JP4712536B2 - Engine starter for vehicle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine starter in a smart entry system for a vehicle that uses an electronic key by transmitting and receiving an electronic signal without using a physical mechanical key inserted into a cylinder lock.

  This type of smart entry system allows the driver to simply carry the electronic key, unlock the door and unlock the door by simply operating the detection means such as the mounted switch without inserting the mechanical key into the cylinder lock. The engine can be started.

  In this system, the driver generally operates detection means for detecting a door unlocking intention (getting on boarding) or locking intention (willing to get off the vehicle), or detecting means for detecting an intention to start or stop the engine. Thus, the main control unit of the vehicle transmits a request signal from outside or inside the vehicle. Then, the electronic key that has received the request signal transmits a response signal to the vehicle, and the main control unit that has received the response signal determines whether the response signal is a normal signal stored in advance or an illegal signal. It is analyzed whether it is. The main control unit executes door unlocking processing and locking processing or engine start processing and stop processing when the signal is a normal signal, and does not execute the processing when the signal is an illegal signal.

  Prior art document information relating to the engine starting device in the smart entry system of the present invention includes the following.

JP 2003-301664 A

  However, in the conventional engine starter, the process for confirming whether or not a regular electronic key exists in the vehicle is triggered by the fact that the engine start switch for starting the engine is turned on. Because of the long time from switch-on to engine start, there was a problem in operation responsiveness.

  The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an engine starter capable of quickly starting an engine and improving the operation response of an engine start switch.

In order to solve the above problems, an engine starter according to the present invention transmits an engine start switch that outputs an ON signal when a driver performs a predetermined engine start operation on an operation knob, and transmits a request signal toward the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle transmitting means, the receiving means for receiving the identification signal transmitted from the portable device that has received the request signal, and comparing the identification signal received by the receiving means with the authentication code stored in advance to start the engine. A main control unit that outputs an operation signal in the case of permission determination, in the case of permission determination and when an on signal is received from the engine start switch, and an engine based on the operation signal from the main control unit An engine control unit for controlling the operation of the engine, wherein the operation knob of the engine start switch is contacted with a human body. Provided a touch sensor for knowledge, the main control unit, in a state where the engine is stopped, when the contact of a human body to the operation knob sensed by the touch sensor, the on-signal from the engine start switch is input The authentication operation from the transmission of the request signal to the comparison determination of the identification signal is started without waiting, and when the identification signal is authenticated, an ON signal from the engine start switch is input. After that, the engine operation signal is controlled to be output .

  In this engine start device, when the main control unit detects an intention to operate the engine start switch by the touch sensor provided on the engine start switch, that is, contact of the human body with the operation knob of the engine start switch, The authentication operation from the transmission of the request signal to the comparison judgment is started without waiting for the ON signal to be input. When an on signal is input by an engine start operation of the engine start switch, if the result of the authentication operation is a determination of permission to start the engine, an operation signal for permitting engine start is output to the engine control unit. Thus, since the authentication operation can be started in advance without waiting for the engine start operation of the engine start switch, the time from the engine start operation of the engine start switch to the engine start can be shortened. As a result, the operation response of the engine start switch can be improved, and the operator does not feel uncomfortable when starting the engine. Also, if the human body does not touch the engine start switch, the authentication operation of the portable device will not be performed, so even if something other than the human body accidentally touches the engine start switch, the engine will not start and the engine will start unexpectedly. This can be surely prevented.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the engine starter of the present invention, the time from the engine start operation of the engine start switch to the engine start can be shortened, and the operation responsiveness of the engine start switch can be improved. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a smart entry system for a vehicle 20 equipped with a vehicle engine starter according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in this smart entry system, a physical mechanical key is assigned to a vehicle 20 equipped with a device for traveling by using a plurality (four in the present embodiment) of electronic keys (hereinafter referred to as “portable devices”) 10A to 10D. It can be used without being used.

  First, the portable devices 10A to 10D generally include a receiving unit 11, a transmitting unit 14, a battery power supply unit 17, a portable device memory 18 serving as a storage unit, and a control unit 19 including a microcomputer.

  The receiving means 11 comprises an LF (low frequency) receiving circuit 13 to which a coil antenna 12 is connected. The LF receiving circuit 13 generates an electromotive force when the coil antenna 12 is electromagnetically induced by an activation signal transmitted from the vehicle 20 and activates a control unit 19 described later. In addition, a request signal transmitted from the vehicle 20 is received and output to the control unit 19.

  The transmission means 14 comprises an RF (radio frequency) transmission circuit 16 to which a transmission antenna 15 is connected. The RF transmission circuit 16 generates an identification signal that is a reply to the vehicle 20 and transmits the identification signal from the transmission antenna 15.

  The battery power supply unit 17 is formed of a battery circuit equipped with a battery, and is activated by an operation signal from the control unit 19 to an operation state in which power can be supplied.

  The portable device memory 18 stores different request signals and identification signals assigned in advance to the portable devices 10A to 10D.

  The control unit 19 is temporarily activated by the electromotive force input from the receiving means 11, first outputs an operation signal to the battery power supply unit 17, and thereafter operates with the power from the battery power supply unit 17. To do. Then, the request signal received after the activation signal from the vehicle 20 is compared with the request data stored in the memory 18 for the portable device, and if they match, the portable devices 10A to 10D are transmitted via the transmission means 14. A self-identification signal assigned for each is output. When transmission is completed, the power from the battery power supply unit 17 is cut off after a predetermined time.

  Next, the vehicle 20 is roughly a door lock device 22, which is an in-vehicle device, an engine control unit 23, and a steering lock device 26, and a plurality of detection means 30 to 35 for detecting the driver's intention to operate the in-vehicle device. , Wireless communication means 36, 40, 45 with portable devices 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D, a vehicle power supply unit 48, and a main control unit 50, which are connected by a control area network (hereinafter referred to as “CAN”) 21. It is a thing. The CAN 21 connects each in-vehicle device and detection means of the vehicle 20 to the main control unit 50 so that various internal and external information can be multiplexed with the main control unit 50.

  The door lock device 22 unlocks a door that can be opened by operating an outer handle 37 (see FIG. 2) on the outside of the vehicle or an inner handle (not shown) on the inside of the vehicle so that the door can be unlocked and unlocked. By doing so, it is a door lock control mechanism that locks and unlocks the door of the vehicle 20. This door lock device 22 is switched between a locked (locked) state and an unlocked (unlocked) state by operation of an actuator which is a drive device. In addition, taking into account the situation where electrical unlocking due to insufficient power storage of the battery 49 is impossible, the door is provided with a cylinder lock (not shown) similar to the conventional one, and a physical mechanical key (not shown). It is also possible to lock and unlock by inserting and operating. The door lock device 22 includes a lock link switch that is a door lock state detection unit (vehicle non-use state detection unit) for detecting whether the door is in the locked state or the unlocked state. Yes.

  The engine control unit 23 is a driving device that performs engine start control and stop control based on an operation signal from the main control unit 50. At the time of start control, a signal for operating the cell motor 24 is output to the relay 25 by an operation signal received from the main control unit 50 via the CAN 21. However, the cell motor 24 is supplied with an operation signal from the engine control unit 23 and the main control unit 50 outputs an operation signal to the vehicle power supply unit 48, whereby electric power is supplied from the vehicle power supply unit 48 to the relay 25. Does not operate unless AND is supplied (AND processing). Further, during stop control, a signal for shutting off the fuel system and electrical system of the engine is output. Further, it functions as an engine state detection unit (vehicle non-use state detection unit) that detects an operating state or a stopped state of the engine by an engine drive system, a cooling system, or the like.

