JP4815370B2 - Vehicle engine start system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle engine start system for starting a vehicle engine using a portable device that communicates with a vehicle.

  A portable device having a communication function is inserted into a slot provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle, and communication between the portable device and the vehicle is performed to authenticate the portable device. When the authentication is successful, ACC-ON A system that enables push button operations such as START is known. The communication used here is proximity communication (transponder communication) using electromagnetic coupling between a transponder mounted on a portable device and a coil antenna provided in the vicinity of a slot of the vehicle. Since this communication is used for an immobilizer, it may be referred to as immobilization communication. Authentication using this communication is performed, for example, by transmitting a unique code signal from a transponder of a portable device and comparing it with a code signal stored in advance on the vehicle side.

  A portable device may be used as an operation unit for performing non-contact locking / unlocking of a vehicle door, and such a portable device includes not only a transponder that performs transponder communication but also a wireless communication unit. ing. The communication in this case is so-called smart communication using a long wave band (125 kHz or the like) from the vehicle to the portable device and using a very high frequency band (310 MHz or the like) from the portable device to the vehicle. Smart communication may be used not only for locking / unlocking doors but also for controlling vehicle power, including starting the engine, in which case the mobile device transmits a unique code signal via smart communication. The vehicle is compared and collated.

  Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose that such a portable device is inserted into a slot on the vehicle side to start the engine. The vehicle electronic key device described in Patent Document 1 communicates when the first microswitch that detects that the receiver has reached the first position in the slot operates, and the codes from the transmitter match. The engine can be started on condition that the second micro switch for detecting that the transmitter has reached the second position in the slot is operated. When the complete explosion of the engine is detected, the lock solenoid is activated to prevent the transmitter from being removed from the slot. However, since this electronic key device has a condition for starting the engine that the two micro switches operate, the engine cannot be started if there is an abnormality in the switch.

  The slot type key device described in Patent Document 2 is provided with an insertion detection switch and an insertion detection sensor for detecting that an electronic key has been inserted into the slot, and when the insertion detection switch is operated, the solenoid is operated to activate the electronic key. Cannot be removed from the slot, and when the insertion detection sensor operates, transponder communication is performed between the electronic key and the vehicle. When the code signal from the electronic key matches the code signal stored on the vehicle side, the engine can be started. However, this key device also has a condition for starting the engine that the insertion detection switch and the insertion detection sensor operate. If these switches and sensors are abnormal, the engine cannot be started.

  In addition, when the engine can be started using a portable electronic key, it is preferable that the electronic key not be removed from the slot while the engine is operating. The electronic key is locked when the explosion is complete or when the electronic key is inserted into the slot. However, since it cannot be confirmed whether or not the electronic key locking means is operating normally, there is a possibility that the electronic key is accidentally removed.

JP 2001-132289 A JP 2005-248902 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle engine start system that enables highly convenient engine start.

The vehicle engine start system of the present invention is a vehicle engine start system for starting a vehicle engine using a portable device that communicates with a vehicle, and the slot into which the portable device is inserted, An insertion detection switch that detects that the portable device has been inserted to a predetermined position, and can be operated only when the portable device is inserted into the slot, and the portable device inserted into the slot can not be removed. A lock mechanism for locking, a lock detection switch for detecting that the portable device is locked by the lock mechanism, an engine start switch for detecting a start operation of the vehicle engine, and start control of the vehicle engine a start control unit includes a, when the engine start switch is turned on, the locking mechanism, in order to lock the portable unit in irremovably create As well as, the starting control unit, the insertion detecting switch and at least one of the lock detection switch performs the immobilizing communication with the vehicle when operating normally, when unable to authenticate the portable device by the immobilizer communication When the mobile device is authenticated by the smart communication or the immobilizer communication, the engine is started, and both the insertion detection switch and the lock detection switch are normal. Smart communication is performed with the vehicle when the vehicle does not operate, and the engine is started when the mobile device is authenticated by the smart communication .

According to the present invention enables high engine start of convenience property. Further, since only two switches are provided near the slot, the structure is simplified.

In addition, according to the present invention, when the engine is started, the portable device can be reliably held in a locked state in the slot.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to securely lock the portable device.

In addition, according to the present invention, even if one of the insertion detection switch and the lock detection switch is abnormal, the engine can be started, and it is possible to present the fact that there is an abnormality in the slot while improving convenience. Can be planned.

Further , according to the present invention, it is possible to conveniently perform authentication of a portable device using proximity communication.

