocking and locking the vehicle doors. Conventionally, the power required for the electronic key 90 to send and receive signals with the vehicle is supplied from a button battery located inside. However, in this embodiment, power is supplied by receiving power from a power transmission module 18 located in the storage case 10, which is then received by a power receiving module 17 located in the electronic key 90 and is the same size as the button battery.

[0011] The power supply (power ON / OFF) by the power receiving module 17, and the locking and unlocking by pressing the locking button 92a of the electronic key 90, are controlled by the control unit 30. When the control unit 30 receives an unlocking request from a mobile device such as a smartphone (external device 50), it instructs the key control unit 20 of the storage case 10 to start power supply (power ON), provided that the vehicle's reservation information indicates that it is currently on loan, and then issues an unlocking instruction. When the key control unit 20 receives an instruction to start power transmission, it transmits power from the power transmission module 18 to the power receiving module 17. When it receives an instruction to unlock, it drives the unlocking motor 21b to press the unlock button 92b of the electronic key 90 with the unlocking pusher 22b. In the electronic key 90, when the unlock button 92b is pressed, the vehicle is unlocked by sending an unlock signal to the vehicle using power supplied from the power transmission module 18. On the other hand, in the case of locking, the control unit 30 instructs the key control unit 20, which is receiving power from the power transmission module 18, to lock the door, and after the door is actually locked, it instructs the key control unit 20 to terminate the power supply from the power transmission module 18 (turn off the power).

[0012] According to the electronic key control device 1 of this embodiment, when an unlocking request is made while the vehicle is being rented, power is supplied to the electronic key 90, and the electronic key 90 can use the supplied power to transmit an unlocking signal to the vehicle. If vehicle rental information is pending, the control unit 30 does not instruct the start of power transmission, and therefore power is not transmitted from the power transmission module 18 to the power receiving module 17. Therefore, the electronic key 90 is in the same state as when the button battery is removed, effectively preventing unauthorized unlocking from the outside and starting of the engine. Also, when the vehicle is on standby, the power of the electronic key 90 is turned off, enabling power saving. Moreover, battery replacement of the electronic key 90 becomes unnecessary.

[0013] (2) Details of the Embodiment FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the electronic key control device 1. Regarding the storage case 10, FIG. 1(a) shows an external perspective view, and FIG. 1(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic key control device 1 includes a storage case 10 for storing the electronic key 90 and a control unit 30. The storage case 10 is a housing for storing the electronic key 90 and the like inside, and includes an upper case 11, a partition plate 12, a bottom case 13, and a key storage tray 14, each formed of resin. The storage case 10 is disposed, for example, inside the dashboard, below, or under the passenger seat.

[0014] The partition plate 12 is formed in a rectangular shape, and a key control unit 20 is disposed on its upper surface (the surface facing the +Z direction in the drawing). Two through holes are formed at predetermined positions in the partition plate 12, and a rod-shaped locking pusher 22a and an unlocking pusher 22b penetrate the through holes. The locking pusher 22a and the unlocking pusher 22b have one end open and the other end connected to a locking motor 21a and an unlocking motor 21b disposed on the upper surface of the partition plate 12. The locking motor 21a and the unlocking motor 21b are driven and controlled by the key control unit 20 to move the locking pusher 22a and the unlocking pusher 22b up and down in the Z-axis direction. When the locking pusher 22a and the unlocking pusher 22b move downward, they press the locking button 92a and the unlocking button 92b of the electronic key 90 disposed on the key storage tray 14. The locking pusher 22a and the locking motor 21a function as locking operation means for performing a locking operation on the electronic key 90, and also function as locking button control means (locking button pressing means) for pressing the locking button 92a of the electronic key 90. Furthermore, the unlocking pusher 22b and the unlocking motor 21b function as unlocking operation means for performing an unlocking operation on the electronic key 90, and also function as unlocking button control means (unlocking button pressing means) for pressing the unlocking button 92b of the electronic key 90.