  The steering lock device 26 locks the steering shaft so that it cannot rotate and unlocks it so that it can rotate by advancing and retracting a lock bolt with respect to the steering shaft. The lock bolt is electrically advanced and retracted by a driving device such as a motor. In order to prevent malfunction, an operation signal is input from the main control unit 50 and power from the vehicle power supply unit 48 is received. If not supplied, it does not operate (AND processing). The steering lock device 26 is equipped with a lock sensor that detects the locked state of the steering shaft and an unlock sensor that detects the unlocked state.

  As other in-vehicle devices (loads), an audio 27 that is activated when an ignition switch 33 to be described later is operated to the “ACC” state, and a vehicle that is newly activated when the ignition switch 33 is operated to the “ON” state. When the travel control device 29 including the air conditioner 28 and the engine control unit is provided and the ignition switch 33 is operated in the “START” state, only the travel control device 29 is operated.

  As the detection means for detecting the driver's intention to operate the in-vehicle device, a handle touch sensor 30, a door lock switch 31, a door switch 32, an ignition switch 33, a brake pedal switch 34, and a gear shift switch 35 are mounted.

  The handle touch sensor 30 is provided in the outer handle 37 of the door, and detects the intention to get on the human body when the human body contacts the handle. The door lock switch 31 is provided outside the outer handle 37 of the door and detects the intention of getting off of the human body (willingness to lock the door). Further, the door switch 32 which is a door open / closed state detection unit is a switch which is turned on when the door is closed and turned off when the door is opened, and detects a person's intention to get on (state) and an intention to get off (state).

  The ignition switch 33 that is an engine start switch is a push switch that is turned on (short-circuited) only while the operation is continued, and is intended to operate an in-vehicle device such as the audio 27 and the in-vehicle air conditioner 28 by the human body (driver). An intention to start and stop the engine is detected, and an operation (ON) signal is output to the main control unit 50. The operation knob of the ignition switch 33 is provided with a touch sensor that detects contact with the human body.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the ignition switch 33 provided with the touch sensor 100. The ignition switch 33 is housed in the case 101 so as to be able to advance and retreat, and from the operation unit 102a and the slide unit 102b. And a dome-shaped rubber switch 105 provided with a movable electrode plate 104 that short-circuits the pair of switch electrodes 103 by a pressing operation of the operation knob 102, and a screw 106 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob 102. The movable contact 107, the fixed electrode 108 with which the movable contact 107 always contacts, and the terminal base 109 in which the switch electrode 103 and the fixed electrode 108 are integrally provided. Conductive plating is decorated on the upper surface and outer peripheral surface of the operation knob 102, and this plating and the movable contact 104 are electrically connected. The fixed electrode 108 is connected to a human body contact detection circuit 110 for detecting human contact with the operation knob 102.

  When the human body comes into contact with the fixed electrode 108, the human body contact detection circuit 110 changes the capacitance of a capacitor (not shown) in the circuit, and can detect the contact of the human body by detecting the change. It has become. That is, when the human body comes into contact with the operation knob 102, the fixed electrode 108 is electrically connected to the human body via the plating of the operation knob 102 and the movable contact 104. The human body contact detection circuit 110 detects this, and a human body detection signal indicating that the human body has touched the operation knob 102 is output to the main control unit 50.

  In the present embodiment, the touch sensor 100 includes a plating on the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob 102, a movable contact 107, a fixed electrode 108, and a human body contact detection circuit 110. In the present embodiment, the touch sensor 100 is a capacitive sensor. However, the touch sensor 100 is not limited to this, and may be one that detects by infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, light, heat rays, or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, a push switch is adopted as an engine start switch, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the switch is turned on by operating an operation knob such as a rotary operation rotary switch or a slide switch. Anything that can be turned off is acceptable.

  The brake pedal switch 34 is a normally open switch that is turned on when the brake is depressed and is turned off when the brake is depressed. The brake pedal switch 34 detects the driver's intention to start the engine when the engine is not operating. The gear shift switch 35 is a switch that is turned on only when the gear shift is operated to the “P (parking)” position, and detects a driver's intention to start or stop the engine.

  Further, as the wireless communication means of the vehicle 20, a pair of vehicle transmission means 36A, 36B, a pair of vehicle transmission means 40A, 40B, and a vehicle interior / reception receiving means 45 are mounted.

  The vehicle exterior transmitting means 36A, 36B includes vehicle exterior coil antennas 38 respectively disposed in the outer handles 37A, 37B of the front, rear, left and right doors shown in FIG. 2, and vehicle exterior LFs connected to the vehicle exterior coil antennas 38 ( (Low frequency) transmission circuit 39. The on-vehicle LF transmission circuit 39 generates an activation signal and a request signal for the portable devices 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D and transmits them from the on-vehicle coil antenna 38.

  The in-vehicle transmission means 40A and 40B include an in-vehicle coil antenna 43 and an out-of-vehicle LF transmission circuit connected to each in-vehicle coil antenna 43, respectively. The in-vehicle LF transmission circuit 44 is the same as that in FIG. And based on the transmission request signal from the main control part 50 by detecting the operation intention of the ignition switch 33 (contact of the human body to the operation knob 102 of the ignition switch 33), each portable device 10A to 10D An activation signal and a request signal are transmitted.

  The vehicle interior / external reception means 45 includes a reception antenna 46 disposed on the center console 42 shown in FIG. 2 and an RF (radio frequency) reception circuit 47 connected to the reception antenna 46. The RF receiving circuit 47 receives an identification signal from the portable devices 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D that has received the request signal, and outputs it to the main control unit 50.

  The vehicle power supply 48 is connected to a battery 49, and the power supply mode is switched to “START”, “ACC”, “IG (ON)”, and “OFF” positions by a signal from the main control unit 50, and the vehicle 20 Connect and disconnect the predetermined power path. Thereby, the power supplied to each in-vehicle device is controlled. The vehicle power supply unit 48 receives power control signals from a main control unit 50, which will be described later, in two lines via a CAN 21 and a direct line (hereinafter referred to as “COM”). If not detected, the power supply path switching operation is not performed (AND processing). In addition, the relay 25 and the steering lock device 26 that are in-vehicle devices are supplied with electric power only for a preset time by the input of a control signal from the main control unit 50.

  The main control unit 50 is a microcomputer, which receives detection signals (information) from the detection units 30 to 35 and reception signals (information) from the vehicle inside / outside reception unit 45 by the CAN 21 and the directly connected COM. Based on each information, each vehicle-mounted device and transmission means 36A, 36B, 40A, 40B are controlled. Note that a control program based on each information, authentication data (ID) used in the program, a determination result, and the like are stored in a vehicle memory 51 which is a rewritable storage unit.

  The main control unit 50 is connected to the detection means 30 to 35 and the wireless communication means 36, 40, and 45 with the portable devices 10A to 10D by COM. Further, it is connected to the door lock device 22 by COM, and outputs an unlock signal when detecting the driver's intention to unlock or get on, while outputting a lock signal when detecting the driver's intention to lock or get off. Furthermore, when the vehicle power supply unit 48 is connected to both the CAN 21 and COM, and the brake pedal switch 34 is turned off and the ignition switch 33 is operated in less than 0.5 seconds, the power mode is changed every time the operation is performed. The control signals are output in two series so as to switch to “ACC”, “IC (ON)”, and “OFF”. On the other hand, when the ignition switch 33 is operated while the brake pedal switch 34 is on, an operation signal is output to the engine control unit 23 via the CAN 21 and an operation signal 2 is output to the vehicle power supply unit 48 via the COM. Output in series. Furthermore, the steering lock device 26 is connected in two lines, a direct COM connection and an indirect COM connection via the vehicle power supply unit 48, and the steering lock device 26 is directly locked or unlocked. While outputting a signal, the control signal which makes the power supply part 48 for vehicles supply electric power with respect to the steering lock apparatus 26 is output by 2 series.

  And these controls perform the confirmation process with a key (portable machine 10A-10D) exploration process at the time of a driver's getting off, a non-use state after getting off, at the time of getting on a human body, and at the time of starting of an engine, A predetermined operation signal is output only when portable devices 10A to 10D that are not used and are not present in the vehicle (not left behind) are present. Specifically, when the driver gets off, an operation signal related to the door lock process is output, when a human body gets on, an operation signal related to the door unlock process is output, and when the engine starts, an operation signal related to the engine operation process is output. To do. Further, in a non-use state after getting off, a regular in-vehicle key search process is executed to set an invalid key in each process.

  In the non-use state, the vehicle 20 is in a non-use state when a stop state of the engine is detected through the engine control unit 23 and the door is in a lock state through the door lock device 22. Judgment. In addition, the vehicle key search process sequentially transmits a start signal and a different request signal for each of the portable devices 10A to 10D from the vehicle transmission means 36A and 36B to the outside of the vehicle. Further, in the in-vehicle key search process, the activation signal and different request signals for each of the portable devices 10A to 10D are sequentially transmitted from the in-vehicle transmission means 40A and 40B toward the inside of the vehicle. And these key search processes compare the identification signal which differs for every portable machine 10A-10D received by the vehicle inside / outside receiving means 45 with the authentication code stored in the vehicle memory 51 in advance, and the matching portable machine It is determined whether or not 10A to 10D exist.

  Specifically, the main control unit 50 according to the present embodiment detects the intention to get off the vehicle by using the door lock switch 31 or the door switch 32 that is a means of getting off the vehicle when the driver gets out of the vehicle. Car interior / external mobile device position detection processing) is executed, and a flag indicating the presence or absence of each of the mobile devices 10A to 10D is stored (set) in the vehicle memory 51. Then, when there are authenticated mobile devices 10A to 10D outside the vehicle, the lock operation by the door lock device 22 is executed, and when there are authenticated specific mobile devices 10A to 10D existing in the vehicle, A key closing flag indicating that the portable devices 10A to 10D existing in the vehicle are misplaced is set and stored in the vehicle memory 51, and the unlocking operation by the portable devices 10A to 10D is performed. Ban. Further, when there is no authenticated portable device 10A to 10D outside the vehicle, the lock operation by the door lock device 22 is not executed.

  After getting off (unused state), a confirmation process for confirming the presence or absence of the misplaced portable devices 10A to 10D is performed by executing a key search process in the vehicle every predetermined time. Then, the detected portable devices 10A to 10D are stored in the vehicle memory 51, and the unlocking operation of the door lock device 22 by the stored specific portable devices 10A to 10D and all the operations associated with the operation of the ignition switch 33 are performed. Perform the prohibited operation setting process.

  When a human body is in the vehicle, the vehicle key search process and the vehicle key search process are executed, and when other portable devices 10A to 10D other than the specific portable devices 10A to 10D stored in the vehicle memory 51 exist outside the vehicle. The door unlocking operation is executed by the identification signals of the portable devices 10A to 10D. When this unlocking operation is executed, the door unlock prohibition setting and the ignition switch 33 prohibition setting by the specific portable devices 10A to 10D stored in the vehicle memory 51 are cancelled.

  When the engine is started by the driver, the in-vehicle key search process is executed, and when there are other portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle except for the specific portable devices 10A to 10D stored in the vehicle memory 51, The operation of the ignition switch 33 is validated by the identification signals of the machines 10A to 10D and switched to a predetermined power supply mode. When the engine is stopped, the in-vehicle key search process is not executed, and the stop operation is permitted regardless of the presence or absence of the portable devices 10A to 10D.

  In the present embodiment, the portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle are taken out of the vehicle by the passenger or the like while the engine is operating, and the portable devices 10A to 10D do not exist in the vehicle, and the door is changed from the open state to the closed state. When the door switch 32 detects this, the engine start permission determination result (hereinafter referred to as “engine restart permission flag”) is stored in the vehicle memory 51. Then, when the operation of the ignition switch 33 is detected thereafter, the operation from the transmission of the request signal from the in-vehicle transmission means 40 to the comparison judgment (in-vehicle key search processing) is skipped, and the engine operation is directly performed to the engine control unit 23. The signal is output. That is, when the ON signal from the ignition switch 33 is detected, it is detected whether or not the engine restart permission flag is set in the vehicle memory 51. If it is not set, the in-vehicle key search process is executed. When permitted, an operation signal is output to the engine control unit 23, while when set, the operation signal is directly output to the engine control unit 23 without executing the in-vehicle key search process. It is configured. The engine restart permission flag is cleared when the door lock is detected and the engine stop is detected.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the engine control unit 23 causes the engine control unit 23 to output the engine control unit 23 due to a decrease in battery voltage, engine malfunction, or the like. When it is detected that the engine is not started, the engine start permission determination result (hereinafter referred to as “engine flag”) is stored in the vehicle memory 51. When the operation of the ignition switch 33 is subsequently detected, the operation from the transmission of the request signal from the in-vehicle transmission means 40 to the comparison judgment (in-vehicle key search processing) is skipped, and the engine operation is directly performed to the engine control unit 23. The signal is output. That is, when the ON signal from the ignition switch 33 is detected, it is detected whether or not the engine flag is set in the vehicle memory 51. If not, the vehicle key search process is executed and permitted. The operation signal is output to the engine control unit 23, and when set, the operation signal is directly output to the engine control unit 23 without executing the in-vehicle key search process. . The engine stall flag is cleared when engine start is detected and when door opening is detected. When the engine is started, the prohibition setting of the operation of the ignition switch 33 by the specific portable devices 10A to 10D stored in the vehicle memory 51 is canceled. That is, when the ignition switch 33 is operated by a signal or mechanical key of another portable device 10A to 10D that is not stored in the vehicle memory 51, the operation prohibition setting by the specific portable device 10A to 10D stored in the vehicle memory 51 is set. To release.

  In the vehicle 20 configured as described above, the handle touch sensor 30, door lock switch 31, door switch 32, drive device and door lock device 22 which is a vehicle non-use state detection unit, and engine control unit, which are means for detecting the intention to get on and off the vehicle. 23, in-vehicle transmission means 40A and 40B which are wireless communication means, outside transmission means 36A and 36B, in-and-outside reception means 45, main control unit 50 which is control means, and vehicle memory 51 which is storage means, A vehicle keyless entry device that controls locking and unlocking of doors by the portable devices 10A to 10D without using the device is configured. In addition, the ignition switch 33, the touch sensor 100, the door switch 32 that detects the open / closed state of the door, the in-vehicle transmission means 40A and 40B that are wireless communication means, the in-and-out receiving means 45, the engine control unit 23 that controls the operation of the engine, The main control unit 50, which is a control means, and the vehicle memory 51, which is a storage means, constitute an engine starter that controls the start of the engine by the portable devices 10A to 10D without using a mechanical key.