Further, according to the present invention, the engine can be started more conveniently.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle engine start system that enables highly convenient engine start.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle engine start system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle engine start system of FIG. 1 includes a power supply control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 1, an engine control ECU 2, a smart entry ECU 3, a slot control ECU 4, a power supply unit 5, an engine start push switch (hereinafter simply referred to as “start switch”). 6) The slot 7 and the portable device 8 are included.

  The power supply control ECU 1 controls the state of the power supply unit 5 and outputs an engine start request to the engine control ECU 2. A switch signal 61 is input from the start switch 6 to the power control ECU 1. Further, the data signal 10 is transmitted / received between the smart entry ECU 3 and the slot control ECU 4. And while outputting the power supply control signal 11 which controls the state of the power supply part 5, the start request 12 which requests | requires engine start with respect to engine control ECU2 is output.

  The engine control ECU 2 controls an engine (not shown), and starts the engine when a start request is instructed from the power supply control ECU 1. At that time, it is determined whether the vehicle is in a state where the engine can be started (for example, whether the shift lever is in the parking position). If the vehicle can be started, a cell motor (not shown) is driven. .

  The smart entry ECU 3 performs short-range wireless communication (smart communication) with the portable device 8 and processes data transmitted to and received from the smart communication. The process performed by the smart entry ECU 3 includes an authentication process for the portable device 8 and a process based on an operation signal from the portable device 8. The operation signal of the portable device 8 is a signal for instructing locking / unlocking of the door, for example. The smart entry ECU 3 is connected to a transmission antenna 31 that transmits a signal in a long wave band (such as 125 kHz) and a reception antenna 32 that receives a signal in a very high frequency band (such as 310 MHz). Authentication (smart authentication) of the portable device 8 is performed by receiving authentication information from the portable device 8 and comparing it with previously stored authentication information. The smart entry ECU 3 receives a switch signal 61 from the start switch 6. Further, the data signal 10 is transmitted and received between the power supply control ECU 1 and the slot control ECU 4.

  The slot control ECU 4 monitors and controls the state of the slot 7, controls proximity communication (transponder communication, immobilizer communication) with the portable device 8 in the slot, and authenticates the portable device 8 (immobilizer authentication). Data processing by proximity communication is performed. Authentication of the portable device 8 is performed by receiving authentication information from the portable device 8 and comparing it with previously stored authentication information. The slot control ECU 4 receives the switch signal 41 from the slot 7 and outputs a drive signal 43 for the slot 7. Data 42 by proximity communication is input / output. Further, a switch signal 61 is input from the start switch 6 to the slot control ECU 4. Further, the data signal 10 is transmitted and received between the power supply control ECU 1 and the smart entry ECU 3.

  The power supply unit 5 supplies power to the electrical components of each part of the vehicle, and changes various states based on the power supply control signal 11 from the power supply control ECU 1. The state of the power supply unit 5 includes at least a power supply OFF state, an ACC state, and an IG state. The power OFF state is a state where the electrical components are stopped and the engine is also stopped. The ACC state is a state where power is supplied only to auxiliary electrical components of the vehicle such as audio equipment, and the engine is stopped even in this state. The IG state is a state in which power is supplied to all electrical components of the vehicle, but the engine may be rotating or stopped.

  The start switch 6 is a push switch that is operated to control the power supply state of the vehicle including starting and stopping of an engine (not shown), and is easily operated while the user is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle. It is arranged at a position where it can. The switch signal 61 from the start switch 6 is sent to the power supply control ECU 1, the smart entry ECU 3, and the slot control ECU 4, and functions as an engine start switch when the engine is stopped.

  The slot 7 is used to insert the portable device 8 when the vehicle is used, and is provided, for example, in an instrument panel of the vehicle. An antenna 71 is provided in the vicinity of the slot 7 to enable near field communication with the slot control ECU. The antenna 71 is, for example, a coil antenna, and the proximity communication is so-called transponder communication (imobi communication) using electromagnetic coupling with a transponder (not shown) built in the portable device 8. The internal mechanism of the slot 7 will be described later.