[0015] The key control unit 20, although not shown in the figure, includes a power transmission board equipped with a switching mechanism for switching between supplying power to the power transmission module 18 (power ON) and stopping power (power OFF), a main board for controlling the driving of the locking motor 21a and the unlocking motor 21b, and an antenna for receiving power ON / OFF and unlocking / locking instructions from the control unit 30. The upper case 11 is formed in a cubic shape consisting of five sides, one of which is open, and is fixed to the upper surface of the partition plate 15 by screws, adhesive, or the like. The bottom case 13 is formed in a cubic shape consisting of four faces with two consecutive open sides, and is fixed to the partition plate 12 with one side open. The bottom case 13 fixed to the partition plate 12 has one open side, and the key storage tray 14 can be inserted and pulled out through this opening.

[0016] The key storage tray 14 is formed in a cube shape with an open top, and the electronic key 90 is placed in a predetermined position inside it. As shown in Figure 1(b), the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 is formed to be thicker (or double-layered) than the other surfaces, and a recess is formed in a position opposite the button battery storage portion of the electronic key 90, and the power transmission module 18 is disposed in this recess. The power transmission module 18 is connected to the power transmission board (not shown) of the key control unit 20 by wiring 180 shown by a dotted line. As shown in Figure 1(b), multiple key retaining ribs 15 are erected inside the key storage tray 14, and the electronic key 90 is secured by these key retaining ribs 15.

[0017] The electronic key 90 has a locking button (close button) 92a and an unlocking button (open button) 92b arranged along its longitudinal direction, and a key antenna 91 is also provided inside. The lock button 92a and the unlock button 92b are buttons installed inside the vehicle that, when pressed, request the locking or unlocking of the doors. The key antenna 91 includes a transmitting antenna for transmitting UHF waves (Ultra High Frequency band signals) to and from the vehicle, and a receiving antenna for receiving LF waves (Low Frequency band signals). Both LF and UHF waves are used for authentication. The LF wave functions as an authentication signal wave transmitted from the vehicle to the electronic key 90, while the UHF wave functions as an authentication signal wave transmitted from the electronic key 90 to the vehicle. The electronic key 90 is equipped with a button battery compartment. In the electronic key control device 1 of this embodiment, a power receiving module 17 of the same size is housed in this button battery compartment instead of a button battery.

[0018] Next, we will explain the configuration of the power receiving module 17 and the power transmission module 18 and their power supply principle. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the power supply by the power receiving module 17 and the power transmitting module 18 in the electronic key control device 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 1(b), the physical distance n between the power receiving module 17 and the power transmitting module 18 is set to n=10mm in order to enable power supply using the same principle as wireless charging. However, the distance between them may be made narrower or wider if power supply is possible.

[0019] The power transmission module 18 includes an inverter circuit 181 connected to the key control unit 20 and a power transmission coil 182 connected to the inverter circuit 181. The inverter circuit 181 converts the 12V DC power supply from the key control unit 20 into AC and supplies it to the transmission coil 182, thereby generating magnetic flux in the transmission coil 182. The inverter circuit 181 supplies, for example, AC with a frequency of 100kHz to 300kHz to the transmission coil 182. The key control unit 20 is connected to the control power supply used in the vehicle, and the power supply to the power transmission module 18 is switched on and off by a switching means (not shown) on the power transmission board. The transmitting coil 182 is formed to be the same size as or larger than the receiving coil 171. In this embodiment, the receiving coil 171 is formed to a diameter of φ30 mm so that its entire surface is located within the magnetic flux generated by the transmitting module 18.

[0020] The power receiving module 17 is formed to have the same external dimensions (same outer diameter, same thickness) as the button batteries specified for the electronic key 90, such as CR2032, CR2450, and CR1632, so that it can be housed in the button battery compartment of the electronic key 90. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the power receiving module 17 has the same electrodes formed on the same side as the specified button batteries. For example, if the button battery specified for the electronic key 90 is a CR2032, the power receiving module 17 will be formed with a diameter of 20 mm and a thickness (height, the same applies hereafter) of 3.2 mm. If the button battery for the electronic key 90 is a CR2450, the power receiving module 17 will be formed with a diameter of 24.5 mm and a thickness of 5.0 mm. In this embodiment, an electronic key 90 that specifies a CR2032 button battery will be described as an example.

[0021] The power receiving module 17 includes a power receiving coil 171 and a rectifier and smoothing circuit 172 connected between the power receiving coil 171 and the electronic key 90. The receiving coil 171 is sized to fit within the positive electrode case 173 (see Figure 3), which has a diameter of 20 mm. For example, it is a coil with a diameter of φ18 mm. It generates electricity from the magnetic flux changes generated in the power transmission module 18, producing alternating current. The rectifier and smoothing circuit 172 is a circuit that converts the alternating current (AC) generated by the power receiving coil 171 into direct current (DC), and ultimately outputs a power of DC 3V with a maximum of 10mA, which is supplied to the electronic key 90.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the power receiving module 17. As shown in Figure 3, a power receiving coil 171 is arranged on the upper surface of a circular substrate 170, and a rectifier and smoothing circuit 172 is arranged inside the power receiving coil 171. The circuit board 170, on which the power receiving coil 171 and the rectifier / smoothing circuit 172 are arranged, is housed in a positive electrode case 173 that is the same size as the positive electrode of a button battery. On the side of the substrate 170 where the power receiving coil 171 is not located (the bottom surface), a negative electrode case 174 is disposed with a resin structure 175, which functions as an insulating material, in between. The positive electrode case 173 constitutes the positive electrode (3V output) side, and the negative electrode case 174 constitutes the negative electrode (output). The positive electrode case 173 is connected to the 3V output side of the rectifier and smoothing circuit 172 by wiring 176, and the negative electrode case 174 is connected to the ground (GND) side of the rectifier and smoothing circuit 172 by wiring 177.

[0023] Next, the control unit 30 will be described. As shown in Figure 1(b), the control unit 30 wirelessly transmits power ON / OFF and unlock / lock instructions to the key control unit 20 based on unlocking and locking requests supplied from an external source. The control unit 30 functions as a control means that controls the supply of power to the power transmission module, the unlocking operation of the unlocking operation means, and the locking operation of the locking operation means. Figure 4 shows the circuit configuration of the control unit 30. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 30 is composed of a computer system comprising a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, communication control unit 34, and storage unit 40. The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that executes the electronic key control program 411 and the reservation information collection program 42 stored in the memory unit 40, thereby controlling the supply of power to the electronic key 90 and the pressing of the lock button 92a and the unlock button 92b. ROM32 is a read-only memory that stores the basic programs and parameters necessary for the CPU31 to operate. RAM33 is a read / write memory that functions as working memory when the CPU31 executes various processes, and in the door monitoring process in this embodiment, the number of retries and other data are temporarily stored there.

[0024] The communication control unit 34 transmits instructions to the key control unit 20 for power ON / OFF, unlocking, and locking. In this embodiment, the key control unit 20 and the control unit 30 are connected by short-range wireless communication via the communication control unit 34, but since both the key control unit 20 (storage case 10) and the control unit 30 are located in the same vehicle, they may also be connected by wire.

[0025] The communication control unit 34 is wirelessly connected to the external device 50 and receives reservation information, unlocking requests, and locking requests supplied from the external device 50. The external devices 50 connected to the communication control unit 34 include mobile terminals such as smartphones connected via short-range wireless communication, and reservation servers connected via networks such as the internet. Mobile devices are portable devices owned by users of vehicles included in car-sharing or rental services, or company cars. While smartphones are the primary devices used, other devices such as mobile phones, personal computers, tablet computers, and wearable computers are also permitted. Mobile device users are required to register an account for car sharing and similar services with the reservation server in advance, and can make vehicle reservations through the reservation screen provided by the reservation server as needed. The mobile terminal transmits lock and unlock requests to the control unit 30 via the communication control unit 34.

[0026] The reservation server stores information on all vehicles included in car-sharing services, as well as information on registered users and reservation information for each vehicle made by registered users. The reservation information for the reserved vehicle (rental date / time / period, user information) is transmitted to the control unit 30 installed in the reserved vehicle.

[0027] The memory unit 40 stores an electronic key control program 41, a reservation information collection program 42, reservation information 43, and other programs and information. The electronic key control program 41 is a program that issues instructions for turning the power supplied to the electronic key 90 on and off, as well as for unlocking and locking. The reservation information collection program 42 is a program that receives reservation information 43 transmitted from the reservation server, which is an external device 50, and stores it in the reservation information 43.

[0028] The storage medium used in the memory unit 40 mainly includes semiconductor storage media such as SSDs (Solid State Drives), memory chips, and IC cards, as well as various other storage media such as hard disks. In this embodiment, the electronic key control program 41, the reservation information collection program 42, and the reservation information 43 are stored in the storage unit 40, but it is also possible to store all or part of them in the ROM 32. When storing the reservation information 43, one of the items stored in the storage unit 40, in the ROM 32, a writable PROM (Programmable ROM) such as flash memory is used.

[0029] Next, the control operation of the electronic key 90 by the electronic key control device 1 will be described. Figure 5 is a timing chart showing the relationship between power ON / OFF and door locking / unlocking in response to events. Figure 5 shows the progression of time from left to right, illustrating the events 101-106 indicated by the arrows. In this case, each of events 101-106 is assumed to be an event performed by a pre-registered and authenticated user. In Figure 5, the rental status is the elapsed time between waiting and rented out, based on the vehicle reservation status stored in reservation information 43. The "locked" status indicates whether the doors on the vehicle are locked or unlocked. The power supply status indicates whether or not power is being supplied from the power receiving module 17 to the electronic key 90. Power is supplied when the power is ON, and power is stopped when the power is OFF.

[0030] First, as Event 101, a user who has completed a reservation requests unlocking the vehicle at the rental start date and time by operating an app on a mobile device (external device 50) or by operating the card key of the electronic key 90 (hereinafter simply referred to as "mobile device operation") in the vicinity of the reserved vehicle. At the time of this event 101, the vehicle's rental status is "rented out," so power is supplied to the power transmission module 18, and as a result, power is supplied from the power receiving module 17 to the electronic key 90, turning it ON. Furthermore, with the power ON, the unlocking motor 21b is driven and the unlocking pusher 22b presses the unlocking button 92b. This sends an unlocking signal from the key antenna 91 of the electronic key 90 to the vehicle, and the doors are unlocked.

[0031] Subsequently, as Event 102, the user opens the door, boards the vehicle, and locks the doors, starts the engine, and begins driving. As the next event, 103, after parking the vehicle you were driving, for example in a convenience store parking lot and turning off the engine, the doors will unlock when you perform the vehicle unlocking operation. Events 102 and 103 involve vehicle operation, not operation via mobile phone or other device, therefore no processing is performed on the electronic key 90.

[0032] As Event 104, following Event 103, the user requests to lock the doors via their mobile phone or other device when opening the doors, exiting the vehicle, and leaving the vehicle. At the time of this event 104, the vehicle is still on loan, so before turning off the power, the locking motor 21a is driven and the locking pusher 22a presses the locking button 92a. This sends a locking signal from the key antenna 91 of the electronic key 90 to the vehicle, and the doors are locked.

[0033] Subsequently, as Event 105, when the user returns to the vehicle after finishing their shopping at the convenience store and requests to unlock it using their mobile phone or other device, as in Event 101, the vehicle's rental status is still "rented out," so power is supplied to the power transmission module 18 again, and power is supplied from the power receiving module 17 to the electronic key 90, turning it ON. Although not explicitly stated as an event, the user in the vehicle then starts the engine and resumes driving, returns to the parking lot for vehicle return, stops the engine and unlocks the doors via the vehicle's controls, and then opens the doors and exits the vehicle. As event 106 after disembarking, the user requests to lock the vehicle using their mobile phone or other device in order to return the vehicle. At the time of this event 106, similar to event 104, the locking motor 21a is driven before the power is turned off, and the locking pusher 22a presses the locking button 92a. This causes the key antenna 91 of the electronic key 90 to output a locking signal to the vehicle, and the doors are locked.

[0034] Furthermore, even if an operation such as using a mobile phone is performed after the vehicle rental has ended and the rental status has changed to standby, as shown in event 107, the power supply status will not be turned ON because the vehicle is no longer on loan. Therefore, even if event 107 is performed by an unauthorized user, and the unlocking motor 21b is driven and the unlocking pusher 22b presses the unlocking button 92b, the electronic key 90, which is not receiving power in the power-off state, will not react, thus preventing unauthorized unlocking.

