Vehicle-mounted apparatus

Abstract

This vehicle-mounted apparatus (10) comprises: an accommodation part (60) which accommodates, among a plurality of types of vehicular electronic keys (70) having different sizes and shapes, a desired electronic key (70); and actuators (41, 42) which perform button push operations on the desired electronic key (70) that is accommodated. The accommodation part (30) comprises a first member (63) and a second member (64). The first member (63) makes contact with a surface opposite to an operation surface, having a push button, of the desired electronic key (70), thereby positioning the operation surface to satisfy a predetermined height condition. The second member (64) makes contact with a peripheral surface of the desired electronic key (70), thereby positioning the push button of the electronic key (70) to satisfy a predetermined push button operable position condition.

Description

Onboard equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device that stores an electronic key for a vehicle.

[0002] One way of using vehicles is for multiple people to share one or more vehicles. Examples include car sharing and rental cars. From here on, we will refer to these types of usage as "sharing."

[0003] In vehicle sharing, handling of the key to use the vehicle being shared is important. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses technology for an in-vehicle device that stores an electronic key that can be used for vehicle sharing, etc.

[0004] Patent No. 6710832

[0005] However, vehicles equipped with onboard devices are not limited to a single model. There are multiple models. As a result, there are many different types of electronic keys. For example, electronic keys come in a variety of shapes (length, thickness, width), and even if the shape is the same, the placement and size of the lock and unlock buttons on the operating surface may differ.

[0006] Therefore, when inserting the electronic key into the vehicle-mounted device, a setup operation is required depending on the type of electronic key.

[0007] An example of an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for simplifying the setup work when storing an electronic key in an in-vehicle device.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an on-board device that includes a storage section that stores a desired electronic key from among multiple types of electronic keys for vehicles that differ in size and shape, and an actuator that performs a push button operation on the desired electronic key stored in the storage section, wherein the storage section has a first member that, when in contact with the surface opposite to the operation surface having the push button of the desired electronic key, positions the operation surface so that the operation surface satisfies a predetermined storage height condition, and a second member that, when in contact with the peripheral surface of the desired electronic key, positions the push button of the electronic key so that the position satisfies a predetermined push button operable position condition.

[0009] According to this aspect, the setup work when storing the electronic key in the vehicle unit can be performed quickly and with little effort by simply selecting and combining the first and second members that correspond to the size and shape of the desired electronic key.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a sharing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the process of state transitions of an in-vehicle device when using a service of the sharing system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis (above). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis (left) (part 1). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis (left) (part 2). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of an in-vehicle device as viewed from the positive direction of the Y axis (left) (part 3). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an intermediate member as viewed from the negative direction of the X axis (part 1). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an intermediate member as viewed from the negative direction of the X axis (part 2). FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a storage section in an open state. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a setting sheet.

[0011] Below, examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied are described, but the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following. FIG. 1 shows three orthogonal axes (Xc, Yc, Zc) in a right-handed system indicating directions for describing a vehicle. FIGS. 2 to 9 show three orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z) in a right-handed system indicating directions for describing an on-board device. In the following description, the Xc-axis direction and the X-axis direction are parallel, the Yc-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are parallel, and the Zc-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are parallel. In the following description, the positive direction of the Zc and Z axes is the up direction, the negative direction of the Zc and Z axes is the down direction, the positive direction of the Xc and X axes is the front direction, the negative direction of the Xc and X axes is the rear direction, the positive direction of the Yc and Y axes is the left direction, and the negative direction of the Yc and Y axes is the right direction. However, the X-axis direction may be parallel to the Xc-axis direction, but does not necessarily have to be parallel to the Yc-axis direction. Similarly, the Y-axis direction may be parallel to the Yc-axis direction, but does not necessarily have to be parallel to the Yc-axis direction. The Z-axis direction may be parallel to the Zc-axis direction, but does not necessarily have to be parallel to the Zc-axis direction.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a sharing system. The sharing system 3 has an in-vehicle device 10, a server system 1100, and a user terminal 1500. The in-vehicle device 10 stores an electronic key 70 for a vehicle 5 to be shared. The server system 1100 communicates with the in-vehicle device 10 via a network 9. The user terminal 1500 communicates with the in-vehicle device 10 and the server system 1100 via the network 9. In this specification, a "user" refers to a person who uses a vehicle 5, i.e., an end user. A system user who operates the sharing system 3 is referred to as an "administrator."

[0013] The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. The network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, a short-distance wireless communication network, etc., and the communication method may be either wired or wireless.

[0014] The server system 1100 performs user registration for the sharing system 3, reservation management, and provision of reservation information to the user terminal 1500 and the in-vehicle device 10. Specifically, the server system 1100 stores a management program 501 and, by executing the stored management program 501, realizes (1) a user registration function, (2) a reservation setting function for the vehicle 5, (3) a generation function for reservation information 700 (including, for example, a unique reservation ID, a reserved vehicle ID, a reservation period, a password, etc.), (4) a function for providing a copy of the reservation information 700 (user copy reservation information 700t) to the user terminal 1500, and (5) a function for providing a copy of the reservation information 700 (in-vehicle device reservation information 700c) to the in-vehicle device 10.

[0015] The user terminal 1500 is a terminal that can communicate with the network 9 and is a computer system used by a user who wishes to share the vehicle 5. For example, the user terminal 1500 is realized by a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

[0016] The user terminal 1500 stores an application program and can execute the stored application program. The user terminal 1500 stores a terminal program 502 as an application program. By executing the terminal program 502, the user terminal 1500 realizes the following functions: (1) a function for accessing the server system 1100, performing a reservation procedure for the vehicle 5, and acquiring and storing the user copy reservation information 700t; (2) a function for establishing data communication with the in-vehicle device 10; (3) a function for providing the user copy reservation information 700t and receiving authentication while in a state in which communication with the in-vehicle device 10 is possible; (4) a function for issuing a predetermined unlock request to the in-vehicle device 10 in response to an unlock operation performed by the user on the user terminal 1500 after authentication, thereby unlocking the vehicle; and (5) a function for issuing a predetermined lock request to the in-vehicle device 10 in response to a lock operation performed by the user on the user terminal 1500 after authentication, thereby locking the vehicle.

[0017] A vehicle 5 to be shared is equipped with an in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 is attached inside the vehicle (for example, in the dashboard).

[0018] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an example of the state transition process of the in-vehicle device 10 when using the services of the sharing system 3. The in-vehicle device 10 has a main case 11 and a storage unit 60 that serves as a lid that swings open and close relative to the main case 11. When a user operates the opening / closing operation unit 12 provided on the top of the main case 11, the connection between the main case 11 and the storage unit 60 is released. The storage unit 60 then becomes swingable, changing from the closed state shown in FIG. 2A to the open state shown in FIG. 2B. In the open state, the storage unit 60 opens to a position that exposes the stored electronic key 70 facing upward (positive direction of the Z axis).

[0019] A storage recess 62 is formed within the storage section 60. The storage recess 62 can store the electronic key 70 in a storage position with the operation surface, on which the unlock button 71 and the lock button 72 are provided, facing up and with the dedicated extension part 74 attached to the key ring hole 73 facing a predetermined direction (the positive direction of the Y axis). The vehicle-mounted device 10 is set up so that the storage section 60 can store an electronic key 70 that corresponds to the vehicle 5 in which the vehicle-mounted device 10 is to be installed, out of multiple types of electronic keys 70 for vehicles with different sizes and shapes. Therefore, the electronic key 70 that corresponds to the vehicle 5 in which the vehicle-mounted device 10 is to be installed can be said to be the desired electronic key 70 out of multiple types of electronic keys 70 for vehicles.

[0020] The extension part 74 is an accessory part for pulling out a substitute for the key ring hole 73, which is hidden inside the vehicle-mounted device 10 when the device is closed, to the outside of the vehicle-mounted device 10. The extension part 74 has, for example, a first ring 75 that is passed through the key ring hole 73, a second ring 76 that is extended to the outside of the vehicle-mounted device 10, and a rod 77 that connects these two rings.

[0021] 2B, the user can remove the stored electronic key 70 from the storage unit 60 as shown in Fig. 2C, or insert the removed electronic key 70 into the storage recess 62 and store it in the storage unit 60. When the user swings the storage unit 60 from the open state to the closed state shown in Fig. 2A and lightly presses it against the main case 11, the main case 11 and the storage unit 60 are reconnected, and the closed state shown in Fig. 2A is restored and maintained.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a view from the positive direction of the Z axis (top) showing an example of the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted device 10. Figs. 4 to 6 are views from the positive direction of the Y axis (left) showing an example of the internal structure of the vehicle-mounted device 10, and correspond to the IV-IV cross-sectional view (XZ cross-sectional view) of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows the closed state, and Fig. 5 shows the open state. Fig. 6 shows the state in which the main case portion 11 is removed from the storage portion 60 (separated state) in the open state.

[0023] The main case 11 has an upper case 11a, a lower case 11b, an opening / closing operation unit 12, a back cover 14, an opening / closing detection unit 15, a housing detection unit 16, a control board 30, a first actuator 41, a second actuator 42, and an intermediate member 50. The power required by the vehicle-mounted device 10 is supplied from the vehicle side by connecting a portion of the cable 6 to the electrical line of the vehicle 5. If the vehicle-mounted device 10 is configured to have an internal battery, the internal battery may be housed within the main case 11.

[0024] The main case 11 has an internal space formed by screwing together an upper case 11a and a lower case 11b. The upper case 11a has an opening / closing operation unit 12 at its top. The side of the upper case 11a facing the negative X-axis functions as a partition between the main case 11 and the storage unit 60, and a communication hole 13 is provided near the center of the side, connecting the interior of the storage unit 60 to the internal space of the main case 11. Specifically, the area near the center of the side refers to the area that faces the unlock button 71 and lock button 72 of the stored electronic key 70 in the closed state. The lower case 11b has a removable back cover 14 located below the intermediate member 50.

[0025] The open / close detector 15 detects whether the storage section 60 is open or closed, and outputs a detection signal to the control board 30. The open / close detector 15 is realized, for example, by a push switch provided on the side surface of the upper case 11a in the negative X-axis direction, and turns ON when the storage section 60 is closed.

[0026] The storage detector 16 detects that an electronic key 70 is stored in the storage compartment 60 when it is closed, and outputs a detection signal to the control board 30. The storage detector 16 is realized, for example, by a push switch provided on the side surface of the upper case 11a facing the negative X-axis, and is turned ON when pressed by the frame portion of the electronic key 70 stored in the closed state.

[0027] The control board 30 includes electronic components and various circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an IC memory, a first wireless communication module, a second wireless communication module, a power control circuit, an interface IC, and an in-vehicle network communication IC.

[0028] The control board 30 controls the overall operation of the vehicle-mounted device 10 by executing a program stored in the IC memory with the CPU.

[0029] The first wireless communication module connects to a network 9 (see FIG. 1 : specifically, a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone network or wireless LAN) and communicates with the server system 1100. The second wireless communication module realizes short-range wireless communication and communicates with a user terminal 1500 that is within a predetermined communication range. The power control circuit controls the supply of power to the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42. The interface IC controls the input and output of signals between the CPU and electronic components such as the open / close detection unit 15 and the housing detection unit 16.

[0030] The in-vehicle network communication IC connects to the in-vehicle network of the vehicle 5 and communicates with the in-vehicle computer to obtain the latest vehicle status information of the vehicle 5. For example, the in-vehicle network communication IC communicates with a powertrain system MCU (Micro Computer Unit) to obtain information on whether the engine is running or stopped, and communicates with a body system MCU to obtain information on the door lock status. The supported communication standard can be set appropriately according to the specifications of the vehicle 5. For example, it is preferable to support CAN (Controller Area Network) or the like.

[0031] The first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are actuating units that are operated by drive current control from the control board 30 and perform a push-button operation on the electronic key 70 housed in the housing 60. Specifically, the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are realized by push-type linear solenoids, and push out a movable part 43 (a push rod connected to a movable iron core) by electromagnetic force when a drive current is applied.

[0032] The first actuator 41 is fixed to the main case 11 with the tip of the movable part 43 pointing toward the unlock button 71 of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage part 60. The second actuator 42 is fixed to the main case 11 with the tip of the movable part 43 pointing toward the lock button 72 of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage part 60.

[0033] The intermediate member 50 is disposed between the electronic key 70 housed in the housing 60 and the first and second actuators 41, 42. The intermediate member 50 transmits the force of the actuators pushing out the movable portion 43 to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 as a push button operation force. The vehicle-mounted device 10 is provided with multiple types of intermediate members 50 corresponding to the types of electronic keys 70 anticipated.

[0034] 7 and 8 are views showing an example of an intermediate member 50 as viewed from the negative direction of the X axis. The electronic key 70A in FIG. 7 and the electronic key 70B in FIG. 8 are different types. Therefore, the intermediate member 50A corresponding to the electronic key 70A in FIG. 7 and the intermediate member 50B corresponding to the electronic key 70B in FIG. 8 are different types. In order to show the corresponding positional relationship with the intermediate member 50 (50A, 50B), FIGS. 7 and 8 show the positional relationship when the electronic key 70 (70A, 70B) is accommodated in the accommodation portion 60 and the vehicle-mounted device 10 is in the closed state. For convenience, the front of the electronic key 70 as viewed from the positive direction of the X axis is shown.

[0035] The intermediate member 50 is a plate-like member having elasticity, such as a metal plate or a synthetic resin plate, and has a peripheral portion 51, a cantilever spring portion 52, and a gap portion 53. The gap portion 53 is provided in the plate-like member by cutting or punching, so that the peripheral portion 51 and the cantilever spring portion 52 are formed into a single plate.

[0036] The intermediate member 50 is fixed by fitting its edge portion 51 into the grooves of the first and second mounting portions 18a and 18b of the main case portion 11 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The positive side of the Z-axis of the edge portion 51 is fitted and fixed into the groove in the Y-axis direction of the first mounting portion 18a, which is erected downward on the inner surface of the upper case 11a. The negative side of the Z-axis of the edge portion 51 is fitted and fixed into the groove in the second mounting portion 18b, which is erected on the inner surface of the back cover 14. The fit between the edge portion 51 and the first and second mounting portions 18a and 18b is strong enough to prevent dislodging or slipping due to vibrations of the vehicle 5, but the intermediate member 50 is fitted into the grooves of the mounting portions 18 with enough strength to be able to pull it out by hand. The back cover 14 is removed to insert or remove the intermediate member 50. The back cover 14 and the second attachment portion 18b function as a holding portion 19 that holds the intermediate member 50 in a replaceable manner.

[0037] The cantilever spring portion 52 functions as a "cantilever-shaped leaf spring" by receiving pressure from the movable portion 43 in response to the operation of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42. Specifically, the cantilever spring portion 52 includes two portions: a first cantilever spring portion 52a that is pressed by the first actuator 41, and a second cantilever spring portion 52b that is pressed by the second actuator 42.

[0038] The cantilever spring portion 52 (52a, 52b) has a force point P1 on one of its two surfaces (the side of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42; the positive X-axis direction) where the movable portion 43 of the actuator comes into contact. The cantilever spring portion 52 has an action point P2 on the other of its two surfaces (the side of the storage portion 60; the negative X-axis direction) where a force is applied to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage portion 60.

[0039] A buffer member 54 protrudes from the action point P2 toward the push button (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When the first actuator 41 or the second actuator 42 is activated, the movable part 43 collides with the intermediate member 50, generating an impact force that is transmitted to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 by the intermediate member 50. However, the buffer member 54 reduces this impact force. The buffer member 54 can be made of, for example, silicone, butyl rubber, or a spring.

[0040] The material of the intermediate member 50, the width and thickness of the fulcrum portion 55 of the cantilever spring portion 52, the distance L1 from the fulcrum portion 55 to the force point portion P1, and the distance L2 from the fulcrum portion 55 to the action point portion P2 are selected and set to satisfy the following (1) to (3): (1) The cantilever spring portion 52 is deflected by the load received from the movable portion 43 when the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are activated. (2) The deflection in (1) causes the tip of the buffer member 54 to come into contact with the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) of the electronic key 70 stored in the storage portion 60, and the deflection provides a stroke sufficient to operate the push buttons. (3) The restoring force of the deflection of the cantilever spring portion 52 is sufficient to return the movable portions 43 of the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 to their positions before activation.

[0041] If the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 each have a built-in spring that returns the movable portion 43 to the position before actuation, then (3) can be omitted. It is also possible to add an elastic member, such as a spring material, that is compressed and attached between the intermediate member 50 and the upper case 11a, thereby strengthening the restoring force of (3).