  The portable device 8 is possessed by the user when using the vehicle, and holds at least authentication information for authenticating the user. The authentication information is, for example, an ID code. The portable device 8 performs near field communication (transponder communication, immobilizer communication) between the wireless communication unit (not shown) that performs near field communication (smart communication) with the smart entry ECU 3 and the slot control ECU 4. A transponder (not shown) is provided. When the portable device 8 receives the authentication information transmission request from the smart entry ECU 3 or the slot control ECU 4, the portable device 8 transmits the held authentication information. As will be described later, the portable device 8 has a notch for locking the slot 7 in an inserted state.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration inside the slot 7. FIG. 2A shows a state where the portable device 8 is not inserted, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the portable device 8 is inserted and locked so as not to be detached. The slot 7 includes a tray 72, an insertion detection switch 73, a lock detection switch 74, a portable device lock member 75, a solenoid 76, and a plunger 77.

  The tray 72 moves in the direction of the inside / outside of the slot 7 (vertical direction in the drawing) according to the insertion / removal of the portable device 8, and when the tray 72 moves to a predetermined position inside, the insertion detection switch 73 is operated ( To turn on). The insertion detection switch 73 is a switch installed inside the slot 8 and is turned on when the tray 72 is moved to a predetermined position, that is, when the portable device 8 is inserted at a predetermined position.

  The lock detection switch 74 operates (turns on) when the portable device lock member 75 moves to a predetermined position (a position where the portable device 8 is locked so as not to be detached). The portable device lock member 75 moves in the left-right direction in the drawing in accordance with the movement of the plunger 77 that moves by driving the solenoid 76. When the portable device 8 is not inserted, the portable device lock member 75 abuts on the tray 72 (see FIG. 2A), and cannot move even if the solenoid 76 is driven. However, the portable device 8 is in a predetermined position. When inserted, it can be moved to a position where it engages and locks the notch 81 of the portable device 8. That is, the lock mechanism that includes the portable device lock member, the solenoid 76, and the plunger 77 and locks the portable device 8 inserted into the slot 7 so as not to be detached is the state in which the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7. Can only be activated.

  The solenoid 76 is driven when the portable device 8 is locked so as not to be detached, and moves the portable device lock member 75 via the plunger 77.

  As is apparent from FIG. 2, when the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7, the insertion detection switch 73 is turned on, and when the solenoid 76 is driven in this state, the portable device lock member 75 moves and the portable device 8 is moved. And the lock detecting switch 74 is turned on.

  In the above description, the power supply control ECU 1, the engine control ECU 2, the smart entry ECU 3, and the slot control ECU 4 are described as separate elements. However, a plurality (including all) of these elements may be used as one element. These elements may be realized by circuit members, or a part or all of them may be realized by using a processor that operates according to a predetermined program. The power supply control ECU 1, the smart entry ECU 3, and the slot control ECU 4 function as a start control unit that performs start control of the vehicle engine as described later.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic operation flow of engine start in the engine start system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an operation flow when any of the insertion detection switch 73, the lock detection switch 74, and the start switch 6 is turned on while the engine is stopped. However, when the start switch 6 is turned on, the operation starts from step S105.

  In step S101, it is determined whether or not the insertion detection switch 73 has changed from OFF to ON. That is, it is determined whether the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7 and reaches a predetermined position. If it is determined that the insertion detection switch 73 has changed from OFF to ON, immobilization authentication is performed. If the authentication is successful (OK), an authentication flag provided in the slot control ECU 4 is set (step S102). Immobilization authentication is performed by comparing and collating ID codes transmitted from the portable device 8 to the slot control ECU by immobilization communication as described above. If the ID codes do not match and immobilizer communication is not possible, authentication is unsuccessful and the flag remains in the reset state.

  After immobilization authentication in step S102 and if it is not determined in step S101 that the insertion detection switch 73 has changed from off to on, it is determined in step S103 whether the lock detection switch 74 is on. As will be described later, the lock detection switch 74 is turned on when the start switch 6 is turned on. If the start switch 6 is turned on at this time, the process proceeds to step S104 to display a slot abnormality. The display of the slot abnormality is performed on a display unit (not shown) based on the data 10 from the slot control ECU 4.

  If the lock detection switch 74 is not on, and after displaying the slot abnormality in step S104, it is determined whether or not the start switch 6 is turned on in step S105, and waits until it is changed. When the start switch 6 is turned on, the lock solenoid 76 is driven in step S106, and it is determined in step S107 whether the lock detection switch 74 is on. If the lock detection switch 74 is on, it is determined in step S108 whether the insertion detection switch 73 is on. If the portable device 8 is inserted and there is no abnormality in the slot 7, the insertion detection switch 73 is also determined to be on, and the process proceeds to step S109.

