JP2001334846A - Device of engine start/stop for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device of an engine start/stop for a vehicle capable of preventing the unintended engine start and stop. SOLUTION: A switch for the engine start 33 is disposed on side 41a of driver's seat of a gearshift lever 41 and a slider 33a on the switch for the engine start 33 is adapted to be capable of sliding in direction downwardly inclining from back side of the vehicle toward front side of the vehicle. In addition, the slider 33a is adapted not to project from the side 41a of the driver's seat of the gearshift lever 41. Furthermore, the slider 33a is adapted to be incapable of sliding if it had no pressed condition as indicated in arrow F1. In other words, the switch for the engine start 33 is adapted to be operable by moving the slider 33a in the different direction to 2 steps.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle engine start / stop device having a switch for starting / stopping an engine without using a mechanical key.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, automobiles have been required to have not only improved basic performance and safety but also improved operability. Therefore, conventionally, there has been proposed a so-called smart ignition device, which is a vehicle engine start / stop device capable of starting / stopping an engine without using a mechanical key.

[0003] This vehicle engine start / stop device includes a portable device carried by a driver, a communication control device provided in the vehicle, and an engine provided in a vehicle room (for example, a driver's seat side surface in a steering). And a start switch. When the driver gets into the vehicle, the ID code set on the portable device and the ID code set on the communication control device are automatically collated. If the ID codes match, the communication control device is set to a state where the engine can be started.
Therefore, when the engine start switch is operated in this state, the engine starts. For this reason, according to the vehicle engine start / stop device, when starting the engine, complicated operations such as inserting and turning the mechanical key into the key switch are not required, and the operability of the vehicle is improved. Moreover,
Since the operation is performed based on the ID code collation, the security level is also improved.

[0004]

However, the conventional engine start switch is constituted by a push button switch, and the engine can be started / stopped just by pressing the switch. For this reason, when the body, clothes, etc. touch the engine start switch carelessly, the engine may be started or stopped unintentionally.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle engine start / stop device capable of preventing unintended start / stop of an engine.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle engine start / stop having a switch for starting / stopping an engine without using a mechanical key. In the device, a slide switch is used as the switch, and the switch is disposed near a driver's seat in a vehicle cabin.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle engine start / stop device according to the first aspect, when the operating portion of the switch is operated in multiple steps in different directions,
The gist is that the engine is started and stopped.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle engine start / stop device according to the first or second aspect, the switch is disposed on a side of a driver's seat of a shift lever, and the switch is operated. The gist is that the portion can be slid in a direction inclined downward from the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle front side.

The "action" of the present invention will be described below. According to the first aspect of the invention, the starting of the engine
Since a slide switch is used as a switch for stopping, even if a body, clothing, or the like touches the switch carelessly, the switch is hard to operate. Therefore, unintended start / stop of the engine is prevented. Moreover, since this switch is disposed near the driver's seat, the operability of the switch is not impaired.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the engine starts / starts only by operating the operation portion of the switch in one direction.
It does not stop. For this reason, the engine does not start or stop just by touching the switch carelessly. Therefore, unintended start / stop of the engine can be more reliably prevented.

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the switch is provided on the shift lever, the vehicle can be started by performing a shift change as it is after the engine is started. Therefore, the operability of the vehicle can be improved. In addition, when the driver operates the switch with his thumb by placing his hand on the shift lever from above, the switch can be slid along the natural movement of the thumb. Therefore, the switch can be operated smoothly, and the operability can be further improved.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle engine start / stop device 1 includes a portable device 11 owned by the owner (driver) of the vehicle 2 and a communication control device 12 mounted on the vehicle 2. .

The portable device 11 includes a receiving circuit 13, a microcomputer (microcomputer) 14, and a transmitting circuit 15. The receiving circuit 13 is a circuit for receiving a request signal from the communication control device 12 and inputting the signal to the microcomputer 14. The microcomputer 14 includes the receiving circuit 13
This is a circuit for outputting a transmission signal (ID code signal) including a preset predetermined ID code when a request signal is input from the Internet. The transmission circuit 15 is a circuit for modulating the ID code signal into a radio wave of a predetermined frequency and transmitting the radio wave to the outside. Note that antennas 16 and 17 are connected to the reception circuit 13 and the transmission circuit 15, respectively.