  Next, the control of the smart entry system including the keyless entry device and the engine start device by the main control unit 50 of the vehicle 20 will be specifically described.

  In this smart entry system, when the vehicle 20 is in use, door lock processing, door unlock processing, engine operation processing, and vehicle travel control processing are executed in parallel. The door unlock process and the regular vehicle key search process are executed in parallel. Among these, the vehicle travel control process is a control related to the original travel of the vehicle regardless of the presence or absence of the portable devices 10A to 10D, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  First, in the door lock process, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 50 detects whether or not the door has been opened by the door switch 32 in step S <b> 1-1. If the door opening is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1-2. If the door opening is detected, the process proceeds to step S1-3.

  In step S1-2, it is detected whether or not the door lock switch 31 is turned on by the driver. If the on operation is not detected, the process returns to step S1-1. If the on operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1-5.

  In step S1-3, an engine stall flag indicating that the engine has not been started despite the output of an operation signal for starting the engine is cleared. Here, the engine stall flag is used for storing a situation in which the engine is not started due to a malfunction of the engine in spite of outputting an operation signal for starting the engine in an engine operation process described later.

  After that, in step S1-4, the process waits until the door blockage is detected by the door switch 32. When the door blockage is detected, in step S1-5, all key search processing in the vehicle is executed. In step S1-6, it is detected whether there is an authentication OK (match) portable device 10A to 10D in the vehicle. If an authentication key exists, the process proceeds to step S1-7, and no authentication key exists. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1-9.

  In step S1-7, an in-vehicle key presence flag is set, which means that there are authenticated portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle, and in step S1-8, the specific portable devices 10A to 10D are in the vehicle. A key closing flag indicating that it is left behind is set, and the process proceeds to step S1-10. In step S1-9, an in-vehicle key absence flag is set, which means that there are no authenticated portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle, and the process proceeds to step S1-10.

  In step S1-10, after executing the key search process outside the vehicle, it is detected in step S1-11 whether or not the portable devices 10A to 10D with authentication OK exist outside the vehicle. If the authentication key exists, the process proceeds to step S1-12 to set an out-of-vehicle key presence flag which means that the authenticated portable devices 10A to 10D exist outside the vehicle, and proceeds to step S1-14 shown in FIG. move on. If there is no authentication key, the process proceeds to step S1-13 to set a no-vehicle-existing key flag indicating that there are no authenticated portable devices 10A to 10D outside the vehicle, and to step S1-14 shown in FIG. move on.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S1-14, the engine control unit 23 detects whether the engine is operating. If the engine is operating, the process proceeds to step S1-15. If the engine is not operating, the process proceeds to step S1-17.

  In step S1-15, the information in the memory is read to detect whether or not the in-vehicle key presence flag is in the absence state (the state where the portable devices 10A to 10D do not exist in the vehicle). If the in-vehicle key present flag is not present, the process proceeds to step S1-16. If the in-vehicle key present flag is present, the process proceeds to step S1-17.

  In step S1-16, an engine restart permission flag is set, and the process proceeds to step S1-17. Here, the restart permission flag means that when the passenger unintentionally takes out the key while the engine is operating, if the engine is stopped once, the engine cannot be started again. In order to prevent the inconvenience, once it is determined that the key is present by the key approval operation, even if the door is opened and closed during engine operation, the subsequent key approval operation is not required. It is.

  In step S1-17, it is detected whether or not the door lock switch 31 has already been turned on (step S1-2) and whether or not a new on operation has been performed. That is, it is determined whether the door lock process is due to opening / closing of the door or the operation of the door lock switch 31. If the on operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1-18. If the on operation is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1-22.

  In step S1-18, the information in the memory is read to detect whether or not the vehicle outside key presence flag is present (a state where the portable devices 10A to 10D exist outside the vehicle). If the vehicle outside key presence flag is present, the process proceeds to step S1-19. If the vehicle exterior key present flag is absent, the door lock process is terminated (returns to step S1-1).

  In step S1-19, it is determined that the driver desires to lock the door by a regular procedure by operating the door lock switch 31, and a door lock signal is output to the actuator of the door lock device 22 in step S1-19. Proceed to S1-20.

  In step S1-20, it is detected whether or not a reply indicating that the door is locked from the lock link switch of the door lock device 22 has been received. If a reply is received, the process proceeds to step S1-21 to execute a door lock in-car key search process, which will be described later, and the door lock process is terminated. If no reply is received, the door lock process is terminated.

   On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S1-17 that the door lock switch 31 is turned on, in step S1-22, the information in the memory is read and the vehicle key present flag is present (the portable devices 10A to 10D exist outside the vehicle). It is detected whether or not If the vehicle outside key presence flag is present, the process proceeds to step S1-23. If the vehicle exterior key present flag is absent, the door lock process is terminated.

  In step S1-23, after executing a vehicle outside all key search process to be described later, in step S1-24, information of the portable devices 10A to 10D detected outside the vehicle is stored in the memory, and the process proceeds to step S1-25.

  In step S1-25, the standby timer (approximately 0.2 seconds) is reset and started, and then in step S1-26, the process waits until the standby timer counts up. When the standby timer counts up, after executing the all-vehicles key search process again in step S1-27, it is compared with the previous search result stored in step S1-24 in step S1-28.

  In step S1-29, it is determined whether or not there are portable devices 10A to 10D that have become undetectable, that is, whether or not the driver who has the portable devices 10A to 10D has left the wireless communication range. Judging. Then, when there are portable devices 10A to 10D that cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S1-19, and when portable devices 10A to 10D that cannot be detected exist, the process returns to step S1-25. That is, the outside-vehicle all-key search process is executed every predetermined time until portable devices 10A to 10D that cannot be detected are generated.

  In addition, when reaching step S1-29 to step S1-19, the main control unit 50 determines that the driver has left the vehicle 20 for some reason without operating the door lock switch 31, and the door lock device 22 After outputting the door lock signal to the actuator, Steps S1-20 and S1-21 are performed in the same manner as described above to complete the door lock process.

  Thus, in the door lock process, the main control unit 50 performs a plurality of operations when the door of the vehicle 20, which means an occupant's intention to get off, changes from the open state to the closed state, or when the door lock switch 31 is operated. Car interior / exterior portable machine position detection processing is performed in which a request signal that differs for each portable device is transmitted in sequence. Therefore, the positions of the portable devices 10A to 10D can be recognized.

  Then, when there are legitimate portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle, the “in-vehicle key present flag” is set, and the setting for prohibiting the unlocking of the door in the specific portable devices 10A to 10D is performed. If the engine is operating and there are no portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle, an “engine restart permission flag” is set. Further, when the door lock switch 31 is operated, if there are other portable devices 10A to 10D to be authenticated outside the vehicle, a door lock signal is transmitted to the door lock actuator to lock the door. On the other hand, when the door is opened and closed and the door lock switch 31 is not operated, when there are portable devices 10A to 10D to be authenticated outside the vehicle, when one or more portable devices 10A to 10D cannot be detected, the door A door lock signal is sent to the lock actuator to lock the door. Therefore, it is possible to reliably improve the safety related to theft and the convenience in use.

  And the main control part 50 as a keyless entry apparatus will perform the confirmation process of the presence or absence of portable machine 10A-10D in a vehicle, if the lock state of a door is detected by a lock link switch. Therefore, even when locked using a mechanical key, or when the keyless lock is applied by closing the door while opening the handle outside the vehicle by locking with the door lock knob when getting off, the portable devices 10A to 10D are left behind in the vehicle. Can be detected.