[0035] Next, we will describe the electronic key control process performed by the control unit 30 of the electronic key control device 1, which supplies power to the electronic key 90 and issues locking and unlocking instructions. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the electronic key control process performed by the control unit 30. As a prerequisite for this electronic key control process, the control unit 30 receives the reservation information 43 for the vehicle transmitted from the reservation server, which is an external device 50, using the reservation information collection program 42, and stores it in the reservation information 43. The CPU 31 of the control unit 30 monitors whether or not it has received an unlocking request from an external device 50, such as a mobile terminal or card key (hereinafter simply referred to as a mobile terminal) (step 10). If it has not received a request (step 10; N), it continues to monitor for unlocking requests.

[0036] On the other hand, if an unlocking request is received (step 10; Y), the CPU 31 determines whether or not user authentication is successful based on the reservation information 43 stored in the memory unit 40 (step 11). In other words, the CPU 31 obtains authentication information (terminal ID and password) from the mobile terminal that made the unlock request, determines whether a reservation corresponding to that authentication information exists in the reservation information 43, and if it does not exist, determines that authentication failed (step 11; N), and terminates processing without responding to the received unlock request.

[0037] On the other hand, if authentication is successful (step 11; Y), the CPU 31 checks the reservation status of the reservation information 43 to determine whether the vehicle is in the reservation period, that is, whether the rental status is "rented out" (step 12). If it is outside the reservation period (waiting) (step 12; N), the CPU 31 terminates processing without responding to the received unlock request and monitors for the next unlock request (step 10).

[0038] On the other hand, if user authentication is successful and it is determined that the device is currently on loan (during the reservation period) based on the reservation information 43 (step 12; Y), the CPU 31 instructs the key control unit 20 to turn on the power (step 13). When the key control unit 20 receives a power-on instruction from the control unit 30, it starts supplying power to the power transmission module 18 using the switching means of the power transmission board, thereby starting power supply to the power receiving module 17 (step 14). This power supply powers the electronic key 90 from the power receiving module 17, turning it on, and enabling operation of the electronic key 90 from this point onward.

[0039] After issuing a power-on command in step 13, the CPU 31 instructs the key control unit 20 to unlock (step 15). When the key control unit 20 receives an unlocking instruction from the control unit 30, it drives the unlocking motor 21b to press the unlock button 92b of the electronic key 90 with the unlocking pusher 22b (step 16). As a result, an unlocking signal is sent to the vehicle from the key antenna 91 of the electronic key 90, which is already powered, and the doors are unlocked.

[0040] Next, the CPU 31 monitors whether it has received a locking request from the user's mobile device after they have left the vehicle (step 17). If it has not received a request (step 17; N), it returns to step 17 and continues monitoring.

[0041] On the other hand, if a locking request is received (step 17; Y), the CPU 31 maintains the power-on state and instructs the key control unit 20 to lock (step 18). When the key control unit 20 receives a locking instruction from the control unit 30, it drives the locking motor 21a to press the lock button 92a of the electronic key 90 with the locking pusher 22a (step 19). As a result, a locking signal is transmitted to the vehicle from the key antenna 91 of the electronic key 90, which is still receiving power, and the doors are locked.

[0042] Note that when a locking request is received (step 17; Y), user authentication is not performed. However, before issuing a locking instruction to the key control unit 20 in step 18, user authentication may be performed using the reservation information 43 as described in step 11. In this case, user authentication will be performed for each unlocking and locking request from the mobile terminal.

[0043] After issuing a locking instruction in step 18, the CPU 31 issues a power-off instruction to the key control unit 20 (step 20). When the key control unit 20 receives a power-off instruction from the control unit 30, it stops supplying power to the power transmission module 18 using the switching means of the power transmission board, thereby stopping power supply to the power receiving module 17 (step 21). This power-off stops the power supply from the power receiving module 17 to the electronic key 90, turning it into a power-off state, and preventing further operation of the electronic key 90.