On the other hand, the communication control device 12 includes a first transmission circuit 21, a second transmission circuit 22, a reception circuit 23, and a microcomputer 24. The microcomputer 24 is connected to a shift position sensor 31, a brake switch 32, an engine start switch 33, a door lock driving device 34, and an engine start device 35.
The shift position sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the position of the shift position. Brake switch 3
A switch 2 is turned on when the brake pedal is depressed. Also, the engine start switch 33
Is a switch provided on the shift lever 41, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and is constituted by an automatic reset type slide switch. That is, the slider 33a of the engine start switch 33 is normally urged to the OFF side by a spring or the like. And the switch 33
Is turned on when the slider 33a is slid.

Antennas 25 to 27 are connected to the transmission circuits 21 and 22 and the reception circuit 23, respectively. The first transmission circuit 21 is a circuit for converting the first request signal output from the microcomputer 24 into a radio wave or a magnetic signal, and outputting the signal to a predetermined area outside the vehicle compartment via the antenna 25. On the other hand, the second transmission circuit 22 is a circuit for converting the second request signal output from the microcomputer 24 into a radio wave or a magnetic signal, and outputting the converted signal to a predetermined area in the vehicle compartment via the antenna 26. Therefore, the portable device 11 and the communication control device 12 can communicate with each other in the output area of the request signal.

The reception circuit 23 receives the ID code signal output from the portable device 11 via the antenna 27, demodulates the ID code signal into a pulse signal, generates a reception signal, and converts the reception signal. This is a circuit for outputting to the microcomputer 24.

The microcomputer 24 includes a C (not shown).
It is a CPU unit composed of PU, ROM, and RAM,
The first or second request signal is output intermittently.
Further, the microcomputer 24 stores a predetermined ID code which is set in advance, and compares the own ID code with the ID code included in the received signal when the received signal is input. When the ID codes match, if the ID code is included in the ID code signal transmitted in response to the first request signal, the microcomputer 24 drives the door lock driving device 34 to Unlock the door lock. Then, when the microcomputer 24 cannot receive the first request signal, the microcomputer 24 drives the door lock driving device 34 to lock the door lock. That is, the vehicle engine start / stop device 1 of the present embodiment functions as a smart entry device.

If the matching ID code is included in the ID code signal transmitted in response to the second request signal, the microcomputer 24 determines whether the engine starting device 3
5 is set to an engine start standby state. That is, the vehicle engine start / stop device 1 of the present embodiment also functions as a smart ignition device. And microcomputer 2
Reference numeral 4 denotes an engine starter 3 when a predetermined operation is performed under predetermined conditions in the engine start standby state.
5 to start the engine.
Therefore, an engine start operation according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the microcomputer 24 determines an operating state of the engine based on an input signal from the engine starting device 35. If the engine has not been started, the microcomputer 24 reads the input signals from the shift position sensor 31 and the brake switch 32. This allows
If the shift position is in the “P” position or the “N” position and the brake switch 32 is in the ON state, the microcomputer 24 enters the engine start permission state.

In this state, when the engine start switch 33 is operated in this state, the microcomputer 24 performs different operations according to the number of operations. More specifically, the microcomputer 24 enables the accessory function (ACC) when the engine start switch 33 is operated once, and turns on the ignition switch when the switch 33 is operated twice. Further, when the switch 33 is operated three times, the microcomputer 24 drives the engine starting device 35 to start the engine. When the switch 33 is operated during operation of the engine, the microcomputer 24 stops the engine. That is, every time the engine start switch 33 is operated, the OF
The sequence is switched in the order of F → ACC → ignition switch ON → engine start → OFF.

The engine start switch 33 is provided on the driver's seat side 41a of the shift lever 41, as shown in FIGS. The slider 33a of the engine start switch 33 is slidable in a direction inclining downward from the vehicle rear side toward the vehicle front side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the driver puts his hand on the shift lever 41, the slider 33a can be slid according to the natural movement of the thumb.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Are not projected from the driver's seat side surface 41a of the shift lever 41. Further, the slider 33a is
The slide cannot be made unless it is pressed in the direction shown by the arrow F1. That is, the engine start switch 33 moves the slider 33a in two directions.
It can be operated by moving to the stage.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since the engine start switch 33 is a slide-type switch, the switch 33 is hard to operate even if the body, clothes, or the like accidentally touches the switch 33. Therefore, unintended start / stop of the engine can be prevented. In addition, since the switch 33 is disposed near the driver's seat (the shift lever 41 in the present embodiment), the operability of the switch 33 is not impaired.

(2) The slider 33a of the engine start switch 33 cannot slide unless it is pressed. That is, the switch 33 cannot start / stop the engine only by operating in one direction. For this reason, the engine does not start or stop just by touching the switch 33 carelessly. Therefore, unintended start / stop of the engine can be more reliably prevented.