  If it is not determined in step S108 that the insertion detection switch 73 is ON, the process proceeds to step S114, and a slot abnormality is displayed. If it is not determined in step S107 that the lock detection switch 74 is on, it is determined in step S113 whether the insertion detection switch 73 is on. If it is not determined in step S113 that the insertion detection switch 73 is on, it is determined that the portable device 8 is not inserted, and the process proceeds to step S116. If it is determined in step S113 that the insertion detection switch 73 is on, it can be determined that the lock mechanism (including the lock detection switch 74) is abnormal, so a slot abnormality is displayed in step S114. As described above, when only one of the insertion detection switch 73 and the lock detection switch 74 is turned on after the start switch 6 is turned on, it is determined that the slot is abnormal. The output of the slot abnormality determination result is not limited to the display device.

  If it is determined in step S108 that the insertion detection switch 73 is ON, and after the slot abnormality is displayed in step S114, engine drive processing A is performed (step S109). This process is performed when at least one of the insertion detection switch 73 and the lock detection switch 74 operates normally. The engine driving process A is an engine driving process based on immobilization authentication, and a specific processing procedure is shown in FIG.

  In the engine drive process A in FIG. 4, immobilization authentication is performed in step S201, and it is determined in step S202 whether authentication is successful (OK). If immobilization authentication has already been performed, the process of step S201 may be omitted, and it may be determined whether or not the authentication is successful based on the state of the authentication flag. If authentication is unsuccessful, the process ends. Therefore, the engine is not driven.

  If the authentication is successful, an authentication flag is set, vehicle information is acquired from various switches and sensors not shown in step S203, and it is determined in step S204 whether or not the vehicle is in a startable state. The engine is started on the condition that, for example, the position of the shift lever is a predetermined position (parking or neutral). Therefore, it is determined whether or not such a condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the engine can be started, the engine start request 12 is output in step S205, the power source unit 5 is set in the IG state (ignition on state), the cell motor is driven, and the engine is started. If it is determined in step S204 that the engine cannot be started, the process ends.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when the engine drive process A in step S109 is completed, it is determined in step S110 whether the authentication flag is on. Here, if the authentication flag is on, the cell motor should be driven in the engine start process A, and therefore it is determined in step S111 whether the engine start is successful. If the engine start is successful, the process ends. If the engine start is unsuccessful, the lock solenoid 76 is released in step S112 and the process ends.

  If it is not determined in step S110 that the authentication flag is on, the lock solenoid 76 is released in step S115, and the process proceeds to step S116.

  As is clear from the above description, step S116 is executed in a state where the portable device 8 is not inserted into the slot 7 (the insertion detection switch 73 and the lock detection switch 74 are not turned on). The time when the switch 6 is turned on and the time when the mobile device 8 is inserted into the slot 7 and immobilization authentication is unsuccessful. In such a state, engine drive processing B is performed in step S116, and engine drive processing based on smart authentication is performed. A specific processing procedure of the engine driving process B is shown in FIG.

  In the engine drive process B of FIG. 5, smart authentication is performed in step S301, and it is determined whether authentication is successful (OK) in step S302. If authentication is unsuccessful (including the case where smart communication is not possible), the process is terminated. Therefore, the engine is not driven.

  If the authentication is successful, vehicle information is acquired from various switches and sensors (not shown) in step S303, and it is determined in step S304 whether the vehicle is in a startable state. The engine is started on the condition that, for example, the position of the shift lever is a predetermined position (parking or neutral). Therefore, it is determined whether or not such a condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the engine can be started, the engine start request 12 is output in step S305, and the power source unit 5 is set in the IG state (ignition on state) to drive the cell motor and start the engine. If it is determined in step S304 that the engine cannot be started, the process ends.

  As described above, according to the operation flow of FIG. 3, the insertion detection switch 74 that detects that the portable device 8 has been inserted to the predetermined position in the slot 7 and the portable device 8 is locked in the slot 7. When at least one of the lock detection switch 74 to be detected operates normally and the start switch 6 is turned on, the vehicle engine start condition determination process is performed, the authentication of the portable device 8 is successful, and the vehicle state The engine is started accordingly.