[0044] Next, we will describe a modified version of the electronic key control process. In the electronic key control process of the embodiment described in Figure 6, if the user forgets to request locking from the mobile terminal (external device 50) when returning the vehicle (see event 106 in Figure 5), the vehicle will remain unlocked. In this modified version, even if the user forgets to lock the device, the control unit 30 will automatically lock the device when the reservation period specified in the reservation information 43 has ended, provided that the power supply is ON. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the electronic key control process performed by the control unit 30. As shown in Figure 7, this modified version adds a decision in step 151 between steps 15 and 17 to the electronic key control process described in Figure 6. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on step 151, and processes not described are the same as in Figure 6.

[0045] After indicating the unlock in step 15, CPU 31 determines whether the loan status is in standby mode (step 151). That is, CPU 31 checks the reservation information 43 to determine whether the loan period (time) has expired. Then, if the loan period has not expired and the loan status is "on loan" (step 151; N), the CPU 31 monitors whether or not it has received a lock request from the user's mobile device after they have left the vehicle (step 17). If it has not received a request (step 17; N), it returns to step 151 and continues monitoring whether or not the status has changed to "on standby".

[0046] On the other hand, if the loan period has expired and the device is in standby mode in step 151 (step 151; Y), the CPU 31 proceeds to step 18 without waiting for a locking instruction from the mobile terminal (external device 50), and while maintaining the power-on state, instructs the key control unit 20 to lock the device (step 18). The subsequent processing is the same as in the embodiment.

[0047] Thus, in this modified example, the lock can be reliably performed not only when a lock command is received from the mobile device, but also when the device enters standby mode after the loan period has expired without a lock command being received, by instructing the key control unit 20 to lock.

[0048] As described above, according to the electronic key control device 1 of this embodiment, instead of the button battery in the electronic key 90, a power receiving module 17 of the same size is installed in the electronic key 90, and power is supplied to the power receiving module 17 during the vehicle rental period, that is, when the rental status is "on loan" and an unlocking request is made from a mobile terminal. In other words, when the device is not in use and is in standby mode, power is not supplied by the power transmission module 18. As a result, power is not supplied from the power receiving module 17 to the electronic key 90. This makes the electronic key 90 behave as if its button battery had been removed, preventing unauthorized unlocking from the outside. Even if someone were to gain unauthorized access to the vehicle and attempt to start the engine, the electronic key 90, which is in the OFF state, would not react, thus preventing unauthorized engine starting. Furthermore, while the vehicle is in standby mode, the power to the electronic key 90 is turned off, enabling power saving. Furthermore, the battery in the electronic key 90 will no longer need to be replaced.

[0049] The above describes an embodiment of the electronic key control device 1, but it is also possible to configure it as follows as a modified example. For example, in the embodiments and their modifications described, the power transmission module 18 was described as being placed on the side of the electronic key 90 where the locking button 92a is not provided, i.e., on the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14. However, it may also be placed on the side with the locking button 92a, for example, on the side of the partition plate 12 facing the electronic key 90. In this case, the power transmission coil 182 of the power transmission module 18 is formed and positioned so as not to interfere with the locking pusher 22a and the unlocking pusher 22b, and so as to be the size (diameter) such that the power receiving coil 171 is on the inside.

[0050] Furthermore, in the embodiments and their modifications described, the case in which the locking button 92a and unlocking button 92b of the electronic key 90 of this embodiment are arranged on the upper surface of the electronic key 90 as shown in Figure 1 was explained. Then, the case in which the locking pusher 22a, unlocking pusher 22b, etc. are arranged on the partition plate 12 which is located on the upper surface of the electronic key 90 was explained. In contrast, it is possible to target an electronic key 90 in which the locking button 92a and the unlocking button 92b are located on the side or elsewhere. In this case, the locking pusher 22a and the locking motor 21a, and the unlocking pusher 22b and the unlocking motor 21b are arranged in a direction and position to press the corresponding locking button 92a and unlocking button 92b.

[0051] Furthermore, this embodiment and its modifications describe an electronic key 90 having a locking button 92a and an unlocking button 92b, which transmits a corresponding locking signal or unlocking signal to the vehicle when either button is pressed. In contrast, it is also possible to target electronic keys 90 that do not have locking or unlocking buttons. For example, it is also possible to target electronic keys 90 that receive locking and unlocking instructions from an external source and transmit locking and unlocking signals to the vehicle. In this case, the locking pusher 22a, unlocking pusher 22b, locking motor 21a, and unlocking motor 21b described in the embodiment and modified examples are unnecessary. The control unit 30, which functions as an operating means, instructs the key control unit 20 to start power supply (power ON), and then issues an unlocking instruction to the electronic key 90, either directly or via the key control unit 20. Furthermore, after issuing a locking instruction to the electronic key 90 directly or via the key control unit 20, the control unit 30 instructs the key control unit 20 to stop the power supply (turn off the power).