(3) Since the engine start switch 33 is provided on the shift lever 41, the vehicle can be started by performing a shift change as it is after the engine is started. Therefore, the operability of the vehicle can be improved. In addition, when the driver operates the engine start switch 33 with his thumb by putting his / her hand on the shift lever 41 from above, the slider 33a of the switch 33 can be slid along the natural movement of the thumb. Thus, the engine start switch 33 can be operated smoothly, and the operability of the switch 33 can be further improved.

(4) The slider 33a of the engine start switch 33 does not project from the driver's seat side 41a of the shift lever 41. Therefore, the slider 33
Even if the body or clothing touches a carelessly, the slider 33a will not be pressed. Therefore, unintended start / stop of the engine can be more reliably prevented.

The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows. In the above embodiment, the engine is started and stopped by sliding the slider 33a of the engine start switch 33 in one direction. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the engine may be started and stopped by moving the slider 33a in the direction of the arrow F2 while pressing the slider 33a, and then moving the slider 33a in the direction of the arrow F3. That is, the engine may be started and stopped by moving the switch 33 in three steps in different directions. In this way, unintended starting and stopping of the engine can be more reliably prevented.

In this case, the slider 33a may be moved without being pressed. That is,
The slider 33a may have any operation mode as long as the engine is started / stopped when the slider 33a is operated in multiple steps in different directions.

The engine start switch 33 is not limited to the shift lever 41. For example, the driver side of the steering wheel 42 as shown in FIG. 6, the instrument panel 43 as shown in FIG. 7, and the engine as shown in FIG. Driver's seat door 4
For example, the door trim 45 may be disposed anywhere near the driver's seat.

The instrument panel 43 may be provided with an indicator for displaying the operation state of the engine start switch 33 (any of OFF, ACC, and ignition switch ON).

The engine start switch 33 of the embodiment is constituted by an automatic reset type slide switch. However, as shown in FIG.
3 may be constituted by a slide switch movable in four stages. As shown by the arrow F4 in the figure, only a portion of the switch 33 that moves from the “IG (ignition ON)” position to the “ST (starter ON)” position is of the automatic reset type.

The engine start switch 33 may be slidable without pressing the slider 33a. That is, the engine may be started / stopped only by operating the slider 33a in one direction.

In the above embodiment, in addition to the ID code matching condition, the shift position is “P” or “N”.
Position, and when the brake switch 32 is not ON, the engine start switch 3
The engine is not started even if the operation 3 is performed. However, these need not always be conditions.

The smart entry function may be omitted, and the door lock may be locked or unlocked using a mechanical key or keyless entry. Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, technical ideas grasped by the above-described embodiments will be listed below.

(1) In the vehicle engine start / stop device according to claim 1 or 2, the switch is arranged on an instrument panel. (2) In the vehicle engine start / stop device according to claim 1 or 2, the switch is disposed on a driver's seat side surface of a steering wheel.

(3) In the vehicle engine start / stop device according to claim 1 or 2, the switch is disposed on a door trim of a driver's seat door. (4) In the vehicle engine start / stop device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and technical ideas (1) to (3), a portable device carried by a driver and the portable device A communication control device capable of mutual communication, and when a predetermined ID code set in the portable device matches a predetermined ID code set in the communication control device by the mutual communication, Allow the engine to be started by operation.

[0037]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, unintended start / stop of the engine can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the invention, unintended starting and stopping of the engine can be more reliably prevented. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the switch can be operated smoothly, and the operability can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an embodiment of a vehicle engine start / stop device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing a vehicle cabin according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a shift lever of the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of a shift lever showing an operation mode of a switch.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing a shift lever according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a steering according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing an instrument panel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a door trim according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of a switch according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle start / stop device, 11 ... Portable machine, 1
2 Communication control device 33 Engine start switch 33
a: Slider, 34: Door lock control device, 35: Engine start control device, 41: Shift lever, 42: Steering, 43: Instrument panel, 45: Door trim.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3D040 AA28 AB01 AC02 AC03 AE19 AF01 3D044 BA00 BA16 BC28 BD05 BD07 5G010 KB08

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle engine start / stop device having a switch for starting / stopping an engine without using a mechanical key, wherein a slide-type switch is used as the switch, and the switch is connected to a driver's seat in a vehicle compartment. Engine start for vehicles characterized by being arranged in the vicinity
Stop device. 2. The vehicle engine start / stop device according to claim 1, wherein the engine is started / stopped when the operation section of the switch is operated in multiple steps in different directions. 3. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch is disposed on a side of a driver's seat of the shift lever, and an operation portion of the switch is slidable in a direction inclined downward from a vehicle rear side toward a vehicle front side. The vehicle engine start / stop device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein