JP2003262058A - Keyless entry device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a keyless entry device increasing security against mischief and, at the same time, making workability of unlocking good. <P>SOLUTION: When an approach of the hand or the like to a door handle is detected by a door handle approaching sensor, signals are transmitted between the keyless entry device body 24 and a key 22, and a personal identification code signal is inputted in an intrinsic signal reference means 62 from the key 22. When it coincides with a vehicle inherent code signal, a door lock is unlocked, and when it does not coincide therewith, in the case disagreements predetermined times or more are detected within a prescribed time, an alarm sound or a warning is issued from a door horn 38 and, at the same time, the transmission of a request signal is prohibited for 30 seconds. Accordingly, an action of a person intentionally doing mischief is stopped and, at the same time, the waste of a battery caused by the signal communication is prevented. A mischief warning signal is transmitted to the key 22 from a signal transmitting means 68 to notify a person carrying the key 22 of the mischief. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyless entry device, and more particularly to a keyless entry device that automatically unlocks a door lock by communicating between a vehicle body and a portable transmitter of a driver.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a keyless entry device of this type, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In this device, as shown in FIG. 7, when the key carrier presses the request switch 4 provided near the door handle 2, a request signal is transmitted from the antenna 6 to the key 8 and a code signal is transmitted from the key 8 to the antenna. Reply to 6. If the controller 10 confirms that the code signal is the same as the vehicle-specific code signal, the door lock actuator 12
Is driven to unlock the door lock.

By configuring the keyless entry device in this way, the door lock can be unlocked without inserting the key into the key cylinder lock.

[0004]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-23667

[0005]

However, in the keyless entry device as described above, since the request switch 4 is exposed to the outside, a child or the like may press the request switch 4 and cause mischief. Moreover, each time the request switch 4 is pressed in this manner, a request signal is transmitted from the vehicle side, and the battery mounted on the vehicle is wasted.

Further, in the case of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a user uses a well-known transmitter (portable transmitter) equipped with a conventional mechanical key and a manual switch for unlocking or locking a door lock in a pocket or Although it is possible to save the trouble of taking it out of the bag and operating it, it is not possible to save the trouble of pushing the request switch 4. Therefore, for example, in a dark situation such as at night, there is a possibility that the position of the request switch 4 cannot be accurately recognized. For example, it is better to remove the transmitter from the pocket and push the manual switch to unlock the transmitter. However, there is a problem that the operability is deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in order to solve this kind of problem, and an object thereof is to provide a keyless entry device which improves the protection against mischief and has good unlocking workability. To do.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a request signal transmitting means for transmitting a request signal, and a code signal transmitted from a key in response to the request signal on the vehicle side. In a keyless entry device comprising a collating means for collating with a code signal stored in, and a door lock unlocking means for unlocking the door lock when the code signal is matched by the collating means, the sensor wire is a door handle. The door lock unlocking means is provided to be shielded from the outside inside and provided with an approach detecting means for detecting an approach of a human body based on a change in capacitance due to a part of a human body approaching the door handle. The door lock is unlocked on the condition that the code signals in the collating means match and the human body approaches in the approach detecting means.

According to the present invention, the sensor wire forming the approach detecting means is arranged inside the door handle so as to be shielded from the outside, so that the sensor wire is not exposed to the outside and the arrangement location is unknown. For example, it is less likely to be mischievous by a child or the like, the appearance quality is not deteriorated, and the waterproof property is excellent.

Further, since the approach detecting means detects the approach of the human body based on the change in the electrostatic capacitance due to the approach of a part of the human body, for example, the hand, to the door handle, the person is aware of the switch or the like. Since it is not necessary to manually operate the switch, the trouble of searching for a switch or the like can be saved in a dark place such as at night. That is, the door lock can be automatically unlocked during a series of operations for opening the door without requiring a conscious unlocking operation, which further improves the operability when riding in a parked vehicle. improves.

The approach detecting means is connected to a CR circuit including a capacitor to which the sensor line is connected, an oscillation circuit connected to one end of the CR circuit, and the other end of the CR circuit. A comparator for comparing the output of the CR circuit with a threshold level and outputting a detection signal. in this case,
When the human body approaches the door handle, the capacitance of the capacitor connected to the sensor line changes due to the stray capacitance that a person has, and the output of the CR circuit based on the change is compared with the threshold level by the comparator, It is output as a detection signal indicating approach. Therefore, the detection signal becomes an on / off signal and is not affected by noise, so that the detection accuracy is improved. Further, since the approach of a person can be determined by the ON / OFF signal, the determination method becomes simple.

In this case, the sensor line may be composed of two parallel sensor lines.

Since the approach detecting means includes a temperature correcting means for correcting the threshold level of the comparator, for example, it is possible to maintain a constant detection accuracy even if the outside air temperature near the door handle changes due to water drops such as rainwater. You can

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A keyless entry device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a keyless entry device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of essential parts of the keyless entry device, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a control block of the keyless entry device, and FIG. Explanatory drawing of the sensor, FIG.
3 is a flowchart of a keyless entry device showing control.

As shown in FIG. 1, the keyless entry device 20 according to the present embodiment has a key 22 carried by a driver.
And a device body 24 attached to the vehicle.

The key 22 is configured to send a personal identification code signal to the device body 24 when a request signal described later is received from the device body 24.

The device body 24 is provided with a key 2 on the ceiling of the vehicle body.
A transmitting antenna 26 that transmits a request signal to
And the receiving antennas 28a and 28b are provided on the right side surface and the left side surface of the vehicle body, respectively.

Inside the vehicle body, a key discrimination sensor 30 is provided on the handle portion. The key discrimination sensor 30
Is a switch for determining whether or not the key 22 has been inserted into the ignition switch, and is turned on when the key 22 is inserted.

Further, the silicon switch 3 is provided on the door portion.
2, a door handle approach sensor 34, a door lock actuator 36, and a door horn 38 are provided.

The silcon switch 32 is configured to be turned on when the silcon knob 40 provided on the door is pressed, that is, when the door lock is locked.

The door handle approach sensor 34 is a capacitance sensor and detects that a hand or the like approaches the door handle. As shown in FIG. 2, the door handle approach sensor 34 has two parallel sensor lines 44 arranged inside the door handle 42, and a CR circuit 48 of a detection circuit 46 for the sensor lines 44.
(See FIG. 4). In the detection circuit 46, as shown in FIG.
The R circuit 48 is connected to one end thereof, and the other end thereof is connected to one terminal of a comparator 54 via the differential amplifier circuit 52. The threshold level is input to the other terminal of the comparator 54 from a circuit including a thermistor 56 for temperature correction.

Therefore, in the detection circuit 46, when a hand or the like approaches the door handle 42, the capacitance of the CR circuit 48 changes and the output of the differential amplifier circuit 52 changes, and the comparator 54 compares the output with the threshold level. It is determined whether to derive the detection signal. In this case, since the output of the differential amplifier circuit 52 changes depending on the outside air temperature, the threshold level is also changed by the thermistor 56 in correspondence with the output. Therefore, the detection accuracy can be kept constant regardless of the outside air temperature.

The transmitting antenna 26 and the receiving antenna 28
a, 28b, key discrimination sensor 30, silcon switch 3
2, the door handle approach sensor 34, the door lock actuator 36, and the door horn 38 are electrically connected to the control unit 60.

The control unit 60 includes a unique signal collating means 62 for collating the personal identification code signal from the key 22 received by the receiving antennas 28a and 28b with a prestored unique code signal, and the unique signal collating means 62. The number of times that the code signals do not match in the door lock actuator driving means 64 that drives the door lock actuator 36 when the code signals match and the unique signal matching means 62 exceeds a predetermined number within a predetermined time. By means of a mischief judging means 66 for judging that a third party is intentionally mischievous in the door handle 42 and the like, and a signal transmitting means 6 for transmitting a request signal based on a detection signal from the door handle approach sensor 34.
8 and.

The mischief judging means 66 is internally provided with a counter for counting the number of times of non-coincidence of code signals in the unique signal collating means 62, and is connected to the door horn 38 via a horn relay 70.

The operation of the keyless entry device 20 thus constructed will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, it is confirmed whether or not there is an output from the door handle approach sensor 34 (step S1). In particular,
In the sensor 34, when a hand or the like enters a predetermined range (see FIG. 6) near the door handle 42, the detection circuit 4
The capacitance of the CR circuit 48 of 6 changes and the differential amplifier circuit 5
The output from 2 exceeds the threshold level and an output signal is derived from the comparator 54 to the signal transmitting means 68 to confirm the approach of the hand or the like.

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the request signal transmission is prohibited (step S2). This is because when a driver leaves the vehicle without noticing it by leaving the key 22 in the vehicle, a third person operates the door handle 42 to request the request signal and the secret code between the key 22 and the device body 24. This is because a signal may be exchanged and the door lock may be unlocked. Therefore, when the misplacement of the key 22 is detected, the request signal is in the transmission prohibited state. After all, if the transmission is prohibited (YES in step S2), so-called keyless entry by communication between the request signal and the secret code signal cannot be performed, so the following control for keyless entry or mischief detection is not performed.

If the request signal transmission is not prohibited, the key discrimination sensor 30 is turned on or the silcon switch is turned on.
It is confirmed whether or not it is FF (step S3). This has already confirmed if any of the door locks have been unlocked.

When all the door locks are locked (NO in step S3), the request signal is transmitted to the key 22 via the transmitting antenna 26 of the signal transmitting means 68 (step S4).

In response to the request signal, the code code signal is transmitted from the key 22 to the apparatus body 24, and is input to the unique signal collating means 62 in the apparatus body 24 via the receiving antenna 28a (28b). The unique signal collating means 62 collates the personal identification code signal with the vehicle-specific code signal stored in the apparatus body 24 in advance (step S5). If the code signals match, it is determined that the driver or the person carrying the key 22 is used, and the unlocking operation of the door lock is performed as follows.

First, it is judged whether or not the secret code signal is received by the left receiving antenna 28b (step S).
6). Since this vehicle has a left-hand drive, when the person carrying the key 22 is on the left side, it is determined that the driver should open the door of the driver's seat, and the door-lock actuator driving means 64 causes the door-lock actuator 36 to move. The drive signal is transmitted and only the door lock of the driver's seat is unlocked (step S7). On the other hand, if the reception antenna 28b on the left side does not receive the signal, it is not known which door is to be opened, so all the door locks are unlocked (step S).
8).

If the code signals do not match in step S5, it is determined whether or not the counter of the mischief determining means 66 has reached the predetermined number of times of mismatch within a predetermined time (step S9). When the number of times reaches the predetermined number, it is determined that there is a mischief, and a signal is derived from the mischief determining means 66 to the horn relay 70, and an alarm sound or a warning is issued from the door horn 38 (step S10). As a result, it is possible to stop the act of a third party who is intentionally mischievous.

Then, the mischief judging means 66 derives a request prohibition signal for 30 seconds from the mischief judging means 66 to the signal transmitting means 68, and the request signal transmission is prohibited for 30 seconds (step S11). This is to prevent an increase in battery consumption due to the transmission of the request signal when the door handle 42 is kept in contact with the alarm handle or warning. Further, after 30 seconds, the state where the request signal is transmitted is restored, so that even after the mischief, the wearer of the key 22 has no inconvenience in the keyless entry.

At the same time, the mischief judging means 66
The signal from the signal transmitting means 68 to the transmitting antenna 2
A mischief warning signal is transmitted to the key 22 via 6 (step S12). As a result, an alarm sound is emitted on the key 22 or a warning message is displayed on the display or the like, thereby notifying the wearer of the key 22 that the vehicle is mischievous.

In step S9, if the number of times of disagreement exceeds the predetermined number of times within the predetermined time, the steps from step S10 onward are taken. However, it is judged whether the time of the disagreement has passed the predetermined time or more. May be. In addition, in step S11, the request signal transmission is stopped for 30 seconds and then returned, but the stopped state may be maintained until the key is inserted into the key cylinder lock of the door. .

As described above, in the keyless entry device 20 according to the present embodiment, since the door handle approach sensor 34 in which the sensor wire 44 is arranged inside the door handle 42 is adopted, the location of the switch for children etc. I don't know the place, and it becomes difficult to be mischievous.