  How the insertion state of the portable device 8 is determined according to the state of the insertion detection switch 73 and the lock detection switch 74, and what kind of communication is performed between the portable device 8 and the vehicle. As shown in FIG. In state 1, it is determined that the portable device 8 is not inserted into the slot 7, and smart communication is performed between the portable device 8 and the vehicle. Since the state 2 is a case where the insertion detection switch 73 is turned off even though the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7, it is determined that the slot is abnormal. In this state, immobilizer communication is performed first, and if immobilizer authentication is unsuccessful, smart authentication is performed. Since the state 3 is a case where the lock detection switch 74 is not turned on even though the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7, it is determined that the slot is abnormal. Also in this case, immobilizer communication is performed first, and if immobilizer authentication is unsuccessful, smart authentication is performed. State 4 is a state in which when the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7, the insertion detection switch 73 and the lock detection switch 74 operate normally. In this state, immobilizer communication is basically performed, and smart communication is performed as necessary.

  The operation in each state of FIG. 6 will be described as follows according to the flow of FIG. In the state 1, the operation starts with the change of the start switch 6, and the flow of steps S105, S106, S107, S113, and S116 is performed. In state 2, even when the portable device 8 is inserted into the slot 7, neither the insertion detection switch 73 nor the lock detection switch 74 is normally turned on, so the operation starts with the change of the start switch 6. And it becomes a flow of S105, S106, S107, S108, S114, S109, S110, and S111. When the operation starts when the lock detection switch 74 is turned on for some reason, the flow of steps S101, S103, S104, S105, S106, S107, S114, S109, S110, and S111 is performed. In this case, although the slot abnormality is displayed, it is possible to start the engine with the same flow by operating the start switch 6 thereafter.

  Further, in state 3, the operation starts with the change of the insertion detection switch 73 as a trigger, and the flow becomes steps S101, S102, S103, S105, S106, S107, S113, S114, S109, S110, and S111. The state 4 is a case where there is no abnormality in the slot 7, and a flow of steps S101, S102, S103, S105, S106, S107, S108, S109, S110, and S111 is performed.

  According to the present invention, when at least one of an insertion detection switch for detecting that the portable device is inserted to a predetermined position in the slot and a lock detection switch for detecting that the portable device is locked in the slot is in an ON state. In addition, since the vehicle engine start condition determination process is started, it is useful as a vehicle engine start system that enables highly convenient engine start.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the engine start system for vehicles of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows schematic structure inside the slot in the engine starting system for vehicles of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the general | schematic operation | movement flow of the engine starting in the engine starting system of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of schematic operation | movement flow of the engine drive process in the engine starting system of embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the other example of the schematic operation | movement flow of the engine drive process in the engine starting system of embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the figure state which organizes and shows the state of the insertion detection switch and lock detection switch in the engine starting system of embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Power control ECU
2 ... Engine control ECU
3. Smart entry ECU
4 ... Slot control ECU
5 ... Power supply unit 6 ... Engine start push switch (start switch) 6
7 ... Slot 8 ... Mobile device 10 ... Data signal 11 ... Power control signal 12 ... Start request 31 ... Transmitting antenna 32 ... Receiving antenna 41 ... Switch signal 42.・ ・ Data 43 ・ ・ ・ Drive signal 61 ・ ・ ・ Switch signal 71 ・ ・ ・ Antenna (coil antenna)
72 ... Tray 73 ... Insertion detection switch 75 ... Lock detection switch 76 ... Solenoid 77 ... Plunger

Claims (2)

A vehicle engine start system for starting a vehicle engine using a portable device that communicates with a vehicle,
An insertion detection switch for detecting that the portable device has been inserted to a predetermined position in a slot into which the portable device is inserted;
A lock mechanism that is operable only when the portable device is inserted into the slot and locks the portable device inserted into the slot so as not to be detached;
A lock detection switch for detecting that the portable device is locked by the lock mechanism;
An engine start switch for detecting a start operation of the vehicle engine;
A start control unit for performing start control of the vehicle engine,
When the engine start switch is turned on,
The locking mechanism operates to lock the portable device so that it cannot be detached,
The start controller is
When at least one of the insertion detection switch and the lock detection switch operates normally , immobilizer communication is performed with the vehicle, and when the portable device cannot be authenticated by the immobilizer communication, smart communication is performed with the vehicle. When the mobile device can be authenticated by the smart communication or the immobilizer communication, the engine is started,
For vehicles that perform smart communication with the vehicle when neither the insertion detection switch nor the lock detection switch operates normally, and start the engine when authentication of the portable device can be performed by the smart communication Engine start system. The vehicle engine starting system according to claim 1,
The start control unit outputs information indicating that there is an abnormality in the slot when only one of the insertion detection switch and the lock detection switch is in an ON state after the start condition determination process is started. system.

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