[0052] Furthermore, in the embodiments and their modifications described, the case in which the power transmission module 18 is fixed to the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14, as shown in Figure 1, was explained. Alternatively, the position of the power transmission module 18 on the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 may be changed by means of a position change mechanism. In other words, the power receiving module 17 needs to be positioned opposite the button battery compartment of the electronic key 90, but there are electronic keys 90 in which the button battery compartment is located in a different position. For example, as explained in Figure 1, in addition to being located on one end of the electronic key 90 in the longitudinal direction, it can also be located on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction, in the center in the longitudinal direction, or at a position shifted in the width direction from any of these three locations. Therefore, recesses for the power transmission module 18 are formed at each position on the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 (hereinafter referred to as each opposing position) that is opposite to each position of the button battery storage portion in the electronic key 90. The power transmission module 18 is then fixed to the recess at the position opposite to the button battery storage portion of the installed electronic key 90. In this case, multiple recesses correspond to position changing means.

[0053] Furthermore, as a means of changing the position, one or more screw holes may be provided at each opposing position of the key storage tray 14, and the power transmission module 18 may be screwed in. In this case, the power transmission module 18 is fixed to the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 (or the bottom surface of a recess formed in an area that includes all of the opposing positions). The electronic key 90 is then positioned above the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 (or the bottom surface of the recess) by the thickness of the power transmission module 18.

[0054] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 may be provided with a means for moving the power transmission module 18 in the XY plane. For example, grooves are formed on the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 in the X direction (longitudinal direction of the electronic key 90) and the Y direction (width direction), and the power transmission module 18 is provided with a protrusion that slides along these grooves and a fixing means that fixes the electronic key 90 in a position opposite the button battery storage portion. Furthermore, as a means of movement, a mounting rail such as a DIN rail is provided on the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14, and a fixing means is provided to fix the power transmission module 18, which has been moved to a position opposite the button battery storage section, to the rail. Similarly, when grooves or rails are installed as a means of movement, the electronic key 90 is positioned above the bottom surface of the key storage tray 14 (or the bottom surface of the recess) by the thickness of the power transmission module 18.