[0042] When the first actuator 41 and the second actuator 42 are not activated, the cantilever spring 52 is not or barely flexed. When the first actuator 41 or the second actuator 42 is activated, the force transmitted to the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) is appropriately reduced by the flexure of the cantilever spring 52 and the buffer member 54, protecting the push buttons of the electronic key 70 from impact forces.

[0043] By adopting the intermediate member 50 and the buffer member 54 and appropriately setting their specifications, the vehicle-mounted device 10 can accommodate various types of electronic keys 70 with different arrangements of the push buttons (unlock button 71, lock button 72) on the operating surface of the electronic key 70 and different push button operating loads.

[0044] In this embodiment, at least two types of intermediate members 50 are prepared, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Three or more types may be prepared. The difference between intermediate members 50A and 50B is the relative positions of the two action point sites P2, i.e., the distances Lp1 and Lp2 between the centers of the unlock button 71 and the lock button 72 are different. This can also be said to be due to the different button pitches.

[0045] 9 is an exploded perspective view in an open state showing an example of the configuration of the storage unit 60. The storage unit 60 has a sub-case unit 61, a first member 63, a second member 64, and a third member 65.

[0046] The sub-case 61 is a tray-shaped component and serves as the outer shell of the storage unit 60. The sub-case 61 has a claw-shaped shaft gripping portion 67 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The shaft gripping portion 67 grips the swing shaft 17, allowing the sub-case 61 to swing in a direction parallel to the XZ plane relative to the main case 11. The swing shaft 17 is an axis extending in the Y-axis direction at the lower end of the lower case 11b in the negative X-axis direction. In the closed state (see FIG. 4), the sub-case 61 faces the storage recess 62 (see FIGS. 2A to 2C, 5, and 6) toward the main case 11 in the positive X-axis direction. In the open state (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the opening faces upward.

[0047] In the open state (see FIG. 4), if an attempt is made to forcefully pull the sub-case portion 61 upward, the shaft gripping portion 67 elastically deforms enough to allow the pivot shaft 17 to come out, and eventually the sub-case portion 61 separates from the main case portion 11 (see FIG. 6). Conversely, if the shaft gripping portion 67 is brought into contact with the pivot shaft 17 and the sub-case portion 61 is pushed in, the shaft gripping portion 67 will expand again to receive and grip the pivot shaft 17, and the sub-case portion 61 will reconnect with the main case portion 11. The sub-case portion 61 can be separated from the main case portion 11. When setting up the storage portion 60, the storage portion 60 can be removed from the main case portion 11, providing excellent operability.

[0048] The storage recess 62 is a bottomed recess formed inside the sub-case portion 61 for storing the electronic key 70. The storage recess 62 is formed by a first member 63, a second member 64, and a third member 65.

[0049] The first member 63 is a thin, flat member made of a cushioning material such as hard sponge, and is fitted to the bottom side (negative Z-axis direction) of the sub-case portion 61 when it is in the open state. The first member 63 forms the bottom surface of the storage recess 62, which contacts the side (back surface) of the stored electronic key 70 opposite the operation surface having the push button. Multiple types of first members 63 (63a, 63b, 63c, ...) with different thicknesses are available. The storage height of the electronic key 70 can be changed by selecting the first member 63 to be used. The storage height of the electronic key 70 refers to the distance from the bottom of the sub-case portion 61 to the electronic key 70 when it is stored in the storage portion 60.

[0050] The second member 64 is a thick, flat member molded from a cushioning material such as hard sponge. The second member 64 has a cutout 68 cut out to match the outline of the electronic key 70 when viewed from the insertion direction (the positive Z-axis direction in the open state). Multiple types of second members 64 (64a, 64b, 64c, ...) are available with different cutout shape 68. The shape of the cutout 68 is set to correspond to the expected type of electronic key 70 (70a, 70b, 70c, ...). In the open state, the second member 64 is inserted and attached into the sub-case portion 61 from the positive Z-axis direction after the first member 63 is inserted.