  Next, the in-vehicle key search process at the time of door lock in step S1-21 will be described.

  In this door lock in-vehicle key search process, as shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 50 detects whether the engine is stopped by the engine control unit 23 in step S2-1. If the engine is stopped, the process proceeds to step S2-2. If the engine is operating, the process returns.

  In step S2-2, after clearing the engine restart permission flag, in-vehicle key search processing is executed in step S2-3. In step S2-4, it is determined whether or not the authenticated portable devices 10A to 10D have been detected. If no authentication key exists, the process proceeds to step S2-5 to clear all the key confinement flags. Return. If an authentication key exists, the process proceeds to step S2-6.

  In step S2-6, after setting the key closing flag for all the authentication keys present in the vehicle, a warning sound is output in step S2-7. In step S2-8, the 3-second timer is reset and started, and then in step S2-9, the process waits until the 3-second timer counts up. When the count-up is performed, the process proceeds to step S2-10.

  In step S2-10, the presence or absence of an answer due to the operation of the driver, such as operation of the ignition switch 33, is detected by each detection means. If an answer is detected, the process returns as it is. If no answer is detected, the process proceeds to step S2-11 to prohibit the switching operation of the vehicle power source 48 by operating the ignition switch 33 for the portable devices 10A to 10D detected in step S2-3. Set and return.

  As described above, in the door lock key search process, if the door is locked and the engine is stopped, the engine restart permission flag is cleared and the key search is performed to confirm that the portable devices 10A to 10D are misplaced. Process. When the presence of the portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle is detected, a key forgotten warning is generated to notify the driver, and if there is no answer from the driver, it is determined that the key is a misplaced key. Subsequent operations of the ignition switch 33 by 10A to 10D are invalidated. Of course, this process is also executed when the door is locked by a conventional mechanical key. Therefore, the antitheft property of the vehicle 20 can be improved.

  Next, in a non-use state in which the door is locked by the door lock process while the engine is stopped, the main control unit 50 executes the regular vehicle key search process shown in FIG.

  In this regular vehicle key search process, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 50 stands by until the door is locked by the lock link switch of the door lock device 22 in step S 3-1. When the lock state is entered, it is detected in step S3-2 whether or not the ignition switch 33 is in an off state. If it is in the off state, the process proceeds to step S3-3, and if it is in the on state (any of ACC, IG1, and IG2), the process returns to step S3-1.

  In step S3-3, the 1 hour timer is reset and started, and then in step S3-4, the process waits until the 1 hour timer counts up. When the count up is performed, the process proceeds to step S3-5. Note that the timer which is the standby time is not limited to one hour, and can be changed as desired.

  In step S3-5, the door lock device 22 detects whether or not the door is still locked. If the door is locked, the process proceeds to step S3-6. If the door is unlocked, step S3-6 is performed. Proceed to 7.

  In step S3-6, it is detected whether or not the ignition switch 33 is still in an off state. If it is in the on state, the process proceeds to step S3-7. If it is in the off state, the process proceeds to step S3-8.

  In step S3-7, it is determined that the non-use state of the vehicle 20 has been released, the one-hour timer is stopped, and the process returns to step S3-1.

  On the other hand, in step S3-8, after executing the in-vehicle key search process described later, in step S3-9, it is detected whether or not the portable devices 10A to 10D to be authenticated exist. If the authentication key exists, the process proceeds to step S3-10. If the authentication key does not exist, the process proceeds to step S3-12.

  In step S3-10, after setting the key closing flag for all the portable devices 10A to 10D that have been left in the vehicle detected in S3-8, in step S3-11, the set specific portable devices 10A to 10A to 10D. The operation of the vehicle power supply unit 48 based on the operation of the ignition switch 33 by 10D is set to be prohibited for each of the portable devices 10A to 10D, and the process returns to step S3-3.

  On the other hand, in step S3-12, the key closure flags of all the portable devices 10A to 10D are cleared so as to mean that there are no portable devices 10A to 10D left in the vehicle, and the process returns to step S3-3.

  As described above, in the regular vehicle key search process, if the door is locked and the ignition switch 33 is in the off state, the confirmation process is executed every hour, and if there are portable devices 10A to 10D to be authenticated in the vehicle, The unlocking operation in the specific portable devices 10A to 10D and the operation of the vehicle power supply unit 48 by the operation of the ignition switch 33 are prohibited. Therefore, the antitheft property of the vehicle 20 can be improved.

  That is, when the main control unit 50 as a keyless entry device detects the non-use state of the vehicle 20, the main control unit 50 performs a process for confirming the presence / absence of the portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle every predetermined time. Therefore, even if there is a movement of the portable devices 10A to 10D without an operation such as opening and closing of the door when the vehicle 20 is not in use, the state can be reliably detected. Therefore, the location of the mobile devices 10A to 10D can be accurately grasped, and control without malfunction can be performed. Further, the determination of the non-use state does not depend on one operation, but depends on two conditions depending on the lock state of the door lock device 22 and the operating state of the engine. The confirmation process can be executed only when Therefore, unnecessary battery consumption can be suppressed.

  Next, in the door locked state, the main control unit 50 executes a door unlocking process shown in FIG.

  In this door unlocking process, as shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 50 waits until it detects the driver's intention to get on when the handle touch sensor 30 is turned on in step S4-1, and turns on the on state. If detected, the process proceeds to step S4-2.

  In step S4-2, the door switch 32 detects whether or not the door is closed. If the door is closed, the process proceeds to step S4-3. If the door is open, the door unlocking process is terminated (returns to step S4-1).

  In step S4-3, it is detected whether or not the vehicle 20 is stopped from the drive system of the engine via the engine control unit 23. If the vehicle is stopped, the process proceeds to step S4-4. If the vehicle is traveling, the door unlock process is terminated.

  In step S4-4, an activation signal for activating the portable devices 10A to 10D is transmitted from the outside transmission means 36A and 36B, and then the order n of the portable devices 10A to 10D to be searched is set to 1 in step S4-5.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, after acquiring the ID data of the n-th portable devices 10A to 10D from the key search order data stored in the memory in step S4-6, in step S4-7, the outside transmission means 36A. , 36B, the request signal of the specific portable device 10A to 10D is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S4-8.

  In step S4-8, the presence / absence of a response from the portable devices 10A to 10D is detected based on the presence / absence of an identification signal input from the in-vehicle / outside receiving means 45. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S4-9. If there is no response, the process proceeds to step S4-16.

  In step S4-9, it is analyzed whether or not the input identification signals of the portable devices 10A to 10D match the transmitted ID data of the portable devices 10A to 10D. If they match, the process proceeds to step S4-10, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S4-16.

  In step S4-10, it is detected whether or not the key closure flag is set in the authenticated portable devices 10A to 10D. If the key close flag is set, the process proceeds to step S4-11. If the key close flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S4-13.

  In step S4-11, after executing the in-vehicle all-key search process, it is determined in step S4-12 whether or not the same portable devices 10A to 10D as the portable devices 10A to 10D authenticated in step S4-9 exist. To do. And when it is not the same portable devices 10A-10D, it progresses to step S4-13, and when it is the same portable devices 10A-10D, it progresses to step S4-16.