Furthermore, since the approach of the hand is detected in the vicinity of the door handle 42, the response of the unlocking operation is quick, and the door lock is already unlocked when the door handle 42 is gripped. Therefore, the door lock can be automatically unlocked in a series of operations for simply opening the door. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the range in which the sensor 34 detects the approach of the hand extends to the position of the key cylinder lock, and mischief with respect to the key cylinder lock can also be detected. Moreover, since the sensor 34 is not exposed to the outside, it has an excellent external appearance and an excellent waterproof property.

In the case of a mischief, if a predetermined number of times is reached within a predetermined time, an alarm sound or warning is issued from the door horn 38, so that the act of the person who intentionally makes a mischief can be stopped. . Moreover, at that time, since the transmission of the request signal is stopped for 30 seconds,
It is possible to prevent waste of the battery on the vehicle side. Also, 3
After 0 seconds, it returns to the normal state (request signal transmission possible), so there is no problem when the wearer of the key 22 attempts keyless entry.

[0041]

According to the keyless entry device of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, since the sensor wire forming the approach detecting means is arranged inside the door handle so as to be shielded from the outside, the sensor wire is not exposed to the outside and the location of the sensor wire is unknown. Therefore, it is less likely to be mischievous, the appearance quality is not deteriorated, and the waterproof property is excellent.

Further, since the approach detecting means detects the approach of the human body based on the change of the electrostatic capacitance due to the approach of a part of the human body, for example, the hand, to the door handle, the person directly touches the switch or the like. Since there is no need to touch it, for example, in a dark place such as at night, the trouble of finding a switch or the like is saved. That is, since the door lock can be automatically unlocked during a series of operations for simply opening the door, the operability is further improved.

The approach detecting means changes the electrostatic capacity of the capacitor connected to the sensor line due to the stray capacitance of the person when the human body approaches the door handle, and the output based on the change is thresholded by the comparator. Since the detected signal is compared with the level and is output as a detection signal indicating the approach of the human body, the detection signal becomes an on / off signal and is not affected by noise, so the detection accuracy is improved. Further, since the approach of a person can be determined by the ON / OFF signal, the determination method by the control means can be simplified.

Further, since the approach detecting means includes temperature correcting means for correcting the threshold level of the comparator, for example, even if the outside air temperature near the door handle changes due to water droplets such as rainwater, a constant detection accuracy is maintained. can do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory perspective view of a keyless entry device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of a keyless entry device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a keyless entry device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a door handle approach sensor of the keyless entry device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of the keyless entry device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a detection range of a door handle approach sensor of the keyless entry device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a keyless entry device according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 ... Keyless entry device 22 ... Key 24 ... Device body 34 ... Door handle approach sensor 66 ... Mischief determination means 68 ... Signal transmission means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) E05B 65/20 E05B 65/20 F term (reference) 2E250 AA21 BB04 BB08 BB15 BB26 BB35 BB65 CC11 CC12 CC21 CC28 DD06 EE02 EE10 FF23 FF27 FF36 HH02 JJ00 JJ03 JJ05 JJ47 KK03 LL01 LL03 PP12 QQ02 RR11 SS00 SS01 SS03 SS04 SS05 SS10 SS11 UU02 VV00

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A request signal transmitting means for transmitting a request signal, a collating means for collating a code signal transmitted from a key in response to the request signal with a code signal stored in a vehicle, and the collating means. In a keyless entry device including a door lock unlocking means for unlocking a door lock when the code signals match, a sensor wire is arranged inside the door handle so as to be shielded from outside, and Proximity detection means for detecting the approach of the human body based on the change in the capacitance due to the approach of the part is provided, the door lock unlocking means, the coincidence of the code signal in the verification means, and the human body in the proximity detection means A keyless entry device characterized in that a door lock is unlocked on the condition that a door is approached. 2. The keyless entry device according to claim 1, wherein the proximity detection means includes a CR circuit including a capacitor to which the sensor line is connected, an oscillation circuit connected to one end side of the CR circuit, And a comparator connected to the other end of the CR circuit, wherein the comparator compares the output of the CR circuit with a threshold level and outputs a detection signal. 3. The keyless entry device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor line is composed of two parallel sensor lines. 4. The keyless entry device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the approach detection means includes a temperature correction means for correcting the threshold level of the comparator.