[0051] The second member 64 forms the inner circumferential surface of the storage recess 62 and contacts the outer circumferential surface of the stored electronic key 70, thereby positioning the stored electronic key 70 parallel to the operation surface (positioning parallel to the XY plane when the storage recess 60 is open) and preventing it from coming out in the Z axis direction through frictional resistance. It also functions as a guide when reinserting a removed electronic key 70. By appropriately selecting the second member 64 to be used, multiple types of electronic keys 70 with different contours and push button positions when viewed parallel to the operation surface can be stored via the intermediate member 50 in a position where the push button can be appropriately operated.

[0052] The third member 65 is a thin plate-like member made of, for example, hard plastic or aluminum. The third member 65 is a flat frame hollowed out along the edge of the opening of the sub-case portion 61. The third member 65 is fastened to the sub-case portion 61 from above the second member 64 with screws. The third member 65 presses down on the outer edge of the second member 64, holding the first member 63 and the second member 64 in their attached positions and serving as a frame that prevents them from falling out of the storage portion 60 (sub-case portion 61).

[0053] A communication opening 66 that leads from the storage recess 62 to the outside is provided in the positive direction of the Y axis of the storage portion 60 (see FIG. 3). The communication opening 66 provides a space for passing the extension part 74 of the stored electronic key 70. To form the communication opening 66, the sub-case portion 61 has a cutout portion 61k, the second member 64 has a communication portion 64k, and the third member 65 has a cutout portion 65k.

[0054] The extension part 74 that is passed through the communication opening 66 has a total length (length extended along the Y-axis direction) set so that the second ring 76 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C ) is exposed to the outside from the communication opening 66. By exposing the extension part 74 from the storage section 60, it is possible to confirm at a glance from the outside that the electronic key 70 is stored therein. By exposing the extension part 74, the user can use it as a knob when removing the electronic key 70 from the storage section 60.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the setting sheet 7. The setting sheet 7 is a quick reference table of settings for each vehicle model of the vehicle 5, which is included as part of the instruction manual for the in-vehicle device 10. For each vehicle model, a type of intermediate member 50 ("Intermediate member A" or "Intermediate member B" in FIG. 10 ), a type of first member 63 ("First member α," "First member β," or "First member γ" in FIG. 10 ), and a type of second member 64 ("Second member XX," "Second member YY," or "Second member ZZ" in FIG. 10 ) are associated and indicated. The number of types of intermediate members 50, first members 63, and second members 64 in FIG. 10 is an example shown for convenience of explanation, and the number is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10 .

[0056] By forming the storage recess 62 with the first member 63 and the second member 64 of the combination specified on the setting sheet 7, when the electronic key 70 of the vehicle 5 corresponding to that combination is stored in the storage recess 62 of the storage unit 60, the operating surface of the electronic key 70 is in a position that satisfies a predetermined ``storage height condition'', and the position of the push button is in a position that satisfies a predetermined ``push button operable position condition''.

[0057] The "storage height condition" is a positional condition related to the height at which the electronic key 70 is stored in the storage recess 62, and is a height condition (position in the X-axis direction in FIGS. 3 and 4) at which the push button of the corresponding electronic key 70 can be activated via the intermediate member 50 when the first actuator 41 or the second actuator 42 is activated in the closed state. The "push button operable position condition" is a positional condition related to a direction parallel to the operating surface of the electronic key 70 when the electronic key 70 is stored in the storage recess 62, and is a condition indicating that in the closed state, the center position of the push button of the stored electronic key 70 is within the range of the communication hole 13 projected in the X-axis direction (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0058] As part of the setup process for the in-vehicle device 10, the administrator of the sharing system 3 refers to the setting sheet 7 and selects the intermediate member 50, first member 63, and second member 64 that will achieve settings compatible with the model of the vehicle 5 in which the in-vehicle device 10 will be installed (i.e., the type of electronic key 70). The administrator removes the back cover 14 (see FIG. 4 ), inserts the selected intermediate member 50 into the second mounting portion 18b, and closes the back cover 14 to its original state. As the back cover 14 is closed, the upper end of the inserted intermediate member 50 fits into the first mounting portion 18a, and the intermediate member 50 is fixed in a predetermined position within the main case portion 11.

[0059] Next, the administrator opens the storage section 60 and fits the selected first member 63 into the bottom of the empty sub-case section 61. The shape of the first member 63 and the shape of the inside of the sub-case section 61 are set to have a concave-convex relationship to prevent incorrect assembly, so there is no need to worry about fitting the first member 63 into the sub-case section 61 in the wrong position.