In step S4-13, after outputting the door unlock signal to the door lock device 22, in step S4-14, it clears the key confinement flags of all of the portable device 10A to 10D, Ann door lock operation After canceling the prohibition setting, in step S4-15, the operation prohibition setting of the ignition switch 33 for all the portable devices 10A to 10D is cleared, and the door unlocking process is terminated (return to step S4-1). .

  On the other hand, in step S4-16, it is detected whether the exploration of all the portable devices 10A to 10D is completed. If all keys have been searched, the door unlock process is terminated. If all the keys have not been searched, the process advances to step S4-17 to add 1 to the order n of the portable devices 10A to 10D to be searched (n = n + 1).

  As described above, in the door unlocking process, when the driver having the portable devices 10A to 10D approaches the vehicle 20 and touches the door handle, the handle touch sensor 30 detects the human body, and the signal is subjected to main control. To the unit 50. At that time, if the door 20 is closed and the vehicle 20 is stopped, an activation signal and a request signal are transmitted from the outside transmission means 36A, 36B, and a confirmation process is performed to determine whether or not there is a regular key outside the vehicle. Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is a regular key, and a key closing flag indicating that the key is left behind is set. If the key closing flag is not set, door unlock processing is executed. On the other hand, if the flag is set, the in-vehicle specific key search process is performed to check whether or not the key is in the vehicle. If the key is in the vehicle, the portable devices 10A to 10D that have been left in the vehicle are outside the vehicle. The door unlocking process is not executed because it is assumed that the transmission means 36A, 36B has responded to the request signal. Of course, the confirmation processing of all the portable devices 10A to 10D is executed until the portable devices 10A to 10D keys that can be unlocked are found, and if the portable devices 10A to 10D that are not misplaced are detected, the door lock device 22 Perform unlock processing.

  Moreover, the confirmation process of whether or not to perform the door unlocking operation is executed only when it is determined that the portable devices 10A to 10D are misplaced in the vehicle (step S4-11). In normal times when it does not exist, the confirmation processing by the in-vehicle transmission means 40A, 40B is not executed (step S4-10). Therefore, unnecessary power consumption of the battery 49 can be suppressed, and the time from detection of boarding intention to door unlocking can be shortened, and convenience can be improved.

  Next, when the operation knob 102 of the ignition switch 33 that operates the vehicle power supply unit 48 is operated by a driver's finger or the like, the main control unit 50 executes an engine operation process shown in FIG.

  In this engine operation process, as shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 50 causes the touch sensor 100 provided in the ignition switch 33 that is an engine start switch to the operation knob 102 of the ignition switch 33 in step S5-1. The process waits until the contact of the human body is detected. When the contact is detected, the process proceeds to step S5-2.

  In step S5-2, it is detected whether or not the engine is currently operating. If it is operating, the process proceeds to step S5-3. If it is stopped, the process proceeds to step S5-10.

  In step S5-3, the gear shift switch 35 detects whether or not the driver is operating the shift to the “P” position. If it is operated to the “P” position, the process proceeds to step S5-4. If it is not operated to the “P” position, the engine operation process is ended as it is (returned to step S5-1).

  In step S5-4, it is detected whether or not the ignition switch 33 is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S5-8. If it is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S5-5.

  In step S5-5, after the 10-second timer is reset and started, in step S5-6, it is detected whether or not the ignition switch 33 is turned on. If an on operation of the ignition switch 33 is detected, the process proceeds to step S5-8. If an on operation is not detected, the process proceeds to S5-7.

  In step S5-7, it is detected whether or not the 10-second timer has counted up. If it has not been counted up, the process returns to step S5-6, and if the 10-second timer has counted up, the engine operation process is terminated.

In step S5-8, an engine stop signal is output to the engine control unit 23. Then, in step S5-9, a lock signal is output to the steering lock device 26, and the engine operation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the engine is stopped, in step S5-10, it is detected by the door switch 32 whether or not the door is closed. If the door is closed, the process proceeds to step S5-11. If the door is open, the engine operation process is terminated.

  In step S5-11, the memory is read to detect whether the engine restart permission flag is set. If the engine restart permission flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S5-12. If the flag is set, steps S5-12 to S5-15, which will be described later, are skipped and the process is shown in FIG. Proceed to step S5-16.

  In step S5-12, the memory is read to detect whether the engine flag is set. If the engine stall flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S5-13. If the engine flag is set, step S5-13 to step S5-15, which will be described later, are skipped and step S5- shown in FIG. Proceed to 16.

  In step S5-13, after executing the in-vehicle all-key search process, which will be described later, in step S5-14, the memory is read and the operation prohibition setting of the ignition switch 33 is confirmed. If it is determined in step S5-15 that there is an authentication OK key that is an authorized portable device 10A to 10D that is not prohibited from IG operation in the vehicle, the process proceeds to step S5-16 shown in FIG. If NO exists, the engine operation process is terminated as it is.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in step S5-16, it is detected whether or not the ignition switch 33 is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S5-20. If it is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S5-17.

  In step S5-17, after the 10-second timer is reset and started, in step S5-18, it is detected whether or not the ignition switch 33 is turned on. If an on operation of the ignition switch 33 is detected, the process proceeds to step S5-20. If an on operation is not detected, the process proceeds to S5-19.

  In step S5-19, it is detected whether or not the 10-second timer has counted up. If it has not been counted up, the process returns to step S5-18, and if the 10-second timer has counted up, the engine operation process is terminated.

  In step S5-20, it is detected whether or not the driver is depressing the brake pedal, depending on whether or not the brake pedal switch 34 is on. If the brake pedal switch 34 is in the on state (the driver is stepping on the brake pedal), the process proceeds to step S5-21, and the brake pedal switch 34 is in the off state (the driver is not stepping on the brake pedal). ), The process proceeds to step S5-29.

  In step S5-21, an unlock signal is output to the steering lock device 26, and then in step S5-22, it is detected again whether or not the brake pedal switch 34 is turned on. If the brake pedal switch 34 is on, the process proceeds to step S5-23. If the brake pedal switch 34 is off, the engine operation process is terminated.

  In step S5-23, the gear shift switch 35 detects whether or not the driver is operating the shift to the “P” position. If it is operated to the “P” position, the process proceeds to step S5-24, and if it is not operated to the “P” position, the engine operation process is ended as it is.

  In step S5-24, an engine operation signal is output to the engine control unit 23, and an operation signal is output to the vehicle power supply unit 48 so as to switch to the start mode in order to operate the engine.

  Thereafter, in step S5-25, the engine control unit 23 detects whether the engine is operated. If the engine is activated, the process proceeds to step S5-26. After the engine stall flag is cleared, the operation prohibition setting of the ignition switch 33 for all the portable devices 10A to 10D is cleared in step S5-27. The operation process is terminated. If the engine is not operating, the process proceeds to step S5-28, the engine flag is set, and the engine operation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the brake pedal switch 34 is off in step S5-20, in step S5-29, after the power mode is set to “ACC”, whether the operation of the ignition switch 33 is stopped in step S5-30. Detect whether or not. If the operation is stopped, the process proceeds to step S5-31. If the operation is continued, the process proceeds to step S5-32.

  In step S5-31, the power supply mode of the vehicle power supply unit 48 is determined (set) to the mode currently selected, and the engine operation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S5-32, it is detected whether or not the 0.5 second timer has been counted up. If the 0.5 second timer has counted up, the process proceeds to step S5-33, and if not counted up, the process returns to step S5-30.