[0055] Based on the embodiments and modifications described above, the electronic key control device can be configured as follows. (Configuration 1) A storage case that houses an electronic key equipped with a button battery compartment, An unlocking operation means for performing an unlocking operation on the electronic key, A locking operation means for performing a locking operation on the electronic key, A power receiving module is disposed in the button battery compartment of the aforementioned electronic key and generates electricity by magnetic flux changes and supplies it to the aforementioned electronic key, A power transmission module is positioned opposite the power receiving module within the aforementioned storage case and causes a change in magnetic flux when power is supplied to it. A control means for supplying power to the power transmission module, controlling the unlocking operation of the unlocking operation means, and controlling the locking operation of the locking operation means, An electronic key control device characterized by being equipped with the following. (Configuration 2) The power receiving module is formed to have the same outer diameter, thickness, and electrodes as the button battery for the button battery storage section of the electronic key. The electronic key control device according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a key control device. (Configuration 3) A reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information of a vehicle equipped with an electronic key control device, Request acquisition means for acquiring requests to unlock and lock the vehicle doors transmitted from an external source, When the control means receives the unlocking request, and on the condition that the vehicle is within the reservation period according to the reservation information, it starts supplying power to the power transmission module and then causes the unlocking operation to be performed by the unlocking means. An electronic key control device according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, characterized by the above. (Configuration 4) When the control means receives the locking request, it causes the locking operation to be performed by the locking operation means and then stops the power supply to the power transmission module. An electronic key control device according to configuration 1, configuration 2, or configuration 3, characterized by the above. (Configuration 5) If the vehicle's reservation period ends while power is being supplied to the power transmission module, the control means will cause the locking operation by the locking means to be performed, and then stop supplying power to the power transmission module. An electronic key control device according to any one of the configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Configuration 6) The unlocking operation means, as the unlocking operation, press the unlocking button of the electronic key, The locking operation means includes pressing the lock button on the electronic key as the locking operation. The electronic key control device according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a key control device. (Configuration 7) A storage case for storing an electronic key equipped with a button battery compartment, An unlock button control means that presses the unlock button of the electronic key, A lock button control means that presses the lock button of the electronic key, A power receiving module is disposed in the button battery compartment of the aforementioned electronic key and generates electricity by magnetic flux changes and supplies it to the aforementioned electronic key, A power transmission module is positioned opposite the power receiving module within the aforementioned storage case and causes a change in magnetic flux when power is supplied to it. Power supply to the power transmission module and control means for controlling the operation of the unlock button control means and the lock button control means, An electronic key control device characterized by being equipped with the following. (Configuration 8) A position changing means for changing the opposing arrangement of the power transmission module in the electronic key housed inside the storage case, corresponding to various positions of the button battery storage section, An electronic key control device according to any one of the configurations 1 to 7, further comprising the above. (Configuration 9) An electronic key control program characterized by causing a computer to function as a control means in an electronic key control device described in any one of Configurations 1 to 8. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1. Electronic key control unit 10 Storage Cases 11 Upper Case 12 partition plates 13 Bottom Case 14 Key storage tray 15 Key retaining rib 17 Power receiving module 170 circuit boards 171 Power receiving coil 172 Rectifier smoothing circuit 173 Positive electrode case 174 Negative Electrode Case 175 Resin structure 176, 177 Wiring 18 Power transmission modules 180 Wiring 181 Inverter Circuit 182 Power transmission coil 20 Key Control Unit 21a Locking motor 21b Unlocking motor 22a Locking pusher 22b Unlocking pusher 30 Control Unit 31 CPU 32 ROM 33 RAM 34 Communication Control Unit 40 Storage section 41 Electronic Key Control Program 42. Reservation Information Collection Program 43 Reservation Information 50 External device 90 Electronic Key 91 Key Antenna 92a Locking button 92b Unlock button

Claims

1. A storage case for an electronic key equipped with a button battery compartment, An unlocking operation means for performing an unlocking operation on the electronic key, A locking operation means for performing a locking operation on the electronic key, A power receiving module is disposed in the button battery compartment of the aforementioned electronic key and generates electricity by magnetic flux changes and supplies it to the aforementioned electronic key, A power transmission module is positioned opposite the power receiving module within the aforementioned storage case and causes a change in magnetic flux when power is supplied to it. A control means for supplying power to the power transmission module, controlling the unlocking operation of the unlocking operation means, and controlling the locking operation of the locking operation means, An electronic key control device characterized by being equipped with the following.

2. The power receiving module is formed to have the same outer diameter, thickness, and electrodes as the button battery for the button battery storage section of the electronic key. The electronic key control device according to feature 1.

3. A reservation information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information of a vehicle equipped with an electronic key control device, Request acquisition means for acquiring requests to unlock and lock the vehicle doors transmitted from an external source, When the control means receives the unlocking request, and on the condition that the vehicle is within the reservation period according to the reservation information, it starts supplying power to the power transmission module and then causes the unlocking operation to be performed by the unlocking means. The electronic key control device according to feature 1.

4. When the control means receives the locking request, it causes the locking operation to be performed by the locking operation means, and then stops the power supply to the power transmission module. The electronic key control device according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3.

5. The control means, when the vehicle's reservation period ends while power is being supplied to the power transmission module, causes the locking operation by the locking means to be performed, and then stops the power supply to the power transmission module. The electronic key control device according to feature 4.

6. The unlocking operation means includes pressing the unlock button on the electronic key as the unlocking operation, The locking operation means includes pressing the lock button on the electronic key as the locking operation. The electronic key control device according to feature 1.

7. A position-changing means for changing the opposing arrangement of the power transmission module in the electronic key housed inside the storage case, corresponding to various positions of the button battery storage section, The electronic key control device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

8. An electronic key control program characterized by causing a computer to function as a control means in the electronic key control device described in claim 1.

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