[0060] Next, the manager fits the selected second member 64 into the sub-case portion 61 from above the fitted first member 63. The shape of the second member 64 and the shape of the inside of the sub-case portion 61 are set to have a concave-convex relationship to prevent incorrect assembly, so there is no need to worry about fitting the second member 64 into the sub-case portion 61 in the wrong position.

[0061] Next, the administrator places the third member 65 over the fitted second member 64 and screws it into the sub-case 61. The shape of the second member 64 and the shape of the inside of the sub-case 61 are designed to prevent misassembly, so that the third member 65 can only be fitted if the notch 65k corresponding to the communication opening 66 is oriented in the positive direction of the Y axis. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the third member 65 being fitted in the wrong position.

[0062] The administrator of the sharing system 3 then attaches a dedicated extension part 74 to the key ring hole 73 of the electronic key 70 of the vehicle 5 equipped with the in-vehicle device 10. Furthermore, a name tag for administration purposes may be attached to the second ring 76 of the extension part 74.

[0063] The setup work for such an in-vehicle device 10 requires little man-hours and is extremely simple. For businesses that use dozens of vehicles 5 as sharing targets, the effort involved in the setup work is simplified. Even if a new model is adopted for the vehicle 5 to be shared, it can be easily accommodated by simply preparing new first members 63 and second members 64 that correspond to the new model. In both cases, new first members 63 and second members 64 can be produced in large quantities at low cost by simply creating cutting dies. Therefore, it is a great advantage for the administrator of the sharing system 3 that new models can be accommodated in a short amount of time.

[0064] Furthermore, by preparing a dedicated extension part 74, the electronic key 70 with the name tag attached to the end of the extension part 74 can be stored in the storage section 60 as is.

[0065] [Summary] The disclosure of the present specification according to the above-described embodiments can be summarized as follows.

[0066] An aspect of the present disclosure is an on-board device that includes a storage section that stores a desired electronic key from among multiple types of electronic keys for vehicles that differ in size and shape, and an actuator that performs a push button operation on the desired electronic key stored in the storage section, wherein the storage section has a first member that, when in contact with the surface opposite to the operation surface having the push button of the desired electronic key, positions the operation surface so that the operation surface satisfies a predetermined storage height condition, and a second member that, when in contact with the peripheral surface of the desired electronic key, positions the push button of the electronic key so that the position satisfies a predetermined push button operable position condition.

[0067] According to this aspect, the setup work when storing an electronic key in a vehicle unit can be quickly completed with minimal work, simply by appropriately selecting and combining the first and second members that correspond to the size and shape of the desired electronic key.

[0068] The electronic key may further include an intermediate member having a different positional relationship between a force point portion that receives the pressing operation of the actuator and an action point portion that contacts the push button of the desired electronic key, and a holding portion that holds the intermediate member in an exchangeable manner.

[0069] By selecting an intermediate member that corresponds to the position of the push button of the desired electronic key and holding it in the holder, electronic keys with different push button positions can be easily set up.

[0070] The second member may have a cutout portion that is cut out to match the outline of the desired electronic key when viewed from the fitting direction.

[0071] By using a hollowed-out part for the second member, second members corresponding to the contours of various electronic keys can be produced inexpensively and quickly.

[0072] The second member may be positioned above the first member in the storage section, and the storage section may have a third member which is a frame that holds down the outer edge of the second member to prevent the second member from falling out of the storage section.

[0073] By providing the third member, the positions of the first member and the second member can be stabilized.

[0074] The electronic key may have a key ring hole, and the desired electronic key stored in the storage section may have an extension part that is common to the multiple types of electronic keys attached to the key ring hole, and may further include an opening for allowing an end of the extension part attached to the desired electronic key stored in the storage section to protrude to the outside.

[0075] In vehicle sharing, a well-known method is to attach a name tag to the key ring hole on an electronic key indicating which vehicle the key is for. However, products that can be used as name tags come in a variety of shapes, and it may not be possible to store the electronic key in the storage unit with the name tag attached. By equipping the onboard unit with an extension part to which a name tag string or chain can be attached as a dedicated part that can be shared with the electronic key to be stored, it becomes possible to store the desired electronic key with the name tag attached in the storage unit via the extension part.