  In step S5-33, the 0.5 second timer is reset and started, and then in step S5-34, a mode switching process is executed, and the process returns to step S5-30. Here, the mode switching process is to switch the power mode in the order of “IG” → “OFF” → “ACC” →... From “ACC” set first.

  As described above, in the engine operation process, when the touch sensor 100 detects that a human body such as an operator's finger has touched the operation knob 102 of the ignition switch 33, the engine start process and the engine are activated if the engine is not activated. If it is inside, the process which stops an engine is performed. In the engine start process, if the door is closed and the engine restart permission flag and the engine stop flag are not present, all the keys in the vehicle are searched, and the detected portable devices 10A to 10D must be regular keys and set to be prohibited from operation. Proceed to the next process. In this case, if the ignition switch 33 is turned on and the brake pedal is depressed, the process proceeds to the engine starting process. If only the ignition switch 33 is turned on, the process proceeds to the power switching mode. In the engine starting process, an unlock signal is transmitted to the steering lock device 26, the steering shaft is unlocked, the states of the brake pedal switch 34 and the gear shift switch 35 are confirmed again, and an engine operation signal is transmitted. Is started. Further, in the power supply switching mode, the power supply mode is switched depending on the pressing time of the ignition switch 33.

  That is, the main control unit 50 as the engine starting device of the present invention detects the intention of operating the ignition switch 33, that is, the contact of the human body to the operation knob 102 of the ignition switch 33 by the touch sensor 100 provided in the ignition switch 33. Then, the authentication operation from the transmission of the request signal to the comparison determination is started without waiting for the ignition switch 33 to be turned on. When an on signal is input by turning on the ignition switch 33, an engine start permission operation signal is output to the engine control unit 23 if the result of the authentication operation is a determination of engine start permission. Thus, since the authentication operation is started in advance without waiting for the ignition switch 33 to be turned on, the time from the ignition switch 33 being turned on to the engine start can be shortened. As a result, the operation responsiveness of the ignition switch 33 can be improved, and the operator does not feel uncomfortable when starting the engine. Further, since the authentication operation of the portable device is not performed unless the human body comes into contact with the ignition switch 33, even if an object other than the human body accidentally contacts the ignition switch 33, the engine is not started, and the engine starts unexpectedly. This can be reliably prevented.

  When the human body detection signal is input from the touch sensor 100 of the ignition switch 33 and the engine restart permission flag is not stored in the memory, the authentication operation from the transmission of the request signal to the comparison determination is executed, and the normal signal In this case, if an ON signal is input from the ignition switch 33, an engine start permission operation signal is output to the engine control unit 23. On the other hand, when the engine restart permission flag is stored in the memory, the authentication operation of the portable device is skipped. For this reason, even if the portable devices 10A to 10D are accidentally taken out of the vehicle by the passenger while the engine is operating, the engine can be restarted without the portable devices 10A to 10D, and the vehicle is stuck in the middle. Is prevented. Further, since the engine restart permission flag is stored in the memory (step S1-16) only when the portable devices 10A to 10D are taken out while the engine is operating, the portable devices 10A to 10A are normally operated when the engine is operating. Since the 10D authentication operation is performed, the anti-theft performance is not impaired.

  Furthermore, the engine start permission determination result data (engine restart permission flag) stored in the storage means is cleared (step S2-2) when the engine is stopped and the door is locked (step S2-2). For example, even when the door is locked with a mechanical key without using 10D, the engine restart permission flag is cleared. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the start permission of the engine from being unexpectedly maintained even after the door is locked. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engine from being allowed to start unexpectedly when the vehicle is not used, for example, by breaking a window and starting the engine and being stolen.

  In the door lock time key search process and the regular car key search process, when it is determined that there are portable devices 10A to 10D that are determined to be left in the vehicle, the mode change of the vehicle power supply unit 48 is performed by operating the ignition switch 33. Prohibit operation. However, the prohibition setting is canceled when the door is unlocked by another portable rod 10A to 10D or a mechanical key, or when the operation of the ignition switch 33 is accepted by another portable device 10A to 10D. Cancel the prohibition setting for. Therefore, for example, when a suspicious person destroys and gets on the window of the vehicle 20, it is possible to reliably prevent the engine from being unexpectedly operated by the portable devices 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D that are left behind in the vehicle, thereby improving theft prevention. .

  Next, the in-vehicle all key search process in steps S1-5, S2-3, S3-8, S4-11, and S5-13 will be described.

  In this in-vehicle all-key search process, as shown in FIG. 12, the main control unit 50 first transmits an activation signal for activating the portable devices 10A to 10D from the in-vehicle transmission means 40A and 40B in step S6-1. In step S6-2, the order n of the mobile devices 10A to 10D to be searched is set to 1.

  In step S6-3, after acquiring the ID data of the nth portable devices 10A to 10D from the key search order data stored in the memory, in step S6-4, the specific portable device is transmitted from the in-vehicle transmission means 40A, 40B. A request signal of 10A to 10D is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S6-5.

  In step S6-5, the presence / absence of a response from the portable devices 10A to 10D is detected based on the presence / absence of an identification signal input from the in-vehicle / outside receiving means 45. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S6-6. If there is no response, the process proceeds to step S6-8.

  In step S6-6, it is analyzed whether or not the input identification signals of the portable devices 10A to 10D match the transmitted ID data of the portable devices 10A to 10D. If they match, the process proceeds to step S6-7, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S6-8.

  In step S6-7, the detected key presence information of the n-th portable devices 10A to 10D is stored in the memory, and then the process proceeds to step S6-8.

  In step S6-8, it is detected whether or not the key search for all the portable devices 10A to 10D is completed. If the search for all keys has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S6-9, 1 is added to the order n of the portable devices 10A to 10D to be searched (n = n + 1), and the process returns to step S6-3. If all keys have been searched, the process returns.

  As described above, in the in-vehicle all-key search process, the activation signals are transmitted from the in-vehicle transmission means 40A and 40B to operate all the keys. And the request signal of portable machine 10A-10D corresponding to the 1st key is transmitted with reference to the key search order data memorize | stored in memory. Then, if there is a reply of the identification signal from the first portable devices 10A to 10D, and the signal is a regular signal, the key presence information of the first portable devices 10A to 10D is stored in the memory. This process is performed for all four portable devices 10A to 10D.

  Incidentally, the search order of the portable devices 10A to 10D is the order of the portable devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D at the start of control by the main control 50, as shown in FIG. For example, when the driver has the portable device 10C at the time of boarding (at the time of door unlocking process), and the door is unlocked by the authentication of the portable device 10C, the driver of the portable devices 10A to 10D As shown in FIG. 13B, the exploration order is configured such that the portable device 10C is the first and the order of the portable devices 10C, 10A, 10B, and 10D. This is because the exploration order of the portable device used at the time of boarding is the first because the portable device used at the time of boarding is highly likely to be used at the time of subsequent engine start and door lock processing or daily use. In addition, it is possible to reduce useless key search during key search processing outside the vehicle. Thereby, the processing speed of the key search outside the vehicle can be improved.

  Next, the vehicle specific key search process in step S4-11 will be described.

  In this in-vehicle specific key search process, as shown in FIG. 14, first, in step S7-1, the main control unit 50 acquires ID data of predetermined portable devices 10A to 10D from the preprocessing, and then in step S7- 2, a start signal for starting the portable devices 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D is transmitted from the in-vehicle transmission means 40 </ b> A and 40 </ b> B.

  And in step S7-3, the request signal of specific portable machine 10A-10D is transmitted from in-vehicle transmission means 40A, 40B, and it progresses to step S7-4.

  In step S7-4, the presence / absence of a response from the portable devices 10A to 10D is detected by the presence / absence of an identification signal input from the in-vehicle / outside receiving means 45. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S7-5, and if there is no response, the process returns.

  In step S7-5, it is analyzed whether or not the input identification signals of the portable devices 10A to 10D match the transmitted ID data of the portable devices 10A to 10D. If they match, the process proceeds to step S7-6, and if they do not match, the process returns.

  In step S7-6, the key presence information of the specific detected portable devices 10A to 10D is stored in the memory, and then the process returns.

  That is, in the in-vehicle all-key search process, the presence / absence of all the portable devices 10A to 10D in the vehicle is detected. In the in-vehicle specific key search processing, the presence / absence in the vehicle of only the predetermined portable devices 10A to 10D is detected. Is detected.

  Next, the outside-vehicle all-key search process in steps S1-23 and S1-27 will be described.

  In this all vehicle exterior key search process, as shown in FIG. 15, the main control unit 50 first transmits an activation signal for activating the portable devices 10A to 10D from the vehicle exterior transmission means 36A, 36B in step S8-1. In step S8-2, the order n of the mobile devices 10A to 10D to be searched is set to 1.

  In step S8-3, after acquiring the ID data of the nth portable devices 10A to 10D from the key search order data stored in the memory, in step S8-4, the specific portable device is transmitted from the outside transmission means 36A, 36B. A request signal of 10A to 10D is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S8-5.

  In step S8-5, the presence / absence of a response from the portable devices 10A to 10D is detected by the presence / absence of an identification signal input from the in-vehicle / outside receiving means 45. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S8-6, and if there is no response, the process proceeds to step S8-9.

  In step S8-6, it is analyzed whether or not the input identification signals of the portable devices 10A to 10D match the transmitted ID data of the portable devices 10A to 10D. If they match, the process proceeds to step S8-7, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S8-9.

  In step S8-7, it is detected whether or not the authenticated nth portable devices 10A to 10D are the same as the portable devices 10A to 10D that are authenticated at the vehicle interior at that time. If they are not the same key, the process proceeds to step S8-8. If they are the same key, the process proceeds to step S8-9.

  In step S8-8, the detected key presence information of the n-th portable devices 10A to 10D is stored in the memory, and then the process proceeds to step S8-9.

  In step S8-9, it is detected whether or not the key search for all the portable devices 10A to 10D is completed. If the search for all the keys has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S8-10, 1 is added to the order n of the portable devices 10A to 10D to be searched (n = n + 1), and the process returns to step S8-3. If all keys have been searched, the process returns.

  Thus, in the all-vehicles key search process, the activation signals are transmitted from the outside transmission means 36A, 36B to activate all the keys. And the request signal corresponding to 1st portable machine 10A-10D is transmitted with reference to the key search order data memorize | stored in memory. If there is a reply of the identification signal from the first portable device 10A to 10D and the signal is a regular signal, the detected portable device 10A to 10D is compared with the presence information of the indoor key stored in the memory. If it is not detected indoors, it is determined that it is an authentication key, and the key presence information of the portable devices 10A to 10D is stored in the memory. This process is performed for all four portable devices 10A to 10D.

  Next, the vehicle key search process in step S1-10 will be described.

  In this out-of-vehicle key search process, as shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 50 first performs steps S9-1 to S9-7 in the same manner as steps S8-1 to S8-7 of all-out-vehicle key search processes. In addition, after an activation signal for activating the portable devices 10A to 10D is transmitted from the outside transmission means 36A and 36B, the order n of the portable devices 10A to 10D to be searched is set to 1 in step S9-2.

  In step S9-3, the ID data of the nth portable devices 10A to 10D is acquired from the key search order data stored in the memory, and then in step S9-4, the specific portable device is transmitted from the outside transmission means 36A, 36B. A request signal of 10A to 10D is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S9-5.

  In step S <b> 9-5, the presence / absence of a response from the portable devices 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D is detected by the presence / absence of an identification signal input from the in-vehicle / outside receiving unit 45. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S9-6. If there is no response, the process proceeds to step S9-9.

  In step S9-6, it is analyzed whether or not the input identification signals of the portable devices 10A to 10D match the transmitted ID data of the portable devices 10A to 10D. If they match, the process proceeds to step S9-7, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S9-9.

  In step S9-7, it is detected whether or not the authenticated n-th portable devices 10A to 10D are the same as the portable devices 10A to 10D authenticated at the vehicle interior at that time. If they are not the same key, the process proceeds to step S9-8. If they are the same key, the process proceeds to step S9-9.

  In step S9-8, the detected key presence information of the nth portable devices 10A to 10D is stored in the memory, and then the process returns.

  On the other hand, in step S9-9, it is detected whether or not the key search for all the portable devices 10A to 10D is completed. If the search for all the keys has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S9-10, 1 is added to the order n of the portable devices 10A to 10D to be searched (n = n + 1), and the process returns to step S9-3. If all keys have been searched, the process returns.

  In other words, in the all-out-vehicle key search process, the presence / absence of all the portable devices 10A to 10D outside the vehicle is detected. In the out-of-vehicle key search process, the presence of one of the portable devices 10A to 10D is detected. If so, the exploration process is terminated.

  The engine starting device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the smart entry system containing a keyless entry apparatus and an engine starting apparatus. It is a top view which shows the vehicle carrying the system of FIG. It is the figure which showed the ignition switch with a touch sensor of FIG. 1, (A) is the top view, (B) is the side sectional drawing. It is a flowchart which shows the door lock process by a main control part. FIG. 5 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the door key search process at the time of the door lock of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a regular vehicle key search process. It is a flowchart which shows a door unlock process. 10 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 9. It is a flowchart which shows an engine operation | movement process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 10. It is a flowchart which shows a vehicle all key search process. (A), (B) is a table | surface which shows the change of the search order of a portable device. It is a flowchart which shows a vehicle specific key search process. It is a flowchart which shows a vehicle all key search process. It is a flowchart which shows a vehicle exterior key search process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10A-10D ... Portable machine, 23 ... Engine control part, 33 ... Ignition switch (engine start switch), 40A, 40B ... In-vehicle transmission means, 45 ... Reception means, 50 ... Main control part, 100 ... Touch sensor, 102 ... Operation Knob.

Claims (1)

An engine start switch that outputs an ON signal when the driver performs a predetermined engine start operation on the operation knob; and
In-vehicle transmission means for transmitting a request signal toward the inside of the vehicle,
Receiving means for receiving an identification signal transmitted from the portable device that has received the request signal;
When the identification signal received by the receiving means is compared with an authentication code stored in advance to determine whether or not the engine is allowed to start, and when the permission is determined and when an on signal is received from the engine start switch A main control unit that outputs an operation signal to
In a vehicle engine starter comprising: an engine control unit that controls the operation of the engine based on an operation signal from the main control unit;
The operation knob of the engine start switch is provided with a touch sensor that detects contact with a human body, and the main control unit detects contact of the human body with the operation knob with the touch sensor in a state where the engine is stopped . Without waiting for the ON signal to be input from the engine start switch, the authentication operation from the transmission of the request signal to the comparison determination of the identification signal is started , and when the identification signal is authenticated, An engine starter for a vehicle that waits for an ON signal from an engine start switch to be input and controls output of an engine operation signal .

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