[0076] The second member may have an insertion portion through which the extension part attached to the desired electronic key accommodated in the accommodating portion passes through the opening.

[0077] Another aspect is an on-board device that includes: a storage section that stores a desired electronic key from among multiple types of electronic keys for vehicles that differ in size and shape; an actuator that performs a push button operation on the desired electronic key stored in the storage section; an intermediate member selected from multiple types of intermediate members that have different positional relationships between a force point that receives the pushing action of the actuator and an action point that contacts the push button of the desired electronic key, depending on the desired electronic key stored in the storage section; and a holding section that holds the intermediate member in an exchangeable manner.

[0078] The location of the push button on an electronic key varies depending on the design of the electronic key. Meanwhile, the position of the actuator installed in the in-vehicle unit is fixed. By configuring the system so that the actuator's operation is transmitted to the push button on the housed electronic key via an intermediate member and making the intermediate member replaceable, it becomes possible to easily set up electronic keys with various designs.

[0079] The device may further include a main case portion including the actuator and a sub-case portion constituting the storage portion, the sub-case portion being openably and closably connected to the main case portion and separable from the main case portion.

[0080] The sub-case portion may be a lid portion that can be pivoted on a pivot shaft of the main case portion, and may be detachable from the pivot shaft in the open state.

[0081] When setting up the storage section, the sub-case section can be removed from the main case section, improving workability.

[0082] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3... Sharing system 5... Vehicle 10... In-vehicle device 11... Main case section 12... Opening / closing operation section 14... Back cover 17... Oscillating shaft 18a... First mounting section 18b... Second mounting section 19... Holding section 30... Control board 41... First actuator 42... Second actuator 50... Intermediate member 60... Storage section 61... Sub-case section 62... Storage recess 63... First member 64... Second member 64k... Communication section 65... Third member 66... ​​Communication opening 67... Shaft gripping section 68... Hollowed-out section 70... Electronic key 73... Key ring hole 74... Extension part

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing a desired electronic key among a plurality of types of electronic keys for vehicles having different sizes and shapes; an actuator that performs a push button operation on the desired electronic key accommodated in the accommodation portion; Equipped with The storage section includes: a first member that, when in contact with a surface opposite to an operation surface having a push button of the desired electronic key, brings the operation surface into a position that satisfies a predetermined storage height condition; a second member that, when in contact with a peripheral surface of the desired electronic key, causes a position of the push button of the electronic key to satisfy a predetermined push button operable position condition; having Onboard equipment.

2. an intermediate member having a different positional relationship between a force point portion receiving a pressing operation of the actuator and an action point portion that comes into contact with a push button of the desired electronic key; A holding portion that holds the intermediate member in a replaceable manner; The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The second member has a cutout portion that is cut out according to the outline of the desired electronic key when viewed from the fitting direction. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1.

4. the second member is located above the first member in the housing portion, The storage section includes: a third member which is a frame that holds an outer edge portion of the second member to prevent the second member from falling out of the housing portion; having The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1.

5. The electronic key has a key ring hole, The desired electronic key to be stored in the storage unit has an extension part common to the plurality of types of electronic keys attached to the key ring hole, an opening for projecting an end of the extension part attached to the desired electronic key accommodated in the accommodation part to the outside; The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

6. The second member has an insertion portion through which the extension part attached to the desired electronic key accommodated in the accommodation portion passes through the opening. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 5.

7. a storage unit for storing a desired electronic key among a plurality of types of electronic keys for vehicles having different sizes and shapes; an actuator that performs a push button operation on the desired electronic key accommodated in the accommodation portion; an intermediate member provided with a force point portion that receives a pressing operation of the actuator and an action point portion that comes into contact with a push button of the desired electronic key; Equipped with The intermediate member has a width in a direction intersecting a direction of a push button operation of the actuator. Onboard equipment.

8. a main case portion containing the actuator; A sub-case portion constituting the storage portion; Further comprising: The sub-case portion is openably connected to the main case portion and is separable from the main case portion. The vehicle-mounted device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The sub-case portion is a cover portion that can be pivoted on a pivot shaft of the main case portion, and is detachable from the pivot shaft in an open state. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 8.